• Pastry
• Cakes
• Cup Cakes

• Yeast Breads
• Flatbreads
• Quick Breads

• Christmas
• Thanksgiving

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

• Measurements
• Substitutions
• Techniques

I've had quite a few of these, and while they are a bit of a challenge, they are also lots of fun -- fun because you haven't had to shop for decorations, nor special food. You haven't had to make out a guest list, or send invitations. You probably haven't cleaned the house and have to quickly check to make sure that the bathroom is clean - but other than that, there is absolutely no prep involved.

Just because there is no prep doesn't mean that there can't be a little planning. A pantry is a wonderful thing. You don't need much for one of these parties -- people are even willing to call for take out if necessary, or you can make a short list and send someone to the store. Because there is that element of surprise, doesn't mean that you have to dispair -- it's a 'come as you are' party and you can just relax and enjoy your unexpected friends or family.

Things you might have in the pantry Tomato Soup, bread and cheese Cream cheese, onion soup mix and chips Canned bisquits, hot dogs and mustard Popcorn

What you can make Soup and grilled cheese triangles Onion Dip and chips Pigs in a blanket Popcorn

Most of all, be an amazing hostess - make your guests feel welcome in your home (unless of course you really don't like them, then tell them you were just on your way to an important meeting). People who pop in are coming to see you -- not how you are dressed, not how messy your house is, etc - they are stopping by to be social, so don't get frazzled. Never make drop-in quests feel like they are intruding... a great hostess just incorporates those unexpected quests into her day (or evening).

Here is where your panty choices come in. If you have unexpected guests from time to time, you might want to stock some ingredients for a quick dip, or an appetizer. Better yet store some appetizers in your freezer that you can just heat up. In fact, it's always good to have a complete meal of some kind in the freezer.. just in case! I think that the easiest meal is a comfort food - maybe spaghetti sauce, meatballs and/or sausage and a loaf of Italian bread. Cook some pasta and you could have a hardy meal on the table in about 30 minutes... with little effort on your part and very little clean up after.

The SURPRISE Party
This is a fun thing - whether you are the doer or the target - these are fun. Fist of all you get a group of folks together and plan more or less of a pot luck dinner, or maybe just a wine and cheese offering. Everyone cooks, bakes or purchases their part of the meal (and it has to be complete, down to the wine, paper plates, utensils, etc) and all is put in a basket. Everyone meets and goes together to the 'target's home and you knock on the door.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, or whatever the occasion is. The person you are visiting doesn't have to do a thing.. no cooking, cleaning up, etc. but since it is an intrusion of sorts, it's very considerate to leave behind a gift: a box of candy, a plant, a plate of brownies or a quick bread that has been saved.