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Throughout this holiday season, while there is so much going on that even vivacious people may occasionally anticipate the calm break of January, it is very simple to forget things. I believe I'm not the sole person who's ever been jolted awake while at work by a text from a friend wondering, "What time should we come over later?" Fear not; if you are forgetful, and simply inclined toward impromptu invitations, I've got some solutions.

The Golden Rule to Successful Gatherings

Firstly, and I cannot stress this sufficiently, whether you've planned for a year versus only a short while, the most enjoyable events tend to be the simplest. All everyone really wants are pleasant conversation, a drink to sip, plus sufficient nibbles so guests do not end up gnawing their arm during the bus back. Unless you're Jay Gatsby, no one anticipates a full bar, gourmet food or musical performances.

The most successful parties tend to be the easiest. However, an idea is useful to disguise the reality you have just thrown the party together on the way after a long day.

Selecting a Theme to Direct Your Shopping

That said, an overarching idea works well for disguising that you have just put the party on while returning from the office. By concept, I mean something like the holidays. Getting slightly focused (Nordic holidays, say, featuring spiced drink, spiced punch, smoked fish plus crispbreads, Nordic beats playlist; alternatively Latin American celebration, with ponche navideño, refreshing lagers or margaritas, along with lots of tortilla chips, spicy sauce & guacamole, and upbeat tunes on the stereo) will focus your options on the upcoming shopping trip.

Smart Purchasing for The Gathering

At the shops, select one or two beverages (one alcoholic if you drink, a non-alcoholic one in case some prefer not to) plus a couple of nibbles that match your concept, and purchase a generous amount within your budget, instead of worrying about giving people endless options. No thing looks as generous and cheerful than plenty – I'd always prefer to arrive with a tub stocked with iced containers with reasonably priced bubbly over a single glass with fancy champagne. (Add several packs for chilling, as well; there is never enough ice.)

Beverages and Party Beverages Simplified

If you feel the need to show off and serve a special beverage, then prepare ahead a sizable amount in a jug so you're not left messing about with drinks while it's time to having fun. After starting, request a significant other or helper to monitor it then top up as necessary until it runs out. Do the same for the soft drink; guests appreciate to be given a job at a party so they can enjoy a share of goodwill.

For large-batch drinks, whatever recipe you pick (there are many on the internet), avoid anything excessively sweet – any kids there need kid-friendly options – and should it's available, put flavor enhancers within reach (avoid adding any into the punch as they are not suitable for those who do not consume alcohol entirely). Take care in presenting it so the non-alcoholic option doesn't feel like an afterthought; it only takes a short time to add several pieces of citrus to the punch.

Nibbles That Work With Minimal Effort

Personally, I recommend passing on the pre-made platters with "party foods" that appear in shops at this time of year; they seem overly complicated, and frequently involve using the oven (if you must opt for these, remember that everyone quietly prefers herb bread and/or cocktail sausages anyway). I truly believe it's hard to top two sizable bowls of good-quality chips (plain salted pleases everyone), plus, assuming no dietary restrictions, one of those large and economical bags with nuts often sold with global foods in stores, along with some ready-to-eat olives for color (you don't want to still be finding pits in your pot plants months later).

In case, as my mother says, you think crisps real food, one sizeable chunk of tasty cheese on a platter with crackers and some artfully draped grapes tends to seem artistic. A plate with some preserved or ready-to-eat salami or salmon displayed on it (only one type, except if money is no object), or a nice ready-made pastry, similar to that appear at delis during festivities, is more satisfying, while you truly will succeed with homestyle slices of Italian bread, because they don't need buttering.

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