You loved our cornbread hors d'oeuvres baked in mini-muffin tins, so we found a way to make them even more scrumptious. Mix in one of the sweet, savory, or spicy flavor combinations listed in the recipe below, or create your own. You'll have appetizers to feed an army, or at least a few dozen of your closest friends.

Get the Cornbread Bites Recipe

Dining at home this February 14? For a romantic prelude or finale to the meal, serve dried Calimyrna figs. When cut lengthwise, they look like little hearts. They're a sweet complement to cheeses, crusty breads, and salads. An added benefit: Figs are packed with nutrients, such as iron and potassium, which helps lower blood pressure.

Some holiday parties require every serving dish you own -- and then some. Improvise a bread basket with a large rectangular cloth napkin or dish towel, preferably starched linen (the stiffer the fabric, the better it will hold its shape). Lay the fabric horizontally on a table. Fold the longer side up, slightly more than halfway. Fold the top half down in the same way, so the two edges overlap by an inch. Turn it over, and fold the shorter sides in to meet. For extra security, pin in place. Flip over again, and place rolls or a sliced loaf into the opening.

Keep bugs, leaves, and other unwelcome guests from joining you for drinks by topping glasses with these jaunty little hats (otherwise known as baking cups). Cut a small X into the center of each liner, poke a straw through the hole, and enjoy your beverage worry- (and pest-) free.

Paper cups, fancyflours.com.

Transform a basic white platter (this one's from cb2.com) into a cheese board for your next party.

For the best balance and presentation, choose cheeses with a range of appearances, flavors, and textures. We added pistachios, fruit, and fig cake.