Entertaining a snap with easy-to-assemble party foods

It's easy to have romantic visions of the holidays; cozy fires, perfectly wrapped gifts, your house decorated like a magazine spread, all your friends gathered to celebrate, marveling at your culinary prowess.

Entertaining with easy-to-assemble party foods

It's easy to have romantic visions of the holidays — cozy fires, perfectly wrapped gifts, your house decorated like a magazine spread, all your friends gathered to celebrate, marveling at your culinary prowess.

Right at Home: Baby shower hosts get creative

A twins baby shower decorated and styled by Sunny by Design using Dr. Seuss' Thing One and Thing Two characters is shown in Ramstein, Germany. The red, white and blue color scheme, coupled with Seussian imagery and typography and a Cat in the Hat shaped cake, was a unique and fun way to cele…

Right at Home: Baby shower hosts get creative

Designers and stylists Maureen Anders and Adria Ruff use a palette of mint, aqua, yellow and lime green for a gender neutral baby shower in Tega Cay, S.C. Incorporating handmade elements like wool pompoms, simple printable paper decor, and using paper, marshmallows and cake decorations as ce…

From sugar to chic, baby showers with a stylish flair

If you're throwing a baby shower for a relative or friend, creating a suitably festive atmosphere is part of the fun.

A theme adds punch to a summer party

Ah, summer. There's something about these warm and languid days and nights that makes many of us want to throw together a little gathering.

Justin Bieber's new album impresses

Justin Bieber performs June 17 during the 2012 Much Music Video Awards in Toronto.

Ditch the tub-o-dip. DIY onion dip is much better

French onion dip isn't difficult to make from scratch. And the difference between it and purchased makes it well worth the trouble.

Ditch the tub-o-dip. DIY onion dip is much better

French onion dip is a delicious and classic party offering.

Hip holiday host gifts

Invited to a New Year's Eve dinner? A ski weekend? You'll want to bring a gift for the host, of course. Here are some ideas that let you say "Thanks for having me!" in a cool, creative way.

Hip holiday host gifts

Invited to a holiday dinner? A ski weekend? You'll want to bring a gift for the host, of course. Here are some ideas that let you say "Thanks for having me!" in a cool, creative way.

A fresh take on the (tired) meatball appetizer

Meatballs are a great holiday entertaining food. They are homey, well-loved and easy to do ahead of time.

Banish dull shrimp cocktail for something zestier

Is shrimp cocktail a mainstay of your holiday party table? And are you a little bored with the same old dish? This year, try something different.

Banish dull shrimp cocktail for something zestier

Is shrimp cocktail a mainstay of your holiday party table? And are you a little bored with the same old dish?

A fresh take on the (tired) meatball appetizer

Meatballs are a great holiday entertaining food. They are homey, well-loved and easy to do ahead of time.

Carol Miller of the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line

Carol Miller has been with the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line for nearly 30 years, assisting cooks and kitchens around the country with all-important holiday entertaining questions ranging from making gravy to how to thaw a frozen turkey.

Times Columnist Philip Potempa and his mother Peggy

TURKEY TIP - - Is your family fond of only white meat for the main entree or are you entertaining a limited number of guests? Times Columnist Philip Potempa sometimes follows his mom Peggy's preference for only purchasing the "on the bone" turkey breast option, sold by Butterball and perfect…

Local chefs share favorite dishes they make for their families

Chefs, who make their living creating wonderful foods for others, share the special dishes they make for family and friends during the holidays.

Fabulous floors spice up outdoor entertaining

With gas prices soaring, the most cost-effective place to throw a party this summer might be our own backyards.

Books with fresh ideas for summer refreshment

It's easy to grab a beer or pour yourself a glass of wine, but sometimes you want a little something more. And if you're like many people, you probably need a few suggestions for participating in the cocktail revival.