Some of our best 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 dinner on the spot. 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 I know? You may want to put off dinner to give yourself more time to plan. But you don’t have to delay. Impromptu dinners can be the best time.

Tip 2 – Keep it informal, simple and small: Usually I only invite friends with maybe one or two new people who 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 to do. Include memory corridors. With so little time you have to program it and use it wisely

Tip 4 – Limit the errands you do: Get groceries and supplies (including cleaning supplies) from a combination of grocery and department stores. If your food is from a restaurant, call your order to be ready an hour before your guests arrive. Receive it only if the service is reliable and timely. Otherwise, pick it up. Check for completeness, but leave closed until ready to serve.

Tip 5: make sure you have enough dishes: 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 dinner size for meals and lunch size folded in half for guest bath towels.

Tip 6 – Don’t worry if your home is not in perfect condition: You are doing this on the spur of the moment so your home may not be as organized and neat as you would 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 on a low setting. Spray your entire home with a mild-scented air freshener. Then close the doors of the rooms outside the limit.

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 yours.

Menu 1: Serve fried or rotisserie chicken from your favorite restaurant (allow 2-3 pieces per guest) with muffins or cookies from there or at a grocery store bakery (allow a dozen for 7 to 8 guests). Serve a comfort food like mac and cheese. Works well with chicken. I buy frozen family trays and add extra cheese (4-6 ounces shredded) after baking. Look at them thirty minutes before serving, but keep covered. Mixed greens with greens like carrots, spinach, and radishes are available. Add your favorite chopped veggies (tomatoes, onions, green peppers) from the salad bar or deli at the store. Serve with a variety of toppings. Serve dessert with coffee and tea. If dinner is large, serve a light dessert like ice cream. If the dinner is light, serve him something substantial.

Menu 2 Chinese takeout: I buy full dinners for four or eight. I always ask for egg rolls and additional sauces (but I also have sauces on hand). I serve heavier desserts with this menu. Nice extras: fortune cookies are fun and delivery is often reliable.

Tip 8 – Don’t sweat cleaning: There should be little of that. I wait until the guest leaves and quickly clean up.

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

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