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In the busy period, when there is plenty happening which the most energetic people may occasionally long for a calm break in January, it is all too easy to overlook details. I expect I'm not the only one who has ever been startled back to reality at work by an inquiry by someone wondering, "What time should we come over later?" Don't worry; whether you're distracted, or just prone to spontaneous plans, I have some solutions.

The Secret to Memorable Parties

First and foremost, though I cannot stress it enough, if you've been planning long in advance versus just a quarter-hour, the greatest events tend to be the simplest. All everyone really wants is a good chat, something to enjoy, and enough to eat so guests do not feel like chewing their arm during the bus back. Unless you are throwing a lavish ball, nobody expects extensive drinks, fancy food or entertainers.

The greatest parties are the easiest. Still, a theme helps to mask the fact you've just thrown this thing together while coming after a long day.

Choosing a Concept to Focus Your Preparations

That said, an overarching idea can be useful to conceal the fact you have only put this thing on while returning from the office. By concept, think of something like the holidays. Getting slightly more detailed (Swedish-style festivities, for instance, featuring spiced drink, warm beverage, fish snacks and flatbreads, Scandinavian music playlist; alternatively fiesta-style party, with holiday punch, refreshing lagers or tequila drinks, along with lots of snacks, tomato dip and green spread, and upbeat tunes on the stereo) can narrow your options on the inevitable supermarket sweep.

Practical Buying for Your Party

At the shops, pick a drink or two (one alcoholic for drinkers, a non-alcoholic one for others don't want to) plus a few nibbles suited to your concept, then get a generous amount within your budget, instead of stressing over providing a wide selection. No thing appears more abundant and cheerful than plenty – I'd always prefer to arrive by a container stocked with chilled bottles with affordable bubbly over one glass of swanky champagne. (Add several packs of cubes, too; there is never enough ice.)

Drinks and Punch Made Easy

If you feel the need to impress and provide a cocktail, then mix in advance a large batch in a pitcher so that you're not stuck faffing around with it when it's time to socializing. Once the party begins, request a partner or friend to watch it then replenish when needed until it's gone. Follow suit for the alcohol-free option; people love to be given a job during gatherings so they can enjoy the positive vibes.

On the punch front, whatever mix you go for (you can find plenty via search), skip anything overly sugary – children present should have their own drinks – and if you have one, put flavor enhancers nearby (don't add any into the punch as they are inappropriate for individuals who avoid drinks altogether). Make an effort in presenting it so that the non-alcoholic option isn't perceived like an afterthought; it doesn't take a minute to cut several pieces of citrus into the bowl.

Snacks That Delight Without Effort

For me, I would avoid the readymade platters of "party foods" available at grocery stores during the holidays; they come across as overly complicated, and frequently involve turning the oven on (if you must opt for these, be aware that everyone truly prefers toasted bread and/or small hot dogs anyway). I'm convinced nothing beats several really big containers of good-quality snacks (plain salted will offend no one), and, provided there are no issues, one of those large and economical containers with nuts typically found in the international aisle at the market, along with some pitted olives as a garnish (you don't want to still be finding stones in odd places in the future).

If, as my mother says, you feel snacks real food, a single large piece of quality cheese served simply alongside crackers plus beautifully placed fruit always looks painterly. A platter with some cured or cooked prosciutto or seafood arranged on it (just one sort, unless you have a large budget), alternatively a handsome store-bought pastry, of the type that appear in specialty sections during festivities, proves more filling, while you really will succeed with rustic pieces of focaccia, since there's no need for spreading butter.

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