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 few minutes), toss with oil or salad dressing and stick each on a toothpick.

• “A great way to make guests comfortable is to print out a copy of the channel lineup for your cable service provider. You also can print out common remote-control buttons or any remote-control or TV instructions for playing a DVD, etc. This helps us older folks enjoy a few hours of TV time while the younger kids are out at work or school.” — H.P. in Nebraska

• If you’re serving hot rolls on a buffet, line the basket with aluminum foil before you line it with a towel. They’ll stay warm longer that way.

• Try this tip to avoid overeating at holiday parties: Keep a drink in your dominant hand. You’ll be less likely to graze on high-fat chips and other snack foods. Need a little something? Hope for a veggie platter. But whether it’s veggies or chips, grab a couple and then WALK AWAY from the table before you can hit the dip.

(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.