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One of my all time favourite times of year is the Easter holiday. It is such a well-rounded holiday, and there is something for all ages to look forward to. So, this year as a special treat I have decided to hire additional outdoor furniture to allow for a new interactive perspective for the young and old that gather in my garden.

The day is scheduled to involve a traditional Easter egg hunt, and a mid-afternoon brunch. Historically, the adults stand on the sidelines and watch the children explore the nooks and crannies of the garden for their treats. Then, after that is complete, the children retire to a kiddie table and the adults are seated at a separate one.

However, this year, I wanted young and old to interact more. This I hope to achieve through hiring bean bag furniture to replace the more formal designated table assignments of the past. With this change, I think adults will enjoy watching the kids on their hunt while seated on the beanbags, it being the same level as the tots. Then the meal will be buffet style, and children and parents will be free to select their own bean bag neighbours. I really hope that everyone enjoys mixing things up a bit, because I think it is a nice approach to Easter brunch.

The next big occasion that will be celebrated at home, for many, is Valentines Day. Often couples designate this evening as a time to share together, away from friends and family. However, this is not always the preference, and not always possible. Still there is no reason to pretend the day is not happening, modifications could render a delightful evening for three, four or even twenty.

One way to approach this plan is to decide that you, and whomever you invite over will broach the event as children do. Try to remember Valentines Day mailboxes created out of tissue boxes, and candy hearts with adorable sayings on them. They were fun years ago, and can be fun once again even for a bunch of adults. Just think about the way it used to be, and skim the parenting magazines in the checkout aisle at the grocery. Then you will be ready to plan something everyone will relish.

When you are hosting a gathering in your home around the holidays, it is always a lovely touch to send your guests home with a little treat. In cases where you are not certain of the religious orientation of your invitees, it is best to stick with a goodie that is nondenominational. I find that one of the best ways to do this, and keep costs to a minimum is to bake cookies.

Of course it is always nice to keep a wintery feel to the item, and thus interjecting the spirit of celebration. Therefore, I tend to use a great deal of metallic sprinkles and confectioners sugar on top. There are some very inventive and beautiful cookies to be made. I recommend doing a quick search, and then adding special touch of your own to the existing recipe. Many of the photos are not only inspiring, but will have your mouth watering.

Everyone knows someone who is always flawlessly prepared for each gathering they host. They appear to have impeccable timing, and organizational skills that could put a military institute to shame. They glide through conversation with the least responsive of individuals, and even charm them into relaxing and enjoying themselves. And the food they prepare is to die for, with flavours you will later crave. Not to mention that while they rule supreme over the planned events, their forte appears to be the impromptu soiree. How they always seem to have pate and endives on hand mystifies. Covet no more. We will get you game ready, and show you how to live in the host, or hostess zone.