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During this holiday time, when there's a lot happening that even energetic people may occasionally look forward to a quiet respite in the new year, it's very easy to overlook details. I'm sure I cannot be the sole person who has once felt jolted back to reality while at work by an inquiry by someone wondering, "What time do you want over tonight?" Fear not; whether you're distracted, and just likely to make impromptu plans, I've got you covered.

The Key to Great Gatherings

Firstly, though I can't stress it enough, whether you've been planning for a year or just a quarter-hour, the most enjoyable events tend to be the simplest. What anyone expects are a good chat, a drink to sip, and sufficient food that guests don't end up chewing an arm off on the ride home. Unless you are throwing a lavish ball, nobody anticipates a full bar, Michelin-starred catering or a live band.

The best parties tend to be the most basic. Still, a concept helps to cover up the reality you've only put the party together on the way back from the office.

Picking a Style to Focus Your Preparations

That said, an overarching idea can be useful to conceal that you've just put this thing on while returning home from work. And by theme, think of something like a seasonal celebration. Getting a bit focused (Nordic holidays, for instance, with glögg, spiced punch, fish snacks and flatbreads, folk tunes playlist; or Mexican Christmas, including ponche navideño, refreshing lagers or tequila drinks, along with heaps of snacks, spicy sauce and avocado dip, and Luis Miguel on the stereo) will focus your choices during the necessary supermarket sweep.

Smart Shopping to Support Your Gathering

In the store, choose a couple of drinks (one alcoholic for drinkers, one not for others don't want to) plus a few snacks suited to your concept, then purchase a generous amount as possible, rather than stressing over offering guests a wide selection. Nothing appears as generous and cheerful than a bounty – I'd consistently rather to arrive with a container full of cold bottles with competitively priced bubbly than a single glass with expensive champagne. (Include several packs for chilling, too; there is seldom plenty of ice.)

Drinks and Party Beverages Made Easy

Should you impress and provide a special beverage, make sure to pre-mix a big quantity in a pitcher so you're not stuck messing about with preparation when you should be enjoying yourself. After starting, ask a close friend or volunteer to monitor it and replenish when needed till it runs out. Apply the same for the alcohol-free option; guests appreciate to take on a role at a party so they can experience the festive spirit.

On the punch front, whatever mix you go for (you can find plenty on the internet), skip anything too sweet – children there ought to have their own drinks – and if you have one, plonk a bottle of bitters close by (avoid adding them to the bowl since they are unsafe for those who avoid drinks entirely). Make an effort with presentation so the non-alcoholic option isn't perceived like an afterthought; just spend a short time to slice a few rounds of lemon or orange into the bowl.

Food That Shine Without Fuss

In my view, I would avoid the store-bought platters with "party foods" that pop up in supermarkets at this time of year; they feel overly complicated, and often involve heating things up (if you choose to do this, know that all guests secretly favors toasted bread or cocktail sausages regardless). I'm convinced nothing beats a couple of large dishes with good-quality crisps (salted pleases everyone), plus, assuming no dietary restrictions, a package of big and excellent value bags of nuts typically found with global foods at the market, along with some olives without stones for colour (you don't want to still be finding pits around the house in the future).

In case, similar to some, you don't consider snacks substantial fare, one big slab of tasty cheese on a platter with crackers plus beautifully placed fruit always looks visually appealing. A serving dish featuring cured or cooked salami or salmon displayed on it (only one type, unless you're wealthy), alternatively a handsome store-bought tart, of the type that appear in specialty sections seasonally, is more satisfying, while you really can't go wrong by serving artisanal slices of flatbread, because they require no additional preparation.

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