Plan ahead to make hostessing easier

DEAR HELOISE: I love the advice you gave to Linda Q. from San Antonio about being rushed at the last minute when hostessing, especially that make-itnow, bake-it-later hint. Who wants to be assembling a complicated dish when everybody comes through the door?

There are two additional things that really help me. One is to have a "backward" plan. Start with the time you want everybody to be fed and work your timeline backward from there. Write it down. Then you can see what’s realistic and adjust as necessary.

Second, I always try to keep a list of small things that guests can do. They always offer anyway, so let them join in. For example, they can add ice to glasses, put food in serving dishes, chop a few veggies and little things like that. It makes it fun for them to be a part of things and helps me in the kitchen.

—Kathy D., San Antonio, Texas DEAR HELOISE: I use those seven-day pill containers and fill them weekly. My morning meds are in one container by the coffee pot. The evening meds are in another container by my bed.

Because I have chronic conditions and get my meds by mail, I also go one step further. Unopened meds are in one basket. Opened meds are in two others — one for morning meds and one for night. This way, I can see what needs to be reordered and which ones i take and when.

—Paula Morgan, North Huntingdon, Pa.

DEAR PAULA: Many of you have written to me about being careful with the medications you take. There are many excellent ways to deal with this. Find the way that works for you.

—Heloise

DEAR HELOISE: The letter from Deborah regarding her friend inspired me to share my story. My granddaughters lost their mom when they were 16 and 18. My daughter-in-law was only 54 at the time she passed. I had heard of bereavement bears and thought what a great idea for my granddaughters to have as a remembrance of their mom.

I had the girls pick out some of her favorite clothing and then had the bears made from all of their mom’s special things. Every piece of clothing used provides a strong support during difficult times and carries an imprint and a moment in time that forever connects you to your loved one. The girls received these for Christmas, and they were so grateful to have that part of mom for the rest of their lives. They said that was the best present ever!