Oh, hello there! Were you just thinking you'd like a bite of cheesecake without the bother of water baths or a hot kitchen? One that would, perhaps, win you friends and earn you accolades at backyard picnics this summer? Why, me too! Great minds really do think alike. More

Punch is the ideal party drink. Big batches save hosts from playing bartender all night and it's the perfect excuse to show off that heirloom punch bowl. However, the profusion of punch recipes can seem daunting if it's your first time dusting off Grandma's punch bowl. So we checked in with punch expert David Wondrich, author of Punch: The Delights (and Dangers) of the Flowing Bowl (see our review here), and Esquire Mag's drinks columnist to get all the elemental info needed for anyone looking to stir up a batch. More

I am a visual learner. Never is this more clear to me than when I thumb through a cookbook like Ripe by Cheryl Sternman Rule with its incredible food photographs by Paulette Phlipot.

The fruits and vegetables practically jump off of the pages in 3D, and my brain understands their curves, colors, and yes, ripeness in a way that description alone could not accomplish. It's enough to make a gal hungry. More

If you're looking for an easy way to take care of your guests, look no further than the ubiquitous, ever-handy Mason jar. We all probably have a few canning jars at the back of the pantry, and they can be extra helpful when it comes to parties and gatherings. Pre-make cool cocktails before your guests arrive with this simple tip! More

I mentioned last week that I was on a mission to create the ultimate party "snack bar," featuring homemade versions of store bought classics. Of course homemade Cracker Jack was at the tippy top of that list. After learning how easy the recipe is, now I'm cursing myself for not making it sooner! More

The list of reasons why we can't wait for warm summer weather just got longer: cocktail popsicles—otherwise known as poptails—may be the perfect chill-out-and-feel-good party food. (And yes, "party" does include all parties for one!) Boozy pop variations are endless: Bellini pops? Bloody Mary pops? Bourbon peaches and cream? Oh yes. So lift your glass popsicle and let's toast to feeling like a kid again...in a very grown-up sort of way! More

I'll be the first to say it: I don't make very pretty cakes. At least, not in that Pinterest-able way, with perfect swoops and swirls and curlicue handwriting. Personally, I like to find other ways to make birthday cakes look and feel special. Like using something completely non-edible, for instance, like these cute pom-pom cake toppers from 6 Bittersweets. More

I am so enamored of these frozen yogurt dots from Tracy over at Shutterbean. I may need to wrangle up a few five-year-olds just to have an excuse to make them. Seriously, how much fun are these? And not to mention both healthy and easy! More

What's cuter than a full-size layer cake and more festive than a cupcake? A mini layer cake! Jordan from Oh Happy Day has a tutorial for making these adorable cakes, which are baked in repurposed tin cans. More

Q: My birthday is coming up and I'd like to throw a party for my college friends. Trouble is, it's very easy for small gatherings in college to quickly become a larger group, so I'm thinking a buffet will be best. Do you have any springtime meal ideas that will feed a crowd?

Sent by Alice More