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During the festive time, when there's plenty going on which even lively people might sometimes look forward to the quiet respite of the new year, it is very simple to neglect things. I expect I'm not the sole person who has once been jolted awake at my desk because of a message by someone wondering, "What time should we come us tonight?" Don't worry; whether you're forgetful, and simply prone to last-minute plans, I've got your back.

The Golden Rule to Successful Gatherings

Firstly, and I can't emphasize it sufficiently, if you've been planning for a year or just 15 minutes, the most enjoyable events tend to be the simplest. What everyone is hoping for are pleasant conversation, something to sip, and enough nibbles so they don't feel like gnawing an arm off on the bus back. If you're not you're throwing a lavish ball, no one expects a full bar, Michelin-starred catering and musical performances.

The best parties are the simplest. Still, a theme helps to disguise the reality you've only thrown the event together on the way home from work.

Selecting a Theme to Focus Your Shopping

That said, a theme is helpful to hide the fact you have just put the party on on the way from the office. By concept, I mean something like Christmas. Getting a bit focused (Swedish-style festivities, say, with spiced drink, aromatic cocktail, cured seafood plus rye crackers, Nordic beats playlist; alternatively Mexican Christmas, with holiday punch, refreshing lagers or cocktails, and lots of tortilla chips, tomato dip and avocado dip, with Luis Miguel on the stereo) will focus your choices on the inevitable grocery run.

Smart Buying for The Gathering

At the shops, choose a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option if you drink, a non-alcoholic one for some prefer not to) and a couple of nibbles suited to the style, then buy as many as possible, rather than worrying about giving people a wide selection. No thing appears more welcoming and as festive than a bounty – I'd consistently prefer to arrive by a container full of iced containers of reasonably priced sparkling wine over a small serving of fancy champagne. (Include some bags for chilling, as well; there is seldom enough ice.)

Beverages & Large-Batch Drinks Made Easy

If you must impress and serve a cocktail, then mix in advance a sizable amount in a jug so that you're not stuck faffing around with preparation while it's time to having fun. Once underway, enlist a close friend or friend to keep an eye on it then top up when needed until it's finished. Follow suit for the alcohol-free option; people appreciate to take on a job while socializing so they may share in some of festive spirit.

On the punch front, whichever mix you go for (you can find plenty online), steer clear of any recipe overly sugary – young ones there need their own drinks – and if you have one, place aromatic bitters within reach (refrain from putting them to the bowl since they're unsafe for those who avoid drinks entirely). Put in some work with presentation so the non-alcoholic option doesn't feel unimportant; it only takes a minute to slice several pieces of citrus into the bowl.

Nibbles That Shine With Minimal Preparation

For me, I recommend passing on the store-bought platters of "party foods" that pop up in shops during the holidays; they come across as fancy, and usually involve using the oven (if you choose to opt for these, remember that everyone secretly favors garlic bread or mini sausages regardless). It's my firm opinion nothing beats two large containers of tasty chips (simple will offend no one), and, assuming no issues, a package of large and economical packets with nuts typically found in the international aisle in stores, with perhaps a few ready-to-eat olives for colour (it's best to avoid to still be finding stones around the house next Easter).

If, like my mum, you don't consider crisps real food, one big slab of good cheese on a board with crackers and some beautifully placed fruit often appears painterly. A plate featuring cured or cooked meats or fish displayed on it (just one sort, except if money is no object), or an attractive pre-made pastry, similar to that pop up at delis at this time of year, is more satisfying, while you truly can't go wrong by serving homestyle chunks of flatbread, because they require no additional preparation.

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