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In this holiday period, when there's so much happening which the most lively people might occasionally look forward to a quiet respite of the new year, it's all too easy to overlook things. I expect I cannot be the sole one who has once felt jolted awake while at work by a message by someone asking, "What time should we come us later?" Fear not; if you're distracted, or simply likely to make last-minute plans, I have your back.

The Key to Great Get-Togethers

Above all, and I cannot stress it enough, whether you have been planning for a year versus just a quarter-hour, the most enjoyable events are the most straightforward. All anyone really wants are a good chat, something to enjoy, plus enough nibbles so guests don't feel like gnawing an arm off on the ride back. If you're not you are Jay Gatsby, no one expects a full bar, Michelin-starred food or entertainers.

The most successful parties tend to be the simplest. Still, a theme is useful to mask the reality you have just put this thing together on the way after a long day.

Picking a Theme to Direct Your Shopping

That said, a theme works well to hide that you've just put this thing together on the way after work. By concept, I mean such as a seasonal celebration. Getting a bit focused (Nordic holidays, for instance, with glögg, aromatic cocktail, fish snacks and crispbreads, Scandinavian music playlist; alternatively fiesta-style party, with traditional drink, cold beers or cocktails, along with heaps of snacks, tomato dip and guacamole, with Luis Miguel playing) can narrow your choices during the necessary supermarket sweep.

Strategic Purchasing for Your Gathering

While shopping, choose a couple of drinks (one alcoholic for those who do, one not for others don't want to) plus a couple of snacks that fit the style, and get as much of them within your budget, rather than worrying about offering guests endless options. No thing appears as generous and cheerful than plenty – I'd consistently rather to arrive by a sink filled with cold bottles with competitively priced bubbly than one glass of swanky bubbly. (Include a few bags of ice, as well; you'll find seldom sufficient ice.)

Beverages and Punch Made Easy

If you feel the need to impress and provide a special beverage, then mix in advance a large batch in a container so you're not stuck busying yourself with drinks when you should be enjoying yourself. Once underway, enlist a partner or friend to monitor the drinks then refill as necessary until it's finished. Apply the same for the alcohol-free option; guests love to have a role during gatherings so they can experience a share of festive spirit.

Regarding punch, whichever mix you pick (they abound on the internet), avoid anything excessively sweet – young ones there need separate beverages – and if you own one, place a bottle of bitters within reach (don't add any to the bowl as they're unsafe for those who avoid drinks entirely). Put in some work in presenting it so that the soft punch isn't perceived like an afterthought; just spend a moment to add a few rounds of citrus for garnish.

Food That Delight Without Preparation

Personally, I'd skip the pre-made platters of "party foods" that pop up in supermarkets seasonally; they come across as fancy, and often involve heating things up (if you choose to do this, remember that all guests truly favors garlic bread and/or mini sausages anyway). I'm convinced you can't beat a couple of really big dishes with good-quality snacks (plain salted will offend no one), plus, provided there are no dietary restrictions, a package of big and excellent value packets with nuts typically found with global foods at the market, and maybe a few ready-to-eat olives as a garnish (try not to find pits in odd places months later).

In case, similar to some, you think crisps substantial fare, a single sizeable chunk of quality cheese on a platter alongside crackers plus elegantly arranged fruit often appears visually appealing. A serving dish with some salted or prepared salami or salmon laid out on it (a single variety, unless you're wealthy), alternatively a nice ready-made tart, of the type that pop up in specialty sections seasonally, proves more satisfying, while you really won't fail with homestyle chunks of focaccia, since they don't need spreading butter.

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