I Wish I'd Registered for a Punch Bowl

Okay, it's not something you'll use everyday, but Brides, I tell you; don't forget to register for a punch bowl.

I know it may seem like an antiquated idea, but when all your friends get married/pregnant and you start throwing showers, you're going to need it.

Luckily, last Christmas, my mom gave me a pretty, vintage punch bowl that I can't wait to use it with this recipe:

Wine Punch Recipe
(When you make this, give it a fun name to fit the theme of the party, like "blushing bride punch.")

• 1 part fruit punch
• 1 part White Zinfandel

Serve this in your punch bowl with frozen fruit. Simply, pour fruit punch into a glass about 2 inches deep, toss in some raspberries or a lemon or lime slice, and freeze. Then run the glass under warm water to release the ice, and drop it into the punch bowl for pretty garnish. Plus, it keeps the punch cool. Make two or three. Happy hostessing!

Have Your Cake

A very smart craftress friend of mine gave me an excellent tip for making boxed cake mixes even better. Because, let's face it, I've tried making cake from scratch and have yet to master the moist deliciousness that is boxed cake.

Just add one teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to the mix.

Sandra Lee (love her!) also says you can do the same trick with store-bought frosting.

So simple! As for the sugary dogwood flowers in the photo, good luck with that!

The Sensible Celebration

Love is in the air. The flowers are blooming. And your girlfriend is getting married. Or maybe she’s having a baby. Naturally, you want to celebrate with style.

But when planning the shower or bachelorette party, well-meaning friends in party planning mode can run up the cost faster than a New Years Eve dinner at Craft – and believe me – that’s fast.

The good news is that you can plan an elegant shower without taking a bit out of your happy hour budget.

Guests. First, ask your friend for a list of guests, so that you can get an idea of how many people you’ll be hosting. Will it be a couple’s shower or just women? What does she have in mind? Will this be her only shower? These are all things to take into account.

Hostesses. Your friend will also give you names of her other friends who have expressed interest in helping with the shower. Contact them as quickly as possible to ask how they want to help and share ideas. Everyone who wants to help make the day special should feel included.

Budget. Figure out what you can reasonably spend and stick to it. If it’s possible for all of the hostesses to agree on a dollar amount, that’s ideal. But don’t pressure anyone into matching your contribution. Everyone should contribute what they are comfortable with. Your friend would not want any of you breaking the bank over her shower or party.

Hostess Gift. If you contribute to a hostess or group gift, you are not expected to also buy another gift. In fact, as the hostess of the party, etiquette says that you don’t have to buy any gift at all. However, I recommend that you bring a small gift.

Food & Beverages. You are not expected to pick up the tab for all of the drinks at a restaurant. I recommend paying for the food. If that’s too expensive, don’t have it at a restaurant. It’s in bad taste to throw a party and not have anything for the guests to eat. However, if the event is held is someone’s home, you should provide all food and drinks.

No matter what, the guest of honor pays nothing.