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Throughout the busy period, while there is a lot happening which the most lively individuals might occasionally look forward to the quiet respite of January, it's all too easy to forget details. I expect I'm not the sole one who has once felt jolted back to reality while at work because of an inquiry by someone wondering, "What time should we come us later?" Don't worry; whether you're distracted, or just inclined toward impromptu gatherings, I've got some solutions.

The Key to Successful Gatherings

Above all, and I cannot stress this enough, whether you've organized for months or just a quarter-hour, the most enjoyable events are the simplest. What everyone expects is pleasant conversation, something to enjoy, plus enough nibbles that guests do not end up gnawing something during the bus home. If you're not you are Jay Gatsby, nobody expects extensive drinks, Michelin-starred catering or entertainers.

The most successful gatherings are the simplest. However, a concept is useful to disguise the reality you have just thrown the event on on the way home from work.

Choosing a Concept to Focus Your Preparations

That said, a theme can be useful for disguising that you have just put the party on on the way from the office. And by theme, I mean something like Christmas. Getting a bit more specific (Scandinavian Christmas, for instance, with spiced drink, spiced punch, smoked fish plus flatbreads, Scandinavian music selection; or Mexican Christmas, including traditional drink, refreshing lagers and tequila drinks, along with lots of snacks, spicy sauce & guacamole, with Luis Miguel playing) will focus the selection on the inevitable supermarket sweep.

Practical Shopping for The Event

In the store, select a drink or two (an alcoholic option if you drink, one not in case some don't want to) plus a few appetizers that fit the style, and buy as many within your budget, rather than worrying about providing a wide selection. Nothing looks as generous and as festive as a bounty – I'd always rather to be welcomed with a container full of chilled bottles of affordable bubbly over one glass with swanky bubbly. (Add several packs of ice, too; there is seldom sufficient ice.)

Drinks and Party Beverages Streamlined

If you must impress and provide a special beverage, then prepare ahead a sizable amount in a jug so you aren't left busying yourself with it when it's time to enjoying yourself. Once underway, request a partner or helper to monitor the drinks and refill when needed till it runs out. Follow suit with the soft drink; people love to be given a role at a party allowing them to share in the positive vibes.

For large-batch drinks, whichever formula you pick (you can find plenty via search), skip any recipe too sweet – any kids present need kid-friendly options – and if you have one, plonk a bottle of bitters within reach (don't add them to the bowl since they are inappropriate for individuals who do not consume drinks entirely). Make an effort in presenting it so the alcohol-free drink doesn't feel neglected; just spend a moment to slice a few rounds of citrus into the bowl.

Food That Work Without Fuss

Personally, I recommend passing on the store-bought trays of "party foods" that pop up at grocery stores seasonally; they feel fussy, and often require using the oven (if you choose to do this, know that all guests truly likes herb bread or small hot dogs regardless). I truly believe it's hard to top two sizable containers with good-quality snacks (salted is universally liked), plus, assuming no allergies, a package of large and economical bags of mixed nuts available in the international aisle at the market, with perhaps a few pitted olives as a garnish (you don't want to still be finding pits in odd places months later).

In case, as my mother says, you don't consider chips proper food, a single sizeable chunk of quality cheese on a board and crispbreads and some beautifully placed grapes often appears painterly. A platter with some salted or prepared meats or fish laid out on it (just one sort, unless money is no object), or a handsome pre-made pastry, like those that pop up at delis seasonally, is even more substantial, while you really can't go wrong with homestyle chunks of flatbread, since they don't need spreading butter.

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