So, next week the United States will be swearing in a new president. Whether or not you're a fan of future President Obama, it's a pretty big event. And since most of us have not been invited to D.C. for the occasion, we'll have to experience the event in our own homes. Since Obama was born in Hawaii, the inauguration is a great excuse to host a luau. And even if this day doesn't mean much to you, a luau can at least take your mind off the nasty chill of winter.
_{Photo © Donna Pilato}

Cupcakes have become so popular in recent years. Adults and kids alike love to get their own mini cake. Which is why we now have enough photos of cupcake creations to create a new cake photo gallery dedicated to these fun treats. So enjoy this collection and please submit photos of special cupcakes you've created for your celebrations.
_{Photo © Donna Pilato}

I heard about two different party ideas this week that were new to me. The first one was a chicken pox party where families get together at the home of an afflicted child, and socialize with the hope of spreading the virus to their children, and avoiding the vaccine. I know that there are strong feelings on both sides of the vaccination debate, and I won't get in the middle of that. But I do feel that a party is inappropriate, and unfair to the sick child suffering with the chicken pox.

The other party idea that was new to me was a baby shower raffle party. Guests are asked to participate in a raffle at a baby shower to raise money for the parents-to-be. I guess this has become a common trend, because I see that baby shower party supply sites actually sell raffle tickets for this purpose. If you're wondering, it's poor etiquette to do what amounts to asking for a money gift for the guest-of-honor. A baby shower for a first child is a welcoming celebration where the community helps stock the nursery for the new parents. A baby shower for subsequent children can also be a terrific celebration, and although the family may have the basic supplies, diapers or new small items that wouldn't make it past the first child (such as pacifiers) would be appropriate gifts to wish the family well. These second child showers are often called "sprinkle" showers. But raising money, except in cases where tragedy has struck the family, is inappropriate.

What do you think about these party trends? Have you ever been to one of these? Share your thoughts in our comments section below.

My husband created this special snack table design for last year's Super Bowl Party. But this will work just as well for the playoff games if you plan to host a party next weekend. Just be sure to put a few items with the logo of your favorite team in the end zone. It's pretty easy to make if you follow these directions, but it's not the kind of thing you can do at the last minute, so be sure to give yourself a little time. Then it will last forever, as long as your guests aren't too messy.
_{Photo © Donna Pilato}