I'm looking for ideas for simple, make-ahead pantry-stocking recipes for things I can use as appetizers or nibbles -- spiced nuts, marinated olives, etc. I'd ideally like things I don't need to refrigerate (although I do know how to can things), but I'm also thinking of some made-ahead-and-frozen cheese cracker dough as well; I'd also like things that keep a while. I'd love to be able to just pull some crackers and bread out, grab a couple jars, and there it all is. [more inside]
posted on May 19, 2008 - 11 answers

1 Cupcake short of a Baker's Dozen...or how to arrange 12 cupcakes on a circular plate. [more inside]
posted on Apr 8, 2008 - 13 answers

Dear Ask Metafilter: I'm searching for recipes from the future of the past. [more inside]
posted on Nov 29, 2007 - 24 answers

Help me make a vegan friendly desert that doesn't taste like substitute food! [more inside]
posted on Oct 7, 2007 - 43 answers

My friends are really into good food, good wine, good conversation. How can I throw a dinner party that will knock them off their feet? I am reasonably comfortable in the kitchen, and generally don't have a problem finding decent recipes. I want the party to seem effortless and casual, like it's not something I spent all of Saturday working on, but leaves them desperate for an invite to the next one. Give me your tips!!
posted on Sep 3, 2007 - 19 answers

I'm going to be doing some large group entertaining in the near future and I'm curious how to go about making sure all the tables look exactly the same for that "wow" impact when people walk into the room. Are there any tips and techniques for helping keep all the tables look the same even when using several people to set them all?
posted on Apr 1, 2007 - 12 answers

Guitar playing (and guitar listening for those who dont play) What are some good songs to entertain on the guitar that do not require singing that are comperable to 'Little Martha' by the Allman Brothers? [more inside]
posted on Feb 20, 2007 - 19 answers

Nothing better accompanies the StuporBowl than a huge pile of ribs. My problem: I need a great ribs recipe. [more inside]
posted on Feb 1, 2007 - 17 answers

Party like it's 1956? Help plan my retro New Year's shindig. [more inside]
posted on Dec 20, 2006 - 13 answers

I want to throw my first major party and I need tips on fitting 25+ people into an apartment. [more inside]
posted on Dec 1, 2006 - 19 answers

I'm looking for easy outdoor party themes and ideas. Do you have a memory of a good outdoor party? What makes an outdoor gathering memorable for you? [more inside]
posted on May 13, 2006 - 21 answers

Dinner Parties! I'm looking for impressive recipes. How did you last knock your guests' socks off? A few minor restrictions and links to previous great threads inside. [more inside]
posted on Nov 27, 2005 - 18 answers

I'm turning 30 in October, and I want to do something interesting to celebrate. However, I don't want to make the guests have to spend a lot of money or travel long distances, and they are of varying ages and physical limitations. I'm thinking of something along the lines of "How to Host a Murder," but I'm open to pretty much anything. [more inside]
posted on Apr 25, 2005 - 4 answers