Overall Ideas:

• Create invites to look like library cards with all the details of the event. For example, the due date could be the date of the party, with past due dates for other special dates (when the couple found out they were expecting. etc.)  
• Ask guests to bring a baby book in lieu of a card, which is a wonderful way to build the baby's library. (For added fun, ask guests to bring a book that represents themselves and ask the guest of honor to guess who brought which book.)
• For a unique game, ask guests to help create an ABC book for the baby-to-be. Provide crayons and markers to complete a page with one letter of the alphabet. For example, the G page could turn into a drawing of grandma. Put the pages in a binder with page protectors for the little one.

Decorating Ideas:

• Use books as your main decor! Place baby books on the table as centerpieces and cover other books from your home with brown paper to stack on tables.
• Find an old storybook at a thrift store and use the pages as a DIY table runner. Attach the pages with hole punches and ribbons for an inexpensive nod to the book theme.

Gatherings with Purpose Idea:

• Ask guests to bring a gently used children's book to donate to a local shelter. 

Sound off: What's your favorite children's book?

I think of a lot of things - but, I definitely think of food. And not just any food - comfort food. So, in honor of Mother's Day this weekend, here are a few favorite comfort food recipes from Gatherings.

These could be good choices for this Sunday's meal. But I also think they'd make a great meal just about any day of the week.

Creamy baked chicken

Enchilada casserole

Grandma Parchert's homemade potato salad

Meatloaf

Quick-n-easy goulash

Sound off: What's your favorite comfort food?

If you are still deciding how to celebrate your mom this Sunday, here are a few party themes in the Gatherings party theme vault that may be good fits. The great thing about many of these party themes is that they can easily be adapted to fit your needs, lifestyle and moments to celebrate.

Snapshots

Make this theme perfect for mom by bringing your favorite family photos. Then, set up a photo booth to get a new family photo!

Blooming Friendships

Perfect for springtime, this party theme can easily be adapted to celebrate mom. Flowers, seed packets and family make this the perfect Mother's Day party theme.

Time Capsule

Create a time capsule this Mother's Day. Ask all family members to bring an item that makes them think of mom.

However you celebrate this weekend, remember to thank mom for all the things she's done for you over the years. That is the best gift you can give - the gift of gratitude.

Sound off: How will you celebrate Mother's Day?

My name is: Constante “Tante” Corpuz.
My job is: Modern Woodmen representative. I make sure I represent the society well and am able to deliver on the promises we have made to our members.
I am from: Clovis, Calif.

The “important” questions:

Vanilla or chocolate? Vanilla.
I like my steak cooked (well/medium/rare): Medium rare.
White or wheat bread? Wheat.

Get to know me:

On a Saturday afternoon, you’ll probably find me: Driving along the freeways of California or to one of our members’ homes offering service. Weekends are my busiest days. Whenever I have an appointment in the bay areas, I take my wife to the beach for a stroll before we go back home to the valley. Often in the summer, Saturday afternoon is a time to attend the parties/special occasions of our members. My wife and I are very honored with their invitations. It means we have become part of their lives.

My favorite memory of a family gathering is: When we visited the Philippines for the first time after living in the U.S. for seven years.

The next gathering I’m planning is: A tree planting with our local chapters. Modern Woodmen is among many other organizations in our city donating precious volunteer hours to keep our city greener and our air fresher.

My favorite volunteer activities are: In addition to all the chapter activities, I enjoy making sure our neighborhood mailbox area is well kept. I also volunteer to fix the fence, rake leaves and prune trees we share with my neighbor.

My party planning style is: Simple, affordable and entertaining. No alcohol involved.

My favorite recipe is: Chicken adobo

Chicken Adobo

Ingredients:
• 2 pounds thighs
• 4 pounds wings
• ½ cup white vinegar
• ¾ cup soy sauce
• 5 cloves crushed garlic
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorn
• 3 bay leaves

Directions:
1. Wash chicken very well.
2. In a large pot, combine all ingredients. Keep covered for one to three hours to marinate.
3. Bring to a boil, then lower heat. Simmer for half an hour, stirring occasionally.
4. Uncover and continue to simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is tender and the sauce thickens.

Healthy tips:
• To reduce fats, bring the chicken to a boil and drain water from it before combining with all the ingredients.
• Serve with steamed brown rice instead of white rice.
• On the side, serve your choice of steamed vegetables (broccoli heads, cauliflower, green beans, sweet peas, carrots, etc.).

Sound off: Do you want to be grilled by Gatherings Gal? Email gatheringsgal@gatherings.info.

Experts agree that many of Americans' money woes go back to the need for financial literacy, which is the focus of Financial Literacy Month in April.

If you want to share the importance of financial literacy with your kids this month, try this simple activity, which is both fun and educational.

Needs vs. Wants

Explain the following to the participants before beginning:

• Needs are goods and services we must have to live.
• Wants are goods and services we'd like to have, but don't have to have them to live.

Give each participant a list of the following items, and ask them to write need or want next to each item.

• Eggs
• Coat
• Skates
• Gum
• Bread
• Crayons
• Television
• Pool
• Game
• Car
• Yo-yo
• Pencil
• Ball
• Bottle
• Ring
• Flashlight

If the child is having trouble deciding whether the item is a need or a want, ask, "If you couldn't buy this, would it harm you in some way?" If the answer is no, then it's a want.

After designating each item as a want or a need, ask the children to come up with something they have purchased that was a want and something that was a need.

Financial Literacy

Modern Woodmen, the provider of Gatherings, has a free Financial Literacy Program that lays the groundwork for successful money management by providing young people the opportunity to gain age-appropriate knowledge and skills for today and the future.

Learn more about Modern Woodmen's free youth educational programs, offered to schools, homeschoolers and youth groups nationwide. These programs benefit more than 2 million kids each year.

Sound off: How do you teach your children to be smart with money?

A quick search of the Gatherings website brings up several dance-related party themes to get your guests moving. In honor of National Dance Week, kick up your heels and check out these party ideas.

Dance Party

Kick up Your Heels 

(Kick up Your Heels includes ideas to get guests on the dance floor.)

Disco Nights

Sound off: What's your favorite dance move?

While you can do many large things in honor of the holiday, there are also a variety of small ways to add a little green to your gathering. Here are a few ways I've come up with.

Reduce and reuse

Cut the waste from your gatherings. Trade in disposable plates, napkins and utensils for dishes, cloth napkins and silverware. You may have to do the dishes and clean the linens, but think of all you are rescuing from the landfill.

Recycle

If you must go with disposable, try buying recycled. There are a variety of paper products that are made from recycled materials. I've even spotted disposable napkins that are made from sugar cane.

Clean up

If you are gathering outdoors, take a few minutes after the party to clean up your surroundings. Make it a game and challenge each guest to fill a small bag with litter.

Plant a tree

For your next get-together, stop by a nursery on the way and pick up a small tree or a seedling as a housewarming gift. Tie it with a ribbon and a card. Offer to plant it yourself before you leave. What better way to celebrate Earth Day than to plant a tree yourself?

(Modern Woodmen - the provider of Gatherings - has a long history of planting trees. Members gather in local chapters and youth service clubs and have planted thousands of trees in communities nationwide. Find out more on Modern Woodmen's website.)

Sound off: How do you green up the earth on Earth Day?

Blooming Friendships

Celebrate your friends and all the flowers of spring with this party theme.

Healthy Habits Celebration

This theme allows you to savor the taste of spring produce and get in top shape for swimsuit season.

Tee-it-up Golf Party

As we all start hitting the links again this spring, try this hole-in-one party theme.

 Sound off: What's your favorite spring gathering?

My backyard is already full of blooms - from daffodils to tulips, I'm seeing lots of signs of spring.

If you are feeling the need to bring a little springtime into your kitchen, here are some top spring recipes.

Antipasto pasta salad

Grilled asparagus

Spicy roasted corn, avocado and chicken salad

Greek pasta salad

Sound off: What is your favorite spring recipe?

Gatherings user Lori from Wyoming, Minn., suggested a construction theme for a fun party idea. I love this theme and think it would be perfect for a variety of parties, but particularly for families and little boys! (Little boys particularly seem to love construction areas, dirt and heavy machinery, don't they?)

Here are some of my ideas for a "Hard Hats and Safety Cones" party theme for a little one.

Overall Ideas:

• Ask guests to come wearing their construction clothes - jeans, T-shirts and work shoes. Kids will love dressing up and most items are common enough for any closet.
• One of the most important parts of the party are the hard hats. Purchase inexpensive construction helmets for each guest. (I found some on Oriental Trading for .50/hat.)
• Many games and activities would work into this theme. One idea is to have a contest for kids to build a skyscraper from Legos. The winner gets a prize.

Decor Ideas:

• Rent or borrow orange safety cones to set the tone. You can place them at the front door or up the front walk.
• Hang "Caution" tape around the space to make the party look like a construction zone.
• Do you have any tractor or construction toy trucks? If not, borrow some. These will make great decor, and they are also fun for kids to entertain themselves.

Food Ideas:

• Many construction workers bring a sack lunch, so prepare sandwiches and snack items like energy trail mix.

Gatherings with Purpose Idea:

• Ask guests to bring a gently used toy to the party to donate to a local children's shelter.

Sound off: What's your favorite kids' party theme?

Have you finished your taxes yet?

While not as fun as hosting a party or finding a new recipe, getting those taxes done is a big job that shouldn't be put off. Tax time is also good time to look closer at your personal financial situation. This could include saving for your retirement through IRA contributions.

Not sure what I mean?

· An IRA is a vehicle used to accumulate funds for retirement and provide tax-deferred growth.
· To qualify for an IRA contribution, you or your spouse must receive self-employment income or W-2 wages.
· Individuals have until April 17, 2012, to make IRA contributions for the 2011 tax year.
· Depending on the IRA you choose, you could be eligible for tax-deductible contributions or future income tax-free withdrawals.
· Certain individuals may also qualify for an income tax credit based on their IRA contributions.

IRAs can be a smart way to save money for retirement with income tax advantages. Due to tax-deferred growth, a small amount now can make a big difference at retirement.

If you are curious, check out more information about IRAs on Modern Woodmen’s website. (As a reminder, the Gatherings.info website is sponsored by Modern Woodmen of America.)

Make the most of the 2011 tax year and begin planning for your retirement. Getting yourself one step closer to retirement is surely something to celebrate.

Sound off: When will your taxes be completed?

So, that's why today's party idea is something I really love. When a co-worker mentioned that she still remembered a surprise breakfast party from her teenage years, I knew it had to be good. I mean, how many parties have we attended in our lives? But this one was memorable, unique and fun.

The Surprise Breakfast party can really happen anytime! But, I think it's perfect for kids on April Fool's Day. What could be a better surprise than showing up at kids' houses and telling them it's time for a breakfast party in their pajamas! I think this would be a wonderful April Fools' Day tradition that the kids won't soon forget.

Overall Ideas:

• This is a party that takes a little preplanning. If it's a party for kids, contact the parents and fill them in on the details. Enlist the help of a parent or friend to caravan to pick up all the kids right around the time they get up for the day. The goal is to catch them off-guard - in their pajamas!
• If you want to add a little personalization, ask each parent for the child's favorite breakfast food item to prepare that morning.
• When the host child knocks on the door to surprise the guest, he or she will yell "April Fools' Day!" Then, the guest will be instructed to put on shoes (and a coat, if needed) and come to a breakfast party right away. There is no time to change!
• For a little added fun, take a picture of all the guests in their pajamas as a momento.

Decor Ideas:

• There isn't any need for fancy decorations. Simply set the table for breakfast and let the food take center stage.

Food Ideas:

• A few simple breakfast and brunch dishes will do the trick. Try sliced fruit with 3-ingredient fruit dip, breakfast burritos, easy french toast or sunrise breakfast casserole.
• If you have each guest's favorite food, make sure to label them accordingly.
• Or go with a April Fools' Day theme for food. Dye the eggs a bright color or add salt to the sugar bowl.

Gatherings with Purpose Idea:

• After the children are finished eating, ask the guests to help assemble a breakfast casserole to donate to a local homeless shelter or food pantry.

Sound off: How will you celebrate April Fools' Day?

Overall ideas

• Make invitations that look like cruise ship tickets.
• Incorporate a nautical theme in your decorations.
• Create a cruise ship party pass. Create a two-sided cardboard pass, attach it to a lanyard, and give it to each guest to wear when they arrive. It also makes a great favor to remember your event.

 Food ideas

• Serve food buffet-style, just like you often find on ships.
• Offer your guests exotic “umbrella” drinks or fruit punch. 

Decorating ideas

• Incorporate a blue and white color scheme with touches of yellow.
• Use navy blue and white striped table linens. Add white china, crystal glassware and silver flatware. Utilize navy blue napkins folded in a shell shape.
• Place a ship’s lantern on each table. Dress up your lantern by tying a piece of maritime rope in a slip knot to each lantern.
• Make mini passports in blue and white and use them for name cards or menu cards. Sand dollars also make excellent place cards.
• Hang maritime flags from the ceiling.

Gatherings with Purpose idea

• Ask your guests to write a postcard or thank you card to a serviceman or woman in the Navy.

Sound Off: What are your nautically-inspired ideas for this party?

The basics:

My name is: Kenny Massey.
My job is: President of Modern Woodmen of America. As president, I help protect the promises we make to our members and provide for the welfare of our employees.
I am from: LeClaire, Iowa, by way of Louisiana and Mississippi. (I’ve never left the Mississippi River.)

The “important” questions:

Vanilla or chocolate? Chocolate today. I may say something different tomorrow.
I like my steak cooked: Medium rare.
White or wheat bread? White.

Get to know me:
 

On a Saturday afternoon, you’ll probably find me: Watching college football (in the fall).
My favorite memory of a family gathering is: I love the time we spend together as a family at Christmas. The past few years, we’ve all gone skiing.
The next gatherings I’m planning/attending are: Every morning, I start my workday with two shots of espresso at a local coffee shop. There I visit with a group of senior gentlemen who are always solving the world’s problems. As far as more formal gatherings, I look forward to spending time with my Modern Woodmen friends at our upcoming National Sales Conference for representatives and Merit Club Leadership Conference for youth service club leaders.
My favorite volunteer activities are: Doing unexpected, impromptu acts of kindness when the right occasion presents itself. For example, paying for a tank of gas for a young family.
My party planning style is: Casual and informal with lots of people and Cajun food.
My favorite recipe is: My wife is a great cook, so I have a lot of favorites. Here’s a good one …

Red beans and rice

Ingredients:
• 1 pound dry kidney beans (cover with water and leave overnight)
• 6 ham hocks
• 2 bags of tasso (you can order tasso online at www.cajungrocer.com)
• 2½ cups finely chopped celery
• 2 cups finely chopped green pepper
• 2 cups finely chopped onion

Sauté vegetables in a stick of butter, then add:
• 5 bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons white pepper
• 2 teaspoons thyme leaves
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1½ teaspoons oregano leaves
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:
1. Drain beans and cover again with water. Add ham hocks and tasso.
2. Bring to a boil. Turn heat down to simmer. Add the vegetables and seasoning.
3. Cook until the mixture thickens (about 3 hours).
4. Grill or fry 1 pound smoked sausage and dice up with beans.
5. Add over rice and serve with Tabasco sauce.
 

Sound off: Do you want to be grilled by the Gatherings Gal? Email her at gatheringsgal@gatherings.info.

But, if you are looking for a more unique way to eat on St. Patrick's Day, try going with a "green" theme. Just as many of us wear green on the holiday, go green with one of these recipes to celebrate the luck of the Irish.

Baked Pesto Chicken

Garlic green beans

Green grape salad

Mini mint cheesecakes

Spicy roasted corn, avocado and chicken salad

And if you want to take your green to the next level try adding green food coloring to all of your meals for the day. Think green eggs, green lemonade, green mashed potatoes ...

Your kids will love it!

Sound off: What will you serve for dinner on St. Patrick's Day?

Pin the gold on the rainbow

Luck of the Irish scavenger hunt

Hide a pot filled with gold chocolate coins in a secret location. (This game can be played indoors or out, depending on the weather.) Cut green clovers from construction paper and write a clue one each one. (For younger children, three or four clues will be enough. For older kids, you can write more clues to make the game last longer.) Each clue is hidden and will lead to the next clue, with the final clue leading to the treasure.

Sound off: How will you celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

If you are mourning the loss of an hour, celebrate with breakfast for dinner. Since you "lose" an hour in the morning, make it up with a full breakfast at night. This is a fun, quirky tradition for Daylight Savings Time.

Breakfast for dinner is a favorite at the Gatherings Gal household. Here are a few of our favorites.

Sunrise breakfast casserole

Breakfast burritos

Cinnamon streusel cake

Fresh fruit with 3-ingredient fruit dip

Sound off: What's your favorite breakfast-for-dinner recipe?

Try one of these last-minute meals to celebrate putting off until tomorrow everything that needn’t be done today.

Black beans and rice

Cheesy tortellini soup

Quick enchiladas

Ranch chicken

Sound off: What's your favorite "procrastination" meal (quick and easy)?

(And if you are like me, you may be married to a picky eater.)

If you are looking for kid-friendly recipes that go beyond PB&J, here are a few of my favorites. Maybe the dinnertime battle will go away completely, and you'll have smiling kids at the dinner table tonight.

Pigs in a blanket

Eggs in a bag

Pizza pasta casserole

Cheesy tater tot casserole

Sound off: What's your favorite kid-friendly recipe?

Reconnect with friends by hosting a game night. Or just shut off the television tonight and gather your kids for a rousing board game. You'll be glad you did.

If you go to your local toy store or discount store, you'll see hundreds of games to choose from. You may even have a game stash in your home. While you can choose any game you'd like, here are a few of my top picks for games.

For families ...

• Try Monopoly for budding investors.
• Try Twister to get moving.
• Try Rummikub to brush up your math skills. (This is my family's favorite game.)

For adults ...

• Try Apples to Apples for lots of laughs.
• Try SceneIt? for movie buffs.
• Try Cranium for something out-of-the-ordinary.

For kids ...

• Try Chutes and Ladders for old-fashioned fun.
• Try Candyland for sweet-tooths.
• Try Operation to learn about anatomy.

Sound off: What's your favorite board or card game?

It's 5 p.m. - do you know what your family is having for dinner?

If you are like me many weeknights, you have no clue if there will even be dinner! Between errands, chores and other responsibilities, dinner can be the last thing on your mind.

Well, fear not - here are a few of my favorite quick and simple recipes on Gatherings, based on what you have in your refrigerator or pantry. With just a little prep, you'll have a meal you can be proud to serve your family.

If you have chicken, try ...

Chicken delicious

Creamy baked chicken

If you have rice, try ...

Sausage rice casserole

Beef-rice creole

If you have pasta, try ...

Quick-n-Easy goulash

Tuna and noodles

If you have ground beef, try ...

Mexican soup

Garlic mashed potatoes and beef bake

Hamburger casserole

Sound off: What's for dinner tonight?

Modern Woodmen of America is searching for monthly winners to receive $500 to kick-start a community improvement project.

How it works

• Submit your dream project. (See contest rules.)
• Eligible projects will be posted for everyone to view.
• Spread the word to your friends and family and encourage them to “like” your entry.
• The Gatherings team will select a monthly winner based on the proposed community improvement project and the number of Facebook “likes.”
• Nonwinning entries will carry over into the next month and will be eligible to win again. Entrants’ Facebook “likes” will be reset to zero at the end of each month. The contest will end on Dec. 31, 2012.

What are you waiting for? Submit your dream project today!

Sound off: What would you improve in your community with $500?

Today is Presidents' Day, a perfect time to brush up on some patriotic trivia. Try your hand at these questions from Modern Woodmen's Patriotic Civics Program, and then quiz your friends and family to celebrate Presidents' Day.

1. Who was the first president of the United States?

2. When did the Pilgrims originally arrive from England?

3. The Statue of Liberty was a gift from what country?

4. How many stars are on the modern American flag?

5. How many statements are in the Bill of Rights?

6. How many years does the president serve?

7. Who is commander and chief of the military?

And, if you are looking for a fun Presidents' Day dessert today, try this delicious cherry apple pie, in honor of George Washington.

Cherry apple pie

Ingredients:

1/2 c. light brown sugar, packed
1/4 c. cornstarch
1 t. cinnamon
3 c. Fuji, Gala or Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
1 c. dark sweet or tart cherries*
1 T. lemon juice
1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust (press-in, rustic or fancy)
5 T. cold butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Streusel Topping:
1/4 c. all-pupose flour
1/4 c. light brown sugar, packed
2 T. cold butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
 

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In bowl, stir together sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon. Add apples to cinnamon-sugar mixture; mix thoroughly. Add cherries and lemon juice; mix thoroughly. Place mixture in pie crust; dot with butter.

For topping, stir together flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly; sprinkle over apples and butter. Bake 40 to 50 minutes, until crust is golden. Remove to wire rack and cool.

(Answers to trivia: 1. George Washington; 2. The fall of 1620; 3. France; 4. 50 (one for each state in the union); 5. 10;  6. 4; 7. The president.)

Sound off: How will you celebrate Presidents' Day?

I'm particularly supportive of American Heart Month because heart disease runs in the Gatherings Gal family. In addition to high blood pressure running rampant in the blood line, my visibly-healthy father also had heart surgery last year. So, I'm very aware of how our diets can affect our ticker, even when we look healthy from the outside.

While most of us can't eat healthy 100 percent of the time, I'm always on the look-out for healthy (and tasty recipes). Here are a few favorites from Gatherings, in honor of American Hearth Month. 

Avocado

Why eat it: Avocados have tons of monounsaturated fat (good fat), which is important for heart health. 

Try: Black bean and avocado dip.

Black and kidney beans

Why eat it: Beans are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and fiber.

Try: Black beans and rice.

Blueberries

Why eat it: Blueberries are packed with anti-inflammatories, which reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer.

Try: Blueberry smoothie.
 

Nuts

Why eat it: In addition to omega-3 fatty acids, nuts are also loaded with mono- and polyunsaturated fat. Plus, nuts increase fiber in the diet, which is a great start for heart heath.

Try:  Energy trail mix.

Olive oil

Why eat it: Olive oil is another source of monounsaturated fats, which helps lower bad cholesterol and reduces the risk of developing heart disease.

Try: Substituting olive oil for butter or vegetable oil when cooking.

Salmon

Why eat it: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, can help reduce blood pressure and keep blood clots away.

Try: Alder-plank smoked salmon.

Sound off: What's your favorite heart-healthy recipe?

I'm also secretly hoping that you are on a sugar rush today like I am. No one wants to be the only one stuffing her face with Valentine's Day goodies.

If you are looking for something special for a Valentine's Day treat, look no further. Here are a few of my top dessert recipe picks for Valentine's Day or any day.

Strawberry pretzel salad

Chocolate pudding pie

Caramel apple cheesecake

Red velvet cake

Sound off: What are your plans for Valentine's Day?

Have I been living under a rock? I never knew you could make a great-tasting egg in the microwave in under two minutes. These turn out fluffy and soft and are so quick!

And just like that, this became one of my go-to morning meals. You can make it quickly in a mug or bowl and add nearly anything you have on-hand. Here's my go-to recipe for a great start to a great day.

Easy eggs in the microwave

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons of green or white onions, (mushrooms, tomatoes and peppers are also great additions)
• Dash of salt
• Dash of pepper
• Cheese

Directions

• Place butter in microwave-safe mug or bowl. 
• Microwave on high 30 seconds, or until melted.
• Add eggs, milk, onions (or other additions), salt and pepper.
• Stir or whip with a fork and microwave on high 1 minute. Stir with a fork to break apart and cook on high for another 30 seconds.
• Remove eggs when they are still soft and moist and add a little cheese. Eggs will firm up while standing.

Sound off: What's your favorite breakfast meal?

Something that may not come to mind when you think about gathering with those you love is how to protect them if you were gone.

But in my mind, life insurance could very well be known as love insurance.

What do love and life insurance have in common?

Love is the motivation behind almost all life insurance purchases. We buy it because we love people and want to protect them financially.

How does life insurance connect to family gatherings?

Modern Woodmen of America created the Gatherings website to tie to its core value of helping people achieve quality family life. We do this every day through financial offerings as well as through social, charitable and volunteer activities. Life insurance is an important part of this.

And now is a perfect time to consider if your loved ones are protected. To learn more, visit Insure Your Love, an educational website sponsored by the nonprofit LIFE Foundation. 

And if you want to ensure that you are protecting those you love, check out these resources at Modern Woodmen’s website, where you can:

Read about the different types of life insurance

Calculate how much you need 

Find a local representative to discuss your financial future

Sound off: How do you show your love?

February is one of the top months for proposals (there's just something romantic about proposing on Valentine's Day). If you are like me and would love to relive the magic of your wedding day (and have friends who feel the same way), host a fun "Bridal Party" for your girlfriends.

This fun and quirky theme was submitted by Melanie in Murphys, Calif.

Overall Ideas:

• Invite guests to dress in either a wedding dress or bridesmaid dress. (Don't we all have a closet full of old bridesmaid dresses?)
• For a fun activity, ask guests to bring a 'shower' gift and do an exchange with the other guests. These gifts could be the favorite wedding shower gift they received. Or host a white elephant and let people swap the wackiest gifts they received.
• When guests arrive, the ladies can walk down the aisle. Simply roll out an aisle runner in the entryway or living room. Guests can vote for the fiercest strut.
• Don't forget to have a camera ready to take funny bridal party pictures. (Set up a photo booth with boas, glasses, wigs and more for a fun activity.)
• For a great activity, have guests take turns sharing their favorite memory of their wedding.

Decorating Ideas:

• Pick up some inexpensive flowers at the supermarket (just avoid the expensive red roses and Valentine's Day staples). Put them around the space in simple vases. Or, provide ribbon and other adornments and have guests create their own bouquet or centerpiece.
• Channel your inner wedding planner. Light candles, drape satin and tulle around the room and bring out your best china and linens.
• Ask guests to bring or send you their own wedding images. Frame them or hang them on walls. (I've also done this for an intimate bridal shower, with great results!)

Food Ideas:

• Stick to classic shower and wedding foods - finger sandwiches, fruits and vegetables, and desserts are great choices.
• Don't forget the cake! And if you can find a wedding topper, that's even better.

Gatherings with Purpose Idea:

• Clear those closets and bring dresses to be donated to a local shelter or a local organization that distributes prom or wedding dresses. 

Sound off: What's your favorite wedding memory?

The basics:

The “important” questions:

Get to know me:

Kibbe

Sound off: Do you want to be grilled by Gatherings Gal? Email gatheringsgal@gatherings.info.

There are few other times that we have the opportunity to wear our team colors, eat delicious game-day food and critique the most expensive commercials of the year.

Many of us host parties, hang out with our own families or go to a friend or family member's home for the big game. If you are responsible for putting together a dish, an appetizer is often a touch-down choice.

Here are the six top appetizer recipes, in order of views, on the Gatherings website in 2011. (Check out more appetizer ideas here.)

3 ingredient fruit dip

Perfect for a healthier choice, serve this simple dip with fresh fruit like grapes, melon and pineapple.

Best-ever chip dip

This simple dip gives a bag of chips a first down.

Artichoke and spinach dip

A staple in our family, this yummy dip goes well with crackers or bread.

Ham roll-ups

These are always gobbled up quickly at my parties. Try them for a game-day win.

Garlicky appetizer shrimp scampi

You will definitely be the game-day hero with this fancy-looking favorite.

Cream cheese pickles

If I could only choose one appetizer to make for the rest of my life, these would be it. Not only are they incredibly simple, they are also one of those recipes that everyone loves - young and old.

So, those are Gatherings' users top picks for appetizers to bring to Sunday's big game.

Sound off: What's your favorite appetizer recipe?

Snowflakes

With just scissors and paper, you can make all kinds of different snowflakes. Simply fold the paper and make the cuts. After making a lot of these pretty snowflakes, decorate them with glitter and string them together for a festive winter garland.

Pinecones

Pass the time and feed the birds with a simple pinecone craft. After collecting pine cones in your yard, fill the gaps with peanut butter and roll in bird seed. Hang these handmade bird feeders outside your window to treat the birds and create long-lasting bird entertainment for you.

Indoor snowball throw

For a fun activity that keeps you dry and warm, gather tissue paper wadded like snowballs and draw or tape a line on the floor.

Create two teams. Set a timer for two to three minutes and yell, "Go!” Each team throws its tissue paper snowballs back and forth across the line. When the timer goes off, the team with the least amount of snowballs on its side wins.

Sound off: How do you stay entertained in the dead of winter?

Now that the holidays are over, January can be a perfect time to gather with friends and family. There are often less parties and commitments in January, which means that people may be more open to attending. Plus, you are welcome to host a more casual gathering after the hub-bub of the holidays are over.

Overall ideas:

• Forget the cake and ice cream – treat your guests to a healthy alternative to traditional party fares with delicious fruits and vegetables with activity aplenty.
• When inviting guests, ask them to wear active clothes and, if going outdoors, to bring winter gear.
• For children’s gatherings, coordinate three-legged races, sit-up contests and obstacle courses. If you have snow, building a snowman or other outdoor activities could be lots of fun.
• For adults, take part in a private yoga class or snowshoeing.

Decorating Ideas:

• Use the bright colors of fruit – reds, oranges, greens and yellows – to decorate your space.
• Bowls of whole fruits like lemons, limes, apples and oranges make inexpensive and cheerful centerpieces.

Food Ideas:

• Create a show-stopping display with cut watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, strawberries and raspberries placed in a carved-out watermelon. It will look good and taste great.
• Serve water for a healthy beverage. Slice lemons, limes or oranges for fresh additions to ice water. (Your guests may forget it's winter.)

Gatherings with Purpose Idea:

• Ask guests to bring healthy snacks to donate to a local food pantry.

Find more ideas in the Healthy Habits Celebration party theme.

Sound off: How do you stay healthy when hosting a party?

While I know you may still be trying to avoid the sweets after the holidays, this recipe is just too good not to share.

I made this cake a few weeks ago and it turned out so yummy and pretty that I knew you'd like to try it, too. Simple enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for a dinner party, Chocolate Chocolate Cake is my new go-to dessert recipe.

(This is the photo of my actual cake! Can you believe it? It looks professional.)

Ingredients:

1 pkg. chocolate cake mix
1 box instant chocolate pudding mix
4 eggs
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. oil
1 c. sour cream
1 (12 oz) pkg. small chocolate chips

Directions:

Mix cake mix, dry pudding mix, eggs, water, sour cream, and oil. Add 1/2 chips; fold gently.

Pour 1/2 batter into greased bundt pan. Sprinkle in other 1/2 of chips.
Pour rest of batter.

Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. Frost as desired.

Tip: I found that it's necessary to let the cake cool completely before removing it from the bundt pan. That will help it stay together and look extra pretty.)

Sound off: What's your favorite dessert recipe?

If your pants are fitting more snugly due to the overindulgence in sugary treats, here are some recipe ideas for lighter eating.

Almond-chicken pear salad

Rhino's caprese salad

Spaghetti salad

Pita pizza

Sound off: What's your favorite healthy recipe?

And the first of the year is a good time to think about changes you can make throughout 2012.

If saving money is one of your resolutions, here are some tips to get you started.

Know where your money is going.

Before you can save, you have to know what you are spending. Many Americans don't know where their money goes each month, which is a recipe for disaster.

In January, keep track of every dollar you spend. Don't forget that drive-through burger or mortgage payment. This will give you an idea of where to begin with your plan.

Be honest with yourself.

What is a spending habit that you can actually break? Instead of swearing off coffee shops cold turkey, drink one less expresso each week. This savings will add up, and it's a more practical goal to reach.

Then, write down your spending goals for each month. You don't have to cut everything, but consider cutting spending that doesn't contribute to your happiness. For example, the Gatherings Gal household cut cable (a $60/month savings) because we weren't really watching it anyhow. (Other easy cuts could include dry cleaning, convenience foods and full-service car washes.)

Once you have this in writing, you are ready to make positive changes that will contribute to your bottom line.

Think of it as a spending plan.

A budget is a dirty word to many of us. Instead, think of your plan as a spending plan. After all, we have to save to spend.

Don't beat yourself up. 

If you fall off the savings wagon, dust yourself off and try again. Just because you overspend one month doesn't mean your 2012 goal is destroyed. Instead, think about why it happened and work harder the next month.

Celebrate!

When you reach a savings goal (like saving a certain amount), celebrate! But, do it without breaking your spending plan. It could mean making a small donation to charity or taking your spouse out to eat. Plan ahead and these celebrations can fit within your plan.

How does spending connect to family gatherings?

Modern Woodmen of America created the Gatherings website to tie to its core value of helping people achieve quality family life. We do this every day through financial offerings as well as through social, charitable and volunteer activities.

Gatherings.info is another way that Modern Woodmen improves the quality of life for members and family.

For more savings resources, check outthe following tools at  Modern Woodmen’s website.

• Budgeting worksheets
• Cash flow calculators
• Goal savings planner
• Goal definition worksheet
• College savings planner
• Cost of debt calculator
• Lifetime earnings calculator

Sound off: What's your best savings tip?

After a tiring holiday season, invite guests to join you for a casual gathering to ring in the new year. While formal events abound, consider encouraging guests to wear casual clothes and bring children. 

Overall Ideas:

• To make the event stress-free for all (including the host), ask all guests to bring a dish to share and a favorite board game. The night will go by quickly with games, food and fun.
• Entertain the younger guests with fun DVDs and crafts that all ages will enjoy.
• Purchase inexpensive hats and noismakers at the party supply store. Or supply construction paper, bells, glitter and other craft items to allow kids to make their own.

Decorating Ideas:

• Ask children to help create a Times Square ball, made of a Styrofoam ball and glitter. This will add a little glitz to the festivity.
• Create a banner showcasing the new year.
• Scatter confetti on tables for a simple adornment.

Food Ideas:

• If each guest brings a dish to share, simply provide plates, napkins, silverware and drinks. This will make the party extra simple for the host!
• Instead of champagne, set up a hot chocolate bar for kids and adults. Guests can top their cocoa with marshmallows, peppermint, sprinkles and more.

Gatherings with Purpose Idea:

• Provide cards and pens and ask guests to write a thank-you note to soldiers for serving our country during the past year.

Sound off: How will you celebrate New Year's Eve?

But just because Christmas is over doesn't mean that holiday gatherings have ceased. In fact, many of us are probably gearing up for New Year's Eve!

While bubbly cocktails are typically the go-to New Year's drink, here are a few of my favorite drin'k recipes for winter gatherings. And the best news, they are good for all ages!

Easy punch

Flavored cappuccino mix

Mock champagne

Spiced tea

Wedding punch

Hot cider and cream

Holiday punch

Sound off: What's your favorite holiday drink?

(And from the folks at Gatherings, we're sending you best wishes for a meaningful and fun holiday with loved ones!)

If you liked the ideas for the cookie exchange last week, here are a few fun treat recipes to bake in bulk and share. (These also make great gifts for neighbors co-workers, mail carriers and friends.)

Best-ever sugar cookies

Award-winning soft chocolate chip cookies

Chocolate cake mix cookies

Chocolate Kris Kringle cookies

Haystack cookies

Sound off: What's your favorite Christmas cookie?

The basics:

The “important” questions:

Get to know me:

Sound off: Do you want to be grilled by the Gatherings Gal?

But who has time to make everything for themselves?

That's why a cookie exchange (or cookie swap) is a wonderful way to celebrate the Christmas season with friends and family. You get to spend time with those you care about while also taking home a bundle of yummy seasonal treats. I hosted a cookie swap last year for the first time, and it's become a tradition.

Here are a few things to think about if you would like to host your own exchange.

Location

A cookie swap can be a formal gathering at your home, a dinner out at a local restaurant or a fun lunch get-together with co-workers.

Because December is so busy, I chose to host last year's cookie exchange with 10 coworkers over the lunch hour. This made it easy to fit into our schedules, and was also a fun event to look forward to. We each brought our cookies to work and I sorted them before lunch. Then, we dined on chili and cornbread (and the extra cookies) for a fun-filled lunch. We all left with five dozen cookies to enjoy!

The rules

While there's no need to be too rigid, it's important to give some guidelines to your guests. This will make preparation easier and ensure that everyone will leave happy.

You can make any rules you'd like. Here are the guidelines I sent out last year, as a place to begin.

1. Bring your favorite holiday cookie or snack. Bring an item that is easy to transport, as we’d hate for a beautiful display of cookies to be destroyed in transit. (Tip: Baking cookies a few days in advance will help them to be more stable for travel.)
2. All cookies and snacks should be homemade. Each guest makes only one cookie/snack/bar recipe to share. This reduces both the need for many different ingredients and time in the kitchen. You may use the same recipe as last year or try something new.
3. Please bring six dozen total cookies/goodies (five dozen for the swap and one dozen to share and enjoy).
4. Separate cookies and snacks into five individual containers. If the cookies are small or batches are large, you are welcome to include more than the minimum in each container. (Ideas for wrapping include simple disposable Gladware, inexpensive holiday containers or Ziploc bags.)
5. RSVP to let me know what type of snacks or cookies you are making – we want to avoid duplicates.
6. Email a copy of your recipe before the party. We will put them all together and distribute them to all guests.
7. On the day of the exchange, we will divide up the goodies and we’ll all go home with five different types of cookies/snacks for holiday parties and gifts.

The only change we're making this year is to have every person bring a half-dozen cookies for each guest. This way, we get a greater variety.

I purchased simple and inexpensive gift bags and packed all the treats up for guests to take home. (I attached all the recipe cards to the bag.) The entire process went extremely smoothly, and it was fun to indulge in all the different treats. (The recipe cards were also a huge hit, and several of us have made the other recipes throughout the year.)

Number of guests

Deciding how many people to invite is really important for this party. If you want everyone to take home every cookie, the number should stay small. I've found that asking people to bake more than 6-8 dozen cookies is too overwhelming. Plan accordingly.

So, are you ready to host a fun cookie exchange party this year? Ours is planned for next week, and my mouth is watering already.

(And if you are on the hunt for some great cookie recipes, come back on Friday for some of my favorites.)

Sound off: What cookie would you bring to a cookie exchange?

(This party idea was originally submitted by  Sydney Stewart in Montgomery, Alabama.)

Overall Ideas:

• Send out “Merry Grinch-mas” invitations for a fun, familly holiday party.
• Ask guests to dress up like a character from the book. They could dress like the Grinch, the Whos or even the Grinch’s dog.
• For extra fun, play a Grinch trivia game and have a contest to un-decorate the tree, just like the Grinch would do.

Food Ideas:

• Make a feast fit for Who-ville, with roast beast – or roast beef sandwiches.
• Serve a tangy green punch and green jello for an added touch of Grinch. 

Decorating Ideas:

• Purchase the book for each child to take home. These simple favors will also add to your theme during the party.
• Use red and lime green as your theme colors.
• Put ornaments in red and lime green in bowls, hang from trees and light fixtures and spread on tables.

Gatherings with Purpose Idea:

• Bring a gently used book(s) to donate to needy children.

Sound off: What's your favorite kid-friendly holiday party theme?

• Provide some blank holiday cards and ask guests to write brief holiday greetings to be sent to a veteran's hospital.
• Ask guest to bring items to build and donate care packages for soldiers abroad, or their family members at home. 
• Request that guests bring gently used books and magazines for a local nursing room.
• After your party, package and deliver your decorations and centerpieces to a local nursing home or hospital. The festive decor could brighten the day of residents.
• While baking for your event, bake dog biscuits or animal treats to donate to an animal shelter.  
• With the abundance of meals around the holidays, take the opportunity to make a food package to donate to a local food pantry or family in need.

(More Gatherings with Purpose ideas are available here.)

Sound off: How do you give back during the holiday season?

For snacks that travel well, try:

Jalapeno Pretzels

Sweet party mix

For a side dish that travels well, try:

Spaghetti salad

For desserts that travel well, try:

Chocolate Kris Kringle Cookies 

Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

If you want to mail or ship Christmas treats, consider:

• Stick with cookies or dry snacks. (The pretzels and party mix above should ship well, along with the cookies.) Avoid anything that needs refrigeration - like custard or cheesecake. Also avoid cake-like snacks and desserts.
• Crunchy cookies like biscotti or shortbreads are great candidates for mailing.
• Soft cookies like chocolate chip or oatmeal can be mailed, but should arrive within one week for the best results.
• Cookie and brownie bars also work well for shipping. Wrap the bars individually in plastic to keep them from drying out.
• Don't pack crisp and soft cookies together--the moisture from the soft cookies will seep into the crisp cookies.
• Don't overpack your shipping container. On the other hand, don't under-pack your container. If you have extra space, add tissue paper to fill the holes.
• Pack cookies in a sturdy tin or airtight container and stack cookies with parchment paper in between.
• Place a layer of shipping peanuts, air-popped popcorn or crumpled paper on the bottom of your shipping box. Set your cookie tin on this bottom layer. Then fill in the sides and top with more filling material.

(Gatherings with Purpose idea: Use these tips to send a taste of home to a service man or woman stationed overseas.)

Sound off: What's your favorite recipe for traveling?

Here are a few ideas to get organized now, so you can enjoy the season instead of stressing through it. It won't take long, and you'll be glad you did it.

Take stock

30 minutes

Will you spend much of the season baking cookies and sweets for parties and gifts? Make a list of everything you'll make right now - from fruit cakes to sugar cookies - and list the ingredients. (If the recipes are from Gatherings, add them to My Gatherings to print a simple grocery list.)

Once you have your ingredients listed, check your cupboards and note what needs to be purchased. You may find that all the baking requires 36 cups of flour, and it's likely you don't have everything in your pantry.

It's also helpful to schedule when you need the sweets and when you will have time to bake them. Mark your calendar, and you'll be prepared to bake away!

Budget

1 hour

It's easy to go overboard on gifting when you don't have a budget in place. Talk with your family about limits for gifts and stick to them. This will not only keep you from running up your credit card bill, but also give you some boundaries.

Once your budget is in place, make a list of gift ideas for family and friends. Keep that list in your wallet or purse and refer to it when out and about. You'll be amazed where you can find great gifts - from church bazaars to the grocery store - so having it handy will help you buy gifts throughout the month instead of waiting until the last minute.

Schedule

15 minutes

With so many parties, recitals and open houses going on in December, it's important to plan ahead. If you don't already have a calendar in your home, now is the time. It could be as simple as printing a monthly calendar from your computer and taping it to the fridge.

Then, make it clear to all family members that any and all committments for the month should be listed on the common calendar. That means if it isn't on the calendar, it doesn't exist.

Down time

Amidst all the hustle and bustle, it's easy to become stressed and forget the true meaning of the season. Take time throughout the month to spend time with friends and family, set aside time to enjoy a holiday movie, or just take a breather. With this perspective, you'll be able to make it through the season without losing your cool.

Sound off: What's your best tip to be prepared for the holidays?

And I don't know about you, but my favorite part of Thanksgiving are the yummy side dishes. Potatoes, vegetables, stuffing, salads, desserts... all are delicious!

So, if you are asked to bring a side dish for the holiday, like me, here are a few favorites that are sure to please. And many travel well!

Cheesy potato casserole

Creamy corn casserole

Crock Pot dressing

Grandma's green bean casserole

Best ever corn muffins

Sound off: What will you bring to Thanksgiving dinner? 

I'm one of the millions of people who love shopping on Black Friday.

If you are like me and enjoy spending the morning with friends shopping for holiday gifts, try hosting an informal gathering for friends and family to refuel between deals.

Here are some ideas:

• No need for a fancy invitation. Simply email friends and family and let them know you are hosting a shopping pit-stop for Black Friday.
• Lunch is often a good time to host. Many people will be finished shopping, and others will be ready for a break. Serve leftovers from Thanksgiving, simple sandwiches or appetizers and drinks.
• If there are family members (like the guys in my family) who aren't interested in braving the crowds, invite them to watch the game or hang out while the shoppers are out and about.
• Don't forget the kids! Keep them busy while moms are out shopping. Set up some games or start some movies to keep them entertained. You may even wish to hire a babysitter, which would be a huge perk for parents!

Sound off: Will you be shopping on Black Friday?

But they are so fun, I think you'll want to try them out this Thanksgiving. They are called turkey notes, and they are a tradition that began in the late 19th century in Davenport, Iowa.

The turkey note is a short, three or four line poem created for Thanksgiving. The first two lines should start with "turkey," and many insist the first two lines should end with a color, although this is not strictly necessary.

Once the poems are written, they are left unsigned, rolled into a tube and wrapped in colored paper. The paper is wrapped up at both ends like a piece of candy. (You can use string, ribbon or yarn.) These turkey notes are left by the side of each plate at Thanksgiving dinner or passed out to friends.

So, for your favorite aunt, you could write:

Turkey orange,

Turkey yellow,

The best part of the meal is

your yummy jello.

Wouldn't this be a fun tradition to start this Thanksgiving?

A turkey note about Gatherings:

Turkey red,

Turkey black,

We'll help you plan

without a panic attack!

(Find more information about turkey notes at the Davenport Public Library website.)

Sound off: Share your best turkey note!

Overall Ideas:

• Keep thankfulness as the center of your event. There is a lot to be thankful for on this holiday - your loved ones, time to relax and plenty of delicious dishes.
• One fun tradition in my husband's family is the "thankful journal." Each year, we pass the book around and write what we're thankful for. Some are funny ("an afternoon nap") and others are heartwarming ("the newest member of the family"). The youngest member of the family reads all the entries after dinner, and it's fun to reflect on the things that made us thankful in years' past.
• If you have young guests, prepare some activities to keep them busy between meals. For a simple idea, try printing these fall printables.

Decorating Ideas:

• Go natural this Thanksgiving and shop the yard for decor. Use leaves and sticks as natural elements on a table by placing them in glass bowls or vases.
• Burlap is a perfect table covering for Thanksgiving and will coordinate with your other natural elements.

Food Ideas:

• I think the key to a fun and relaxing Thanksgiving is to share the work. No one person should have to do all the cooking (unless he or she wants to do it all). I'm a big advocate for potlucks and working together in the kitchen. Each guest can usually bring a dish and even kids can help with foods like deviled eggs or sugar cookies.
• In addition to the turkey, some of my favorite classic Thanksgiving dishes are garlic mashed potatoes, grandma's green bean casserole, Mary's easy stuffing and baked cranberry sauce.

Gatherings with Purpose:

• Do you want to give back to those who are less fortunate? Ask all guests to bring a nonperishable food item to donate to the local food pantry.

Sound off: What's your favorite part about Thanksgiving?

Here are a few ideas to give back to veterans tomorrow (or any day).

• Send a thank-you note or care package to a veteran or member of the Armed Forces. Check out AnySoldier.com for tips and contacts. (Gathering with Purpose idea: At your weekend gathering, provide thank-you notes for guests to complete for veterans.)

• Want to get involved but aren't sure where you begin? Check out Department of Veteran Affairs, which helps set up volunteer opportunities for veterans and connects people to other non profit groups in your community. (Gathering with Purpose idea: Gather a group of friends for a meaningful volunteer day.)

• Do you know of a local veterans group in your community? Contact the group and ask about their individual needs. Start with veterans hospitals, VFWs and more. A few years ago here at Modern Woodmen, we collected phone cards for a local hospital, which allowed veterans in-need to contact loved ones. We woiuld have never known about the need for phone cards until we asked. (Gathering with Purpose idea: Ask guests to bring needed items to your next gathering. This is a simple way to give back.)

Sound off: How will you give back to veterans on Veterans Day?

Here are a few yummy turkey recipes to try.

Turkey with apricot-chestnut stuffing

Whole-roasted turkey with fennel spice rub

Smoked Thanksgiving turkey

(And don't forget to try this pear, turkey and cheese sandwich with those leftovers. It's sure to please.)

Sound off: How will you prepare your turkey?

If you love football as much as we do at the Gatherings Gal household, you may be searching for great ideas for your own football party. Cheer on your team with you friends from the comfort of your living room with these party ideas.

Overall Ideas:

• Invite guests to wear their favorite team gear or colors.
• For a fun activity for all ages, give a strand of colored beads to each guest when they arrive. When someone uses the word "football" and is caught, he has to surrender the beads. The person with the most beads at the end of the evening wins a prize.

Decorating Ideas:

• Use your favorite team colors to decorate the party area. Streamers and balloons will set the tone.
• Cover tables with green plastic tablecloths and use white tape to mark off “yard lines.”
• Pull out team pennants or make your own out of felt or construction paper.

Food Ideas:

• Finger foods are king at a football party. Try football dip, garden veggie pizza squares or fried mozzarella cheese sticks.
• If you don't want to spend all your time in the kitchen, ask your guests to each bring their favorite tailgating food. You'll get more variety and lots of tasty options.
• Decorate sugar cookies with your favorite team colors. (Or set up a cookie decorating station for all guests to top their own cookies.)

Gatherings with Purpose Ideas:

• Ask guests to bring along no-longer-used sports equipment to be donated to a homeless or domestic violence shelter.

Sound off: What is your favorite football team?

The season is visibly changing all around me. Piles of red and yellow leaves. Harvested fields. As we approach the holidays (forgive me for reminding you), you may be looking for ways to save a bit of money for travel, gifts or entertaining.

Prioritize

Shop around

Make a list

Sound off: What's your best money-saving tip?

My name is: Ted Laws.

My job is … very fun and rewarding. I get to make friends, build relationships, and promote acts of charity and benevolence through fraternalism. As a Modern Woodmen financial representative, I also create legacies of love with the power of life insurance and annuities provided by one of the very finest organizations in the world.

I am from: Austin, Texas.

The “important” questions:

Vanilla or chocolate? Both (and, of course, homemade is best).

I like my steak cooked: Full of flavor, medium and juicy.

White or wheat bread? Wheat (the heel if you have it, please).

Get to know me:

On a Saturday afternoon, you’ll probably find me: Smoking real Texas BBQ; helping out my wife, Lori; spending time with my kids; and maybe even a little water gardening.

My favorite memory of a family gathering is: Giving our 3-year-old foster son his very first birthday party. It was at the park with everyone there. The water and game activities, “Pin the Tail on the Donkey,” candy falling out of the piñata. All of the children smiling, eating watermelon, chips, and hot dogs with ketchup, hamburgers, and Stephen’s birthday cake with a huge T-rex dinosaur that roared and had eyes that would light up. That night after his party, I tucked him in bed, gave him a hug and found that thing in his pillowcase. He did not want Elijah, his brother, or anyone else to take it away.

The next gathering I’m planning is: A fundraiser for a local volunteer fire department.

My favorite volunteer activity is:  BBQ fundraising. No one goes without.

My party planning style is: The bigger, the better.

My favorite recipe is: Smoked Thanksgiving turkey

Ingredients:
· 1 whole turkey
· ½ cup Italian dressing
· ½ cup rosemary
· 1 orange
· Chicken fajita seasoning
· Brisket rub
· Coarse black pepper
· Lemon pepper
· 5 or 6 slices thick maple bacon
· ½ stick melted butter

Directions:
1. Remove neck and giblets from cavity and rinse bird.
2. Place bird on 3 to 4 feet of extra heavy-duty foil.
3. Pour Italian dressing and coat bird.
Place rosemary into the cavity, followed by an orange cut in half.
Dust your bird with chicken fajita seasoning, brisket rub, coarse black pepper and lemon pepper.
Place bacon slices across turkey breast, covering as much area as possible.
Inject melted butter in each breast going through the bacon.
Wrap turkey with existing foil, leaving 1 or 2 inches of air gap by the turkey legs.
Place bird in indirect fire barbecue smoker. Hold pit temperature between 200 to 250 degrees depending on outdoor environment, and smoke for 8 to 10 hours. Internal temperature with a meat thermometer must be 185 degrees in the deep, meaty thigh area.

Tip: Try using fruit wood to smoke with. I prefer peach wood. Two years ago, we smoked 55 turkeys for a high school fundraiser and 34 more for our friends’ families’ gatherings. Lots of fun!

Sound off: Do you want to be grilled by Gatherings Gal? Comment here or email her at gatheringsgal@gatherings.info.

It's hard to believe that Halloween is right around the corner. Time to get ready with your best costume and a bowl of your favorite candy. (I'm splurging for full-size candy bars this year for neighborhood Trick or Treaters.)

If you are having a gathering for kids this weekend, check out these party themes:

Spook-tacular Halloween party

Costume party for kids

And a few fun and simple activities for your spooky get-together:

Walnut hunt

Zombie dance

Pumpkin decorating contest

Pass the pumpkin

Sound off: How will you spend Halloween?

Here are a few new favorites.

Harvest-O

Similar to Bingo, with an emphasis on fall fun. (Includes instructions and printable game cards.)

Fall ball

Similar to baseball, but with questions as the pitch, a correct answer as the hit and an incorrect answer as an out. (Includes sample questions and answers.)

Fall maze, crossword and word search

Perfect to keep little ones busy, these games are fun for families and groups. (Includes printables and answer key.)

Sound off: What's your favorite fall activity?

I don't know the answer, but here are six of my favorites.

Cheesy tortellini soup

Chicken noodle soup

Creamy squash soup

Easy potato soup

Stick to your ribs soup

Taco soup
 

Sound off: What's your favorite soup?

Overall Ideas:

• To avoid busy summer schedules, opt for a fall get-together.
• You could visit a local apple orchard and/or spend the day celebrating the season with a hayride and a pumpkin-carving contest.
• Younger kids will love playing in fallen leaves; they can even choose some to press between book pages for keepsakes!
• The crisp weather may also lead to an impromptu football game.

Decorating Ideas:

• Decorate with pumpkins, gourds and a friendly looking scarecrow.
• Create a classic centerpiece using brown paper lunch bags (use sand for weight). Fill each bag with straw and tie yellow, orange and brown balloons to each bag.
• Cut the top off of pumpkins and leave the seeds inside to create one-day vases for sunflowers, marigolds and daisies. Keeping the seeds inside the pumpkin will hold the flower stems in place.
• Cut burlap sacks into rectangles and use instead of placemats.

Food Ideas:

• Try recipes with fall flavors, like apples, pumpkins and squash. Or ask your guests to each bring a favorite fall-inspired dish. Search recipes by ingredient here.
• Don't forget warm drinks. Hot cocoa or cider are perfect harvest drinks.

Gatherings with Purpose Idea:

• With cold weather on the horizon, ask guests to bring along new or gently used coats, hats and gloves to be donated to a local shelter.

Sound off: What's your favorite part of the season?

Look no further!

I'm excited to share the printable files for my favorite baby shower game, What does it cost?

Simply read the instructions for the game and click the link for the free printable file to print from home. (There are two games per page.) Your guests will love this game!

Sound off: What's your favorite baby shower game?

Have you ever had taco pizza? I think it's a regional thing (I live in the Midwest), but it's delicious.

This pizza is so delicious it should be illegal. And while I could run down the street and pick up a pizza anytime we want, it's a bit pricey to get takeout too often. So, I set out on a mission to recreate it. And after a little online research and the melding of a few recipes, I think I've done it.

You should really try this recipe for dinner tonight. It has all the best parts of tacos (meat, lettuce, tomato, refried beans) and of pizza (sauce, crust, cheese). I make it a few times a month and have shared it with tons of friends. You won't regret trying it.

Homemade taco pizza

Ingredients:

Pizza dough of your choice
1/2 c. refried beans
1/2 c. taco sauce
1/2 c. pizza sauce
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 packet taco seasoning
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Mexican-style cheese, shredded
Shredded lettuce
Chopped tomatoes
Taco Doritos

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Brown the ground beef, drain fat. Add taco seasoning with water. When it is cooked through, remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Stretch your crust(s) until they are the desired thinness.

Mix taco sauce, beans and pizza sauce together. (About 1/2 cup each, but you can adjust to your taste.) Spread this over the crusts.

Top with shredded mozzarella, then ground beef, then Mexican blend.

Bake until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden, about 20 minutes. Let sit for a few minutes to allow cheese to set.

Cover the pie with lettuce, tomatoes and Taco Doritos (crush them up). Serve with additional taco sauce and sour cream.

(Print this recipe as a 3x5 recipe card.)

Sound off: What are your favorite pizza toppings?

Don't forget to wear pink and pin on a pink ribbon this month to honor those who have battled breast cancer. And if you want to give back this month to help the cause, here are a few ideas.

Give

There are many organizations that are working to raise awareness about breast cancer detection and prevention. Make a donation this month to one in your area.

Host

If you want to do more, invite your friends over for a Pink Ribbon dinner. Provide each guest with a pink ribbon upon entry. Ask each guest/couple to bring a dish to share and collect donations for a local cause. This is a great way to gather with those you care about while giving back.

Volunteer

Inquire about the needs of breast cancer survivors in your own community. Some local organizations need assistance with mailings, phone calls or events. Others have services for survivors where you can donate your time.

Make

If there are children who want to get involved, provide pink ribbons, markers and stickers and ask them to create "Thinking of You" cards for breast cancer survivors. These can be donated to local hospitals or organizations for distribution.

Whatever you do, think about ways you can help raise awareness about prevention and detection of breast cancer, this month and all year.

Sound off: How will you recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

It’s Great Books Week – a time to celebrate the books that have shaped your mind and influenced your thinking. It's also the perfect time of year to throw a book exchange party.

I love exchanging books with friends. It saves money and helps you find new books to read while sharing the ones you love. Here are a few ideas if you would like to host your own book exchange.

Overall Ideas:

• Set the ground rules on the invitation to guests. Ask each guest to bring gently used books to exchange. The best books to bring are those the person has already read and enjoyed.
• A book party can be held at any time, but I like to hold them in the afternoon. It can be a short affair or can be lengthened with food and activities.
• Each guest should bring up to five books. When the guests arrive, give each person a ticket for each book she brought. Place all the books out on the tables for guests to browse when they arrive. It's also nice to give guests a pad of paper to list the books they'd like to take home. For the first 30 minutes, encourage guests to get to know one another and make a wish list of the books they'd like to read.
• When the swapping begins, let folks choose books one-by-one. Each book chosen will be paid a ticket. When the tickets are gone, all guests should have new-to-them books to take home.
• If you'd like to play a game in addition to the book swap, try creating a mad lib for the group to complete. It could be a lot of fun to channel your inner authors.

Decorating Ideas:

• To decorate, think like a bibliophile. Stack books as decorations under table centerpieces or attach the front and back cover of a book together to make a standing book centerpiece.
• Old book pages can be used to spruce up the party decor. Find old books at places like Goodwill and use the pages to make pennants, banners and even origami flowers.
• At a local craft store, find paper mache letters to spell "books. Paint or decoupage them for festive word art above the book table".

Food Ideas:

• At a book exchange, finger foods and drinks are a good option because people will be browsing and mingling. Some of my favorite food ideas include bruschetta, cream cheese pickles, cucumber sandwiches or chocolate covered pretzels.

Gatherings with Purpose Ideas:

• If there are any books that go unclaimed, donate them to the local library. Or ask each guest to bring an extra book to donate.

Sound off: What's currently your favorite book?

And if you're looking for a reason to celebrate with caramel (and who isn't?), here are a few recipes that may fit the bill.

Easy caramel apple

Caramel apple cheesecake

Caramel corn

Caramel brownies

Caramel Crispix mix

Gooey caramel rolls

Sound off: What's your favorite caramel recipe?

I'm a vegetable gardener. Which really just means I slave over my little backyard plot through the heat of summer with dreams of fresh tomatoes and cucumbers and eggplant in my head.

And usually I succeed. And sometimes, I succeed a little too much. Like last year, when I had 32 butternut squash come October. (Check out one of the beauties to the right.)

After giving away tons of them to willing friends and family, I set my mind to finding new recipes to use as much squash as possible. (And luckily for me, winter squash will really last nearly all winter.)

If you are finding yourself in the same predicament (or have a friend that dropped off a bag of produce on your doorstep), here are a few of my favorite recipe ideas for winter squash.

Roasted butternut squash

Butternut squash soup in a slow cooker

Butternut squash pie

Butternut squash lasagna

Roasted butternut squash seeds

Butternut squash casserole

Aunt Lucille's orange spice and butternut squash bread

Sound off: Do you have a favorite butternut squash recipe?

S'more Fun Invites

To announce the gathering, I'll send out a small clear bag filled with the ingredients for s'mores - a chocolate bar, two marshmallows and two graham crackers. Tied up with a ribbon and the information for the get-together, this is the perfect invite to set the mood.

S'more Toppings Bar

Since it's all about the sweets, I'm starting the party after dinner time. This means that the only food I'm providing are the s'mores. (This is a great way to keep costs low for a party.)

To take your s'mores to the next level, set up a gourmet backyard s'more bar. Include all the basic toppings - graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate bars. Then add a few new flavors. Ideas include:

• Peanut butter (my favorite melted topping for the traditional s'more)
• Bananas
• Strawberries
• Peanut butter cups
• Dark chocolate
• Nutella
• Caramel topping

I think guests will love creating their new favorite treats with unexpected elements.

Other details to consider

If you are planning a similar gathering, here are a few tips:

• Remember sticks for roasting the marshmallows!
• Provide enough seats around the fire for all guests. These could be chairs, blankets or hay bales. Or, ask guests to bring their own lawn chairs. You want everyone to feel comfortable by the fire (so they'll stick around chatting into the night).
• Keep pests away by covering all food that is being served outside. Nothing ruins a gathering faster than an uninvited guest.
• If it's a cool night, provide a basket of blankets for guests to keep warm.
• Warm drinks will be welcomed by guests. I'll serve hot chocolate and hot cider.
• Don't let bad weather get you down. If it's raining, bring the party inside with a fireplace and s'more brownies.

Sound off: What's your favorite part of autumn?

I don't know about you, but it's not truly autumn for me until my husband and I start a fire in the fire pit and break out the marshmallows for s'mores.

It’s Johnny Appleseed Day - the perfect time to celebrate our favorite fruit. The one that comes from a tree and keeps the doctor away. And what better time to find recipes for all those delicious apples? Autumn brings with it an abundance of apples.

Wouldn't it be fun to celebrate fall apples with a Johnny Appleseed party? For a full apple spread, here's what I would serve.

The main dish:

Apple pork chops

The sides:

Apple and pecan dressing

Chicken rice waldorf salad

Carol's cranberry salad

The desserts:

Caramel apple cheesecake

Apple crisp

When served with some hot apple cider, your Johnny Appleseed party is sure to be a delight.

Sound off: What's your favorite apple recipe?

It’s Constitution Week, a time to celebrate our democracy. And what could be more American than pie?

(Really, this is just my excuse to share my favorite pie recipes. Who doesn't love pie?)

And instead of the tried-and-true pie recipes, I think it's the perfect time to try new flavors and combinations. Something new - what could be more American than that?

Berry-rhubarb pie

I'm a huge rhubarb fan, and this recipe combines the tart fruit with a little sweet in the form of blackberries and raspberries.

Cherry-apple pie

Two of the most classic American pies come together for one killer treat.

Chocolate-pecan pie

My husband's favorite pecan pie gets a boost with a chocolate. In my opinion, everything can be improved with chocolate.

What are your favorite pie combinations?

Sound off: What are your favorite pie combinations?

It may feel a little off-topic to talk about the need for life insurance on a blog about simple and meaningful gatherings. But if you care about those you love - and I know you do, because you love spending time and gathering with them - it's important to know they will be protected if the unexpected happens to you.

Look around the dinner table or the bonfire. These are people who you want to protect.

Life insurance offers families the financial security they need at crucial times in their lives – when a loved one dies. And Americans are underinsured. The average person owns less life insurance than they believe they should. That’s according to LIMRA International research indicating nearly 58 million U.S. households believe they need additional life insurance coverage.

According to LIMRA International’s 2010 Life Insurance Ownership Study:

• Only 44 percent of U.S. households have individual life insurance. That’s a 50-year low.
• 30 percent have no life insurance protection at all.
• Among households with children under 18, four in 10 say they would immediately have trouble meeting everyday living expenses if a primary wage earner died today.
• Although they want professional help, almost eight in 10 American households currently don’t have a personal life insurance representative to turn to for advice.

September is the eighth-annual Life Insurance Awareness Month, designed to raise awareness and educate consumers about the importance of life insurance coverage and the financial services representatives who are trained to help consumers meet their needs.

How does life insurance connect to family gatherings?

Modern Woodmen of America created the Gatherings website to tie to its core value of helping people achieve quality family life. We do this every day through financial offerings as well as through social, charitable and volunteer activities. Life insurance is an important part of this.

If you want to ensure that you are protecting those you love, check out these resources at Modern Woodmen’s website, where you can:

Read about the different types of life insurance

Calculate how much you need 

Find a local representative to discuss your financial future

Sound off: How do you show your love?

It's Talk Like a Pirate Day. (It's official. There really is a national day to celebrate anything and everything.)

This got me thinking that a pirate birthday party would be so fun for kids of all ages. So I thought I'd share the pirate birthday party theme from Gatherings' database of party themes.

So break out the eye patch, sword and hook. It's time to "shiver me timbers!"

Overall Ideas:

• Lead your guests to the party by putting a treasure map on the invitation – “X” marks the spot the party will take place!
• Similar to “Pin the Tail on the Donkey”, play “X Marks the Spot” by creating a treasure map and awarding a prize to the child who gets closest to the treasure chest.
• You can also have a treasure hunt by hiding prizes around the party space.

 Decorating Ideas:

• Use red and black as theme colors for your balloons, streamers and tablecloth.
• Hang pirate flags around the room. Don’t know what they look like? Most arts and crafts stores should have them.
• Place gold coins, markers and a cardboard box to be decorated as a treasure chest at each place setting.

Gatherings with Purpose Idea:

• Ask guests to bring along former “treasures” (toys they no longer play with) to be donated to a homeless or domestic violence shelter.

Sound off: What ideas do you have to add to the pirate birthday party theme?

For many of us, it reminded us of the most important things in life - the people we love.

And that's really why we gather, isn't it? To spend time with those who mean the most to us. Whether it's an intimate family dinner or a bridal shower or birthday party, we come together to celebrate life's triumphs and connect during the hardest times.

Today, I hope we'll all remember how it felt 10 years ago. And consider ways we can come together to give back. To make the world a better place on Sept. 11 and every day.

Ideas to give back today can be simple, like making cookies or brownies to drop off at the local fire or police department. Or you could donate a flag, beautify a local park or write thank-you letters to local veterans.

As the sponsor of the Gatherings website, Modern Woodmen and its members believe in the importance of giving back and adding purpose to everyday gatherings. On any given day, a Modern Woodmen chapter or youth club members across the nation hold events to salute America’s heroes past and present – the men and women of the military, law enforcement and fire departments.

In September these activities take on greater significance, as our nation honors Americans who died and those who risked their lives during and after the attacks.  

• Members in Burkesville, Ky., will remember the victims of 9/11 at a special dinner and then listen to a guest speaker discuss patriotism.
• In Spring, Texas, members will collect supplies at their monthly chapter activity to send to U.S. troops overseas.
• Youth club members in Vancouver, Wash.; Lakeland, Fla.; and Murphy, N.C.; will donate U.S. flags to local fire and police departments.
• Boys and girls in Jerome, Idaho, will hold a patriotic breakfast to honor veterans and active military.

Sound off: How will you give back on September 11?

Here are a few of my favorite parts with some takeaways for your next gathering.

Stick to the theme

If you go to the trouble of coming up with a party theme, stick to it. Shannon tied the garden gnome idea into everything - from astroturf on the tables to the large gnome statue to the food.

Use what you have

I love using mason jars for party decor, so I liked seeing how Shannon turned simple glass jars into terrariums for table decorations. And those stumps? You may be able to find some similar ones in your backyard. Be creative and you don't necessarily have to spend a fortune.

Shannon set up a fabulous dessert table, and it really stole the show. Instead of decorating everything, try focusing on one table or area. It will grab the guests' attention and remind them about the party theme.

Focus

Shannon really focused on the sweets. Instead of trying to serve a full dinner, consider focusing on one type of food - maybe desserts or appetizers. This will allow you to better tie into the theme and keep you from getting overwhelmed.

Set up a photo booth

This is a fun takeaway for any party. Set up a simple fabric backdrop and a camera and ask guests to get photos. Shannon provided some funny props and thought bubbles. These pictures will be fun to look at for years to come.

Sound off: What's your favorite part of this gnome party?

Create a focal point

In case you didn't know, I'm a huge fan of the slow cooker all year. What's not to love about tasty meals waiting for you at the end of the day? So, in honor of the fall season, here are my top four slow cooker recipes.

Take a break from labor-intensive meal preparation, this Labor Day and beyond!

Barbequed Beef

Beef and Noodles

Slow Cooker Italian Beef

Slow Cooker Southwestern Chili

These meals are not only simple and delicious for any night, they can also be great meals for fall and winter entertaining. Then, you can spend time with your guests instead of slaving away in the kitchen.

Sound off: What's your favorite slow cooker meal?

If you are going to a Labor Day gathering, no doubt you are looking forward to it. (And if you are like me, you're happy you don't have to cook and clean your own house in preparation.)

But do you ever wonder how to show your gratitude and help the host or hostess?

I write a lot about how to throw a simple, fun and meaningful gathering. But what if you aren't the one throwing it?

After hosting countless parties - from housewarmings to showers to family dinners - I feel that it's time to share the low-down regarding how to be a good guest. If you want to be the favorite this Labor Day (and at every party hereafter), try a few of these tips. And please add your own comments about being a good guest.

Show up (or tell the host that you can't make it)

One of the most difficult parts about planning a get-together is knowing how many people will attend. Have you ever planned a gathering for 30 people and only 10 show up? I have. And it's hard to hide the disappointment when you have leftovers for a month.

Not all gatherings require an RSVP, but if yours does, please take the time to do it. Your response will take a little uncertainty away from the host, and make him or her feel valued and respected.

And it goes without saying, if you say you will attend, it's polite to do so. But if something does come up, let the host know in advance.

Offer help

It really means a lot to me when friends and family offer to help - by bringing chairs or tables, preparing a dish to pass or even helping set up. If you are willing and able to help, offer.

The host may not take you up on the invitation, but it will mean a lot to him or her. And sometimes you may have supplies that the host was planning to purchase or rent. For example, a friend recently offered to bring tables for a party we hosted. This saved us the loads of money we would have spent renting them.

Be gracious

I don't believe that host or hostess gifts are always necessary, but they are certainly a welcome surprise. A small token of your thanks will definitely bring you to the top of the best guests list. Try stocking up an arsenal of simple hostess gifts - like special chocolates, candles and lotions - to ensure you are always prepared for a gathering.

Regardless of your stance on hostess gifts, it's important to thank the host during and after the party. Make sure to express your gratitude when arriving or leaving. And a simple email or card tellling the person that you had a good time will really mean a lot. (And it will probably get you an invite for the next gathering!)

Sound off: What tips do you have to be a good guest?

Step away from the peanut butter and jelly!

 Try these unique snacks for your kids instead.

Homemade animal crackers

Fun fruit kabobs

Jigglers - Gelatin blocks

Fruit pizza

Energy trail mix

Sound off: What's your favorite back-to-school snack?

Overall Ideas:

• Ask guests to wear their country club attire. Collared golf shirts are, of course, mandatory. Give a prize for the most creative golf attire. (Think high argyle socks, sweater vests, green blazers and short pants.)
• To get all guests involved, set up an indoor miniature golf course. Guests young and old will have fun trying to get a hole-in-one.

Food Ideas:

• Serve a variety of finger foods and appetizers for this gathering. Some of my favorites include Tortilla Roll-Ups, Out-of-this-World Meatballs, Bruschetta and Garden Veggie Pizza Squares.

Decorating Ideas:

• Pull out every golf-related item you own to decorate for this party. From golf bags to clubs to golf towels, put everything to good use.

• Make a centerpiece with a small piece of astroturf and a bowl with golf balls or tees.

• Create tee markers with toothpicks and paper flags. (You can easily cut the flag from construction paper.) Use them on finger foods or in drinks.

Gatherings with Purpose Idea:

• Ask guests to bring gently-used sports equipment to donate to a local youth center.

Sound off: What's your favorite part about the game of golf?

I don't know about you, but I'm wishing I had the baking skills to pull off a Cat in the Hat cake.

And I'm also wondering who in my life needs me to throw a birthday party with this theme.

(Check out more theme ideas for a Dr. Seuss party in our party themes section.)

Sound off: What's your favorite party theme?

You aren't alone. According to the National Retail Federation, families will spend more than $600 on back-to-school shopping this year. Are you wondering where that $600 will come from?

There are ways to save some money when going back to school. I talked to some parents about simple ways to save some coin when back-to-school shopping. Here are some takeaways:

Evaluate what you already have.

Before you even think about school shopping, dig around your house. Do you need pencils or do you have three unopened boxes in the back of the drawer? Are jeans a necessity or is your child's closet already stuffed to the brim? Don't get sucked into the need to buy before you really decide what you need. Make a list of these things and stick to it. And don't forget to budget for the expenses. If you only have $200 to spend, you should know it before you step foot into a store.

Go shopping alone.

Shopping without your kids in tow will help you avoid impulse shopping. While you certainly need your children to be present when shopping for clothes, school supply shopping can be less painful and less expensive if you go at it alone.

Shop tax-free.

Many states and communities offer tax-free shopping weekends during the back-to-school season. This is a great way to shave a little off your expenses without giving anything up. Find out if your area has something like this and plan to shop during this time.

Shop around and online.

If you have a detailed list of what you need, check out local sales fliers and different stores to find the best deals. Some office supply stores have killer deals on back-to-school items like crayons and notebooks right now. And shopping online can be a great way to price compare in the comfort of your own home. It may even be worth your while to buy online, particularly when free shipping is offered.

Stock up.

If your child is just starting school and you find crayons for 10 cents, consider purchasing a few packs. This could make next year's shopping a little easier. (Just make sure to put it somewhere you'll remember.)

Get rewarded.

Some stores have incentives for loyal customers. Sign up for these free loyalty programs at office supply and clothing stores and begin building up points for discounts and free items in the future.

Give kids the power.

If you want to teach your kids the value of the dollar, give them the budget and ask them to make the decisions about what back-to-school items they really need (with your assistance, of course). This may help them narrow down the list to the real priorities and give them a valuable lesson in economics at the same time.

There are certainly lots of different ways to save money when the kids are going back to school, these are only a few.

Sound off: What's your best tip to save some money when back-to-school shopping?

But this is also a great time to help those who may not be able to afford the expensive back-to-school season. From new shoes and clothes to much-needed school supplies, some Americans find this season difficult. Now is the perfect time to consider ways your can help!

During your next back-to-school gathering, consider adding a little purpose - a way to give back and make the world a little better.

Here are a few ideas.

1. Planning a play date or back-to-school bash? Ask all guests to bring a new backpack or school supply to donate.

2. There are many Americans who go hungry - and this includes children. Some kids' only nourishment is through the school lunch program. The next time you are grocery shopping with your kids, consider purchasing a little extra to donate to the local food pantry. Ask your kids to pick out their favorite healthy snacks to get them involved.

3. Shopping for back-to-school can be stressful. But remind your kids and yourself how lucky you are by picking up extra items to donate to your school or local shelter. Many communities have programs to provide school supplies for those who cannot afford them.

4. Many families use this time of year to clean out their closets and reorganize for the new school year. Gather with a few other families and challenge each other to donate gently used children's clothes to low-income families. Talk to your child's teacher or principal about organizing an event at the school to distribute these items to families who need the help.

There are limitless ways that you can add a little giving as your kids go back to school!

Sound off: What ideas do you have to add purpose during the back-to-school season?

But if you bring a warm casserole to a gathering, do you ever worry that it will be cold by the time you arrive? I did, too, until I recently made my very own casserole carrier.

This simple sewing project allows you to carry your casserole in style. And it keeps the dish warm with a layer of insulated batting.

Check out the full instructions at 2 Little Hooligans.

And in honor of the casserole, here are a few of my favorite one-dish wonders.

Broccoli rice casserole

Burrito pie

Cheesy potato casserole

Chicken casserole with spaghetti

Deep dish pizza casserole

Sound off: What's your favorite casserole?

The basics:

The “important” questions:

Get to know me:

Sound off: Do you want to be ‘grilled’ by Gatherings Gal? Email me at gatheringsgal@gatherings.info or leave a comment below.

If you think that your time with family is precious and rare, "It's all Relative" is for you. This is perfect for a weeknight with your family or even a larger extended family gathering.

It's all Relative

Directions: Back in the '80s when Trivial Pursuit was the rage, teacher Lynn Bonsey of Surry, Maine, and her sister, Lorna Healey, came up with “It's All Relative,” a homemade version based on their often hilarious family history.

You will need three or more players.

Materials: Colored index cards or card stock and pens (optional: photographs, tape recordings, game boards).

Make sure to get the word out that each person needs to bring questions to the gathering.

Examples include:

• How did Cousin Joe break his arm last year?
• What is Aunt Sophie’s dog’s name?
• Cards can also ask questions about accompanying photographs or tape recordings.

The game can then be played in any number of ways – individually, in teams, on a game board or just as a quiz contest.

To add a little bit of excitement and anticipation, write each letter in the phrase "It's All Relative" on a piece of card stock and put it in a container. Each time a team gets a question right they get to grab a letter. The first to spell the title of the game wins.

Sound off: What's your favorite family game?

I loved the ideas so much that I asked if I could share them with Gatherings readers.

They agreed, and below are my favorite ideas. Hope you like them as much as I do.

Rainbow decor

One of my favorite way to decorate for any party is using tissue paper poms. They are inexpensive and pack a punch. They found rainbow shades of tissue paper at the dollar store and created a variety of rainbow color poms to put on tables, hang from ceilings and scatter around the floor. She also found rainbow leis that guests could wear. (Learn to make tissue paper poms at Karen at Home.)

Rainbow cake

Now this cake makes a statement. They created a special cake with all the rainbow colors. It's not difficult to make but defiinitely takes a little more time. But when you see all the guests' eyes light up when the cake is cut, you'll agree that it is worth it. (Learn to make your own rainbow cake at One Charming Party.)

Rainbow cookies

You can never have too many desserts, in my opinion. Laura and Andy created these fun rainbow slice and bake cookies for a twist on the traditional. (Learn how to make rainbow slice and bake cookies at Good Life Eats.)

Rainbow skewers

You can't only eat cake. This healthier treat even plays into the rainbow theme. These simple fruit skewers are placed in rainbow order. The details are the best parts!

Sound off: What's your favorite part of this rainbow party?

One word - toasty.

As the mercury rises, I find myself looking for recipes that don't use the oven or even the stove. And I also find myself reaching for recipes that are a little ligther.

Here are a few of my favorite recipes that require no heat, because we have plenty of that outside as it is.

Almond chicken pear salad

Greek pasta salad (Cheater alert: This recipe does require cooked pasta, but you could do this in the microwave to avoid the stove.)

Rhino's caprese salad

Cucumber salad

Tomato mozzarella salad

Spicy tortilla roll-ups

Sound off: What's your favorite hot weather recipe? 

I'm always looking for ways to get creative and save money. Today's idea for a swap with friends or family is a great way to do both.

Do you have things you know you don't need any more? Kids' clothing, books, accessories or home decor?

Host a "Swap your Stuff" gathering to get rid of your excess and bring home things that you would actually use.

A swap party will save you money, connect you with friends and even help you give back. Here's the scoop.

Set the ground rules:

• Invite friends/family who would be willing to bring items for a swap.
• Invite enough people to make the swap worthwhile for all involved. (10-15 people is usually a great place to begin.)
• Give guests plenty of time to clean out closets and basements to bring items.
• Decide what to swap. Instead of making it broad and asking people to bring anything, think about particular things you want to get rid of. With back-to-school time right around the corner, it's a great time to swap kids' clothing (with other parents). Or try accessories/purses, women's clothing, toys/games or housewares. I've even hosted a book swap with my book club. The sky is the limit!
• Make sure guests understand items should be clean and in good condition. If you are trading clothing, ask guests to wash and dry items before the party.
• Ask each guest to bring at least 10 items to swap.

At the swap:

• When guests arrive, give each a ticket for each item she brought. (So if the person brought 10 items of clothing, give her 10 tickets.)
• Set up all the items around the room. Give guests some time to "shop" the room for items they have their eyes on.
• Provide light refreshments and use this as a time to mingle, too.
• After a little while, get the swap started. Ask the first five guests to pick their first item (in exchange for a ticket). Then, move on to the next five. Continue this process until all items and tickets are gone.

After the swap:

• There may be some items that don't get swapped. If anything is left, consider where they can be donated before the gathering begins. Women and kids' clothing can be donated to a domestic violence shelter. Toys, games and books could be dropped off at a local day care or school.
• You could also tell guests that if they have other things to donate that don't fit the swap, they can bring them to be donated by the host following the gathering. Box everything up and drop off to local organizations. This truly makes your gathering one with a purpose.

After a busy day of swapping, you'll have some new (to you) items and your closets and drawers may be a little more organized. Plus, this is just another way to connect with friends and give back. There's not much that is better than that.

Sound off: What's your favorite way to purge and organize?

Here are four of my favorites:

Blueberry french toast

Blueberry coffee cake

Blueberry smoothie

Red, white and blueberry cheesecake pie

Sound off: What's your favorite way to eat blueberries?

Many people would argue that these games are antiquated, but I disagree. I think that the pure fact that people have been playing yard games for a hundred years or more make them timeless. Keep these games going throughout the next generation.

If you're looking to build your own yard game arsenal, here are my top five choices of yard games to own. Keep your eyes open at clearance sales, yard sales and thrift stores for great deals.

These games are great to pull out before a formal or informal gathering. (We've been known to pull out our bean bag toss on a random Tuesday evening to compete with the neighbors!)

1. Croquet

2. Horseshoes

3. Volleyball and badminton

4. Bocce

5. Bean bag toss (also called corn hole)

Sound off: What's your favorite yard game?

But there are so many ways to eat corn that it seems crazy (but still tasty) to eat it plain. Here are a few of my favorite different ways to prepare corn on the cob for your next dinner or gathering.

Cajun grilled corn

Corn with bacon and chili powder

Or, if you have some leftover and want to try some corn off the cob, try this:

So corny sandwich

Sound off: What's your favorite way to serve sweet corn?

County fair season!

But don't despair when the week of fair fun is over. Host your own county fair party to extend the true Americana good time a little longer.

Overall Ideas:

• To channel the true feel of a county fair, ask guests to dress in their most comfortable fair attire. In other words - denim, cowboy boots and bandanas are the norm.
• Send invites with an inexpensive bandana. The bandana can be worn to the party.
• For a fun bandana-themed game, tell guests when arriving that they are not allowed to eat anything not on a stick. If they are caught taking any food off a stick to eat, someone can steal his or her bandana. The person with the most bandanas at the end of the night wins a prize.

Food Ideas:

• The stereotypical fair foods are on a stick, so play this up at your party. Corn on the cob, corndogs, fruits, vegetables and cheese can all be skewered. The ideas are endless. You can serve everything on a stick or have food served normally and provide sticks as utensils.
• Fresh-squeezed lemonade is a great refreshment for this party.
• Consider renting a cotton candy machine for something fun and unique.

Decorating Ideas:

• Use bandanas on tables and as pennants for a country feel.
• Cover tables in red and white checkered tablecloths and fill centerpieces with summertime flowers like sunflowers or daisies.

Gatherings with Purpose Idea:

• Ask attendees to rally around a common cause by bringing along a canned good to donate to a local food pantry.  

Sound off: Where is your favorite county fair?

If you started the year with dreams of saving money and ending the year with a better financial footprint, here are a few summertime ideas to save money - and have lots of fun while you're doing it.

You could: Go out to eat with friends or family and eat on the restaurant's patio to enjoy the summer weather. $20+

You should: Pack up sandwiches and meet in a park for a summertime picnic. Don't forget your picnic blanket! FREE

You could: Take the whole family to the movies for an afternoon matinee. When you add the soda and popcorn, you are looking at a true splurge. $40

You should: Check out local concerts or movies that happen all over the country for free each summer. Our local parks have free movie nights and concerts from symphonies to blues to rock. I'll bet yours do, too. FREE

You could: Pack up your swim suits and hit a local waterpark. While this is loads of fun, the entrance fees and snacks can really add up. $30

You should: Dust off your bikes and take a family bike ride. I love riding along the river in my town, but I'll bet your area has lots of scenic routes and trails.  FREE

You could: Spend lots of money on airfare and visit a far-away destination for a one-week getaway, to the tune of a month's paycheck. It's quite fun, but you come home thinking you need a vacation from your vacation. $1,000 or more

You should: Consider a "staycation." Check out local museums, sports teams and attractions that you usually skip. In short, be a tourist in your own backyard. The best part, you don't have to pay for a hotel or flight. Varies

Sound off: What is your favorite free summertime activity?

Don't worry! You don't have to cancel or reschedule.

Embrace the fact that the one thing you cannot control is the weather, and try a few of these rainy day rescues.

(Pssst: These activities are also great for those rainy days at home with your kids.)

Games

Lots of activities can be adapted to play inside. Here are a few ideas:

Line up count down

Mother may I?

Sardines

TV limbo

Crafts

Or try these creative ideas to turn a rainy-day frown upside down:

Colored sand jars

Candy necklace

Tissue paper flowers

These are just a few ways that you can adapt to a stormy day. Don't let that rain get to you.

Sound off: What's your favorite rainy day activity?

With the mercury rising, an ice cream party will keep everyone cool. This party theme is perfect for summer get-togethers with adults or kids. Here are some of my ideas to take ice cream to the next level.

Overall Ideas:

• On your invitations, invite guests to gather with friends, have fun and indulge in a sundae - with a cherry on top. Include an illustration of a sundae or cherries. For a fun potluck-style sundae party, ask each guest to bring his or her favorite ice cream topping.
• To get everyone involved, give guests a chance to make their own ice cream. Plastic bag ice cream is a great children's activity.
• For a new twist on Pin the Tail on the Donkey, print off a large drawing of an ice cream sundae. Cut out red cherries and ask guests to pin the cherry on the sundae.

Food Ideas:

• The main event is definitely the ice cream. Set up a sundae bar with all the fixin's - homemade hot fudge, caramel, fruit syrups, nuts and candies.
• Other ice cream recipes will also get guests' mouths watering. My suggestions are homemade buster bars, cookie and fudge ice cream cake or homemade ice cream sandwiches.
• For guests who may prefer something a little lighter, try making smoothies with fresh or frozen fruit.
• On a hot day, remember that ice cream will definitely melt quickly. Keep food in a freezer or cooler until you are ready to indulge.

Decorating Ideas:

• Turn your party space into an old-time ice cream parlor. Use sherbet colors of pink, blue and yellow and cover tables in white cloths.
• If you can find vintage or reproduction sundae glasses, fill them with straws or candies to use as useful decor.

Gatherings with Purpose Idea:

• Ask guests to bring a canned good to donate to the local food pantry. As you indulge in a delicious treat, you'll also help those who may be in need of food.

Sound off: What are your favorite ice cream toppings?

The traditional

Cherry apple pie

Ingredients

1/2 c. light brown sugar, packed
1/4 c. cornstarch
1 t. cinnamon
3 c. Fuji, Gala or Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
1 c. dark sweet or tart cherries*
1 T. lemon juice
1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust (press-in, rustic or fancy)
5 T. cold butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Streusel Topping:
1/4 c. all-pupose flour
1/4 c. light brown sugar, packed
2 T. cold butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
 

Directions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• In bowl, stir together sugar, cornstarch and cinnamon. Add apples to cinnamon-sugar mixture; mix thoroughly. Add cherries and lemon juice; mix thoroughly. Place mixture in pie crust; dot with butter.
• For topping, stir together flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly; sprinkle over apples and butter. Bake 40 to 50 minutes, until crust is golden. Remove to wire rack and cool.

The modern

Marlene's apple crisp

From the kitchen of Vicki Letsche, Miller, South Dakota
Prep Time: Approx. 1 hour
 

Ingredients
Apples, sliced
1 c. water
2 1/2 c. sugar, divided 2 c. and 1/2 c.
1 c. flour
2 c. graham crackers, crushed
1 t. cinnamon
1 c. butter, melted
 

Directions

• Fill 9x13 pan with apples. Mix 1 c. water and 1/2 c. sugar. Pour over the apples.
• Mix flour, graham cracker crumbs, sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over the apples.
• Melt 1 c. butter and pour over the crumb mixture.
• Bake at 350 degrees until apples are done.
  
   

The fun

Caramel apple cheesecake

Ingredients
1 c. vanilla wafer crumbs
1/2 c. pecans chopped fine
3 T. sugar
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 c. margarine or butter, melted
2 (8 oz.) pkgs softened cream cheese
3/4 c. caramel ice cream topping
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. cognac vanilla ( I have substituted 1/4 c. scotch and 1/2 tsp. of vanilla extract)
2 eggs
4 c. apples thinly sliced
1/3 c. brown sugar
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 c. chopped pecans
 

Directions

• Mix together cookie crumbs, 1/2 c. pecans, 3 T. sugar, 1/2 t. cinnamon and melted butter.
• Press into bottom of 9 inch springform pan.
• Bake at 325 for 10 minutes.
• Beat together cream cheese, 1/2 c. brown sugar, vanilla and eggs until well mixed. Pour over crust.
• Spoon 1/2 c. caramel topping over batter.
• Toss apple slices with remaining brown sugar, cinnamon and pecans; spoon over batter.
• Bake 10 minutes at 425 degrees; reduce oven temperature to 250 degrees and bake 45-55 minutes or until set.
• Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
• Drizzle remaining caramel over top.
   

Sound off: What's your favorite way to eat apple pie?

The basics:

My name is: Glenn Tyler

My job is: Helping Modern Woodmen members uncover financial needs and solve financial problems. I’m a Modern Woodmen financial representative.

I am from: Conway, Ark.

The “important” questions:

Vanilla or chocolate? Vanilla

I like my steak cooked: Medium well

White or wheat bread? Wheat

Get to know me:

On a Saturday afternoon, you’ll probably find me: With my family eating out or at home cooking. My wife is an excellent cook. Our favorites are shrimp, pasta, steak and baked fish.

My favorite memory of a family gathering is: The Thanksgiving after my wife’s mother passed away was special. It showed us how important family is. We hosted the meal at our house that year and have been hosting it every year since.

The next gathering I’m planning is: A family reunion in Little Rock.

My favorite volunteer activities are: Each Christmas my wife and I supply Christmas items for less fortunate kids through the Department of Human Services.

My party planning style is: Traditional, relaxed and fun.

My favorite recipe is: Spaghetti salad

Ingredients

·         1 package spaghetti

·         7 tomatoes

·         5 cucumbers

·         2 bunches green onions

·         2 bottles Kraft Zesty Italian dressing

·         1 bottle salad seasoning

Directions

1.      Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain under cold water.

2.      Dice tomatoes, cucumbers and green onions.

3.      Mix all ingredients in a bowl except salad seasoning.

4.      Add salad seasoning according to your taste. (I use half a bottle.)

Sound off: Do you want to be ‘grilled’ by Gatherings Gal? Email me at gatheringsgal@gatherings.info or leave a comment below.

So, if you're getting ready for your own family reunion - whether large or small - you've come to the right place. Gatherings has some really handy tools to get you started, or help you cross the finish line. Here are my top three tools to get you going.

First, check out the 11 steps to planning a family reunion.

Even if you don't have much time until the big day, this checklist keeps you from forgetting something important (like your camera).

Second, plan your menu.

We all know that food is a big draw for these types of get-togethers. On Gatherings.info, you can search by course, ingredient and more. Then, just add your choices to your very own recipe box and print out a combined shopping list. It couldn't be easier. (Also, check out some tips for preparing food for a crowd.)

Third, think about entertainment.

While spending time with family may be plenty of entertainment, consider finding a few games and activities to keep everyone busy. There are games in our database that will keep everyone happy - from your 3-year-old nephew to your grumpy Aunt Berta.

So, there are a few links to get you started. I hope you enjoy lots of quality family time this summer, with help from Gatherings.info.

Sound off: Will you be hosting or attending a family reunion this summer?

My vote: play (at least) one game.

Games not only keep a shower moving, but also give the guests a chance to interact and get to know one another better. There are tons of choices, and they can be as simple or as intense as you'd like.

Here are two of my favorites that work well for either a baby or bridal shower.

What does it cost?

"What does it cost?" was a hit every time I've played it. The main idea is to ask guests to play a version of "The Price is Right."

Baby shower version: Pick up some typical baby items including diapers, a bottle, a pacifier, a onesie, etc.

Bridal shower version: Buy pantry staples like sugar, flour, vanilla, chocolate chips, etc. (I like to correspond the staples to my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe and pair it with the recipe.)

Show each item to guests and ask them to write down what they think each costs. The person with the closest total cost (adding all items together at the end) wins a prize. When the game is over, send all the items home with the guest of honor.

Who will do it?

"Who will do it?" is another game that works well for both baby showers or bridal showers. The game asks guests to guess who will be responsible for typical chores after marriage or baby.

Baby shower version: List typical baby chores on a sheet of paper for each guests. Ideas include diaper changing, doctor visits, medicine dispensing, discipline, bathing, tucking into bed, etc.

Bridal shower version: List typical chores that a couple would split up after marriage, like taking out the trash, washing dishes, cleaning bathrooms, mowing the lawn, etc.

Ask guests to answer "Who will do it?" for each chore. The person with the most correct answers - those matching the answers of the guest of honor - wins a prize.

(Hint: This works well for couples' showers, too. Think of it as an extension of "The Newlywed Game.")

Sound off: What is your favorite shower game?

(Don't forget to add it to our games database. And check out more ideas for shower games.)

If you are planning a low-key shindig for the 4th of July (and who isn't?), here are four of my favorite simple summer grill recipes. So, throw on your most comfortable T-shirt, light up the grill and enjoy the long weekend with family and a full stomach.

Grilled pork steaks with lemon butter sauce

Grilled corn on the cob

Grilled potatoes and onion

Grilled onions

Sound off: My favorite grilling recipe is _______________________.

More than two million Americans get married each year (and I tend to think half of those wedding must take place in June). When the honeymoon phase wears off, real life sets in. And real life is full of challenges – houses, kids and bills. Not to mention laundry, car repairs and jobs. While this is the season of love, it's also a great time to share some financial tips for newlyweds.

Isn't that romantic?

But the truth is, married couples have a lot to plan for. Having children, buying a home, taking vacations and retiring comfortably are just a few goals that may be on your mind after your wedding. What does it take to reach these personal goals? Financial planning.

Protect

On your wedding day, you vowed to protect one another. Life insurance can help. As your assets and obligations grow, so does your need for protection.

Newlyweds should meet with a financial representative to discuss insurance needs with every new life stage. This includes when you buy a house, have children or when your financial situation changes.

Plan

There's no better time to discuss finances than soon after you get married. (Or better yet, before!) It's natural to have lots of dreams when you become husband and wife. So, husband and wife should sit down and discuss their own financial goals, and how they will come together.

Here are a few questions to get you started:

• Where do you see yourself in 30 years? 50 years?

• What big purchases do you see in our future? (Houses, cars, etc.)

• When do you want to retire?

• How much can we agree to save from our paychecks to finance our dreams?

This is also a good time to make sure that both spouses are aware of your current financial position.

Here are a few questions to get you started:

• Does either spouse carry debt?

• What financial obligations do you currently have?

Listen

I recently interviewed two married couples who have been married for more than 40 years. With more than 95 years of combined marriage experience, their tips could help other newlyweds build a solid financial future. Here are a few of their tips:

• Trust each other. Be honest about your finances from the beginning and don't hide purchases from your spouse. Money is often the top pain point in a marriage. Don't let it become a problem in yours.

• Make major decisions together. Not only does this make sense financially, it will also bring you closer together when you make purchase decisions as a team.

• Be patient. You don't have to have everything now. Instead, buy things as you can afford them and pay for one thing before buying the next. (This may mean putting off that new car until next year, when you can really afford it.)

• Put a portion of your income away for savings. Agree about what amount makes sense for your current financial situation and your future dreams. Meet with a financial representative if you need help deciding what you need to save.

• Work with a financial representative you can trust. Modern Woodmen has financial representatives across the country who can help you reach your financial dreams. Find one near you.

Sound off: What is the best piece of financial advice you've received? 

We recently spent a night at a local minor league baseball stadium, and it got me thinking about how universal the sport really is. Children and adults both have a twinkle in their eyes when watching the game.

So why not use this idea for your next gathering? Create your own "ballpark" for a birthday party, family reunion or any other summer gathering. You'll hit it out of the park with these simple ideas.

Overall Ideas:

• I love quirky invites. Foam baseballs would make memorable and fun invitations. You can write party details on the ball itself or you could use a pushpin to add the paper invite.
• A friend recently told me about her idea to create a "concession stand" at a recent baseball-themed party. She gave each guest and allotment of Monopoly money to purchase hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, nachos and more.
• If your guests are interested, start a game of whiffle ball. It's safer than baseball and fun for all ages.

Food Ideas:

• No need to stray from the classics. Fire up the grill to cook hot dogs, bring out a crock pot for Nacho Dip and fill bowls with popcorn, peanuts and Cracker Jacks for munching.
• Fill a cooler with soda for refreshments.

Decorating Ideas:

• Find a few squares of green astroturf to use in the center of tables for a quirky centerpiece.
• Fill baskets or bowls with baseballs for true themed decor. Or pull out old baseball gloves and scatter throughout the space.
• You may have pennants from your school or favorite teams. If not, create your own pennants from cardstock or poster board to adorn walls.

Gatherings with Purpose Ideas:

• Ask guests to bring gently-used sports equipment to donate to a local youth center.

Sound off: My favorite baseball team is ___________________________.

My husband is a fan of spicy food, so I'm always on the lookout for new ideas.

Here are a few that you may be interested in as well. Since it's getting hotter outside, why not bring a little heat to your meals, too?

Jalapeno cream cheese dip

Spicy grilled shrimp

Roasted corn, avocado and chicken salad

Tortilla roll-ups

Sound off: What's your favorite spicy recipe?

(Be sure to add it to our recipe database.)

Flag Day celebrates the adoption of the American flag by the Continental Congress in 1777.

You know I'm a big fan of any cause for celebration. But that doesn't mean you have to throw an extravagant gathering. I love to celebrate in small ways . So, here are a few little ways I'd encourage you to celebrate the red, white and blue today.

• Wave your American flag with pride. I make sure to put out the flag before leaving the house and I also like to put up patriotic bunting along our fence.
• Wear red, white and blue and any patriotic jewelry you can find. When someone asks you why, tell them you are celebrating our symbol of freedom.
• Make a special Flag Day dinner for your family or friends. You can check out some ideas from Memorial Day. My favorites include red, white and blue cheesecake pie and patriotic pasta.

Sound off: Do you have any ideas to celebrate Flag Day and other upcoming patriotic holidays?

If you are trying to think of a fun theme for your party, look no farther than your own father.

• For a quirky party theme that screams "dad," use neckties as your theme. Give everyone a necktie to wear upon arrival at the party, cut out neckties out of scrapbook paper for decoration and use old ties around the room for added interest.

• If your dad is master of the grill, go with a barbeque theme. Give dad a personalized grilling apron. Set the table with checkered tablecloths and create a centerpiece with a crock full of grilling tools (which dad can take home with him after the event).

• Does your dad love golf? Make your party better than the 18th green with decorations that remind him of the golf course. Decorate with golf bags and clubs. Use a small piece of astroturf on the middle of the table and fill a bowl with golf balls or tees.

• Is your dad the king of home improvements? Channel your inner tool man and decorate using buckets of nails, hammers and more. I'd even repurpose a ladder for a fun shelf to display photos of your father.

Sound off: I love my dad because ________________________.

The basics:

The “important” questions:

Get to know me:

Here are a few tips and links to get you started:

• Check out the graduation party theme, submitted by Gatherings user Vera Acree from Killeen, Texas. Ideas include decorating with school colors and old photos of the graduate.
• Will you be cooking for a crowd? Read tips about cooking for a large group and keeping food safety in mind.
• When choosing your menu, try our Quick Party Planner. This tool walks you through the steps to plan a menu. And, my favorite part, you can print a full shopping list after picking all the dishes. Hello, easy grocery store trip!
• Don't forget to browse through other Gatherings party themes and find lots of good food ideas for your party in our recipe database.

Sound off: "The best advice I could give a graduate is _______________."

(My answer: Follow your own own unique path through college and career.")

But, instead of ordering takeout or popping a frozen version in the oven, we make our own pizza. Not only does it taste so much better, it also costs a lot less. And it is so easy, you can do it, too.

Trust me. You can do it. Get out your apron and chef's hat and join me for a pizza making journey.

How?

Start with the crust

1. Mix together 1 teaspoon dry instant yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar and 3/4 cup warm water. Set aside for five minutes.
2. Mix 2 cups flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Add yeast mixture and 1/4 cup oil and stir.
3. Transfer to a floured board and knead for approximately five minutes. Place in an oiled bowl and let rise for about an hour.
4. At this point, you can also wrap and freeze the crust, if you aren't making the pizza right away. I like to make a few crusts each time and freeze one. (When you want to use the frozen crust, just put the ball of dough in an oiled bowl and let it defrost and rise for a few hours - or even all day while you are at work.)
5. Place in the middle of a pizza pan and form gently with your fingers to make the crust. It should be nice and pliable.
6. Bake the crust for about 15 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven to avoid soggy crust syndrome. (I hate soggy crusts so I gave the problem my own official name. )

Top it!

This is the fun part. Pick your favorite toppings and make your own custom pie.

1. Start by spreading a layer of canned pizza sauce on the crust. (You can substitute alfredo sauce, pesto or even olive oil.)
2. Add your favorite veggies and meat. We use crumbled sausage, onion, garlic, olives and fresh mushrooms. Get creative.
3. Add the cheese. I like to use mozzarella, but have used cheddar, monterey jack or a pizza mix, too.

Bake for another 20 minutes at 350 degrees or until crust is crispy and brown.

Let cool for a few minutes and enjoy!

This does take a little longer than a normal freezer variety, but it's so much better and fits your taste exactly, so I think you'll agree that it's worth the time.

It's a fun project for little hands, too. So consider getting your kids involved, especially kneading the dough and topping the crust.

Sound off: What are your favorite pizza toppings?

I think this is when it really feels like summer.

So, it's the perfect time to begin planning your own pool party - at your home or a community pool in your area. Here are a few of my ideas to help get you started.

Overall Ideas:

• Do you want to go a little over-the-top? Pick up inexpensive pair of flip-flop sandals at the dollar store and attach party details to the shoes. Not only will it get the attention of your guests, but everyone can wear their new kicks to the pool.
• Don't have access to a pool? Buy a couple of kiddie pools from the discount store. Kids love them and adults can still put their feet in the water for a refreshing dip. Or bring out the sprinklers and let the fun begin.
• To get adults in the water, consider organizing a pool volleyball tournament. Or try a diving contest or scavenger hunt with rings on the bottom of the pool. (These work great for kids, too.)

Food Ideas:

• I think poolside fare should be simple. Try cold-cut sandwiches, chips and salsa, and cookies. Cut fruit and veggies (like carrot sticks, celery and watermelon) will be huge hits and are also healthy options!
• Don't forget a cooler of fresh drinks to quench your thirst.

Decorating Ideas:

• Make your decor functional by blowing up beach balls or scattering other toys around the pool.
• Sticking to shades of blue for tableware, streamers and balloons adds a subtle nod to the main event - the water.
• If the party is at night, I like to bring out a few tiki torches for a summer glow. Or light candles on tables (an added bonus is that these can keep bugs away).

Gatherings with Purpose Ideas:

• Ask guests to bring a new toy to donate to a local women and children's shelter.

Sound off: "I know summer has arrived when ______________."

 Barbeque

World famous fajita dogs

Blue cheese burgers (a subtle nod to the blue in red, white and blue)

Alder-plank smoked salmon

Desserts

Rhubarb cake

Red, white and blue cheesecake pie (shown at right)

Homemade ice cream sandwiches

 Side dishes

Old settler's beans

Grilled corn on the cob

Creamy tart coleslaw

Patriotic pasta (shown at left)

Sound off: What's on your menu for Memorial Day?

The long Memorial Day weekend is upon us. This is the weekend that I pull out a set of bunting flags to put on my fence and raise the flag with pride. Maybe you do, too?

Stop by on Wednesday for some patriotic food ideas for the holiday weekend!

Sound off: How will you celebrate Memorial Day?

I know that we are all proud to be American. And we're proud of the men and women who bravely serve our country. Since tomorrow is Armed Forces Day, it's a perfect time to think about how to thank those servicemen and women.

Sound off: How do you thank our military? Share your ideas with us!

I hope the weather is nice in your neck of the woods. It's finally warming up in the Midwest, which gets me ready for outdoor activities.

If you are getting together with your family or friends this weekend, here are three fun outdoor activities for all ages. (These may bring back memories of elementary school, but they can be fun for all ages.)

Lickety-Split Frisbee Game

Sprinkler Freeze

Blind Man's Bluff

Check out more game ideas here.

Sound off: What's you favorite party game? (Submit it here.)

In my neck of the woods, summer also means potlucks! This year, instead of sticking to my tried-and-true recipes, I've challenged myself to try new salad recipes. The truth is, I just don't think to make salads often, even though the delicious dishes are my favorites at church dinners and family barbeques.

Greek pasta salad

Oriental cole slaw

Spicy roasted corn, avocado and chicken salad

American-Italian pasta salad

Thai pasta salad

Antipasto pasta salad

Sound off: Do you have a favorite potluck salad recipe? Share it in the comments or add it to our recipe database.

Whatever the reason, there are lots of simple ways to save some green during the summer. We often hear that the smallest savings count. Here are a few of my simple ideas for spending less.

Craving a steak?

That local steak joint (with its $20 sirloin) just can't compete with a steak you grill at home. Summertime is the perfect time to fire up the barbeque and make your steak just how you like it.

My husband I love to marinate strips of steak with this recipe. The meat ends up tender and the flavor is perfect. Pair it with chips and garden-fresh salsa for a meal with which no steakhouse can compete. 

But this doesn't go just for steak. Even a burger at a sit-down restaurant can run you $8-$10. You could feed six people at home for that! Try my favorite burger recipe to make six burger patties for less than $5 (and even less if you get the meat on sale).

Want company?

Summer is the perfect time to host gatherings at your home. My husband and I spend a lot of time on our deck with food, family and friends. But don't make the mistake of trying to do everything yourself. Instead, host a potluck!

We normally ask guests to bring a dish to pass. This cuts food costs down substantially. If we are only cooking hamburgers on the grill, we don't have to buy sides, drinks and desserts. It also means less preparation time and gives us a chance to try new recipes. I've found some of my favorite dishes through potlucks.

Many of our friends prefer this as well. It can get expensive to feed a large group, but by splitting up the cost and work, we can all host get-togethers more often.

Drooling over fresh food?

This is the time of year to eat your fill of fruits and vegetables. They are in-season, which means they are not only better tasting (because they are ripening on the vine instead of in transit to your supermarket), but also less expensive (because you can buy them locally).

If you are ready for a new challenge, try growing your own small garden. Pick a few of your favorite items and start small. People have been growing food for milions of years - you can, too.

Try tomatoes and cucumbers as a beginner, and you'll be surprised how easy it can be. The cost of a tomato plant is less than the cost of one tomato, in some cases. Other suggestions for beginner crops are carrots, radishes, squash and herbs like basil or parsley.

Not quite ready to grow a garden? Hit the farmer's market or join a CSA (community supported agriculture). Not only are you supporting local farmers, you are also able to find some great deals and delicious foods.

None of these ideas are rocket science or even very difficult. But they are ways to cut costs

So, repeat after me: "I will save money this summer." I know you can do it.

Sound off: My best tip for saving money on food is _____________________.

My name is: Jerry Reaves

My job is: Helping others by using Modern Woodmen services. I’m a Modern Woodmen financial representative.

I am from: Malden, Mo.

The “important” questions:

Vanilla or chocolate? Vanilla

I like my steak cooked: Medium

White or wheat bread? White

Get to know me:

On a Saturday afternoon, you’ll probably find me: In the yard, on my motorcycle or wherever Marilynn (my wife) says.

My favorite memory of a family gathering is: family reunions.

The next gathering I’m planning is: Memorial Day weekend.

My favorite volunteer activities are: Church, Lion’s Club and Modern Woodmen youth service clubs. My role at youth club activities varies from attending meetings or planting trees and flowers in the community to doing roadside cleanup for Join Hands Day or helping make fruit baskets to give to the needy for Christmas. I join with kids, parents and volunteers to do whatever needs to be done.

My party planning style is: Informal.

My favorite recipe is: Apple Cherry Salad

Ingredients

• 1 package cherry Jell-O
• 1 cup hot water
• ¼ cup red cinnamon candy
• ½ cup boiling water
• 1 cup chopped apples or pears
• 1 cup chopped celery
• ½ cup chopped nuts Directions

Directions

1. Dissolve Jell-O in hot water.
2. Add cinnamon candies to boiling water. Stir to dissolve.
3. Add enough water to make 1 cup liquid. Then add to dissolved Jell-O.
4. Cool until partially set.
5. Add remaining ingredients.
6. Pour into molds and serve on crisp lettuce. Or cut into squares.

Sound off: Do you want to be ‘grilled’ by Gatherings Gal? Email me at gatheringsgal@gatherings.info or leave a comment below.

Another way to celebrate is to give to the gift of reading to others. Here are a few ways to add a little book love to your next gathering.

• Ask guests to bring a gently used storybook to donate to a local women and children's shelter. These books can bring the joy of reading to children in bad situations.
• For a playdate or impromptu gathering with children, consider visiting your local library. You can donate books you no longer need, check out materials or purchase books and magazines at a discounted rate - all ways to support this wonderful resource.
• Request that guests at your next baby shower bring a book to begin the child's library. This can be done in lieu of greeting cards. Or buy a collection of bedtime stories and ask all the guests to sign the front pages as a guest book.
• Do you know someone who has an amazing story to tell? Maybe a grandparent or neighbor? Offer to record their stories and have them typed up as a book to share with loved ones. This is a big commitment, but something that is greatly appreciated by many and could be a great hit when shared at family gatherings. 

At Modern Woodmen, our local chapters and youth service clubs volunteer and support libraries and the love of reading throughout the country. Learn more about our fraternal programs on our website. (Reminder: Modern Woodmen created the Gatherings website to help you make your family gatherings fun, simple and meaningful.)

Sound off: My favorite book is ____________________ .

This weekend I'll celebrate my mom - and you will likely be celebrating your mom, too. (Or perhaps you'll be the one being celebrated?)

Flowers and cards are great. But a meal - that's really the best way to show you care. I know many of us eat brunch on Mother's Day, so here is what I'd choose to serve for Mother's Day - or any day!

Mushroom, Onion and Bacon Quiche

Juicy Fruit Salad

Gooey Caramel Rolls

Apple Muffins

Cappuccino Mocha Mix

Is your mouth watering? Mine certainly is.

Happy Mother's Day to all moms out there. I hope you are pampered this weekend.

Sound off: My favorite Mother's Day brunch would include _____________.

So break out your favorite chips and salsa and choose a recipe or two! Here are a few of my favorites:

Cottage Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

An easy spin on classic enchiladas.

Santa Fe Meatless Tacos

A staple at the Gatherings Gal household.

Taco Dip

I've never met a taco dip I don't like. This is perfect for a last-minute party snack.

Mexican Rice

Perfect side dish for Cinco de Mayo ... or any day!

Sound off: What's your favorite Mexican dish?

(Psst: Make sure to add it to our recipe database.)

I think my husband and I are going to celebrate with a trip to our favorite neighborhood Mexican restaurant. But, if you want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with your own special gathering, you've come to the right place.

Here are some ideas from the Gatherings party themes section, along with a few ideas of my own.

Overall Ideas:

• As each guest arrives, give them a maraca to shake. This is especially fun with kids. The maracas can be purchased inexpensively at the party supply store and make for a fun conversation piece.
• If you send an email invitation, have some or all of the words translated into Spanish. There are free translating services online that will do this for you. At the bottom of the message, direct guests to copy and paste the invite into a translator to get the message in English. 

Food Ideas:

• A Cinco de Mayo fiesta without chips and salsa just won't do. I like to put the chips into large sombreros on tables for added flair.
• Pick up bottles of fun-flavored Spanish soda at your local international market. They look festive and taste yummy.
• The food options are limitless - enchiladas, tacos, burritos - choose some of your favorites, and I will bring you more ideas tomorrow (which is Cuatro de Mayo, if you're keeping track).

Decorating Ideas:

• Colored paper lanterns and paper fans add great lighting and atmosphere.
• Maracas, sombreros and piñatas can be rented or purchased for reasonable prices at local party supply stores.
• Place a basket or bowl with chilies and red and green peppers as accents to your food or dining tables.
• Brightly colored, woven ponchos can make great doorway hangings, either in arches above the door, or serving as a curtained doorway.
• Gatherings user Vera Rodriguez from San Antonio, Texas, suggests decorating with brightly colored crepe paper flowers and adding a piñata filled with candy as a fun activity to liven up her fiesta.

Gatherings with Purpose Ideas:

• Have you ever made tissue paper flowers? They are fun and simple to make. Provide tissue paper and ask kids to make small flowers attached to a heart-felt card to donate to a local nursing home or hospital. (Find instructions on Kaboose.)

Sound off: How will you celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

There are lots of little ways you can make an impact on the Earth at your spring and summer gatherings. Here are a few ideas.

Reduce and reuse

Cut the waste from your gatherings. Trade in disposable plates, napkins and utensils for dishes, cloth napkins and silverware. You may have to do the dishes and clean the linens, but think of all you are rescuing from the landfill.

Recycle

If you must go with disposable, try buying recycled options. There are a variety of paper products that are made from recycled materials. I've even spotted disposable napkins that are made from sugar cane.

Clean up

If you are gathering outdoors, take a few minutes after the party to clean up your surroundings. Make it a game and challenge each guest to fill a small bag with litter.

Plant a tree

For your next gathering, stop by a nursery on the way and pick up a small tree or a seedling as a housewarming gift. Tie it with a ribbon and a card. Offer to plant it yourself before you leave. What better way to celebrate Arbor Day than to plant a tree yourself?

(Modern Woodmen - the provider of Gatherings - has a long history of planting trees. Members gather in local chapters and youth service clubs and have planted thousands of trees in communities nationwide. Find out more on Modern Woodmen's website.)

Sound off: How do you help the planet?

I recently had the pleasure to host another baby shower, this time for my friend, Shelly. (Check out my recent Seuss-inspired shower here.) The mom and dad-to-be happen to be dairy farmers, so I thought a barnyard theme was appropriate.

 You can see that I carried my theme through all aspects of the shower.

Why choose a theme?

I love to begin with a strong theme because it can help guide the rest of planning. I worked with a designer friend to put together these fun postcard invitations with the "Holy Cow" theme.

The text reads "Holy Cow! A new farmer in the family." The back includes all the details. I like to send postcards because they are less expensive to mail and get the guests' attention right when they open the mailboxes.

Here are a few other barnyard details from the shower, which I hosted in my home. I hope these ideas leave you feeling inspired to design your own themed party. It's simpler than you think!

Don't forget a down-home welcome

There's not much that's more important than making a good first impression. That's why I always decorate the entry in the theme. For this shower, I made a fun pennant and hung a cowboy hat in place of a wreath.

If it would have been nicer out, I also would have added some pennants and a few hay bales on the porch. The rain spoiled that plan.

Decor fit for a farm

My favorite part of any gathering is coming up with creative ways to decorate this space without breaking the bank. For the "Holy Cow" shower, I started with cowprint fabric and red bandanas. I created some very simple pennants and table coverings with the cow print.

I also created paper pennants in word processing software with different words on them. I hung them throughout the house.

I used the bandanas to adorn lamps, windows, tables and more. Nothing was off limits. 

And my biggest trick is repurposing and using what I already have (or can borrow). I pulled out mason jars, barn stars, old fences, vintage pitchers and more. I borrowed cowboy boots, hats and toy tractors. If it fits the theme, it can work for your decor. 

One of my favorite elements of this shower was the farm-inspired diaper cake I created. It was the perfect centerpiece for the gift table. I wrapped the diapers with bandanas and included a few farm animals and farm rubber bath toys for a barnyard touch. 

Plus, the mom-to-be can use those diapers when the baby comes home.

Country fixins'

Finally, I thought of foods that fit with the country, barnyard theme. I chose barbeque pulled pork sandwiches as the main dish. Not only was it really yummy, it's also simple because it cooks and stays warm in the slow cooker.

For side dishes, I kept it basic (which is always a good plan). I made big vegetable and fruit trays with dips. (I especially love this fruit dip.) I also had chips and dip and tortilla roll-ups.

Something sweet

For dessert, I simply purchased pre-made cupcakes at the grocery store and added a fondant cow face (purchased online). They were so cute and very easy! I received so many compliments on the cupcakes. 

As you can see, by planning around a strong theme, everything else can fall into place.

Sound off: Do you have a favorite party theme?

(Check out more party themes right here on Gatherings.) 

It’s being touted as the wedding of the decade – the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton on Friday, April 29. And you know that much of the world will be watching.

(Image courtesy of UK_repsome)

Gatherings user John from Warren, Ore., shared the idea of a royal wedding viewing party.

There's something very romantic about love and royalty. And because the wedding promises to bring much pomp and circumstance, it will be a fun event to watch. If you will be tuning into the nuptuals, invite a few friends or family members and bring Great Britain to your own backyard.

Overall Ideas:

• If you want to have a costumed event, encourage guests to wear formalwear, red and blue in honor of the British flag or royal dress (think glittering jewels and crowns).
• For a more casual gathering, make paper crowns for all the guests. Everyone can truly be a prince or princess at your viewing party.
• Create trivia questions highlighting royal family details for a fun game.

Food Ideas:

• Have you heard the old adage - something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue? Adapt these to your menu. Choose an old family recipe, a new recipe, a recipe suggested by a friend and a recipe with blue ingredients (or even a blue punch).
• The wedding will be broadcast live in the United States at 6 a.m. Eastern time. So, you may want to check out some of Gatherings' brunch recipes for ideas (I'm particularly fond of the sunrise breakfast casserole.)
• Don't forget the wedding cake! You can make it from scratch or pick up a boxed mix for ease.
• Toast to the newlyweds with sparkling cider or even orange juice.

Decorating Ideas:

• The British flag will make a graphic statement. Print the flag or draw it to adorn walls and tables.
• Pick up blue and red balloons for another festive touch.
• If you happen to own (or can borrow) an aisle runner, it would be fun to roll it out from the curb to your front door for guests.

Gatherings with Purpose Ideas:

• The royal family is notorious for giving back. In the spirit of giving, ask guests to bring gently used formal attire to donate to an organization like Donate my Dress, which provides the clothing for low-income teens.

Sound off: Will you be tuning in for the royal wedding?

Have you ever heard this?

The idea struck my funny bone and a quick Google search validated this tradition. In honor of this "old farmer’s tale," let’s celebrate the potato with our favorite spud recipes for Easter or any time.

Baked Scalloped Potatoes

Easy potato soup

Garlic mashed potatoes

Karina's cheezey potatoes

Lite and tasty German potato salad

Wishing you a happy holiday weekend from your friends at Gatherings! I hope you find many reasons for a celebration!

Sound off: How will you celebrate Easter?

Overall Ideas:

• Go green from the start. Instead of sending a traditional paper invite, send an earth-friendly email or pass out wildflower seeds with party details written on the packet.
• For a fun activity that could have "Save the Earth" written all over it (literally), plant flowers in decorated terra cotta pots. Attendees can paint the pots with water-based paints to take home as a memento.

Food Ideas:

• Do you have a local farmers market? Try creating a menu to use all the things that can be grown locally. Veggie trays, fresh lettuce salads and fruit desserts are crowd pleasers.
• This fun dirt dessert looks like soil from the garden, but is actually a chocolate indulgence. Don't forget to add gummy worms on the top.

Decorating Ideas:

• For centerpieces, pick flowers from your garden and put them in vases or mason jars.
• For kid-friendly table settings, line the tables with recyclable butcher block paper and markers and ask the youngest guests to draw their representation of the Earth or their favorite garden flowers and plants.

Gatherings with Purpose Idea:

• There are lots of ways to help the planet in honor of Earth Day. If you are meeting at a park, conclude the party with a 15-minute litter pick-up. Give each person a small trash bag and beautify the park together.

Sound off: Will you celebrate Earth Day?

Who doesn’t love an old-fashioned Easter egg hunt on Easter morning?

The traditional

The modern

The fun

Another tip

Sound off: Do you host an Easter egg hunt?

If you are anything like me, you went egg-crazy this year. By the time you are finished boiling and decorating your eggs, you may be worn out.

Deviled eggs

Eggs in a bag

Grandma Parchert’s homemade potato salad

Sound off: Do you have a favorite egg recipe?

Have you tried it?

I first saw the technique spotlighted on the blog Skip to my Lou, and it looked so fun and simple, we had to try it. The project did not disappoint.

How-to:

To dye your own eggs with silk, simply wrap each egg (not hard-boiled) in a scrap of silk (the exterior of the silk should be facing the egg).

Tip: We found a great selection of 100 percent silk ties at the local thrift store. A dozen eggs only took three ties.

Tie each of the ends of the silk with a rubber band to keep the silk tightly around the egg. This will make each egg look like a piece of hard candy.

Then, carefully place all eggs into a pot of boiling water for about 30 minutes. Remove and let the eggs cool before removing the silk.

Voila! Pretty, silk-dyed eggs for Easter. 

Why silk-dying is great:

• It's not nearly as messy as those egg-dying kits.
• The process is very quick.
• The designs that end up on the eggs are lovely and quite detailed.
• What you get on each egg is a surprise! It's fun to see how the silk transforms the egg.

I was so excited about how the eggs turned out, I couldn't wait to share it with you. It's defiintely become a new tradition in the Gatherings Gal household.

Sound off: How do you dye Easter eggs?

Overall Ideas:

• For invitations, consider plastic eggs. Simply roll up a slip of paper with party details and add a few jelly beans to get guests in the mood.

• It wouldn’t be a proper Easter party without egg decorating. Simply boil several dozen eggs (plan on 4-6 eggs/person) and provide a variety of decorating options. Markers, paint, dye and glitter are a few ideas for festive eggs.

• To make the most of the leftover egg cartons, try making egg carton flowers. You need cardboard egg cartons, paint or markers and pipe cleaners.

Food Ideas:

• Don’t let this holiday pass you by without making these fabulous Crispy Easter Nest treats. They look like little bird’s nests, but are tasty desserts. Kids will love them!  

• For another sweet treat, try making edible Easter baskets. These snacks are simply colored coconut with jelly beans in an ice cream cone. How simple (and fun) can you get?

• If you are celebrating with a big family dinner, a few of my favorite Easter recipes include sweet baked ham, deviled eggs, baked scalloped potatoes and roasted vegetables. Then, serve lemon cake for dessert!  

Decorating Ideas:

• Embrace spring with flowers on the tables – pick them from your yard or pick up an inexpensive bouquet at the grocery store. I like to pull the bouquet apart and spread out the flowers in smaller vases.

• Easter is a great time to bring out your pastel tablecloths, napkins and plates.

• Don’t forget those eggs. I like to scatter plastic eggs on tables or use them as place cards or favors. Inside, I put a special treat for guests. My favorite surprise is a $2 bill. My grandfather still fills an Easter egg with this unusual bill for each of the grandkids. We’re never too old for that!

Gatherings with Purpose Idea:

• Set up a craft table and ask all guests to create Easter cards for men and women at a local nursing home. It will be a fun activity and will brighten the day of elderly residents!

Sound off: How will you celebrate Easter?

I’m spending the weekend visiting my parents in sunny Arizona. (Aren’t you jealous?) The desert is just heavenly, especially when the Midwestern weather at home hasn’t decided whether it’s winter or spring.

Dan’s Pico de Gallo dip

Easy guacamole

South of the Border dip

Black beans and rice

For kids

• I’m always up for a good board game. For that reason, I’m lovin’ the bright-colored Candyland birthday party theme.

• I’ve never met a kid who doesn’t like bugs. The Bug Party theme would have been a hit with my younger brother and his friends.

• For a fun and simple party for preteens, host a birthday bash with the Slumber Party theme. Just don’t forget the popcorn or the movies!  

 

For adults

• Dust off the acid-washed jeans and host a Back to the 80s birthday party. (I am itching to throw this party for my own birthday.)

• While the Hawaiian Luau party theme could be great for many occasions, I especially like it for a birthday. 

• My favorite birthday party was thrown for me by my mom with a South of the Bordertheme. I can’t decide what my favorite part of the celebration was – the tacos, the sombreros or the crepe paper flowers.  

Sound off: What is your favorite birthday party theme? Add it to Gatherings!

My husband and I just finished filing our taxes. What a relief!

Have you finished yours yet?

Sound off: When will your taxes be completed?

April Fools!

 

Sound off: How do you sneak in healthy items to your meals and snacks?

It’s spring break time, which may mean you are planning a road trip or even an exotic getaway. Whether you are planning a spring break fling or wishing for a dream vacation, travel can be expensive. Here are a few tips to save your piggy bank.

Be flexible

Shop around

Avoid fees

Minimize food costs

• Bring snacks for car travel instead of stopping at rest areas or convenience stores. A bag of pretzels at a gas station can be three times as expensive as pretzels you have at home. Bringing a variety of snacks and drinks for you and your family can really make an impact on your budget.
• Many hotels offer complimentary breakfasts. My husband and I like to eat at the hotel in the morning, which can save us $15/day. It also holds us over and keeps us from buying expensive snacks throughout the day.
• Try eating one large meal. This may not work for everyone, but while we’re traveling, my husband and I often eat one large meal in the afternoon instead of a big lunch and dinner. The savings can be huge when you are traveling for a week or more.

Account for all travel

Be safe

Sound off: How do you save money when you travel?

Fast break

MVP

Nothing but net

Slam dunk

Sound off: What are your favorite buzzer-beating recipes?

If you are going to watch the games this week, why not score a slam dunk with a fast-paced and exciting party with friends and family? You probably know that I’ll take any opportunity to host a get-together. And when competition enters the arena, the fun increases.

I think these party ideas are so perfect – your gathering will be “nothing but net.”

Overall Ideas:

• What better type of invite for a tournament than the bracket? Write the party details right on the bracket. Ask guests to fill in their choices and bring them to the party. They should enter the scores and winners of each game and all the brackets will be included in a pool. The winners will receive a prize.
• Ask guests to wear jerseys or attire from their favorite teams. I also think it’d be fun to assign one person to be the ‘referee,’ complete with a striped top and a whistle.
• Find ways to get active with your guests. You could shoot hoops outside, hold a dribbling contest or bring out a basketball-themed video game for guests in between games.

Food Ideas:

• I love simple recipes that can be eaten throughout the day and evening. I’d go with a slow cooker classic like hot beef sandwiches.
• Serve with a variety of chips, crackers and snack mixes (my favorites are puppy chow and party mix). Throw a few bottles of sports drinks in your fridge or cooler for refreshing, sports-themed refreshments.

Decorating Ideas:

• Decorate for your favorite team or simply use orange and black (the colors of a basketball) as your color scheme.
• Bring out a few blow-up basketballs. You can be sure that they won’t only look great, but will be fun for kids and adults to toss around the room (with no risk of breaking anything).
• Do you have basketball cards or other paraphernalia? Now’s the time to bring it out of the basement! (In my case, I’d definitely be borrowing the boxes of posters and cards that my brother hoarded as a kid.)

Gatherings with Purpose Idea:

Do you have old sports items that you no longer use? Ask guests to bring them for donations to local schools or youth centers.
 

Sound off: Who are you rooting for in college basketball?

 

Asparagus

Broccoli

Lettuce

Snow peas

Sound off: How do you prepare seasonal produce?

Overall Ideas:

• Make a large paper-mache rock (or bring in a stone from your backyard) to place inside the main entrance. Ask each guest to kiss the blarney stone for the luck of the Irish.
• Remind all guests to wear green to avoid getting pinched. To make sure everyone is properly attired, offer strands of green beads to guests as they arrive.

Food Ideas:

• Check out my ideas for corned beef to get you started. I will be cooking corned beef for the first time tomorrow. What about you?
• Remember that almost everything can turn green with a simple ingredient – food coloring! I love coloring punch, frosting and even the center of devilled eggs.
• Don’t forget to use a shamrock cookie cutter! You can cut cookies, finger sandwiches or jello cut-outs.
• I think snack mix and nuts are a must for any party. Serve them from plastic leprechauns’ hats found at the party store.

Decorating Ideas:

• Green is the name of the game on St. Patrick’s Day. Cover tables in green tablecloths, inflate green balloons to use throughout the room and use green plates and napkins.
• Kids can help you cut shamrocks out of green paper. These can decorate tables and walls.
• If you are feeling ambitious, design a large rainbow on a piece of butcher paper. This is also a great project for kids and can decorate an entire wall. Don’t forget the pot of gold!
• Scatter gold chocolate coins on tables for a decorative (and delicious) touch.

Gatherings with Purpose Idea:

Sound off: How will you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?

You may know that the traditional meal on St. Patrick’s Day is corned beef and cabbage. For a more modern twist, I usually spend St. Pat’s with my family at a local diner that serves the best corned beef Reuben sandwiches you’ve ever tasted. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

The traditional

• 4-5 pounds corned beef brisket
• 5 black peppercorns
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 onion, peeled and left whole
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 small head cabbage, cored and cut into wedges
• 6 large potatoes, quartered
• 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons butter

• In a 6 quart Dutch oven, place the beef brisket, peppercorns, garlic powder, onion, bay leaves and salt. Fill pan with water to cover everything plus one inch. Bring to a boil and cook for 20 minutes. Skim off any residue that floats to the top. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 hours, until meat can be pulled apart with a fork.
• Add the cabbage, potatoes and carrots, pressing them down into the liquid. Simmer for an additional 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Skim off any oil that comes to the surface. Stir in the butter and parsley. Remove the pot from the heat.
• Remove meat from the pot and place onto a serving dish and let rest for 15 minutes. Also remove vegetables to a bowl and keep warm. Slice meat on the diagonal against the grain. Serve meat on a platter and spoon juices over meat and vegetables.

The modern

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 8 slices rye bread
• 8 slices deli sliced corned beef
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 1 cup sauerkraut, drained
• 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing

• Preheat a large skillet or griddle on medium heat.
• Lightly butter one side of bread slices. Spread non-buttered sides with Thousand Island dressing. On 4 bread slices, layer 1 slice Swiss cheese, 2 slices corned beef, 1/4 cup sauerkraut and second slice of Swiss cheese. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered sides out.
• Grill sandwiches until both sides are golden brown, about 15 minutes per side. Serve hot.

The fun

• 1 round loaf of Pumpernickel or Rye
• 1 can corned beef
• 2 cups mayonnaise
• 2 cups light sour cream
• 2 tablespoons dehydrated onion
• 2 tablespoons parsley
• 2 teaspoons Bon Apetit (McCormick Spice)

• Mix all ingredients except bread and refrigerate at least one hour before serving.
• Cut the center out of the bread and fill with your mixture.
• Use the cut out piece to cut into chunks to use for dipping.

Sound off: Will you be eating corned beef for St. Patrick’s Day?

Don’t forget that this weekend is the switch to daylight savings time, which means we’ll “spring” ahead an hour. This is a good indication that spring is almost here. I, for one, am looking forward to brighter evenings and warmer temperatures.

While we “spring” ahead, you may also wish to make-ahead – meals, that is. I love to throw together a variety of simple and more complex meals to freeze. These meals are especially handy for weeknights, when we’d rather enjoy the warming weather than spend time in the kitchen.

Out-of-this-world Meatballs

Mom’s Manicotti

Chicken Casserole with Spaghetti

Hearty Vegetable Lasagna

Sound off: Do you ever use make-ahead recipes?

St. Patrick’s Day is a mere 10 days away. There are many fun ways to celebrate this holiday, but first a few facts for your next game of trivia.

Did you know?

• St. Patrick's Day honors Ireland's patron saint, who died in the 5th century.
• St. Patrick was not born in Ireland, but in Britain.
• St. Patrick was kidnapped at age 16 and brought to Ireland. He was sold as a slave for six years until he escaped to present-day France. He later returned to his parents' home in England and had a vision that he would preach to the Irish. After 14 years of study, Patrick returned to Ireland, where he built churches and shared his faith for 30 years.
• In the United States, it's customary to wear green on St. Patrick's Day. But in Ireland the color was long considered to be unlucky.

Pin the gold on the rainbow

Sound off: How will you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?

The basics:

The “important” questions:

Get to know me:

Ricotta Cheese Cookies

Sound off: Do you want to be ‘grilled’ by Gatherings Gal? Email me at gatheringsgal@gatherings.info or leave a comment below.

While Mardi Gras may not immediately strike you as a family-friendly holiday, it’s main purpose is really to have fun. I think everyone can get behind that. Start a fun tradition by turning your home into the French Quarter for Mardi Gras this year.

What is Mardi Gras?

How can I celebrate?

Sound off: Will you celebrate Mardi Gras?

The basics:

The “important” questions:

Get to know me:

Petite pea & spinach risotto

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 white onion, finely chopped
• 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup arborio rice
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 10 ounce package frozen, chopped spinach, thawed and water squeezed out
• 1 10 ounce package frozen petite peas (can use regular, petite are sweeter)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus a little for garnish
  

Directions

• Heat vegetable broth in a small sauce pan, keep warm on low.
• In a dutch oven or medium sauce pan, heat olive oil over medium. Add shallots, onion, garlic, and salt and pepper. Sweat for about 3 minutes.
• Add rice and white wine and let cook until wine is mostly absorbed (about 3 minutes), stirring.
• Add half of the hot broth (2 cups) to rice and stir until coated. Stir every so often until liquid is absorbed.
• Add remaining liquid and repeat above step.
• Total cook time is about 20-25 minutes. Plan to stir occasionally.
• Mix in spinach, peas and parmesan cheese and cook until heated through (about 5 minutes).
• Serve hot with a garnish of parmesan cheese.
• This meal freezes well.

Sound off: Do you want to be ‘grilled’ by Gatherings Gal? Email me at gatheringsgal@gatherings.info or leave a comment below.

If you want to save money and time in 2011, your pantry and freezer may be a good place to begin. Many of us don’t have the time or desire to spend hours each week scouring coupons, planning meals and price shopping. But we can all change our habits in a small way to reduce grocery costs over the long run and spend less time worrying about dinner.

How?

Assess and purge

Clean and restock

Make a list

• Canned goods (Black beans, corn, mushrooms, olives, canned tomatoes and sauce)
• Sauces, dressings and mixes (Ranch dressing, barbeque sauce, Bisquick, onion soup mix, dressing mix, chili seasoning)
• Pasta and rice (A variety of different types of pasta, white rice, brown rice)
• Baking ingredients (flour, oatmeal, sugar, brown sugar, spices, etc.)
• Tea and coffee (four types of tea and one jug of coffee)
• Frozen vegetables (corn, broccoli, stir-fry mix)
• Frozen meat (Steaks, ribs, ground beef, chicken breasts)
• Frozen misc. (hash browns, shredded cheese, ice cream)

Research and evaluate

Stock and organize

The bottom line

Sound off: Do you stock up on pantry and freezer items?

Dust off your ball gown and prepare your acceptance speech – the Oscars are here. If you are one of the millions of Americans who will tune in to the awards show on Sunday, invite your friends and family and make it a smashing event.

Best dressed

Best visual effects

Best cast

Best leading role

Best couple

Sound off: Will you tune in on Sunday?

Many of us look for ways to give back. We want to make a difference, but we wonder how. At Gatherings, we want to help you make your gatherings simple, fun and

For the birds

Give warmth

Build a snowman

This idea was submitted by a Gatherings user. Submit your own ideas to add purpose!

Sound off: How do you add purpose to your gatherings?

Rev your engines! The Daytona 500 is nearly here. If you and your family will be watching America’s biggest and most prestigious auto race, consider a few of these quick recipes. They may be gone faster than the first car to the finish.

Stuffed Hot Dogs

Earthquake Cake

Cracker Delight

Buttery Almond Crunch

Sound off: Will you tune in for the Daytona 500?

Enlist the help of friends

Get creative

Capture the memories

Have fun

 

Sound off: What’s your favorite shower theme?

For kids:

Pick a few of the games below for a Valentine’s Day party with children. Flexibility is key. If a game seems complicated or the kids are not enjoying it, try the next game.

The best part of these games is you already know them! Just add a little Valentine’s twist for more fun than a box of chocolates.

Turn “Simon Says” into “Cupid Says”

Turn “Duck, Duck Goose” into “Cupid, Cupid, Love”

Turn “Red Light, Green Light” into “Loves me, loves me not!”

Turn “Mother May I” into “Cupid May I” 

For adults:

I really enjoy icebreaker games for groups of adults. Not only does it help people get to know each other, it’s also low pressure and fun.

I’m looking for …

As the leader, simply ring a bell and announce: "I am looking for ...”

• the couple who can show me the most pictures of the two of them together

• the person wearing the most gifts given by a spouse

• the couple who can tell me the funniest real-life honeymoon story

• the couple who had the most children between their wedding day and fifth anniversary

• the couple who had the shortest honeymoon

• the couple married on or closest to an official holiday

• the couple married on or closest to one of their birthdays

• the person who has given the most creative Valentine's gift to his or her spouse at any time

• the couple with the most unique hobby

• the couple who look most alike

• the couple who lived the furthest apart when they went out on their first date

• the couple who travelled the furthest distance together this year

Each winner receives a single flower or chocolate treat. It’s also fun to take a photo of each winning couple to email to them after the party. I would love to receive a snapshot of my husband and me, as we don’t have many of just the two of us.

Valentine’s Day Pictionary

Print the names of popular Valentine’s Day items (candy hearts, a dozen roses, a box of chocolates, romantic movies) on index cards (one item per card). Fold the cards and place in a bowl.

Divide the guests into two teams – it’s often fun to divide into separate teams for men and women. One person picks a card and draws hints for his or her team to guess. If the team guesses correctly, they receive two points. If they cannot guess, the alternate team can guess to earn a point. Score points accordingly.

Rotate between one team and the other until all of the Valentine’s Day phrases have been used.

If you're hosting a large party, you'll need a chalk board or a white board so that everyone can see the drawings.

Sound off: What’s your favorite party game?

If you are anything like me and are planning your own bake-a-palooza this weekend, here are a few of yummy dessert recipes:

Easy cheesecake

Perfect for your Valentine’s dinner, this makes light work out of a delicious dessert.

Homemade Babe Ruth

If you like the candy bar, you’ll love this sugary treat. It will be hard to eat only one bar.

Award-winning soft cookies

This is our household’s ultimate comfort food – perfect for a good day, bad day or any day. And it’s wonderful for a little love on this romantic holiday.

Friendship fudge

This treat is surprisingly simple. Wow your friends and family with homemade fudge for Valentine’s Day.

Sound off: What’s your favorite Valentine’s treat?

My mom made us red Kool-Aid (still my favorite) and served it in heart shaped glasses.

It doesn’t get much better than that!

The great thing about Valentine’s Day is that it is really fun for all ages. Skip the crowds at the restaurants and try one of these ideas for your own Valentine’s gathering.

For kids and families

If you are hosting a fun shindig for your kids or other families, remember that kids will remember those little details for years to come. (Just like I still remember my fourth-grade party and those heart-shaped glasses.)

Ask all guests to come in Valentine’s attire and give them each some red and pink beads to wear and take home. Have games ready to play, like Hidden Words, with words like love, heart and romance (http://gatherings.info/PartyPlanning/GameDetail.aspx?gameID=134). Or have some movies ready to pop into the DVD player.

There are so many great Valentine’s Day crafts, but decorating cards with glitter, doilies and markers tops my list. Ask kids to make cards for each other or their parents and siblings. You could also have an area set up for them to decorate their own sugar cookies with red hot candies, frosting and sprinkles.

Make sure to get a snapshot of the group before the end of the party. If the kids are anything like me, they’ll treasure the photo for years to come.

For couples

My husband and I love having couples over for dinner. It’s always fun to see friends and an added perk is that you save money by eating at home. Plus, there’s something more intimate about eating in your own dining room than meeting at the local casual restaurant.

For Valentine’s Day, consider joining me in skipping the expensive meal and long lines and invite a few couples to your home for dinner. Ask each guest to bring a side dish or dessert and provide the main dish and drinks. This is such a fun and simple way to host, because you aren’t stressing about all the details.

Who wants to spend all of Valentine’s Day (or any day for that matter) in the kitchen preparing a meal?

After dinner, I’ll bring out the games Apples to Apples or Battle of the Sexes. I’m a huge fan of games, and it’s more fun with guests.

For a special Valentine’s gift, pick up a few roses or carnations for each guest to take home, tied with a ribbon. Your friends will remember the fun they had for days, and I would guess it may become a fun tradition.

(Check out the Sweethearts party theme for more ideas.)

No matter how you celebrate Valentine’s Day, whether hosting a party at home, spending the evening in or going out, I hope you get to spend it with the ones you love.

Sound off: How will you spend Valentine’s Day?  

Something that may not come to mind when you think about gathering with those you love is how to protect them if you were gone.

It may be called life insurance, but it could be known as love insurance. Protecting your family with life insurance is really an expression of love. It shows those who are most important to you that you care enough to make plans to provide for their well-being … even after you’re gone.

How does life insurance connect to family gatherings?

Modern Woodmen of America created the Gatherings website to tie to its core value of helping people achieve quality family life. We do this every day through financial offerings as well as through social, charitable and volunteer activities. Life insurance is an important part of this.

And now is a perfect time to consider if your loved ones are protected. To learn more, visit Insure Your Love, an educational website sponsored by the nonprofit LIFE Foundation. 

And if you want to ensure that you are protecting those you love, check out these resources at Modern Woodmen’s website, where you can:

Read about the different types of life insurance

Calculate how much you need 

Find a local representative to discuss your financial future

Sound off: How do you show your love?

The basics:

My name is: Doug Grenier

I am a: Modern Woodmen financial representative. I recommend insurance and investment products based on my clients’ needs.

I am from: Bettendorf, Iowa

The “important” questions:

Vanilla or chocolate? Chocolate

I like my steak cooked: medium rare

White or wheat bread? Wheat

Get to know me:

On a Saturday afternoon, you’ll probably find me: at the farm.

My favorite memory of a family gathering is: Christmastime. I love the tradition of being together and seeing how our family has grown over the years.

The next gathering I’m planning is: my mother’s 65th birthday party. We’re trying to make it really special, inviting friends and relatives to come to an open house for her. (Doug is pictured with his mom above.)

My favorite volunteer activities are: coaching youth sports.

My favorite recipe is: Swedish pancakes

Swedish pancakes

From the kitchen of Doug Grenier, Bettendorf, Iowa

1 c. milk

1 tbsp. shortening or margarine

1 egg

1/2 c. flour

Dash of salt

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. sugar

Heat together milk and shortening to scalding, then cool. Add the beaten egg. Then add flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Mix together. Put on a hot skillet one at a time. Spread by turning skillet to make pancake thin. Butter and roll, like a Crepe Suzette. The batter can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days. Makes five large pancakes.

Sound off: Do you want to be ‘grilled’ by Gatherings Gal? Email me at gatheringsgal@gatherings.info or leave a comment below.

If you have a last-minute guest at your house, just grab a block of cream cheese.

Here are four simple and quick snack ideas to serve to last-minute guests during the game – all featuring cream cheese as the MVP. I hesitate to even call these recipes. Just a handful of ingredients, very little preparation and you’re serving something simple and yummy.

Why cream cheese?

If you have to ask, then maybe these recipes aren’t for you. I’m a cream cheese fanatic – I always have a few blocks in my fridge for a last-minute snack or appetizer. I eat a bit on my bagel every morning and like a smidge on crackers with tomatoes for an evening snack. It deserves the Heisman trophy for its versatility, performance and cost.

Plus, it’s something that many of us already have in our fridge. Why not use it?

Pickle rollups

My favorite local restaurant serves these as sides. While I love to order them, I also love to make them at home. Make extras – these go surprisingly fast!

Instructions: Spread cream cheese on thinly sliced deli ham, turkey or beef. Wrap the meat around a full dill pickle and slice into 1/2 inch slices. These make great finger foods for kids and adults.

Sweet and spicy spread

This is something that is so simple, it’s scary. But it’s a great snack and a yummy appetizer for a party.

Instructions: Pour a small jar of jalapeno or sweet pepper jelly (from the grocery store or farmer’s market) over a block of cream cheese. Serve with crackers for an appetizing spread.

Artichoke dip

A merging of my three favorite things – artichokes, cream cheese and garlic – this is a great dip for the big game. It’s delicious with crackers, veggies or tortilla chips.

 Instructions:

Mix together the following ingredients:

1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

5 or 6 cloves of garlic, minced

1 block of cream cheese, room temperature

1 1/2 cup grated cheese

Heat in a microwave or slow cooker until melted and bubbly.

Warm buffalo chicken dip

My husband and I love to nosh on buffalo wings during football games. Make this simple dip to get the same taste with a fraction of the prep and mess. Serve it with pretzels, bread or celery for a real treat.

Instructions:

Mix together the following ingredients:

1 block of cream cheese, room temperature

1/2 cup ranch salad dressing

1/2 cup red hot sauce

1/2 cup shredded cheese

2 chicken breasts (cut into squares) or 2 cans of chunk chicken breast

Heat on the stove, microwave or slow cooker until melted and bubbly.

The great thing about all of these recipes – they are using ingredients I nearly always have in my pantry and fridge. And they are perfect for those surprise visitors.

Sound off: What are your simple “go-to” recipes for entertaining?

Here are a few party décor ideas that I have used and think are the cat’s meow. And they are simple enough to do with a short supply of time and money (my very favorite kind of ideas).

Poms

These simple decorations (first made popular by Martha Stewart) look lovely hung from ceilings or as table décor. I've used them for any type of party and theme. The best part, they can be stored in garbage bags and reused by simply fluffing.

Flags

Just a few pages of scrapbook paper can make these lovely hanging flags for any gathering.

Paper placemats

Speaking of scrapbook paper, consider cutting custom ‘placemats’ for your next party with scrapbook paper. Use paper to go with your theme – solids or designs. I’ve even gotten ambitious and made them in cupcake shapes for a small bridal shower.

 Glass jars

I’m going to guess that you have glass jars around your house – from old peanut butter jars to mason jars or spaghetti jars. Reuse these as functional décor by filling with flowers from your garden, a candle or silverware.

And if you are planning a gathering, please check out these great tools found right here on Gatherings:

Find a party theme for all occasions

Discover a fun game to play at any party with all ages

Try a new recipe and make a simple shopping list for ingredients

Sound off: What are your simple and inexpensive party-planning ideas?

And if you’re interested in being grilled, simply let me know.

My name is: Claire S. from A Peachtree City Life

I am a: Media planner - advertising

I am from: I grew up in Tennessee, but came down to Georgia for college - and stayed.

The “important” questions:

Vanilla or chocolate? When it comes to flavorings – vanilla, 100%. I love vanilla cake with vanilla frosting – some might argue that’s boring, but I say you can’t argue with perfection. I’m not a fan of chocolate cookies or chocolate ice cream – but if we’re talking actual chocolate, then yes, I’ll take a bag of Hershey’s Kisses.

I like my steak cooked ... Believe it or not, I’m one of those weird people who doesn’t like steak. I’m a chicken kind of girl – or I could just skip the meat altogether and go straight for the carbs! So if I was required to eat a steak – I would choose VERY well done! My husband thinks I’m crazy.

White or wheat bread? Wheat! I love wheat bread and wheat pasta – not necessarily for the nutritional aspect (although that helps!) but more so because I like the taste and density.

Get to know me:

On a Saturday afternoon, you’ll probably find me: whipping up some new craft project for our house, scouring the local thrift store, or taking our dogs on a nice long walk. Or sometimes I just might be planted on the couch!

My favorite memory of a family gathering is: actually from this past Thanksgiving. Growing up, all of our extended family lived far away, so we rarely had large family functions, something I always regretted. However, as my two sisters and I have grown up, the family’s gotten a little bigger! This past year at Thanksgiving, we had our usual family of five, plus one husband, one fiancé, one boyfriend – and a baby! We all helped my mom make a big spread, and took the opportunity to take a family photo that I absolutely cherish. We are all actually smiling, even the boys (although, it took about 20 takes!).

The next gathering I’m planning is: my sister’s wedding! Well, technically I’m not planning it, but certainly helping. I spent the better part of a year planning my own wedding – happy to handle everything myself – from choosing the vendors to making my own decorations, so you could say I have experience in the wedding arena! My sister is having an intimate backyard beach wedding, so the opportunity to be crafty and creative is so exciting! We’re incorporating lots of blues and oranges and pinks. Since it’s a small gathering, we were able to find beautiful blue plates and bamboo silverware for the tables, something that would not be affordable for a huge wedding.

My favorite volunteer activities are: working with kids! Since I was a teenager, I’ve always been drawn to after-school tutoring programs and Saturday sessions. The rush you get from teaching just one child one small thing is hard to beat. Not to mention I love hearing some of the things that come out of the little one’s mouths! Hysterical.

My party planning style is: intense! I’m definitely the over-planning type – complete with spreadsheets, checklists and online research. I’m always on a budget, so I’m rarely content to just grab the first thing I see at a store. I find an item I like, do my homework, and find a way to get it even cheaper! Sometimes that means making it yourself – with a little help from the dollar store and a can of spray paint.

My favorite recipe is: Darn Good Chocolate Cake! I realize this goes completely against one of my answers above, but this is a chocolate cake that really lives up to its name! It’s simply the best cake I’ve ever had, hands down. You can leave it simple or go all the way and frost it, serve it hot out of the oven or chilled in the fridge – either way, it’s sure to be a hit.

Darn Good Chocolate Cake (adapted slightly from the original recipe in “The Cake Mix Doctor” by Anne Byrn)

Ingredients:

- Cooking spray and flour for coating the pan

- (1) 18.25 oz package of devil's food cake mix

- (1) 3.9 oz package of chocolate instant pudding mix

- 4 large eggs

- 1 cup sour cream

-½ cup warm water

- ½ cup vegetable oil

- 1 ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350. Spray lightly a 12-cup Bundt pan, then dust with flour.

2. Combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, warm water, and oil in large bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low for one minute, then stop to scrape the sides. Then mix 2 or 3 minutes more on medium. Once it's well-mixed, fold in the chocolate chips. Pour into the pan and smooth it out with a spatula.

3. Bake for 45 minutes (or until it is springy to the touch and pulls back a little from the sides of the pan). Cool on wire rack for 20 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen, then invert onto a pretty plate.

Sound off: Do you want to be grilled? Leave a comment below or email me at gatheringsgal@gatherings.info.

Then it’s time to think about food, the most important part of any party, in my opinion. And particularly important for the big game.

I like to play with themes for parties. This makes your life easier as a host or hostess. It gives you direction. I compiled a few themes and recipes for your football party that I think you’ll like – and that will still give you time to enjoy every play of the game.

Dip it!

Make a full array of dips that will be munched on from kickoff through the final minutes of the game! Tortilla chips with salsa and easy bean dip. Pretzels and fruit with cream cheese dip. Veggies with ranch dip. Crackers and hot cheese dip. The options are endless and simple.

Touchdown sandwiches!

Set up a sandwich bar with potluck pork or meatball sandwiches. Put the meat in a crock pot on warm and provide buns, cheese and condiments. Add some chips and party mix, and guests will be yelling, “Touchdown!”

Stadium spread

If you’re feeling ambitious, replicate your favorite stadium meals. We always go for nachos, hot dogs and hot beef sandwiches. You’ll think you actually made it to the biggest game of the year in person.

With all these options, how is one to choose?

Sound off: What is your favorite party recipe?

Here’s where I admit it – my husband and I are die-hard Chicago Bears fans. We’ve watched them on television, listened to them on the radio and seen them live. So while I'm still recovering from our team's loss last Sunday, I’m still excited for the Sunday of all Sundays.

There’s just something about football that brings people together and gets you excited. Sort of like a good get-together.

And there are not many better reasons to host a gathering than to don team colors, eat delicious game-day food and critique commercials. (Oh yeah, and watching the game can be fun, too.)

These are a few of my favorite, easy ideas to get you started on game day.

Get competitive

Invite guests to wear their favorite NFL team gear or colors, regardless of whether their teams made it to the big game. When your friends and family arrive, ask them to choose their team.

Give each "team" a selection of pennants or colored beads to get them in the spirit. (Finding something small and fun for the winning team makes it extra exciting. Print the team logos on printer paper, cut and wrap around a candy bar for a custom favor.)

Get hungry  

Because the game will last hours, a simple buffet is the best way to go. You can choose to make all the food yourself, or consider asking each guest to bring a dish. Remember, this party should be fun for you, too. And, if you’re in the kitchen for the entire game, what’s the point of hosting? In my neck of the woods, potlucks are pretty common and it’s fun to try different recipes and new types of food.

Come back on Thursday for a few of my favorite football party menus.

And don’t forget to serve a variety of drinks on ice. But, to celebrate winter, I also like to serve hot cocoa. When my husband and I go to a winter game at Soldier Field in Chicago, this is the only drink that hits the spot. (The sub-zero temperatures may have something to do with it.)

Get involved

If you’re like my husband, no activities are needed. The game itself is an activity, he tells me.

But, if you have children or are a busy-body (I’m raising my hand), having an activity can be a fun distraction when it’s halfway through the second quarter and nothing exciting is happening on the field.

Give a strand of colored beads to each guest when they arrive. When someone uses the word "football" and iscaught, he has to surrender the beads. The person with the most beads at the end of the evening wins a prize.

Create a football bingo game to keep them entertained. Use words like touchdown, interception, pass, football, team and coach to fill the squares. As the words are used, kids can fill the square. When a player gets a Bingo, he or she gets a prize.

Sound off: What are your best ideas for a party on game day?

But what seems like the worst of times can become the best.

From snow days to slow days, winter provides a fantastic opportunity for some good, old-fashioned family bonding. To get energized, try these great indoor activities. They’re great for kids and fun for adults, too. Here’s a sampling - no batteries required.

1. Indoor snowball throw

Supplies: tissue paper wadded like snowballs, a line drawn or taped on the floor

How to Play: Create two teams. Set a timer for two to three minutes and yell, "Go!” Each team throws its tissue paper snowballs back and forth across the line. When the timer goes off, the team with the least amount of snowballs on its side wins.

2. Board game blitz

It’s the perfect time of year for family game night. Girls vs. boys, kids vs. adults, one-on-one or all together now, choose one of the new holiday gift games you received or stick with an old standby. Order a pizza and let the competition begin!

3. Frosty

Supplies: rolls of bathroom tissue; sheets of orange, black, red and yellow construction paper; hats and scissors for each team

How to play: Create as many teams as possible. Each team designates one member as Frosty. The other team members will wrap Frosty in the tissue, leaving an opening for nose and eyes. They can then use the hat and construction paper to decorate him/her. This leads to great opportunities for photos and even prizes for the first completed Frosty, most unique Frosty, ugliest Frosty, cutest Frosty, etc. Set a time limit and let the decorating begin!

4. Memory lane

There’s nothing like warm memories on a cold day. Get out the popcorn, haul out the photo albums and family videos, and reminisce about the best books and films around – those starring your own family.

Looking for more ideas? Check out more games and activities.

Sound off: What’s your favorite way to beat cabin fever?

These recipe ideas make for easy clean-up (only one dish) and a satisfying meal for the entire family.

Crock Pot chicken and dressing

I’m a slow cooker addict. But don’t go throwing me into rehab. This is a good addiction. The slow cooker does all the work when I’m … well, at work. This chicken and dressing recipe is perfect for a cold day. All that’s missing is a warm fire and your flannel pajamas.

Rainy season chicken soup

This one’s good for snowy days, too. All the chicken and veggies make this a solid dinner. This soup will stick to your bones and warm you to the core.

Shepherd’s Pie 

This recipe is great for the whole family. A true one-dish wonder.

Karen’s fire alarm chili

If heat is what you’re after, this is a good place to begin. The chilies add a real kick to this traditional chili recipe. Serve with some cheese and sour cream and a cornbread muffin. A perfect winter meal!

Italian meatball sandwich casserole

All the best parts of a great meatball sandwich, rolled into a casserole dish. And anything with cream cheese is all right by me. Sure to become a family favorite. Sound off: What’s your favorite cold-day recipe?

Sound off: What's your favorite cold-day recipe?

If you began the year with a resolution to save money but have fallen off the wagon, it’s not too late. Here are a few ways I save cash while grocery shopping. We all have to buy food, so why not do it frugally?

Make a list

I make a list before shopping and stick to it. You’ll be amazed how much you save by avoiding those impulse purchases. (My impulse purchase is usually Oreos.)

To stay healthy and save money, I also shop primarily around the perimeter of the store – fruits and veggies, meat and fish, and dairy. Then I just swing into aisles if I need something specific, like pasta or bread. This helps me save a lot of money because I don’t pass by all the items that I don’t need but may want (insert Oreos). Plus, it makes the trip much shorter.

Shop on a full stomach

If you are anything like me, you are likely to buy more food when you are hungry. Everything looks more delicious when you are starving. So, eat dinner or a snack before grocery shopping.

Choose the best grocery store

You usually pay higher prices in convenience stores. Supermarkets will nearly always have lower prices than small stores, because they can buy their stock in larger quantities. And, if you are willing to hit more than one grocery store, you can save a bundle. I visit two grocery stores regularly because they both have specials that cannot be beat.

Compare costs

I compare the prices of food items to get the best deal – fresh, canned and frozen items can vary in price. For example, I buy frozen fruit for smoothies because it’s much less expensive than off-season fresh fruit. Plus, it lasts a lot longer.

Evaluate different brands by price-per-weight or price-per-unit

Just because boxes or jars are the same size doesn't mean they are the same. Compare weights of different brands to choose the better value by volume. And don’t be tricked by jars that look bigger or smaller than they are. Be a smart consumer!

Carry a calculator

Figuring out the total as I shop helps me stick to my budget. Also, pay close attention at the checkout counter and review the receipt carefully. Mistakes happen, and these little mistakes cost customers millions of dollars a year.

Take the farmer’s market approach

Buy when produce is fresh, less expensive and in-season. This gives you delicious-tasting food and rock-bottom prices. Plus, fresh-picked produce has more nutrients because it’s picked later in the growing cycle.

Know a store’s deals

Many supermarkets give special deals to regular customers. The cards are free, and the discounts can be substantial. Also, many stores now give a rebate to customers who use reusable bags. That five cents per bag really adds up.

Go for reusable

Instead of buying jumbo packages of paper towels each week, I use microfiber cloths. Instead of paper plates, I use dinner plates. I save tons of money on paper products because of this. And, as a bonus, I am also helping the environment.

Steer clear of packaged foods

Simply put, packaged foods cost more because you pay for convenience. Buy a head of lettuce instead of a ready-to-go bag. Make a pasta dinner with the actual ingredients instead of from a box. And check out the bakery counter. At my grocery store, fresh loaves of bread are cheaper than the brand-name variety. And they taste better too.

Be kind and patient

No need to hold hands and sing Kumbaya, but I am convinced that being nice helps me save money on groceries. I try not to rush through the store to make sure that I get everything I need at the best price. I ask questions (nicely) of staff members and get friendly answers in return. When checking out, I am friendly to the cashier. Often, he or she knows of coupons that I don’t and is happy to ring them up for me. I also learned from a cashier that I could save by using reusable bags. It all goes back to the golden rule.

Sound off: What are your tips for saving money on groceries?

This is the question my husband and I pondered during the planning of our December 2007 wedding. We were bringing together 300 of our friends and family members – what a great time to do something special and meaningful (besides the obvious holy matrimony part, which is both of these things).

As fate would have it, an idea came to us as we looked at the poinsettias decorating the reception hall. What would we do with all these red and white beauties after the wedding? They certainly wouldn’t all fit into our starter home.

 

Sound off: How have you added purpose to your gathering?

The basics:

My name is:  James Shockey

I am a:   Modern Woodmen financial representative.

I am from:  Old Fields, W.Va.

The “important” questions:

Vanilla or chocolate?  Chocolate

I like my steak cooked:  Medium

White or wheat bread?  Wheat. It’s healthier.

Get to know me:

On a Saturday afternoon, you’ll probably find me: napping on the sofa or preparing to go to a Modern Woodmen chapter event.

My favorite memory of a family gathering is:  Last June my family traveled to Germany to the town we lived in when my father was in the service. I was able to meet the German family we lived with back then. It was the most memorable family gathering I’ve ever had.

The next gathering I’m planning is:  A pancake supper for our Modern Woodmen chapter.

My favorite volunteer activities are:  donating Modern Woodmen’s Youth Educational Programs to local schools or youth groups. They’re free programs that help kids learn.

My favorite recipe is:  Apple Crisp
 
1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
Dash salt
½ cup butter or margarine
2 pounds apples (6 medium)
2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
Vanilla ice cream                                  
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
 
Combine oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and dash salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs; set aside. Peel, core and slice apples to make 5 to 6 cups. Place apples in a 10x6x2-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with granulated sugar. Sprinkle crumb mixture over all. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 40 to 45 minutes. Serve with ice cream. Serves six people.

Sound off: Do you want to be "grilled" by Gatherings Gal? Leave me a comment!

If getting fit or saving money are on your list of resolutions, here are four Gatherings recipes perfect for trimming down your waist and your pocketbook.

Blueberry smoothie 

Perfect for a quick and portable breakfast, this smoothie recipe is both tasty and healthy, with a serving of vitamin-packed blueberries.

361.5 calories/serving
$2.38/serving 

Almond-Chicken Pear Salad  

A lunch of champions, this recipe, with a variety of veggies, chicken, pears and almonds, packs a punch and is filling enough for a meal.

270 calories/serving (4 servings)
$3.81/serving 

Cumin chicken

Perfect for a healthy dinner, this chicken recipe has a little zest. Served with healthy sides, it’s a great choice for the entire family.

153 calories/serving (one chicken breast)
$3.80/serving 

Light honey mustard chicken salad

A great way to use up vegetables, this salad – with garlic, chicken and mandarin oranges – is a winner for all ages.

212 calories/serving (4 servings)
$3.19/serving 

(Gatherings Gal disclosure: I use Spark to calculate calories and Netgrocer to calculate prices, but your specific ingredients and portion sizes may alter caloric content, and prices may vary due to your location.) 

Sound off: What’s your favorite inexpensive and healthy recipe?

A family brunch

My husband and I host a simple family brunch every year at our home after Christmas. It’s become a tradition in our household and a great way to connect with both sides of our family (which rarely happens). Here are the steps I took.

1. Set the date. To begin, I chose a date and time and invited my family. While I love formal invitations, sometimes a simple email is just better. If you have less than three weeks before your gathering, I would recommend a phone call or email to your guests.

2. Get inspired. I used Gatherings to collect ideas for the brunch. Here are a few of the tools to use:

• Check out the variety of recipes to find the ones perfect for your event. For our brunch, I chose recipes for Sunrise Breakfast Casserole, Sausage in a Blanket and Fruit Dip.

• I like to use the quick party planner on the website. It lets me find recipes and develop an organized shopping list with all necessary ingredients, making shopping a breeze. This means no more last-minute runs to the store for forgotten ingredients.

• A theme can actually make your planning simpler. It gives you a focus for food, decorations and games. You can check out the themes section to find the perfect theme for your gathering, or submit an idea of your own. The site is full of great user-submitted ideas.

• To add a little giving to a gathering, check out Gatherings with Purpose ideas, which will help you think outside the box for ways to bring more meaning to your gathering. For example, I’ve donated floral arrangements used from my gathering to a local nursing home to brighten their day.

3. Make a list. In my perspective, a gathering without a list is like a family reunion without the family. It just doesn’t make sense. I find that writing everything down from the beginning makes planning a get-together much more organized.

I begin by writing down the invited guests, and then I make a list of what I need to decorate and foods I would prepare. Next, I create a handy shopping list. By writing everything down from the start, I avoid forgetting something important.

4. Go shopping. The more detailed the shopping list, the less of your time you’ll spend shopping. Instead of making everything from scratch, consider a few store-bought items. Your time is valuable, and sometimes shortcuts really help simplify planning. At our brunch, I decided to purchase cinnamon rolls from the local bakery. Purchasing them was both simple and delicious.

5. Prep. When I host guests, I complete as much as possible ahead of time.

• One week before: Clean and decorate.

• 3 days before: Shop for all necessary ingredients and items.

• 2 days before: Set the table and serving areas.

• 1 day before: Prepare dishes ahead of time. (For our family brunch, nearly everything was prepared the day before. Casseroles, relish trays and desserts are all dishes that are easy to prepare in advance.)

The more you can do before the gathering, the less time you’ll spend rushing around on the day of the event.

6. Enjoy! Remember what matters most about any gathering. It isn’t the invitation, the centerpiece or even the food. You host a gathering to spend time with those you care about.

If you don’t have time to vacuum or forgot to buy chips for the dip, try to let it go. Spend time with your guests and enjoy the work and time you’ve put into the get-together.

On the morning of our brunch, my husband and I finished up a few last-minute details – including baking the casserole and pouring drinks – before family arrived. Then, I set up a simple buffet, and everyone enjoyed a lively conversation at the table. I’d like to believe that in years to come, this tradition will continue. And I do believe that we’ll all remember these gatherings with a smile.

Sound off: What is your best tip for a gathering?

About the Gatherings Gal blog

This is meant to be a resource for you. There are times I search the Internet for creative but simple party planning ideas and come up short. This is designed to help you plan simple, fun and meaningful gatherings for your family and friends … and to do so with just little time and small budgets.

About Gatherings

Gatherings.info has been around since November 2001. As a fraternal financial services organization, Modern Woodmen of America created the Gatherings site to tie to its core value of helping people achieve quality family life.

About me

My “official” bio is under "About" (or click here). But here’s more info, in “firsts” form:

• The first meal I made for my husband was a pot roast. It took most of the day to figure out what to do, and I ended up getting hamburgers from Wendy’s to hold us over.  I think this was probably the first time he wondered what he had gotten himself into. (I promise I’ve come a long way.)

• The first thing I do in the morning is hit snooze. I’m not a morning person.

• The first gathering in our first home was a housewarming party – 100 of our closest friends and family came. (Thank goodness for potlucks and good weather.)

• The first job I had was working at a calendar kiosk in the mall when I was 15.

• The first things I would rescue in the event of a fire are my two pugs. And then my recipe notebook. And then my wedding scrapbook.

• The first person I think of when I think of a true hostess is my mother, who effortlessly made family and friends feel welcome when she hosted a gathering. (I hope it’s in the genes.)

• The first CD I owned was “The Bodyguard” soundtrack. I can still belt out a mean “I’ll always love you.”

Okay, so now you know me. We’re practically BFFs. Let’s get to know you.

Sound off: Tell me about yourself and one of your “firsts.”