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During this busy period, while there's so much happening that even energetic people may sometimes look forward to a quiet respite in January, it's all too simple to forget things. I'm sure I cannot be the only person who's once been jolted awake at work because of a text from a friend asking, "What time should we come over tonight?" Fear not; whether you are absent minded, or just inclined toward spontaneous gatherings, I have some solutions.

The Golden Rule to Successful Parties

Above all, and I cannot stress this sufficiently, whether you've been planning for a year or only a quarter-hour, the best parties tend to be the simplest. All everyone expects are pleasant conversation, a drink to drink, plus enough nibbles that they don't end up chewing an arm off on the bus home. If you're not you're throwing a lavish ball, no one anticipates extensive drinks, fancy catering and a live band.

The best gatherings tend to be the most basic. Still, a theme is useful to cover up the fact you've only thrown the party on on the way after a long day.

Choosing a Style to Direct Your Party Planning

Still, a theme can be useful to hide that you've just put this thing together while returning from the office. And with a theme, I mean for example a seasonal celebration. Going slightly more specific (Scandinavian Christmas, say, with spiced drink, spiced punch, cured seafood and flatbreads, Scandinavian music playlist; or Mexican Christmas, with ponche navideño, chilled brews or cocktails, and heaps of snacks, spicy sauce and guacamole, and Luis Miguel in the background) can narrow the selection during the upcoming supermarket sweep.

Smart Shopping for The Gathering

In the store, select a drink or two (an alcoholic option for drinkers, one not for some don't want to) and a couple of nibbles that fit the theme, and purchase a generous amount within your budget, rather than worrying about giving people a wide selection. No thing looks more welcoming and as festive as a bounty – I'd always prefer to enter with a sink filled with chilled bottles with reasonably priced crémant or cava over one glass of fancy champagne. (Chuck in a few bags for chilling, too; you'll find seldom enough ice.)

Beverages and Party Beverages Streamlined

If you feel the need to demonstrate skills and serve a mixed drink, make sure to prepare ahead a big quantity in a pitcher so that you're not left busying yourself with preparation while you ought to be having fun. Once the party begins, request a partner or friend to keep an eye on the drinks and top up when needed till it's gone. Apply the same with the non-alcoholic punch; guests appreciate to have a role at a party allowing them to share in the positive vibes.

Regarding punch, whatever mix you choose (they abound on the internet), skip anything overly sugary – children there need separate beverages – and if it's available, put a bottle of bitters within reach (avoid adding them to the bowl as they're unsafe for people who avoid drinks entirely). Put in some work in presenting it so the soft punch isn't perceived neglected; it only takes a moment to add a few rounds of citrus into the bowl.

Nibbles That Shine With Minimal Effort

Personally, I'd skip the readymade assortments of "party foods" that pop up in shops at this time of year; they come across as fussy, and often require heating things up (should you go this route, be aware that all guests quietly prefers garlic bread and/or small hot dogs regardless). I'm convinced it's hard to top two really big bowls with decent crisps (simple is universally liked), plus, assuming no allergies, a package of large and economical packets of nuts typically found in the South Asian section at the market, and maybe a few olives without stones as a garnish (it's best to avoid to still be finding stones in your pot plants next Easter).

In case, as my mother says, you feel chips proper food, a single big slab of quality cheese served simply with crackers and some elegantly arranged grapes often appears artistic. A platter with some salted or prepared prosciutto or seafood arranged on it (just one sort, unless money is no object), or an attractive pre-made tart, like those available in specialty sections at this time of year, is even more satisfying, and you truly can't go wrong with rustic chunks of flatbread, since there's no need for additional preparation.

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