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During the busy season, while there is so much going on that the most energetic people might sometimes long for the quiet respite of the new year, it's all too easy to forget things. I'm sure I'm not the sole one who's once felt surprised awake while at my desk because of a message from a friend asking, "What time should we come over tonight?" Fear not; if you are forgetful, or just inclined toward last-minute gatherings, I've got some solutions.

The Secret to Memorable Parties

Above all, though I can't emphasize this sufficiently, whether you have organized for a year versus just a short while, the greatest parties are the most straightforward. All anyone is hoping for is engaging talks, a drink to enjoy, plus enough nibbles that guests don't end up gnawing their arm during the bus back. Unless you are throwing a lavish ball, nobody anticipates professional bartending, fancy catering and a live band.

The most successful parties are the simplest. However, an idea is useful to cover up the fact you have just thrown this thing on while coming back from the office.

Choosing a Style to Direct Your Party Planning

Nevertheless, a theme is helpful for disguising that you have only thrown the party on on the way from the office. And with a theme, think of for example a seasonal celebration. Going slightly more detailed (Swedish-style festivities, for instance, with glögg, spiced punch, cured seafood plus rye crackers, Nordic beats selection; alternatively Latin American celebration, with traditional drink, cold beers or cocktails, and heaps of tortilla chips, tomato dip & green spread, and upbeat tunes on the stereo) helps direct your options during the upcoming shopping trip.

Smart Buying to Support Your Gathering

In the store, select a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option if you drink, one not in case some prefer not to) plus some snacks suited to the theme, and buy as much of them within your budget, instead of stressing over giving people a wide selection. No thing appears more abundant and cheerful than abundance – I would consistently prefer to arrive by a container stocked with iced containers of reasonably priced sparkling wine than a single glass with expensive bubbly. (Chuck in some bags of cubes, too; you'll find never sufficient ice.)

Cocktails and Party Beverages Made Easy

Should you demonstrate skills and provide a mixed drink, then prepare ahead a big quantity in a container so that you're not stuck busying yourself with preparation while you ought to be socializing. After starting, ask a close friend or helper to keep an eye on the drinks and refill when needed till it's finished. Do the same for the non-alcoholic punch; guests love to be given a job during gatherings so they can experience some of positive vibes.

For large-batch drinks, whichever recipe you go for (you can find plenty via search), avoid anything too sweet – any kids there need their own drinks – and if you have one, plonk a bottle of bitters close by (avoid adding any in the mix since they're unsafe for those who do not consume alcohol entirely). Put in some work in presenting it so the soft punch isn't perceived like an afterthought; it only takes a moment to add a few rounds of fruit to the punch.

Food That Shine Without Fuss

For me, I'd skip the readymade platters with "party foods" available in supermarkets during the holidays; they seem fancy, and often involve using the oven (should you go this route, know that all guests quietly favors toasted bread and/or cocktail sausages anyway). I'm convinced you can't beat two large dishes of tasty snacks (plain salted pleases everyone), and, assuming no allergies, some of those great-value containers of mixed nuts often sold in the South Asian section in stores, with perhaps some ready-to-eat olives for color (try not to still be finding stones in your pot plants months later).

If, as my mother says, you don't consider chips proper food, one big slab of tasty cheese on a board and crispbreads and some artfully draped fruit often appears visually appealing. A plate featuring preserved or ready-to-eat salami or salmon displayed on it (just one sort, unless you have a large budget), or an attractive store-bought pie, similar to available on deli counters at this time of year, is more filling, and you really will succeed with artisanal chunks of focaccia, because they require no additional preparation.

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