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In this busy time, while there's plenty going on that the most energetic people might sometimes long for a quiet respite in January, it is very simple to forget things. I believe I'm not the only one who's once been surprised awake while at work by an inquiry from a friend asking, "What time do you want us later?" No worries; if you're absent minded, or simply inclined toward spontaneous plans, I have you covered.

The Key to Great Gatherings

Above all, and I cannot emphasize it enough, if you have organized for a year or just a quarter-hour, the best events tend to be the most straightforward. What everyone is hoping for is engaging talks, a drink to enjoy, plus sufficient nibbles that guests do not feel like gnawing their arm on the bus home. Unless you're Jay Gatsby, no one expects professional bartending, fancy catering and musical performances.

The best parties are the most basic. That said, a theme is useful to disguise the reality you have only thrown this thing on on the way home from work.

Picking a Concept to Focus The Party Planning

Still, an overarching idea works well to conceal that you've only put the party together on the way from the office. And with a theme, think of something like a seasonal celebration. Going slightly more detailed (Swedish-style festivities, say, with glögg, spiced punch, cured seafood plus flatbreads, folk tunes playlist; alternatively Mexican Christmas, including traditional drink, refreshing lagers and margaritas, along with plenty of tortilla chips, salsa and green spread, with upbeat tunes on the stereo) will focus the selection on the upcoming grocery run.

Strategic Buying to Support Your Party

At the shops, pick one or two beverages (an alcoholic option for those who do, one not for some prefer not to) and some appetizers that match your concept, then buy a generous amount as you can afford, rather than stressing over offering guests a wide selection. No thing looks more welcoming and as festive as plenty – I'd consistently rather to be welcomed with a sink stocked with cold bottles with affordable bubbly over a single glass of fancy champagne. (Chuck in some bags of cubes, as well; there is never enough ice.)

Drinks & Punch Simplified

If you must show off and provide a mixed drink, make sure to prepare ahead a sizable amount in a jug so that you aren't stuck messing about with drinks while you should be having fun. After starting, enlist a close friend or volunteer to monitor the drinks then refill when needed till it's finished. Do the same with the soft drink; people appreciate to have a role while socializing allowing them to share in a share of goodwill.

Regarding punch, whatever mix you pick (there are many via search), steer clear of anything too sweet – any kids there should have their own drinks – and if you own one, plonk aromatic bitters nearby (don't add any into the punch since they are unsafe for those who do not consume alcohol entirely). Put in some work in presenting it so that the alcohol-free drink isn't perceived neglected; it doesn't take a minute to slice some slices of fruit for garnish.

Nibbles That Shine With Minimal Effort

Personally, I recommend passing on the store-bought platters of "party foods" available in shops during the holidays; they come across as fancy, and frequently require heating things up (if you choose to go this route, be aware that all guests secretly favors toasted bread and/or small hot dogs anyway). I'm convinced it's hard to top two sizable containers of tasty crisps (salted pleases everyone), and, provided there are no dietary restrictions, a package of big and excellent value bags of nuts often sold in the international aisle in stores, and maybe some olives without stones as a garnish (you don't want to still be finding pits in odd places next Easter).

If, similar to some, you feel snacks substantial fare, one sizeable chunk of quality cheese served simply alongside crackers and some artfully draped grapes often appears artistic. A plate featuring preserved or ready-to-eat prosciutto or seafood laid out there (only one type, unless money is no object), alternatively a handsome store-bought pastry, of the type available in specialty sections at this time of year, is more satisfying, while you really won't fail by serving rustic slices of focaccia, since they don't need spreading butter.

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