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In the holiday period, when there's so much going on which the most energetic individuals might occasionally anticipate a quiet break of January, it is very easy to forget details. I'm sure I'm not the sole person who's once felt jolted awake while at work because of an inquiry by someone asking, "What time do you want us later?" Don't worry; whether you're absent minded, and simply likely to make impromptu plans, I've got you covered.

The Golden Rule to Memorable Parties

First and foremost, though I can't stress it enough, if you've organized long in advance versus only 15 minutes, the best events tend to be the most straightforward. All everyone expects is engaging talks, something to enjoy, plus sufficient to eat so guests don't end up chewing their arm during the bus home. If you're not you're throwing a lavish ball, no one expects a full bar, fancy catering or a live band.

The most successful parties tend to be the most basic. Still, an idea helps to disguise the reality you've only thrown the party together on the way home from work.

Selecting a Theme to Focus Your Party Planning

That said, a theme can be useful to conceal the fact you've just thrown the party together on the way from the office. By concept, think of for example Christmas. Going a bit more specific (Nordic holidays, say, featuring glögg, spiced punch, cured seafood plus rye crackers, folk tunes playlist; or fiesta-style party, including traditional drink, refreshing lagers and cocktails, and lots of corn chips, salsa and green spread, with festive music in the background) helps direct your options on the necessary supermarket sweep.

Practical Purchasing for The Party

While shopping, select a drink or two (an alcoholic option if you drink, a non-alcoholic one in case some don't want to) and a couple of appetizers suited to the style, and purchase a generous amount as possible, rather than worrying about offering guests too much choice. Nothing appears more welcoming and as festive as abundance – I would consistently rather to arrive by a container filled with chilled bottles with reasonably priced crémant or cava than a single glass with expensive champagne. (Add a few bags of ice, too; you'll find seldom sufficient ice.)

Cocktails and Large-Batch Drinks Streamlined

Should you impress and provide a mixed drink, then prepare ahead a large batch in a container so you aren't stuck busying yourself with preparation when it's time to enjoying yourself. After starting, enlist a significant other or friend to monitor it and refill when needed till it's finished. Follow suit for the alcohol-free option; guests appreciate to take on a role during gatherings so they can share in some of goodwill.

For large-batch drinks, whatever formula you choose (you can find plenty via search), skip any recipe too sweet – any kids present ought to have kid-friendly options – and if you own one, place flavor enhancers within reach (avoid adding them in the mix since they are not suitable for those who do not consume alcohol altogether). Take care with how it looks so that the alcohol-free drink isn't perceived unimportant; it only takes a minute to add several pieces of fruit to the punch.

Nibbles That Shine With Minimal Fuss

In my view, I'd skip the store-bought platters of "party foods" that appear in shops seasonally; they feel overly complicated, and frequently involve using the oven (should you go this route, remember that all guests quietly likes toasted bread and/or cocktail sausages anyway). I'm convinced it's hard to top two really big containers of decent chips (salted will offend no one), plus, assuming no issues, one of those big and excellent value packets of mixed nuts often sold with global foods at the market, along with a few ready-to-eat olives for colour (try not to still be finding pits in your pot plants in the future).

If, like my mum, you don't consider snacks real food, a single large piece of quality cheese on a platter with crackers and some elegantly arranged grapes tends to seem visually appealing. A platter with some salted or prepared prosciutto or seafood laid out on it (just one sort, unless money is no object), or a handsome pre-made pastry, of the type available on deli counters at this time of year, proves more filling, and you really can't go wrong by serving artisanal slices of Italian bread, since they don't need buttering.

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