NOW HERE'S A TIP

• Here’s a great conversation piece: Get a big, shallow bowl or box, fill it with loose snapshots (preferably of holidays past) and set it on your coffee table. People can’t resist photos.

• “I’ve loved this little trick since I saw it used at a party years ago. I serve iced tea (or punch) at most of my get-togethers, and instead of ice cubes, I freeze several pounds of cleaned, de-stemmed white grapes. They are a hit at every party.” — M.A. in New York

• Need almost-instant party snacks? Try a package of store-bought cheese tortellini. Cook according to package instructions (usually only a fe...