Throughout the busy period, while there's plenty happening that even energetic individuals might occasionally look forward to a quiet respite of the new year, it's all too easy to neglect details. I believe I cannot be the only person who's ever been jolted back to reality while at my desk by an inquiry from a friend asking, "What time do you want over tonight?" Fear not; if you're absent minded, and simply prone to spontaneous invitations, I've got some solutions.
Above all, and I can't emphasize it enough, whether you've organized for a year versus only a quarter-hour, the best events tend to be the easiest. All anyone is hoping for is engaging talks, a drink to drink, and sufficient to eat that guests do not end up gnawing their arm during the ride back. If you're not you are throwing a lavish ball, no one expects professional bartending, gourmet catering and musical performances.
The most successful parties tend to be the most basic. However, an idea is useful to cover up the reality you've only put the event together on the way after a long day.
Still, an overarching idea is helpful for disguising that you've only put this thing together on the way from the office. By concept, I mean something like the holidays. Going slightly focused (Swedish-style festivities, for instance, with spiced drink, warm beverage, fish snacks and rye crackers, Scandinavian music playlist; or Latin American celebration, with traditional drink, refreshing lagers and tequila drinks, and lots of corn chips, salsa & avocado dip, with festive music in the background) will focus your options on the upcoming shopping trip.
At the shops, choose a drink or two (one alcoholic for those who do, a non-alcoholic one for some don't want to) plus some snacks that fit the theme, and get as many within your budget, instead of fretting about giving people a wide selection. No thing appears more abundant and cheerful than abundance – I'd consistently prefer to arrive with a sink full of cold bottles with reasonably priced bubbly over a single glass of fancy champagne. (Chuck in several packs of ice, as well; you'll find seldom enough ice.)
If you must show off and serve a special beverage, then prepare ahead a big quantity in a container so you aren't left faffing around with it while it's time to having fun. Once the party begins, ask a significant other or friend to keep an eye on the drinks then replenish as necessary till it's gone. Apply the same with the soft drink; people appreciate to take on a role while socializing allowing them to share in the positive vibes.
On the punch front, whichever recipe you choose (they abound via search), steer clear of any recipe too sweet – children there ought to have their own drinks – and if it's available, place aromatic bitters close by (avoid adding any to the bowl since they're unsafe for those abstaining from drinks altogether). Take care in presenting it so the non-alcoholic option doesn't seem unimportant; it only takes a minute to add a few rounds of citrus to the punch.
In my view, I recommend passing on the pre-made trays with "party foods" that pop up at grocery stores during the holidays; they feel fussy, and usually require using the oven (if you must do this, be aware that everyone truly prefers herb bread and/or small hot dogs anyway). It's my firm opinion you can't beat two really big dishes with decent snacks (simple will offend no one), and, provided there are no issues, one of those large and economical containers with nuts typically found in the South Asian section in stores, and maybe a few pitted olives as a garnish (try not to discover stones in your pot plants next Easter).
If, like my mum, you think snacks real food, a single large piece of tasty cheese on a board with crackers plus beautifully placed grapes often appears artistic. A plate with some salted or prepared salami or salmon arranged there (only one type, unless you have a large budget), or a nice ready-made pie, of the type that pop up on deli counters seasonally, proves more satisfying, and you really can't go wrong with artisanal slices of focaccia, because they don't need spreading butter.
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