Nothing speaks Christmas quite like a tray of many, many kinds of holiday-favorite cookies. But the eternal problem of time often gets in the way of good intentions. Not to panic. A festive cookie exchange handles this issue in a fun, fun way.

Hosting a cookie exchange is a little like calling for a potluck. The premise is the same—the guests share the work and share the fun.

Invite friends who enjoy baking. They just have to bring lots of ONE kind of cookie, so it’s not overwhelming. At the end of the party, everyone takes home some of everyone else’s cookies—a lovely way to share the holiday spirit.

Everyone goes home with a colorful and tasty variety of cookie favorites. It works best to get an exact head count of how many are coming. Have each guest bring either a dozen or half dozen cookies for each of the other guests. You can have them bring the cookies already bagged. Or all the cookies can be put out on trays for guests to package. It’s whatever works best for your situation.

Encourage guests to bring extras for sampling, too. That way, some of the treats for the party are taken care of, too. If guests will be selecting their own cookie array, provide plastic baggies or paper plates and foil for them. Ask guests to bring copies of their recipes. That will avoid mailing out recipes later. Plus, it’s just fun to get a new variety of recipes to take home, especially important when people have sampled something they like.

Put on some holiday music so everyone can get into the mood. If there’s a musician in the group, suggest a sing-along of favorite carols.

If you host the party on a Saturday morning, you might want to serve quiche or a breakfast casserole, fruit, and muffins. If it’s an evening party, appetizers are in order.

Of course, you can just eat cookies, too! Serve with hot mulled cider, wine, or coffee. And don’t forget to offer milk for the cookies-and-milk purists among you.—C.M.

Think you’re too old to get into the Halloween spirit? This fun holiday is second only to Christmas in terms of decorating and of adult-style gatherings.

Halloween is also the third-largest party day in the United States, behind New Year’s Eve and Super Bowl Sunday. That’s from the Hallmark folks, and they should know.

How about a pumpkin-carving party? This can be for adults only, but if you have kids, this is the perfect time to share the fun with them, too. The older kids can help out with little ones.

• Tell your guests it’s BYOP—Bring Your Own Pumpkin—so they can choose the shape, color, and style they want. Encourage them to bring large gourds or pumpkins in other colors (the white ones are delightful). Pick up some mini pumpkins for the kids.
• Decorate your porch or patio with Halloween trimmings to set the mood.
• If it’s nice outside, center the pumpkin preparation on a picnic or small table. Cleanup will be so much easier than inside. Put newspapers under the table and offer garbage bags for wearing over their clothes “just in case.”
• For adults, have large bowls for depositing the pumpkin pulp. Set out knives, tablespoons, and pencils for design planning.
• For kids, no knives, please. Provide an array of markers or paints for their creativity. You can print jack-o’-lantern stencils from online sources, magazines, or newspapers, which often give ideas. Kids also can help dig out the pulp on the adults’ pumpkins with spoons or ice cream scoops. Wee ones might like to decorate mini pumpkins with stickers.
• Award prizes, of course, for stellar work.
• For drinks, have hot mulled cider brewing in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. Chill beer and other beverages on ice. For little ones, apple juice works well.
• Standard autumn food is in order. Make a big pot of chili and set up a toppings bar. Offer various shredded cheeses, chopped onions, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. Have a choice of crackers, such as saltines or mini soup crackers. Tasty corn bread and a colorful relish tray are good side dishes.
• If pizza is more fitting for your crowd, set up a heat-and-eat bar with a variety of crusts and toppings so guests customize their pies. Warm them under the broiler or, if you are outside, on the grill.
• For dessert, pumpkin-shape cookies, pumpkin bread, or pumpkin bars make great finger food.

Happy Halloween! – C.M. 

Decorating for fall is fairly easy, especially when you can incorporate natural items into your home, patio, porch, or deck.

First off, autumn colors are mellow, warm, and inviting— buttery gold, cozy pumpkin, warm brown, and muted green. Think sunflowers and sheaves of wheat. Look around your yard or notice Mother Nature’s seasonal touches when you drive in the country. Take your cues. They are right in front of you.

     1. Autumn garden style is, above all else, comfortable and simple. Purchase a pot or two of mums for instant color. Mums look great no matter where you place themon a step, on a porch, or anywhere you want a spot of color.

     2. Pumpkins work the same way. Big or mini, orange or white, they quietly create a statement. Group several in different shades and sizes. For the mini ones, carve out an opening in the center and place a votive candle in the spot. Use them for place markers if you have dinner guests or put them in among decorative groupings in your home.

     3. Pull out every glass vase you can find. Fill them with natural items. This simple idea works well with shiny silver containers, too. You’ll love the contrast. Select groups of pinecones, nuts, berries, acorns, buckeyes, and interesting twigs. Put them in various spots around your home. You’ll love the touches of texture.

     4. Arrange colorful gourds in baskets. Like snowflakes, each gourd seems different from the others.

     5. Fill bowls for your tables with fruits and vegetables for natural touches. Choose squashes, apples, pears, pomegranates, and any others that look interesting.

     6. Stand long cinnamon sticks in a tall glass container or jar. For a more rustic look, put old Mason jars to work as vases.

     7. Go for a walk and gather colorful maple and other leaves. Scatter some on a dining room sideboard, a bedroom dresser, or a side table.

     8. For an evening cookout or gathering, make or purchase luminarias to add a glow to the festivities. A grouping of pillar candles works well, too.

     9. Arrange fall flowers or grasses in interesting containers, such as old paint cans, old milk jars, wine bottles, buckets, and old pitchers. —CM

If you have access to a swimming pool, one of the natural must-do-it parties is, of course, a pool party. This is the time to pull out all the summertime stops.

The pool itself is the main attraction and the center of attention, so just go with it. Give your invitations—mailed on paper or sent electronically—a water theme. Blue and white, fishes, bright umbrellas—you get the picture.

Deck the family in bright floral Hawaiian shirts. And for music, well, two surfer bands are musts—the Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffett. Boomers in your group will feel right at home and will sing along, we assure you. Younger people will be forced to agree on the necessity of these bands, so you’ll have no problems.

• Bring out the tiki torches for effect. Go to a party store and check out the palm tree-inspired decorations and palm-adorned plastic or paper plates, napkins, and table decorations.

• Bright colors in tablecloths, lawn chairs, balloons, and market umbrellas are perfect. The umbrellas are necessary to provide guests shade from the sun and reflective water. You don’t want guests going home with deep sunburns.

• Play fun games. Set up a net for water volleyball or hoops for water basketball. Have a hula contest or play water limbo under a stream of water from a hose. Play Pin the Palm Tree on a map of Hawaii. Toss around bright beach balls. 

• For beverages, remember that you’re dealing with water here. You don’t want guests getting sloshed and acting silly in the water. Offer lemonade, iced tea, sodas, and bottled water. When people are out of the water, then you can dish up classic frozen drinks such as piña coladas and margaritas.

• For foods, make things easy on your guests and you, the host. Serve finger foods so you don’t have to provide sit-down tables for all the diners. Sliders, burgers, hot dogs, or brats on the grill; vegetables and dips; and tortilla chips and your favorite salsa work well. Fruit kabobs and lemon or key lime bars make a tasty dessert.

• If it’s a bright sunny day, keep in mind the reflective power of the water. Offer sunscreen to your guests.

• Especially with a pool party, and especially if there are children at the party, make safety your priority. Anyone can get a cramp, and anyone can start talking and forget to watch the kids. Make sure that everyone is mindful of who is in the water at any given time. – C.M.

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of the summer season. If you haven’t done so already, it’s time to hose down the deck or the patio, brush away winter, bring out the lawn furniture, and fire up the grill.
About this time, a gentle sigh of relaxation descends over central Iowa, and it’s time to kick back and enjoy (we hope!) fewer commitments and a lighter schedule.
This is a good weekend for graduation parties, and it’s also a good time to invite some friends and neighbors you haven’t mingled with for awhile.
• Plan a meal on the grill. This keeps the party outdoors, where everyone wants to be 
   anyway. Your house doesn’t overheat, and your kitchen stays a bit cleaner.
• Make the meal a potluck. You can provide the meat to grill if you wish, but others can
   bring salads, chips and dips or salsas, and other side dishes. That way everyone shares
   in the work and in the fun.
• Focus on seasonal foods. Celebrate fresh produce—strawberries, grapes, watermelon,
   cantaloupe, fresh greens, and other farmer’s market items.
• Offer a variety of beverages: wine, beer, sodas, lemonade, and bottled water.
• Make dessert easy with ice cream bars or make-your-own sundaes.
• Make cleanup a breeze with paper or foam plates. But if you know you’ll be
   entertaining a lot during summer and fall, pick up some inexpensive plastic plates.
   They’re easy to wash, come in festive and bright colors, and save money in the long
   run because you won’t have to purchase paper products each time.

While you’re at it, make sure the kids know about the true meaning of Memorial Day. Originally known as Decoration Day, it was established in 1868 to honor the dead from the Civil War. Since then it has become a day to honor all men and women killed or missing in action in all wars. It also is a day to remember family members and friends who have died, and many Iowans take flowers or plants to graves. – C.M.

Spring is the perfect time for hosting a brunch. Celebrate spring or the fact that we made it through winter. Literally any occasion is brunchworthy.

As a combination of breakfast and lunch, brunch foods can draw from both. You might choose an egg dish, some sort of meat, pastries, salads, cheeses, and fruits. Really, nearly everything is fair game for a brunch. If you have a friend who feels comfortable helping out, you might want to set up a waffle station or an omelet bar.

But it can be much, much easier as well. Mixing and matching foods and dishes is a fun approach. And by all means, feel free to mix your dinnerware. Set up a buffet for easy serving. Then people can take
what they want.

Serve dishes that can hold at room temperature so you aren’t constantly worried about keeping something hot. Make it easy on yourself. After all, you want to mingle and have fun, too.

Because it’s a buffet and some people might be standing while eating, make sure that all foods can be eaten easily with a fork. When possible, cut foods into individual portions for ease in serving and eating. That means your guests won’t have to maneuver a knife, which is awkward.

If table space is a problem, serve the main items on one table. Beverages and desserts can be on other tables. That helps keep the crowd moving around, too, which encourages better conversation.   

Some general rules of thumb for a brunch:
• Choose an egg-based dish or casserole. It can include meat or not.
• Serve a meat- or fish-based dish, such as a casserole.
• Offer several side dishes, such as salads.
• Include pastries, such as quick breads, muffins, rolls, or scones.
• Include a couple sweets, especially in-season fruits, to add great flavor and color
   to your table. If desired, offer a sweet finish, such as cookies or cheesecake bites.
• Stock orange juice, milk, coffee, tea, and water. Depending on your crowd, you
   also might consider offering mimosas, sparkling cider, wine, or champagne.

Depending on your situation, add folding chairs or pull out ottomans for extra
seating. If the weather is warm enough, open up the patio or deck and really know that spring is here. —C.M.

If going to New Orleans, the mecca of Mardi Gras, isn’t in the cards this year, you can still party in central Iowa—even without the mega parades. Eat some Cajun food, listen to zydeco or jazz music, and wear colorful beads.
    
First, a history lesson. What is Mardi Gras anyway? “Mardi Gras” is French for “Fat Tuesday,” the last day of feasting before Ash Wednesday and the 40 days of Lent observed in many religious traditions. This year Fat Tuesday falls on March 8, and Lent begins the next day, March 9. Easter is on April 24.
    
Mardi Gras originated in Paris, but many think it actually goes back to Lupercalia, a Roman festival in mid-February to banish evil spirits and bring health to residents. The Church, in an effort to encourage people to give up pagan ways, created a carnival as a celebration before Lent. Mardi Gras came to America in 1699 with explorer d’Iberville. He set up camp on the Mississippi River about 60 miles south of where New Orleans is now and called the spot Point du Mardi Gras.
    
The party grew throughout the 1700s. Revelers started wearing masks and costumes by the early 1800s. The first parade was in 1837. Rex, “King of Carnival,” appeared in 1872 as a way to bring some civility to the occasion.
    
What is Shrove Tuesday or “Fat Tuesday,” the day before Ash Wednesday? The word “shrove” is past tense of “shrive,” meaning to get absolution for one’s sins. It’s the time to use up all the fat in the house before Lent starts, so preparing pancakes makes sense. Around here, a number of churches have Shrove Tuesday pancake lunches or dinners.
    
What are the Mardi Gras colors? Purple is for justice, green is for faith, and gold is for power.
    
Why beads? The history of throwing or wearing beads is murky, but some believe they arrived in the 1800s and were passed out by a man dressed as Santa Claus. They were an instant hit and are tossed from floats at parades. Go to a party store to find Mardi Gras beads.
    
What is a King Cake? Have you ever eaten one of the yummy cinnamon cakes
decorated with icing and sprinkles in purple, green, and gold? You can order one from New Orleans or make one at home (search online for a King Cake recipe). To be official, a King Cake must have a tiny plastic baby doll in the dough. Whoever finds the baby in his or her piece of cake must provide the next King Cake or host the next party. If you want to make sure everyone gets the baby doll, put a plastic doll from a crafts or party store in each cupcake you make. —CM

While it’s fun to be a good host, it’s important to be a good guest, too. When should you take a hostess gift? What should you take as a hostess gift?

The Emily Post Institute, named for the maven of manners, says that it’s up to you about a hostess gift for a cocktail party, but if you’re in a generous mood, a bottle of wine or some muffins for the next morning would be a lovely gift.

For a dinner party, yes, a small gift is good. Wine, candles, and soaps are perfectly fine choices. If you bring fresh flowers, be sure they are in a vase. Don’t hand the host or hostess some wrapped flowers and walk away. Who has time to stop playing host and go dig for the right-size vase?

For a brunch or lunch, offer to bring a side dish, dessert, or drink for the meal. But be sure to ask first. Don’t just show up with something that may not go with the meal that the hostess planned.

For an overnight stay, there’s a resounding YES in the gift department. The longer you stay, the bigger the gift should be. If there is nothing obvious that you know your hosts would like, a restaurant or spa gift certificate is appropriate.

For the host who has everything, some lovely jam, lemon curd, or the to-swoon-for brownies you are famous for will be lovely kindnesses.

In this high-tech era of email, Twitter, and texting, it’s always appropriate to send or attach a hand-written note with your gift. What a concept.

The institute offers some gift suggestions that always hit the spot:
            • A book that fits the interests of the host
            • Pretty hand towels for the powder room
            • Unusual kitchen tools for an avid cook
            • Golf balls for the golfer host
            • Herbs and spices in pretty packaging
            • Coffee beans or loose tea for the beverage connoisseur
            • Small houseplant in a decorative pot
            • Depending on the time of year, some lovely bulbs for a blooming gift later in the year
    
When to give your gift? For a dinner party or brunch, offer your gift when you arrive. Be sure to put a note with your name on it if there’s a large crowd. For an overnight stay, take a gift with you, if you like. But it’s also fine to send it after you return home, after you get a hint about what your host might enjoy.
    
These days there is the debated question of regifting. Be sure your host would enjoy the bottle of wine you are passing along. Plus, it’s very important that the gift be in its original packaging.
    
Bottom line—before you regift, make sure that no one’s feelings will be hurt. Do the
original giver of the gift and the future recipient know each other? Are you sure they will never meet? Consider all ramifications before regifting.—CM

Sure, at the holidays, it’s fun to plan big parties. Deck the halls, send out invitations, and cook for days. Every once in awhile, to be sure, that planning is worth the time and effort. But just as fun—sometimes even more fun—is the “let’s do it” attitude of putting on a party at the last minute.

The trick, of course, is being ready with some party staples. That means you’re ready to go when friends drop by or you decide to entertain at the last minute. Feeling comfortable enough to invite your friends in for an impromptu gathering is a gift to them and to yourself.

Make use of your freezer. Bake ahead and be ready. Bake some regular or holiday cookies and freeze them. Or make up some dough, form it into rounds with a scoop, and freeze. Then you have cookies ready to bake as your guests arrive, and your house or apartment will smell heavenly. Made-ahead brownies, likewise, can be thawing as you get ready for the party. Other freezer foods might include purchased or homemade meatballs. You can pop them into a fondue pot or chafing dish, mix them with some bottled marinara sauce, and have an easy hot appetizer.

What other pantry staples to stock? Fresh veggies such as baby carrots, broccoli florets, and cucumber slices are easy to put out. Olives are popular with many people,
so keep some jars of various olives in the cupboard. Dried fruits make tasty and
colorful snacks. Consider dried cranberries, cherries, golden raisins, and apricots.

Other munchies. Baskets of crackers and chips along with several blocks of cheeses make tasty munchables. Plain breadsticks stacked in a tall glass are great additions to the table. Mixed nuts and trail mix are easy to keep on hand. How about a large jar of dry-roasted peanuts to mix with holiday M&M’s? The trick, of course, is to save them and not sample. Microwave popcorn is an easy snack to keep on the pantry shelves. You don’t need all these items, of course, but it’s a list to get you planning ahead.

Beverages to have on hand. Besides bottled water and several kinds of soda, it’s good to have several bottles of wine in storage. Some party planners suggest you need six of the same white and six of the same red so that people don’t have to switch wines. Likewise, you might want to have some fun beers in the refrigerator, including several light varieties. You know your friends. Perhaps some basic liquors
are in order, too, such as gin or vodka.

Paper products. It’s easy to keep some paper napkins and paper or plastic plates
on hand. They’re great for serving and make cleanup a piece of cake.—CM

This time of year, it’s great fun to celebrate the spookiest season. The neat thing about Halloween is that it’s a good time for kids of all ages. Little kids and big adults alike enjoy the merriment. In fact, the season is second only to Christmas in the number of parties and the decorating involved. Go for it.

There are spooktacular ideas everywhere. Check out party stores or go online for ideas. The color scheme is easy—black and orange. Throw in some purple and lime green for a contemporary feel. Bring in natural autumn decorations such as pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, bittersweet, and leaves and let your imagination take off. Add spiderwebs, jack-o’-lanterns, mummy shapes, gravestones, witches, and black cats. Make candleholders from mini pumpkins.

Send themed invitations. For an adult party, you might suggest that everyone bring a cut-out pumpkin. Arrange them on a table. Then light them with candles or flashlights inside the pumpkins for an eerie and decorative scene for your party.

Show your spirit outdoors by hanging mini lights in the trees and bushes. Decorate your front porch or entry in spirited fashion. Play eerie music to welcome guests. If you also are inviting little goblins, keep in mind that eerie for some translates to downright scary for others.

Spook ‘em. Place a rocking chair on the porch, tie an invisible cord or rope to it, and have someone in the bushes make the chair “rock,” presumably on its own. It’s fun to watch your guests’ reactions.
For foods, don’t be shy. Makes potions or witch’s brew—OK, punch—to fit the theme. Any flavor works, of course. Orange is a natural, but red looks like b-l-o-o-d. Dish up some candy corn, popcorn, orange and black M&M’s, and decorated cupcakes or cookies. Serve sub-style sandwiches or chicken wings (be sure to call them bat wings, however). Pizza slices also make good party fare as finger food.

As for games, consider the ages of the people at the party. “Pin the tail on the donkey” might become “pin the hat on the witch.” Cooked and slimy macaroni can become brains, and peeled grapes can act as eyeballs. Carving pumpkins might not work for young children, but they’ll enjoy using markers and beads to decorate a small or mini pumpkin. Charades with scary book, movie, or music titles is a hit with the older set. Old games such as Twister can have new appeal. —CM

1. Pick the spot wisely. If you are planning a gathering for guests with children, check out the location first. If all the children are young, a playground is important. Make sure there are swings, slides, merry-go-rounds, sandboxes, and the like. If there are older kids, too, be sure there are spots for them to play as well. Is there room for a game of bocce ball? Make sure someone brings along a net for volleyball or badminton. Even if the kids resist at first, as the time progresses someone will make it seem cool to play a game. Is there a basketball court? Guys especially can shoot hoops for hours.

2. Pool safety. It’s great if there’s a pool at the party site, but that does create some safety issues. Perhaps parents could set up a rotating “lifeguard” system around a
wading pool or a full-size one. Either way, make sure there are sand and pool toys, beach balls, flip-flops, and towels. The parents will probably bring those items for
their own children, but it doesn’t hurt to have an extra stash “just because.”

3. Busy, busy. The real trick is keeping kids entertained. Instead of burgers and hot dogs, how about a make-your-own-pizza party? You can’t beat the versatility. Bring pizza rounds you have made at home or have purchased at the supermarket. Bring along containers
of a ton of toppings. Generally, it works best if you have already cooked ground beef or ground sausage at home. Let your guests make their own personalized pizzas. Kids of all ages will love it. Keep kids away from the grill, of course, but they can have fun arranging their own toppings. The grill is a fast way to prepare pizzas, so you can cook a lot of them in a short time. Serve salad and fresh fruit, and everyone will be a happy camper.

4. Crafts. To keep the kids entertained after eating, how about arranging with one of the crafty mothers to bring along materials for a simple craft? It will help the children unwind a bit and work together on a project.

5. Dessert. What else would you have at summer gathering but s’mores? The time-
honored treat will evoke memories of summer camp for the adults and introduce
the little ones to an ooey-gooey delight, one that always leaves everyone wanting “some more.” –C.M.

School’s almost out, and Memorial Day signals the official start to summer. Why not have a party?

1. Set the stage. Deck, patio, or open yard—they all work for a casual outdoor gathering. Find a spot for the serving table in a shady spot. Even an open garage works well, especially if there’s any wind. If you have enough tables to seat everyone, super. If not, place chairs around the scene. Some people don’t mind eating while standing, but others would prefer to be able to use their lap.

2. Light the night. If the party is to go into the evening, have fun with subtle lighting. Hang festive Chinese lanterns from the trees. Or string white twinkle lights through the trees, on bushes, or on buildings. It makes walking around safer and lends a nice glow. Or you might want to put votive candles in paper lunch bags weighted down with scoops of sand to line the sidewalks. Luminarias aren’t just for Christmas Eve.

3. Buffet—the only way. If you have a crowd, serving buffet style is easiest on everyone involved. It’s helpful if people might be arriving at various times, and guests may choose to serve themselves or nibble as they wish. If you use paper plates, have wicker plate holders or substantial Styrofoam plates to make it easier for your guests to carry food. If you really like to entertain often, investing in some reusable and unbreakable plastic plates makes perfect sense. Then you’ll always have them on hand. Mass marketers such as Target and Kohl’s offer a variety of choices in festive summer colors. Keep tablecloths secure with corner clips or by adding a large button, coin, or metal washer in the hem of the corners. On windy days offer a roll of paper towels or cloth napkins instead of light paper napkins, which might blow around.

4. Finger foods. Make serving and eating easy on everyone. Choose salads such as pasta, fruit, or potato varieties that are easy to eat. Vegetable skewers and fruit with dippers work well. Be sure to provide picks for easy pickup. If you are grilling, it’s great to offer chops or steaks if people will be sitting to eat. If they are standing, you might want to consider burgers and brats. Hollow out green, red, or yellow sweet peppers for serving condiments. Or set up a taco or quesadilla bar for self-service.

5. Unwanted guests. Those would be pesky bugs. Citronella torches or candles strategically placed will help keep them away.

6. Set the mood. Bring out the iPod docking system and create some fun playlists to provide subtle background music. Depending on the crowd and available space, you might want to set up some games, such as badminton, volleyball, bocce, or croquet. If young children will be attending, bring out sidewalk chalk, jump ropes, or bubbles.—C.M.

Spring is the season to shower the bride-to-be or the mother-to-be with gifts and good times.

1. Pick a theme. The sky is the limit on wedding and baby shower themes. For weddings, themes can be traditional: kitchen, linen, lingerie, or general showers. If you are one of the planners, ask the bride what kind of a shower she would like, unless, of course, it's a surprise. Only she knows what she has or what she needs. If the couple has been living together for a time, perhaps they have all the housewares they need or have room for, so you can go in a different direction. Around-the-clock showers are fun. Assign a time to each guest on the invitation. If it's 4 p.m., the guest brings a gift the couple could use at that time of day. If there are several showers, avoid duplicates on the focus and the guests. Will you invite friends, relatives, colleagues, or a mix? Will it be a girls-only shower or a couples' shower with the guys, too?

If you are planning a baby shower, ask the new mommy if she wants the shower before the birth or after. Is the sex of the baby known? That might help with a theme. Pick the baby's nursery colors and let the guests know where the new mom is registered.

2. Food. Early on, decide if the shower will be at a restaurant, a church, or a home. If it's a women's-only event, finger foods, punch or drinks, fruits and veggie trays, and, of course, decorated cookies, cheesecakes, or cupcakes are in order. If it's a couple's party, you might consider heartier food, such as a barbecue with Frisbee or volleyball for fun. If the group is very small, a sit-down luncheon or meal adds to the celebration.

3. Decorations. Visit a party store for most items you'll need. Go with specific wedding or baby colors, if you like, and choose a formal or casual approach. That depends on the crowd and the location.

4. Games. Like them or not, they're fun and almost obligatory. It's easy these days. Go online and search for bridal or baby shower games. You'll find a ton of them, from word searches to name that ingredient or baby item scramble. For either bridal or baby showers, it's fun to ask the guests to write words of thought-provoking advice on cards for the bride or new mother to keep and ponder later.

5. Bottom line. You are celebrating something special, either a wedding or a baby's birth. Go for it, and enjoy. - C.M.

Sure and begorrah, it’s true that everybody’s a little Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.

1. Go green for a day! Here’s your chance to go all out. While younger crowds might prefer pub crawls, at-home family parties are fun times for kids of all ages. Party stores stock all the decorative goods you need.

2. Get in the mood. Central Iowa loves to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. On the holiday itself, downtown Des Moines takes a long lunch break for the St. Patrick’s Day parade at noon. It is sponsored by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. At the State Historical Building, there are Irish genealogy and other programs and entertainment on the holiday.

3. Have fun with food. Set the table with a green tablecloth and add some decorative potted shamrocks, carnations, or tulips from a florist or supermarket. Make some Irish stew or corned beef and cabbage for the entrée. Bake or purchase some Irish soda bread and add a lime Jell-O salad. For dessert, how about some green-frosted shamrock sugar cookies or some mint-frosted brownies?

4. And have fun with games. Adults and kids will have fun with Pin the Shamrock on a Leprechaun or Pin the Coins on the Pot of Gold. See how many different shades of green you can come up with—you know, mint, hunter, sage, and others. When things get really fun, give guests paper and pencil and have them create limericks.

5. Music. Surely someone in your group has some Irish music CDs. Play the tunes as background music for a festive touch. Depending on the music, perhaps a jig or step dancing might be in order. Put on your own group Riverdance performance.   

6. Libations. There are several ways to go here. Have traditional Irish beers, such as Guinness and Smithwick’s, on hand. Some guests might prefer Irish coffee or Bailey’s Irish Cream on ice with dessert. For children in the crowd, make green punch or mint-flavored milk shakes. – C.M.

Get off the couch! Take advantage of the cold weather to celebrate your family and friends.

1. Pick a night and stick to it. With everyone so busy with jobs and activities, families and friends can sometimes lose touch. Play the stay-inside weather to your advantage to reconnect. Turn off the computer and the cell phones. Focus on togetherness.

2. Consider the age of the kids. If you are turning this into a game night, make it age-appropriate. It doesn’t matter if you are playing Candyland, Texas Hold ’Em, or video games for toddlers or teens—they will love that you are focusing on what they like to play. Old favorites such as Monopoly, Scrabble, Yahtzee, and Trivial Pursuit also have strong appeal. If games aren’t your favorites, how about putting together jigsaw puzzles?

3. Movie night, too. Depending on everyone’s preferences, perhaps a movie night is more to your liking. Again, make movies age-appropriate. If it works out, take the kids to pick out a movie or two at the video store or at the library. If not, Mom or Dad can do the choosing. If you are hosting friends and not family members, check the viewing favorites of those in the crowd or delegate someone to bring a movie choice. 

4. Crafts and projects. Perhaps your group is more project-oriented. This might be the opportunity to teach about tool safety as you build a birdhouse for spring. Or how about scrap booking, using family photos as an impetus and remembering fun activities? For friends, it might be a good time to teach the
fine points of quilting or knitting.

5. Snacks, of course! This is a good time to spread out a blanket on the family room floor and order in pizza for an indoor family picnic. Or have dinner first and then pop some corn for munching. If they’re available to help, perhaps the kids can choose or make snacks late in the afternoon to get ready. Then they feel they really are part of the planning.

6. Embrace the cold. If weather permits (or you’re up to the challenge), pause the movie or take a break in the gamesmanship. Bundle up and take a walk in the crisp, clear air. You will feel invigorated for the next round of fun ’n’ games.

7. At the end of one get-together, plan for the next one. Choose a date and an activity. With older children, put one of them in charge to choose an activity or the food to serve. It makes winter more tolerable and creates memories at the same time.  – C.M.

Make sure that you feel comfortable at your own party. Some simple tips will help.

1. Don’t stretch your resources. If a sit-down dinner doesn’t seem feasible, how about an appetizer buffet, a dessert bar, or a soup supper?

2. Work on getting the right mix of friends. It’s not wise to try to pay back all your social engagements in one party—the groups may not mesh. Limit the size of the party for easier managing.

3. Make as many dishes ahead as you can. Then you can enjoy the party more, and you won’t spend the whole evening in the kitchen. If your guests offer to bring a dish, let them. They’ll feel more like part of the event, and it will give fewer dishes to prepare. Also, it’s just fine to purchase some foods ready-made. No one minds, and it will give you more peace of mind.

4. Don’t blow your holiday budget on a centerpiece. Look around your home and showcase items you already have. Plus, you can create a festive look with pinecones, cranberries, and holiday greenery.  

5. You don’t need a full bar. Instead, offer two signature cocktails; make them ahead and add ice right before serving. Or serve beer or wine and bottled water.

6. Offer some low-calorie alternatives. Many guests really do try to refrain from high-calorie holiday goodies.

7. Store up. Even if you aren’t having a party, keep easy snacks on hand during the holiday season for drop-in visitors. – C.M.

Check out these safety suggestions and ideas for munchies, otherwise known as “game day grub.”

• Think through the situation. For an early game, consider foods such as breakfast burritos. If you have to travel to an away game, the cold-cut option might be easier to manage.
• Overall best plan: Keep it simple. Easy preparation and easy cleanup make a winning combination.
• Wash hands before, during, and after preparing food. Offer moist towelettes to your guests before eating.
• Keep raw meats and ready-to-eat foods in separate containers. Take extra plates and utensils to avoid cross-contamination. Pack meat products in one cooler  and other foods in another one.
• For main dishes, consider some of these options: burgers, brats, chili, barbecued steak, beef and cider
   stew, beef and salsa burritos, quesadillas, tacos, ribs, brisket, reuben sandwiches, and lasagna.
• Finger foods—nuts, trail mix, dried fruits, cheese and crackers, and cookies—are easy to take along and to eat. Plus they don’t need refrigeration.
• Meat and veggie kabobs can be made ahead and popped on the grill before kickoff.
• Do double duty. Chunks of onions, squash, peppers,    mushrooms, and tomatoes are great fresh, but they also can be tasty when grilled. Take a small metal pan along for grilling small vegetables over low heat.
• Remember bags of pears, peaches, apples, or berries for a healthful dessert.
• Use plastic bags and disposables whenever possible for easy cleanup.
• Pack foods in reverse order. The last items packed will be the first ones used. 
• Chill wine, beer, and soft drinks in the refrigerator the night before and transfer them to an ice-filled cooler before leaving for the game site. Pack cups for soft drinks. And include water, too, because alcohol acts  as a diuretic.
• Go, Team!! – C.M.

Invite your friends for a fuss-free celebration of late summer or early autumn.

1. Keep your foods simple. Choose dishes that you can make ahead and that taste good at room temperature. That gives you more time to mingle with your guests and enjoy the party, too. If your friends offer to bring a
dish to help out, let them. They feel more a part of the planning, and it eases the burden a bit on you. Be sure to offer lots of appetizers so
your guests can graze at their own pace. In fact, just for fun, have a whole meal of appetizers.

2. You don’t have to make everything. It’s OK to purchase ready-to-serve items. Make the main dish, if you like, but fill in with store-bought fruits, cheeses, and good breads. Serve family-style or buffet-style, depending on your setup. Make serving as casual as possible.

3. If you are having a small, cozy dinner, it might be fun to pull out your best china and crystal and serve burgers and hot dogs on the patio. What a riot! Your guests will feel special, but you still create a picnic feel.

4. You have more room outside than inside your dining room, no doubt. So spread out! Your friends will mix more if they move around. For ambiance, add candles on tables or on the buffet area. The glow will add a festive touch. If you can, build a fire. It’s always fun to make s’mores. You are never too old for those. —CM

These no-fuss tips are an easy way to dash some color into  your next summer party.

1. Hang brightly colored paper lanterns from trees and trellises, toss beach balls around the yard, and float rafts and inner tubes in the pool. It will instantly feel like a party!

2. Build a serve-yourself drink station with a variety of tasty options. Avoid glass and opt for beverages with vibrant labels and shatterproof packaging. Instead of regular ice buckets, chill and display drinks in colorful coolers and drink tubs.

3. Find creative ways to play up the theme. Use colorful beach towels as table runners and plastic beach buckets as vases for bright bunches of dahlias or gerbera daisies.

4. Set a table with themed favors and pool essentials for guests. Include bottles of sunscreen, inexpensive
flip-flops, magazines, extra towels, novelty sunglasses and a few disposable water-proof cameras for capturing the fun on film! —C.M.