I had so much fun putting together my cooking and party playlists a few weeks ago, but I'm just an amateur mix-maker. When it comes to professional party music, I always turn to my friends Tony Liebetrau and Ian Gotler of the DJ company RedShoe, who know how to set just the right mood with music. Today I'm sharing three playlists from Tony: one to get you chopping to the beat while you cook, another to put on when the guests arrive, and a final, low-key mix to make cleaning up at the end of the night a little easier.

Kids know how to party! Check out the latest festive celebrations from the Apartment Therapy's Family channel, which posts kids' parties every day. We'll be bringing you a roundup of these inspiring parties every week.

• Charlotte's Peter Pan Party
  
• Kieran's Spring Party
• Bodhi's Little Mustache Man Party
• Matilda's Red Balloon Party
  
• Little Pilot's Lawn Mower Party
  

Folks, it's spring and you know what that means? Picnic season is right around the corner. If you entertain like I do with food sitting out buffet style while kids and dogs run around, then these new containers might be something you'll want to watch out for!

I have never been to the Kentucky Derby, but every year my family and friends celebrate it as if we were racing heirs from Lexington. Our standard menu includes everything from ham biscuits, hot browns, and homemade Derby pie. A few rounds of Mint Juleps, of course, are a must. This fresh take on the classic, with pineapple chunks, spicy ginger syrup, and a sprinkle of black peppercorns, will be your go-to from now until summer meets its final days.

A few years back, some friends and I got into a real Saturday night routine. We'd gather at someone's house, order Chinese food, and bring out the games — Settlers of Catan, Risk, Monopoly (old-school!), you name it. When the food arrived, we'd take a break and fill up our plates. I'm thinking it's time to bring back these Saturday game nights — but this time, I'll do the cooking!

Kids know how to party! Check out the latest festive celebrations from the Apartment Therapy's Family channel, which posts kids' parties every day. We'll be bringing you a roundup of these inspiring parties every week.

• Eleanor's Black, White & Bright Party
• Evan's Train Party
• Nora's Olivia the Pig Party
• Eliot's Superhero Party
• Jake's Donut Party

I was perched on the couch the other morning, catching up on food blogs and sipping a mocha when all of a sudden the urge for a warm, toasted baguette smothered with melted chocolate and a drizzle of fruity olive oil hit me. Sometimes good ideas strike at the oddest of times. This early morning craving for chocolate and bread inspired my most recent party idea: a gathering where everyone builds their own dessert!

Do you have entertaining anxiety? I did (and I still come down with a touch of it every now and then, especially if someone important is invited). How did I get over it? It dawned on me that I had never once resented being invited to someone's home. I never wondered, "Chips and dip? BYOB? Really? That's it?" or "Wow. Look at that stain on the sofa. These people are real slobs." Nope. I'm flattered and happy to be invited to mingle with old friends and meet new ones. Huge bash or intimate soiree, four course dinner or potluck — thank you for having me! This was even more clear on my recent trip to Cange, Haiti.

We've all encountered, and possibly even served, a boring crudité platter. As a vegetarian and gluten-free guest and host, I've had my fair share of raw broccoli and carrot sticks while other party guests indulged in more interesting hors d'oeuvres. But these pickled baby carrots? These ones with the zingy bite that will be ready in just a couple of hours? You might want to double the recipe.