Here's How to Be Prepared to Throw the Best Spontaneous Parties

I love flavored alcohols, which mix easily with sparkling water. Having bottles of bubbly water stashed in the back of your fridge makes for quick drinks that can be topped with sliced oranges, limes, lemons, or even maraschino cherries.

No one will care that you're emptying all the ends of your snack bags into one big bowl, because it turns into a fun mix that's easy to eat. Serve with cute bowls.

No need for any fancy items to toss together a cheese plate. Grab a white serving plate or cutting board and top it with whatever you have in the fridge. Squares of cheese slices, olives, cherry tomatoes, a sliced apple, and even store-bought hummus dusted with cracked black pepper look so stunning without any effort. I always have a fresh container of hummus in the fridge, which makes for instant party food.

Tortilla chips, salsa, and canned beans are pantry musts, and they come together in minutes with this basic layered dip. Start with a base of drained whole black or pinto beans, or even refried beans, then add a layer of salsa and a topping of shredded cheddar cheese. Toss in a hot oven until it's bubbling, then serve with tortilla chips.

Even foodies love a good frozen pizza, and I confess to always have several in the freezer. Instead of placing the pizza out for guests on the pie pan, serve it on a cake stand, which turns that basic into something elevated.

Frozen meatballs are beyond versatile and make for perfect impromptu-party food. Toss them in the oven while your bubbling nacho dip is heating, and then drizzle with your favorite barbecue sauce and even a sprinkling of Italian seasoning. Offer fun toothpicks so guests can spear and eat the meatballs.

This entire spread was ready to eat in less than 20 minutes — really.

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