It’s so easy to get swept up in the festive energy of the holiday season. One minute, you’re enjoying happy hour with your coworkers and the next you’re inviting them over to your house tomorrow for an impromptu holiday party.

Sure, your home probably isn’t 100% ready to accept guests, and you don’t exactly have a cupboard full of ingredients for your favorite recipes, but hey - you’re living in the moment. You’re embracing the now, and “the now” includes hosting an unprepared-for party in the place that you call home.

As everyone knows, there are three keys to a great party: drinks, snacks, and ambience. (At least, that’s our opinion.) This post will help you get ⅔ of the way there without heading to the grocery store - and a quick trip to Dune will help you round out the list.

5 Appetizer and Drink Ideas for an Impromptu Party

Sangria

Grab all the fruits in your fridge and get to chopping! With company headed over for an impromptu party, it’s best to use what you already have. Pouring a bottle of red wine into a carafe over your favorite chopped fruits and letting the flavors meld is the perfect way to prepare. If it’s cold where you live, perhaps you’ll have cranberries and apples on hand. If you’re in a warmer climate, peaches or berries will add a summer-y punch to your holiday cocktail. Remember to set out your vintage glasses as if to say, “I’m always ready to host”.

Pomegranate Goat Cheese Bites

We love this quick and simple appetizer from Fox and Briar that expertly combines sweet, tangy, and savory. These small but festive treats only take about five minutes to prep and seven minutes to bake in the oven, so you can spend your time tidying up instead of whipping up a four course meal. Plus, the presentation will win you major points with little effort.

Bread and Oil

If you have day old bread in the house (it doesn’t have to be a baguette - maybe a sourdough loaf or a ciabatta roll?), you can put together an excellent appetizer for the friends and family who are stopping over. Pop the bread in the oven for extra crispy crust, then slice diagonally to achieve a restaurant-quality look. Pour your favorite olive oil into a shallow dish, then drizzle balsamic vinegar. Your guests will rave over your dish, and you’ll know it only took you five minutes.

White Bean Dip

An impromptu party wouldn’t be right without a great dip. Whether you have veggies or pita chips on hand, this dip will be the perfect fit for any dipping vehicle. Its herbaceous, garlicky flavor provides just the right amount of oomph for party guests, leaving them feeling satisfied even when snacking.

Champagne

It’s a bit of a cop out, but isn’t that the point? When in doubt, pop the bubbly and fill up your flutes. Now you’re ready to celebrate! Cheers to the holidays, and the new year!