Wow! Where did the month of December go? Here it is New Year’s Eve, many celebrations and parties are behind us… with big plans for the new year! It seems perfect timing to begin a new calendar year in the middle of a dark cold winter. Before we begin our new plans for the New Year we have a few more gatherings and celebrations. This recipe is one of my favorites, it can be made ahead of time and warmed in the microwave just before serving. It is perfect to take as an appetizer for any gathering, it stores well as a left over and can be easily reheated. Enjoy!

Hot Clam Dip

8 oz. cream cheese
2 tbsp. mayonnaise
1 small can chopped clams
1/4 lb. sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 c. sour cream
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Preheat oven to 350°. Combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Blend until creamy with electric mixer. Fold in drained clams and salt. Spread into a baking dish and top with cheese. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Serve with an assortment of crackers.

Click image to enlarge

Garden Brunch

Inviting new neighbors for a casual morning meal is a nice way to become better acquainted. Welcome them to your table with this brunch… created around fresh tomatoes from the garden, combined with fresh fruit, breakfast potatoes, egg and cheese casserole, and fried tomato sandwiches. It can all be enjoyed in the late morning hours before the busy activities of life get in the way. Open your home; open your heart… and make new friends along the way.

Recipes

• John Wayne Casserole
• Breakfast Potatoes
• Summer Fruit Salad
• Fried Tomato Sandwiches

Decorations

• Hydrangea Decoration

Click image to enlarge

No Bake Baby Shower

Here’s a party that anyone can host- no baking is required! Some planning is necessary, a pinch of creative thinking, and a few trips to your favorite stores… but everything can be purchased right down to the bacon bits and sprinkled cupcakes. If you are inclined, here are a few recipes to satisfy your creative urges. They are quick and easy to prepare leaving you plenty of time for associating with guests and enjoying the moment.

Recipes

• Cobb Salad
• Chile Cheesecake
• Red Pepper Hummus
• Black Cupcakes
• Cream Cakes
• Lemon Pound Cupcakes
• Carrot Cupcakes

Tablescapes

• Candy and Soda
• Diaper Cake
• Strawberry Topiary Tree

Patterns

• Pattern for making Nacho Cup Trays

Click image to enlarge

Colorful photos, simple and classic recipes with helpful shopping lists, easy and beautiful tablescapes suggest creative ideas for your own Gathering of Friends.

Tablescapes

• Decorative Water Jars
• Artichoke and Candle Clay Pot