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Throughout the holiday season, when there is so much happening that even vivacious individuals might sometimes anticipate the calm break of the new year, it is all too easy to neglect details. I'm sure I cannot be the only person who has ever been jolted back to reality while at work because of a text from someone wondering, "What time do you want us later?" Don't worry; if you're forgetful, and just inclined toward spontaneous invitations, I've got you covered.

The Secret to Great Gatherings

Above all, and I cannot emphasize this enough, whether you have been planning for a year or only a short while, the greatest parties tend to be the easiest. All anyone expects are a good chat, something to enjoy, plus sufficient nibbles that guests don't feel like gnawing something on the ride back. Unless you're a fictional millionaire, nobody expects a full bar, fancy catering and musical performances.

The best gatherings are the simplest. However, a concept helps to disguise the fact you have just thrown the party on while coming after a long day.

Selecting a Concept to Focus Your Party Planning

That said, an overarching idea works well to hide that you've only thrown this thing on on the way after work. And with a theme, I mean such as Christmas. Going slightly focused (Swedish-style festivities, say, with glögg, aromatic cocktail, cured seafood and flatbreads, Nordic beats playlist; alternatively Mexican Christmas, with ponche navideño, cold beers and tequila drinks, along with lots of snacks, tomato dip & green spread, with Luis Miguel playing) will focus your choices on the upcoming supermarket sweep.

Smart Buying for The Party

In the store, choose a drink or two (an alcoholic option if you drink, one not in case others prefer not to) and some snacks that match your concept, then buy as much of them within your budget, rather than stressing over giving people a wide selection. Nothing appears as generous and as festive than a bounty – I would always rather to arrive by a sink full of chilled bottles of competitively priced crémant or cava over a small serving of fancy champagne. (Add several packs for chilling, too; you'll find seldom enough ice.)

Cocktails and Party Beverages Made Easy

If you feel the need to impress and offer a mixed drink, make sure to prepare ahead a big quantity in a pitcher so you're not stuck busying yourself with preparation when you should be having fun. Once the party begins, request a significant other or friend to monitor the drinks then refill as necessary till it's finished. Follow suit for the alcohol-free option; guests appreciate to take on a task during gatherings so they may experience some of festive spirit.

Regarding punch, whichever formula you choose (you can find plenty via search), steer clear of anything too sweet – young ones there ought to have separate beverages – and should you own one, plonk a bottle of bitters within reach (refrain from putting any into the punch since they are unsafe for those who avoid alcohol altogether). Make an effort in presenting it so the non-alcoholic option isn't perceived like an afterthought; it doesn't take a short time to slice some slices of citrus to the punch.

Nibbles That Shine With Minimal Effort

Personally, I would avoid the pre-made trays of "party foods" that pop up in shops during the holidays; they come across as fancy, and often require heating things up (if you choose to do this, remember that all guests secretly favors toasted bread or mini sausages regardless). It's my firm opinion it's hard to top a couple of sizable dishes of tasty crisps (simple will offend no one), plus, assuming no dietary restrictions, a package of large and economical bags with nuts available in the international aisle of supermarkets, with perhaps a few ready-to-eat olives for color (it's best to avoid to find pits in your pot plants months later).

In case, similar to some, you don't consider snacks real food, one big slab of good cheese on a platter and crispbreads plus beautifully placed fruit tends to seem painterly. A platter with some cured or cooked meats or fish displayed there (a single variety, except if you have a large budget), or an attractive store-bought pie, like those that pop up on deli counters seasonally, is even more filling, while you truly can't go wrong by serving artisanal pieces of flatbread, since there's no need for buttering.

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