Q: I'm having a graduation party and would like to serve cupcakes for dessert. Unfortunately, I will not be able to make them the day of the party and will be out of town the day before. Do you have any tips for preparing them ahead of time?

Sent by Mitch

Q: I love grilling pizza and want to host a grilled pizza BBQ in the next few weeks. I have thought about precooking the dough on one side before the party, and then putting it back on olive oiled parchment paper so people can either build their own pizzas, or I can top several and have them ready for the grill. 

Q: I'm baking a gluten-free wedding cake and I would love some help! The wedding is for 100 people this September. Do you have a gluten-free wedding cake recipe? Non-gluten-free-but-adaptable wedding cake recipe? 

Q: I'm hosting a burger bar party for 36 guests, including 6 kids. I'm planning on serving mushroom burgers, beef burgers, salmon burgers, grilled chicken, and grilled cheese sandwiches. How much of each burger should I make? I want to make sure I have enough!

Sent by Lucy

Q: My husband and I like to entertain, but we have a small apartment and an even smaller dinner table. We can only formally seat four people total. If we have more over, we usually do a casual dinner in the living room. Any ideas or recipes for meals that don't need to be eaten at a table?

Sent by Lindsay

Q: I am baking some cakes, cupcakes, muffins, and brownies for an event. This is a 2-day event and I need to start baking in advance. How can I store the products if I start baking three days prior to the event? How long will frosted cupcakes and cakes stay for? I will be using whipped cream and buttercream frosting. 

Q: I am hosting some lady friends this weekend for cocktails. A few are bringing appetizers or desserts, but I'd like to serve something that's a little more filling. Thought of doing soup or chili, but I've done that before. I'm also intrigued by the polenta party you recently focused on. Suggestions?

Sent by Kelly

Q: I'm throwing my first baby shower in a month and am stumped about food! It's from 1-3pm, so we're just serving snacks and finger foods. We'll have a champagne bar with bubbly (both alcoholic & not), fruit and a cake, but we don't know what to serve. It's an an elegant, outdoor shower. Help!

Sent by Michelle

Q: I am hosting a networking event for friends and friends of friends from different circles. I would like to have a nice little tray of "mandatory" shots near the door, ready for everyone. At this kind of of event a little social lubricant is necessary and I thought shots would be the perfect vehicle.

Q: My friend is thinking of having a short afternoon reception for her wedding in October. What are some simple, elegant, tea-time-like items that we can make ahead? I would love suggestions that incorporate seasonal fruits and vegetables, and that don't require tons of freezer or fridge space!