Simple ideas, recipes, and products for the everyday

creative napkin decorations VIDEO

Burlap, raffia and boas are fantastic essentials for elevating your napkin presentations. Here are a few tips for putting them together.

Other Things You Might Enjoy

• It’s a wrap—line your counters and floors with plastic wrap, parchment or wax paper to make cleanup a breeze. • You are here—prepare a chef’s station for each guest featuring an apron or chef’s hat and a sturdy stepstool so they can easily reach any ingredients and cooking implements. • A measure of preparation—set out pre-measured ingredients as well as any mixing bowls or cooking tools at each station. • No sharp edges—look for recipes that don’t require any slicing and dicing with sharp knives, or simply pre-slice your ingredients before the little ones arrive. • Take five—schedule a break or two (maybe while the frosting is setting or the cupcakes are baking) featuring a fun activity, or just time for the kids to run outside and play. Remember, you want cooking to be festive and fun, not an ordeal. • Double the fun—make sure you cook enough food so that the kids can eat some right away, as well as take some home to show off to their families. • Go with the flow—expect that something will go wrong and be ready to roll with it. Don’t let a little spilled milk or burned toast take away from the fun times. • Have a back-up plan—pre-make a secret stash of the food you’re cooking and store it in the fridge, either to serve as a model for the kids, or to handout in case the kids’ batches are inedible. CHERYL SAYS “Make sure your little guests bring a back-up outfit or set out a few old T-shirts in case of a kitchen catastrophe.”

kids’ baking party ideas

For any at-home chef, there’s nothing more fun (yet fraught with potential frustration) than baking or cooking alongside young children. Here are eight simple steps to create a super-smooth baking party.

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printable diaper baby shower invitation

She’s having a girl and you are throwing the baby shower! Create a clever invitation your guests will love with our downloadable template.

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DIY onesie baby shower bunting

Throwing a baby shower? We love multi-functional creativity! Hang a onesie bunting and have guests choose one to design as a special gift for the mom-to-be.