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Throughout this holiday season, when there's a lot going on that the most energetic people might occasionally long for a calm break in the new year, it is very simple to forget details. I believe I'm not the sole one who's once been jolted back to reality while at my desk by a message from someone asking, "What time do you want us later?" No worries; if you are absent minded, and simply inclined toward impromptu plans, I've got your back.

The Secret to Memorable Parties

First and foremost, though I can't emphasize this sufficiently, if you've been planning for a year versus only a short while, the greatest events tend to be the easiest. What everyone expects are a good chat, something to drink, plus enough to eat that guests don't end up chewing an arm off during the bus home. Unless you're a fictional millionaire, no one anticipates a full bar, Michelin-starred catering or a live band.

The best parties are the most basic. Still, a concept is useful to mask the fact you've only thrown the event on while coming after a long day.

Picking a Concept to Direct The Party Planning

Still, a theme can be useful for disguising the fact you've only thrown the party on while returning home from work. By concept, I mean something like the holidays. Going a bit more specific (Scandinavian Christmas, for instance, featuring spiced drink, warm beverage, cured seafood and rye crackers, folk tunes selection; or fiesta-style party, with holiday punch, refreshing lagers and margaritas, along with lots of tortilla chips, spicy sauce & guacamole, and festive music playing) helps direct your options during the inevitable grocery run.

Smart Buying for Your Event

While shopping, pick a drink or two (one alcoholic for those who do, a non-alcoholic one for some don't want to) plus some nibbles that match the style, and purchase as many as possible, rather than stressing over providing endless options. Nothing looks more abundant and celebratory as abundance – I'd consistently prefer to be welcomed with a tub stocked with chilled bottles with reasonably priced bubbly over a small serving of expensive champagne. (Include a few bags of cubes, as well; there is seldom plenty of ice.)

Drinks & Party Beverages Streamlined

If you feel the need to show off and provide a mixed drink, make sure to mix in advance a big quantity in a container so you aren't left messing about with preparation while you should be having fun. Once underway, enlist a close friend or volunteer to monitor the drinks and refill when needed till it's gone. Apply the same with the alcohol-free option; guests love to be given a role during gatherings so they can enjoy some of festive spirit.

For large-batch drinks, whatever mix you pick (there are many online), avoid any recipe too sweet – any kids present ought to have their own drinks – and should you have one, place aromatic bitters close by (refrain from putting any into the punch since they're not suitable for those abstaining from alcohol entirely). Take care with presentation so the alcohol-free drink isn't perceived unimportant; just spend a short time to slice a few rounds of fruit into the bowl.

Nibbles That Work Without Preparation

In my view, I recommend passing on the readymade platters of "party foods" available at grocery stores during the holidays; they come across as overly complicated, and often require heating things up (if you choose to do this, be aware that everyone quietly favors herb bread or small hot dogs regardless). I'm convinced nothing beats a couple of really big dishes with tasty snacks (simple pleases everyone), and, assuming no dietary restrictions, a package of great-value containers with nuts available in the international aisle in stores, and maybe a few pitted olives for color (it's best to avoid to find pits around the house in the future).

In case, like my mum, you feel chips proper food, a single large piece of good cheese on a platter alongside crackers plus beautifully placed grapes tends to seem painterly. A serving dish featuring cured or cooked salami or salmon displayed on it (just one sort, unless money is no object), alternatively an attractive store-bought pie, similar to that appear on deli counters at this time of year, proves more filling, and you truly can't go wrong with rustic chunks of focaccia, because they don't need additional preparation.

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