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During the holiday period, when there is so much happening which even vivacious individuals might sometimes long for the calm respite in January, it's all too easy to overlook details. I expect I cannot be the only person who's once felt startled awake at my desk by a text from a friend asking, "What time do you want us later?" Don't worry; whether you are absent minded, and simply prone to last-minute invitations, I've got your back.

The Secret to Memorable Gatherings

Above all, though I can't emphasize this sufficiently, if you've been planning for a year or only a quarter-hour, the most enjoyable events tend to be the most straightforward. What everyone expects is engaging talks, something to enjoy, plus enough nibbles so guests do not end up chewing something on the bus back. Unless you are a fictional millionaire, nobody expects extensive drinks, gourmet catering and a live band.

The greatest gatherings tend to be the simplest. However, a theme helps to disguise the fact you have only thrown this thing on on the way home from work.

Picking a Theme to Direct The Shopping

Still, a theme works well to conceal the fact you have just thrown this thing on while returning from the office. And by theme, I mean such as Christmas. Going a bit focused (Scandinavian Christmas, for instance, featuring glögg, warm beverage, smoked fish and flatbreads, folk tunes selection; or Latin American celebration, including holiday punch, refreshing lagers and margaritas, and heaps of snacks, spicy sauce and avocado dip, with festive music in the background) will focus the selection during the necessary grocery run.

Smart Purchasing to Support The Gathering

At the shops, pick a drink or two (one alcoholic if you drink, one not for others don't want to) and a couple of appetizers suited to the style, then buy a generous amount as you can afford, rather than stressing over providing a wide selection. Nothing looks more welcoming and as festive as a bounty – I'd always rather to be welcomed with a sink stocked with cold bottles of competitively priced sparkling wine than a single glass with fancy bubbly. (Add some bags of cubes, as well; you'll find seldom enough ice.)

Cocktails & Large-Batch Drinks Streamlined

If you must demonstrate skills and serve a cocktail, make sure to mix in advance a large batch in a container so you aren't left messing about with it when you should be socializing. After starting, ask a partner or volunteer to watch it then top up as necessary till it runs out. Follow suit for the non-alcoholic punch; people enjoy to take on a job while socializing so they can enjoy some of festive spirit.

For large-batch drinks, whatever mix you choose (you can find plenty online), skip any recipe too sweet – any kids present ought to have separate beverages – and should you own one, plonk aromatic bitters nearby (avoid adding any into the punch as they are inappropriate for individuals who avoid alcohol entirely). Put in some work in presenting it so that the alcohol-free drink isn't perceived neglected; it only takes a minute to add a few rounds of lemon or orange to the punch.

Nibbles That Shine With Minimal Fuss

In my view, I would avoid the pre-made assortments with "party foods" available at grocery stores seasonally; they feel overly complicated, and frequently involve turning the oven on (if you choose to opt for these, know that everyone quietly favors herb bread and/or small hot dogs anyway). It's my firm opinion it's hard to top several sizable bowls with decent snacks (salted pleases everyone), and, assuming no allergies, some of those big and excellent value packets with nuts typically found in the South Asian section at the market, with perhaps some olives without stones for colour (you don't want to still be finding stones in odd places months later).

In case, as my mother says, you feel chips real food, a single sizeable chunk of quality cheese served simply and crispbreads plus elegantly arranged fruit always looks artistic. A plate featuring salted or prepared salami or salmon displayed there (only one type, unless money is no object), alternatively a nice pre-made pastry, of the type that pop up at delis at this time of year, is more filling, while you truly can't go wrong by serving rustic pieces of Italian bread, because there's no need for spreading butter.

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