Some of our fondest memories are of social gatherings with good friends, good food, and good times. Even if you’re short on time, you can still plan a great little dinner on the spur of the moment. It is not hard to do. Here are ten tips to help you.

Tip 1–Know your reason: You don’t need a reason to meet on short notice, but most of the time you have one. Maybe friends are in town for the day. Or you have a new HD TV and you want to share a movie with friends. Why should you know? You may want to postpone dinner so you have more time to plan it. But you don’t have to delay. Impromptu dinners can be the best of moments.

Tip 2: Keep it casual, simple and small: I usually just invite friends with maybe one or two new people that I think fit the group. Plan four to seven people (counting yourself) for a cozy gathering.

Tip 3–Make a list: Even if you use the back of an envelope, write down what you need to do. Include memory runners. With so little time you have to program it and use it wisely

Tip 4: Limit the errands you run: Get groceries and supplies (including cleaning supplies) at a mix of grocery stores and department stores. If your food is from a restaurant, phone to have your order ready an hour before your guests arrive. Have it delivered only if the service is reliable and timely. Otherwise, pick it up. Check that it is complete, but leave it closed until ready to serve.

Tip 5 – Make sure you have enough tableware: If not, pick up what you need with your purchases. Good quality paper plates, platters, and plastic utensils are fine. Get the best paper napkins you can. Your guests will appreciate it. I use the dinner size for meals and the lunch size folded in half for bath towels.

Tip 6: Don’t worry if your house is not in perfect condition: You’re doing this on the spur of the moment, so your home may not be as organized and spotless as you’d like. Do the college dorm trick: put everything in the closets. Vacuum, dust and lint. Put dirty dishes in the dishwasher or in closed cabinets. But be sure to thoroughly clean the vanity or bathroom. Provide amenities: liquid soap, guest towels, toilet paper, and a small trash can. Before guests arrive, add an electric air freshener set on low. Spray your entire house with a lightly scented air freshener. Then close the doors of the prohibited rooms.

Tip 7: Serve a simple meal: I set a simple table and serve meals that require little work or attention. (You will need that time for other tasks.) Below are two menus that I use frequently, but feel free to develop your own.

Menu 1: Serve fried or grilled chicken from your favorite restaurant (allow 2-3 pieces per diner) with biscuits or biscuits from there or from a grocery store bakery (allow a dozen per 7-8 diners). Serve a comfort food like macaroni and cheese. It works well with chicken. I buy frozen family pans and add extra cheese (4 to 6 ounces shredded) after I bake them. Allow time for them to be ready thirty minutes before serving, but keep them covered. Mixed greens with vegetables like carrots, spinach, and radishes are readily available. Add your favorite chopped vegetables (tomatoes, onions, green peppers) from the salad bar or deli. Serve with a variety of garnishes. Serve dessert with coffee and tea. If dinner is substantial, serve a light dessert such as ice cream. If dinner is light, serve something substantial.

Chinese takeaway menu 2: I buy full dinners for four or eight. I always ask for extra egg rolls and sauces (but I keep sauces on hand as well). I serve heavy desserts with this menu. Nice extras – the fortune cookies are fun and delivery is usually reliable.

Tip 8–Don’t worry about cleanup: There should be little of it. I wait until the guests leave and clean up quickly.

Tip 9 – Complete your preparations early: Finish your preparations (including setting the table) at least thirty minutes before guests arrive. During that time, take a quick shower, change into something comfortable, start your music, and light your candles.

Tip 10–Relax and enjoy your friends: Last minute dinners can be the best time for everyone. So take care of them and their memories.