LESSONS FROM A CONTESSA

Joe and I are obsessed with two things: The Real Housewives of Atlanta and Ina Garten, our favorite barefoot contessa. The November issue of "House Beautiful" features Ina's new barn (no hay in sight..gotta love her!) and mentions her latest book, "back to basics" which covers everything from setting the perfect table to making the perfect breakfast, entertaining house guests and, of course, how to design your barn! With Thanksgiving around the corner my eyes stopped on the chapter, "Ten things NOT to serve at a party" which include:

1.) Appetizers that take two hands: how, after all, will your guests hold a cocktail in one and appetizer in the other?

2.) Nuts: many people have allergies and you'd hate to interrupt dinner with a trip to the hospital!

3.) Garlic and Raw onions: who wants chatty dinner guests with wretched breath?

4.) Spinach and poppy seeds: you don't want to stare at your guests with food stuck in their teeth!

Ina's tips and recipes are helpful, insightful and incredibly easy to prepare. We've loved making her dips, Parmesan crackers, desserts, and dinners (including last weeks delicious turkey!) and look forward to preparing (and devouring) many of the things from her latest creation. It's a great gift idea and for a few dollars more comes signed by the Contessa herself! Back to Basics..what's not to love?

TIME TO COMPLETE TASK: 48 hours for delivery from Amazon.com

COST: $24.99-$35.00 depending on where you order the barefoot contessa's "back to basics"

STRESS LEVEL: Getting the basics from an expert: LOW