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During the holiday season, when there's a lot happening which the most energetic people may occasionally look forward to the calm respite of January, it's very simple to forget details. I'm sure I cannot be the only one who has ever been jolted back to reality while at work by a message by someone asking, "What time are we expected over later?" No worries; whether you are distracted, or simply prone to spontaneous gatherings, I've got some solutions.

The Key to Successful Get-Togethers

Firstly, and I cannot emphasize this sufficiently, whether you've organized for a year or just a short while, the best parties are the most straightforward. What anyone is hoping for is pleasant conversation, a drink to drink, plus enough to eat so guests don't feel like gnawing something during the bus back. If you're not you are throwing a lavish ball, nobody expects professional bartending, Michelin-starred catering and entertainers.

The best parties are the easiest. However, an idea helps to cover up the fact you've only thrown the party on while coming back from the office.

Selecting a Theme to Guide Your Preparations

Nevertheless, a theme is helpful to hide the fact you have just put this thing together while returning home from work. And with a theme, think of something like Christmas. Going slightly more specific (Nordic holidays, for instance, featuring spiced drink, aromatic cocktail, fish snacks plus crispbreads, Scandinavian music selection; alternatively Mexican Christmas, with traditional drink, cold beers and cocktails, along with heaps of snacks, spicy sauce and green spread, with upbeat tunes in the background) helps direct your options on the upcoming shopping trip.

Practical Buying to Support Your Gathering

At the shops, pick a drink or two (one alcoholic if you drink, one not in case others prefer not to) and some appetizers that fit the style, then purchase a generous amount as you can afford, rather than stressing over providing too much choice. No thing looks more abundant and celebratory as plenty – I'd always prefer to arrive with a container full of iced containers of competitively priced crémant or cava over a small serving with fancy champagne. (Include some bags of cubes, too; there is seldom sufficient ice.)

Drinks and Large-Batch Drinks Made Easy

If you feel the need to impress and offer a cocktail, make sure to mix in advance a sizable amount in a jug so that you aren't left faffing around with preparation when you ought to be having fun. Once underway, ask a partner or friend to watch the drinks and refill if required until it's finished. Do the same with the non-alcoholic punch; guests enjoy to have a role at a party so they may experience the positive vibes.

On the punch front, whatever recipe you choose (they abound via search), skip anything overly sugary – children there need their own drinks – and if you have one, place a bottle of bitters nearby (avoid adding any to the bowl since they are inappropriate for people who avoid drinks altogether). Put in some work in presenting it so that the non-alcoholic option doesn't feel unimportant; just spend a moment to cut a few rounds of lemon or orange for garnish.

Nibbles That Shine Without Fuss

In my view, I would avoid the pre-made assortments of "party foods" that appear in shops at this time of year; they seem fancy, and usually involve heating things up (if you choose to do this, remember that everyone truly likes garlic bread or cocktail sausages regardless). It's my firm opinion you can't beat several large containers with good-quality chips (simple is universally liked), and, assuming no issues, a package of large and economical bags with nuts often sold in the international aisle at the market, with perhaps a few ready-to-eat olives as a garnish (you don't want to still be finding stones in odd places months later).

In case, like my mum, you think chips substantial fare, a single big slab of good cheese served simply and crispbreads and some artfully draped grapes always looks visually appealing. A platter with some cured or cooked prosciutto or seafood arranged there (just one sort, unless you're wealthy), alternatively a handsome store-bought pastry, like those that appear at delis at this time of year, is even more substantial, and you truly can't go wrong by serving artisanal pieces of Italian bread, because there's no need for buttering.

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