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Throughout the holiday period, when there's a lot happening which the most energetic individuals may sometimes look forward to a quiet break in January, it is all too easy to neglect details. I expect I'm not the sole one who's ever felt jolted back to reality at work because of a text by someone wondering, "What time do you want over later?" Don't worry; whether you're distracted, or just inclined toward spontaneous plans, I have you covered.

The Key to Memorable Parties

Firstly, though I cannot emphasize this enough, if you have organized for a year or just 15 minutes, the best events are the simplest. All anyone is hoping for is pleasant conversation, something to enjoy, and enough food so they don't end up gnawing something on the ride back. If you're not you're a fictional millionaire, nobody expects professional bartending, Michelin-starred catering and a live band.

The best parties are the simplest. However, a theme is useful to mask the fact you've just thrown the event together while coming home from work.

Choosing a Style to Focus The Shopping

That said, an overarching idea is helpful to conceal that you have only thrown the party together while returning home from work. And by theme, think of something like Christmas. Getting a bit more detailed (Scandinavian Christmas, say, with mulled wine, spiced punch, cured seafood and rye crackers, folk tunes selection; alternatively Latin American celebration, with ponche navideño, chilled brews and tequila drinks, along with lots of snacks, tomato dip & guacamole, with festive music playing) can narrow the selection during the inevitable grocery run.

Smart Purchasing for The Party

While shopping, pick a drink or two (an alcoholic option if you drink, a non-alcoholic one in case some don't want to) and a few appetizers suited to the style, then buy a generous amount within your budget, instead of stressing over providing a wide selection. No thing appears more abundant and celebratory than abundance – I'd always prefer to arrive with a container full of cold bottles with competitively priced crémant or cava over a single glass with expensive bubbly. (Add a few bags of ice, as well; you'll find never plenty of ice.)

Cocktails & Party Beverages Made Easy

If you must show off and provide a special beverage, make sure to pre-mix a large batch in a jug so that you're not stuck messing about with drinks while you should be enjoying yourself. Once the party begins, ask a significant other or friend to monitor the drinks and top up as necessary till it's gone. Apply the same for the alcohol-free option; guests appreciate to be given a task during gatherings so they can experience the festive spirit.

For large-batch drinks, whichever recipe you choose (they abound online), steer clear of anything overly sugary – young ones present ought to have separate beverages – and if you own one, put flavor enhancers within reach (don't add them into the punch as they're inappropriate for people who avoid alcohol altogether). Put in some work with presentation so that the soft punch doesn't feel neglected; it only takes a minute to slice a few rounds of fruit for garnish.

Food That Work With Minimal Effort

For me, I would avoid the store-bought assortments with "party foods" that pop up at grocery stores at this time of year; they feel fussy, and usually involve using the oven (should you go this route, know that all guests quietly favors toasted bread or small hot dogs anyway). I truly believe you can't beat a couple of sizable bowls of good-quality chips (salted will offend no one), plus, provided there are no issues, a package of great-value containers of nuts available in the international aisle at the market, and maybe some olives without stones for color (it's best to avoid to still be finding pits around the house months later).

In case, as my mother says, you don't consider snacks substantial fare, a single sizeable chunk of tasty cheese on a platter and crispbreads plus elegantly arranged fruit often appears artistic. A serving dish with some salted or prepared prosciutto or seafood displayed there (just one sort, except if you're wealthy), or an attractive pre-made pastry, like those that appear in specialty sections seasonally, is more substantial, and you really can't go wrong with rustic slices of Italian bread, since they require no buttering.

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