I love parties. Everything about them. The planning, the decorating,selecting the music, the menu-making, the invitation—-which is the first phase of setting the stage. I really get into it.

One year, I had a brunch. For the invitation, I used those bacon boxes with the front flap that let’s you peek at the strips inside the package. I never really understood what I was supposed to be looking for when I raised that flap but it occurred to me that these boxes would make a great and goofy invitation.

I removed the bacon and inserted the invitation, superimposed over a photographed background of fried eggs. Then, these boxes were hand delivered to all the guests. It’s hard to ignore a box of bacon in your mailbox or sitting on your desk when you get back from lunch. Everyone came—walking through the door, laughing. Even though,as a result of this invitation “brainstorm”, it took almost three years to consume(don’t panic—bacon freezes forever)—it was totally worth it. Every time, I look at a strip of bacon to this day—-it makes me smile, in spite of the grease, calories and cholesterol.

A great party has a way of sticking with you, doesn’t it?

A friend, who has attended most of my parties over the years, told me that he thought of me as being in the “transportation business”. From the time people get the invite—-they become transported from wherever they are to a much happier place.

For me, it’s one of the best ways to switch my own gears as well. I have been feeling a bit blue lately—but I knew my book club was on its way to my house for an evening of girl talk and catching up—-and, oh yes, discussing our literary adventures.

Creating and setting the table, three days in advance, definitely enabled me to pick my lip up off the floor. I “fluffed” it up for Easter which was just around the corner—all the colors ushering in spring, bunny ears for everyone, fresh flowers floating in a little pool in the middle of the table, poofy napkins, pink candles….the whole bit. Every time I walked past the table, it made me smile—-friends, food, laughter and fun…..on the way. The anticipation, alone, shifted everything.

Want to shift your mood?

Here’s one quickie way to celebrate the day. Use your heart-shaped or star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out your bread before making toast—-then park the hearts and stars on a plate, slathered in love, butter, and jam—-soo-prise, soo-prise—everyone will leave the house smiling. Party Hearty.