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During this festive season, when there's a lot going on which even lively individuals might occasionally look forward to the quiet break in January, it's all too easy to overlook details. I expect I cannot be the only person who has once felt jolted awake at my desk by a text from someone wondering, "What time are we expected us later?" Fear not; whether you are absent minded, and simply prone to last-minute gatherings, I have you covered.

The Golden Rule to Successful Gatherings

Above all, though I cannot stress this enough, whether you've organized for months versus only a quarter-hour, the greatest parties are the simplest. All anyone really wants is engaging talks, a drink to sip, plus sufficient to eat so they do not end up chewing an arm off on the ride home. Unless you're Jay Gatsby, nobody expects a full bar, Michelin-starred catering and a live band.

The best parties tend to be the most basic. However, a theme helps to cover up the reality you have only put the event together while coming home from work.

Selecting a Style to Direct The Shopping

Still, a theme is helpful for disguising that you have only put this thing together on the way home from work. And with a theme, I mean such as a seasonal celebration. Going slightly more detailed (Scandinavian Christmas, for instance, featuring mulled wine, spiced punch, smoked fish and rye crackers, Scandinavian music selection; alternatively Mexican Christmas, including holiday punch, cold beers or cocktails, along with plenty of snacks, tomato dip and guacamole, with festive music playing) will focus the selection during the inevitable grocery run.

Strategic Shopping to Support The Party

While shopping, choose a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option for those who do, a non-alcoholic one for some prefer not to) and a couple of snacks that fit the theme, then purchase as much of them as you can afford, rather than fretting about offering guests endless options. Nothing looks more abundant and as festive as abundance – I'd always prefer to enter by a sink filled with iced containers with reasonably priced crémant or cava than a small serving of expensive bubbly. (Add some bags for chilling, as well; there is never plenty of ice.)

Drinks & Large-Batch Drinks Made Easy

If you feel the need to impress and serve a special beverage, then mix in advance a large batch in a container so that you aren't stuck faffing around with preparation while you ought to be enjoying yourself. After starting, enlist a significant other or volunteer to monitor the drinks and refill if required until it's gone. Apply the same with the non-alcoholic punch; people love to take on a job while socializing so they can share in a share of goodwill.

Regarding punch, whatever formula you go for (they abound on the internet), steer clear of any recipe excessively sweet – young ones present need separate beverages – and should it's available, plonk a bottle of bitters nearby (don't add any into the punch since they are unsafe for those abstaining from alcohol altogether). Take care with presentation so that the non-alcoholic option isn't perceived neglected; it only takes a moment to cut a few rounds of citrus for garnish.

Food That Shine With Minimal Effort

Personally, I recommend passing on the store-bought trays of "party foods" that appear at grocery stores during the holidays; they feel fussy, and usually involve turning the oven on (should you do this, be aware that all guests secretly favors garlic bread and/or mini sausages anyway). I'm convinced nothing beats a couple of large dishes with good-quality snacks (salted will offend no one), and, assuming no issues, a package of big and excellent value bags with nuts typically found in the international aisle in stores, with perhaps a few ready-to-eat olives for colour (try not to find pits in your pot plants next Easter).

In case, similar to some, you think chips proper food, a single large piece of tasty cheese served simply with crackers plus elegantly arranged fruit always looks artistic. A platter featuring preserved or ready-to-eat meats or fish laid out on it (just one sort, except if you're wealthy), or a handsome ready-made pie, of the type that pop up at delis seasonally, is more filling, while you truly will succeed by serving artisanal slices of flatbread, since they don't need spreading butter.

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