Inviting friends over to watch the big game on Sunday? Here are a few tips to keep your party high scoring and fumble-free:

Utilize different watching zones. Some people are there for the game, some are there for the commercials, and some are there for the food. Keep everybody happy by spreading things out in different rooms and keeping like-minded party goers together.

Supply face paints. Everybody loves to show team spirit on game day, so grab some simple poster paints and let your guests decorate their faces (or bellies). It’s a great way to keep the kids entertained, too.

Provide your own halftime entertainment. There’s no need to rely on a superstar rocker to entertain your guests. Turn the TV off or mute it during halftime while you gather everyone for karaoke, competitive eating, or a crash course in cheerleading. (Wouldn’t you love to see your husband and his buddies creating the human pyramid?) Everyone can be together having a few laughs before the second half of the game begins.

Cast votes for the best commercial. Supply guests with a slip of paper to cast their vote for the best commercial. At the end of the evening, tally the votes to see which commercial scored big with your crowd.

Have a treat as big as the game. Our Big Cookie Cake is a perfect game day dessert decorated with your team’s colors, ready to entice (or taunt) your guests. Customize your own message and colors of frosting. It’s my favorite game day fare, and a total crowd pleaser.

Share your own ideas in the comments section, and check back later this week for fabulous finger foods to serve!

{Image via Pinterest.}

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2012 is the Year of the Dragon

Chinese New Year 2012 begins January 23 with the Year of The Dragon. It’s a time to celebrate with family and friends, eat good food, and enjoy fun customs and traditions. You don’t have to be Chinese to join in the fun, so gather your friends and family and put together a great party with the following ideas.

1. Sweet & Sour Chicken is a crowd favorite. This recipe is easy and delicious, and much of the prep work can be done ahead of time. For dessert, make your own fortune cookies. (It’s easier than you think.)

2. Print and post a Chinese Zodiac so that all party guests can find out which animal they represent based on their birth year. According to the zodiac, some animals are more compatible than others. Find out if it’s true!

3. Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with this simple craft that is fun for kids and adults too. Have a parade around the house and light fireworks outside!

4. Simple labels over bottled drinks add a finishing touch and offer your guests traditional Chinese wishes of longevity and prosperity.

5. Decorate your home with colorful Chinese Lanterns. Let the kids help and hang them down the hallway, above the dining table, or in the entry way.

6. Have guests write fortunes, then tuck them in paper cookies made out of cupcake liners (genius!). Add them all to a jar or bowl, mix them up, then distribute them among your guests.

{Dragon image via Pinterest.}

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1. Make your own fortune cookies. It’s easier than you think to make these beautiful little cookies, and you can add your own predictions for a prosperous new year!

2. Giant, chocolate-dipped marshmallows with confetti-like sprinkles are so festive! Package them in cellophane bags, but don’t be surprised if your guests tear them open before they get out the door.

3. A chocolate chip cookie packaged in a paper CD sleeve is pretty ingenious, and a great way to send a sweet note with an individual treat. Wrap them in baker’s twine for ultimate presentation.

4. Candy confetti packets can be made with brown paper grocery bags, a sewing machine, and some brightly colored thread. Guests can rip them open to open a colorful spray of sweet candies. Such fun!

Have a wonderful and safe New Year’s Eve, and may 2012 bring you many sweet surprises!

And don’t forget—this is your last chance to share your favorite Mrs. Fields memory to help us celebrate 35 years in business! You could win Mrs. Fields cookies for an entire year!

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Let’s be honest, not everyone is cut out to party until the wee hours on New Year’s Eve. So, why not adopt another time zone for the evening? This party idea lets you have your pot-banging hurrah and still be in bed at a decent hour, an especially great idea if you’re celebrating with little ones. All you need to do is pick a location with a time zone that is a bit (or a lot) ahead of your own. Plan decorations, foods, and games specific to the city or country you’ve picked, and then set your clock to their time. Eat, drink, be merry, and then have a fabulous countdown to welcome in the new year. Need some ideas to get you started?

New Orleans: Serve gumbo, jumbalaya, and freshly fried beignets. Stock up on beads, hats, and other glittery adornments. Create a jazzy playlist and parade around the house or the street.  Set up a table and have guests make their own Mardi Gras masks.

Chicago: Serve deep-dish pizza, bratwurst, and caramel and cheese popcorn, and giant jelly beans in honor of the giant jelly bean-shaped Cloud Gate sculpture in Millennium Park. Have everyone don thick mustaches, reminiscent of the SNL guys who loved “da Bears and da Bulls” so very much.

New York City: Serve thin-crust pizza, cheesecake, hot dogs, and of course, big apples. Designate your party room as Times Square and dangle a ball (even a soccer ball will do) to be dropped for your countdown.

Philadelphia: Serve cheesesteak sandwiches (with Cheese Whiz if you want to be authentic!), soft pretzels, and an assortment of Italian Ice treats. Have a contest to see who can give the best Rocky impression.

Miami: Serve Cuban sandwiches, colorful fruity drinks, and lots of latin dance music. Learn some salsa dance moves, teach your party guests, and have a dance off!

London: Serve fish and chips, bangers and mash, finger sandwiches and assorted teas or hot wassail.  Create a Big Ben clock to announce your countdown, and have a William and Kate lookalike contest.

Those are my ideas. What are yours? What city would you like to be in to ring in the New Year?

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1. The Name Game. Give each player several strips of paper and a pen. Each player writes one name on each strip of paper. The names can be absolutely anyone—famous, non-famous, infamous, dead, alive, real, fictional, people you know, people you used to know, whatever. Once each strip of paper has a name, it should be folded and deposited into a large bowl, combined with all the others and stirred. Divide the group into two teams. One player from the first team takes the bowl full of names. Set a timer or stopwatch for one minute. The player holding the bowl takes out one slip of paper at a time and tries to get his team to guess the name, giving any clues he can without stating the name. Once the name has been guessed, the player can remove another name and begin giving clues until the time is up. If a name is still in mid-play when the timer goes off, the player should fold it up and place it back in the bowl. Count the number of correctly guessed names to keep score, and pass the bowl to the second team and repeat. The game ends when all the names have been guessed. The team with the most correct names wins.

2. Sardines. Sometimes known as backward hide-and-seek, this game is fun for all ages, and is best played in an entire house with the lights off or dimmed. One player is chosen to be the first sardine while the rest of the players huddle together, counting to 100. The players then disperse and begin seeking quietly for the sardine. Once a seeker finds the sardine, he or she quietly squeezes into the same hiding spot as the other sardines, until one by one, each player joins the “Sardine Can.” The last player to find the sardines is the first one to hide the next round.

3. Indoor Snowball Fight. Purchase two reams of white paper and divide the group into two teams, each team in their own “camp” and equipped with a ream of paper. Each team has 15 minutes to create “snowballs” by tearing and wadding the paper into snowballs. Once the time is up, the snowball fight begins! Toss “snowballs” at the opposing team and enjoy the flurry!

4. Living Room Idol. You’ll need an iPod, a set of headphones, and a playlist of familiar music. Each player takes a turn being the pop star, choosing a song they know well. The player cues the song set at a high volume and places the headphones over his ears. Once the song starts, the player sings along at full volume and gusto. The audience can hear only the player singing, and none of the original music. Once the song has ended, the audience raises fingers to give a score, 1-10 (10 being the high score). The player with the highest score wins.

5. Mafia. A fun game of suspicion, fibs, and mystery-solving, this party game is so fun it’s almost criminal. A bit too complicated to summarize in this post, find the full explanation of rules here.

6. Shadow Stories. A blank wall, a strong flashlight, and a good story are all you need to begin playing this fun game. Divide the group into two teams, the “Storytellers” and the “Actors.” The Storytellers tell a story (any story works—a book, an original spontaneous tale, or a piece of family folklore) while the actors create the visual interpretation with shadows on the wall. Once the story ends, teams switch roles and tell another story.

7. The Dictionary Game. Each player is equipped with a piece of paper and something to write with. One player quickly searches the dictionary for a word that is most likely unfamiliar to the group. The player reads the chosen word to the rest of the group, spelling it if necessary, and each player writes it on his paper. Each player then writes a definition for the word, while the player with the dictionary writes out the correct definition. Players then pass their papers to the first player, who shuffles them and then reads the definitions one by one to the group, including the real definition. Players then vote on which definition they think is the correct one, and the first player scores the definitions (one point for each vote), then reveals the real definition. The dictionary is then passed to another player, the papers are dispersed, and the next round begins. The player with the most points for his definitions wins.

8. Ask Me Anything. A great get-t0-know-you game especially for multi-generational groups, each player takes a turn in the “hot seat.” Each player gets to ask the person in the hot seat anything at all. The person in the hot seat is allowed to “pass” only one question. Once all questions have been answered, another player takes the “hot seat” until everybody has had a turn.

9. Two Truths and a Lie. Each player must supply three statements, written or spoken, stating two truths and one lie about himself. Other players discuss and guess which of the three statements is the lie (majority rules for the final guess). Players who stump the group by getting them to believe their lie move to the next round, until there is one winner.

10. Never Have I Ever. Each player begins with 10 fingers up. One by one, each player begins a statement with, “Never have I ever ____________,” supplying the group with something they have never done. (For example, “Never have I ever jumped out of a plane to skydive.”) Each person in the group who HAS done whatever was said, has to put a finger down. The game ends when the first person has put down all 10 fingers.

On behalf of all of us at Mrs. Fields, have a happy, safe, sweet holiday!

(Image created via Wordle)

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Dear Mrs. Fields,

My small family recently made a cross-country move for a new job and we are spending our first Christmas far from family, friends, and the holiday traditions we’ve always known. Before we moved, Christmas Eve was always spent feasting and partying with parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. While we’re excited for our new opportunities, we’re battling a bit of homesickness and not quite sure how to make it feel like Christmas when everything is so different. Any ideas?

Sincerely,
Lucy

This is a great question and one that many people will relate. My advice is to make the most of things by sitting down together as a couple or a family and creating your own new Christmas Eve traditions. Most people have traditions handed down to them, but few people get to tailor-make their own! If you need some inspiration, here are some ideas to jump start your planning:

• Family Game Night. Wrap up a few favorite (old or new) board or video games to play. Unwrap and play them one at a time. Think of creative ways to mix things up, like silly prizes or treats for the winners.
• Pajama Night. Everybody can always use a new pair of pajamas. Wrap up a new set for each person, then pose for pictures, read favorite storybooks, watch movies, or play games.
• Christmas Scavenger Hunt. Grab the family and a list of holiday items (Christmas lights, Santa suit, candy canes, manger scenes, reindeer, etc.) and snap photos of your group with each item. You’ll have fun hunting down each item, and you’ll have a photo history of your fun night.
• Karaoke Night. A simple microphone, speaker, and your favorite holiday music turns your home into a fabulous karaoke lounge. Most of us know all the words to holiday music anyway, so it’s especially easy for everyone to participate!
• Progressive Dinner. You can do this one of two ways.  Join up with new friends to host a progressive dinner (appetizer, entreé, and dessert) at three different houses. Or, if you’re solo, pick three favorite restaurants and have each course of dinner at a different spot.
• Christmas Lights Tour. Most local newspapers feature the best holiday light displays in the area. Look it up and buckle up the family for a tour of the garish displays.
• Egg Nog Taste Test. Purchase 4 or 5 brands of egg nog and have a blind taste test to determine which is the best. You can do this with practically anything, such as fudge brownies, potato chips, or any favorite snack or treat.
• Soup Kitchen Service. Sometimes the best way to beat the blues is to do something nice for someone else. Contact a local soup kitchen or shelter and help serve a meal. It’s a guaranteed feel-good moment.

Any other ideas for Lucy? What are your favorite Christmas Eve traditions? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

P.S. DON’T FORGET! Today is Free Shipping Friday at Mrs. Fields! Get free standard shipping today on select holiday gifts! Use code 11YEZ at checkout.

And if you haven’t already, share your favorite Mrs. Fields memory as part of our 35th Anniversary Giveaway! You could win free cookies for a year!

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What’s the best way to turn one holiday cookie recipe into a variety of scrumptious goodies? Host a Cookie Exchange Party! These old-fashioned parties are back in style and so much fun! It’s a great way to discover new recipes and share your favorites with your friends. Here are my five best tips to make your party perfect.

1. Size Matters. Decide in advance how many people you want to attend. I recommend somewhere between 10 – 12 people. Keep in mind that the number of people you invite directly relates to how many treats everybody has to make, so aim for a reasonable number. Follow up with all invited guests and get a total a few days before the party, then let everybody know so that they can plan accordingly. (I like to encourage guests to bring a dozen cookies to share that evening, plus 4-6 cookies per guest to take home.)

2. Insist on Homemade. In your invitation emphasize that treats need not be fancy, but definitely should be homemade. Your guest list should include people who enjoy making treats, who won’t feel overwhelmed or burdened by the idea of the party.

3. Share Recipes. Part of the fun of a Cookie Exchange Party is discovering new recipes. Encourage guests to bring copies of their recipes for each of the other guests. You could also gather recipes ahead of time via email, then print them out for guests.

4. Provide Materials. Have a supply table set up for guests to package their treats. I recommend an ample supply of cupcake liners to keep messier cookies or fudge separated. Tissue and wax papers are helpful, as are disposable plastic containers, labels and pens. Provide folders or binders for guests to keep their collection of recipes tidy. Have a gift bag for each person as well.

5. Supply Sips and Salt. Have a variety of drinks available that compliment sweets (milk, egg nog, champagne, or creamy cocktails), as well as a sampling of salty treats such as pretzels to offer a balance to all the sugar, as well as a way to cleanse the palette between cookie tastings.

Those are my best tips, what are yours? Are you attending a Cookie Exchange Party this year?

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1. Do your homework. Gather Thanksgiving Day newspaper ads and visit retailer’s home pages to research the deals that will be offered. Don’t forget to read the fine print, especially concerning quantities and availability. You don’t want to stand in line for a $99 HDTV if there’s only actually one for sale! If you’re unsure about terms of an offer, call the store manager in advance to clarify.

2. Be a scout. Knowing the layout of a store can help you nab the deal you want. The crowds can cause confusion, so know where you want to go beforehand.

3. Set your priorities. Unless you’ve recruited an army of shoppers, you’re not likely to get every early bird, door-busting deal offered, so decide which deals are at the top of your wish list and work down.

4. Pack a snack. Keep a bottle of water and a healthy snack in your purse to keep energy high and irritability low during the shopping frenzy.

5. Review the return policy. Before you ring up, make sure you know the store’s policy on returns and exchanges. You’ll avoid any frustrating surprises if you ask questions before you swipe your card.

6. Know your budget. There will be even more “deals” than you’re expecting, so avoid buyer’s remorse by creating a budget that allows for a little wiggle room, but won’t break the bank.

7. Consider your transportation. Be sure that your car, van, truck, or bus will fit the items that you purchase. Your friend with the pickup truck will probably not appreciate a 6:00 a.m. call for help.

8. Dress in layers. It’s cold outside the doors and warm inside, so be prepared to adjust to the temperatures with layered clothing. It can make all the difference in your experience.

9. Carry a calculator. Don’t rely on your own math skills to make the calculations that morning, especially when some stores will offer an additional percentage off a sale price. Use a calculator to figure out the cost before tossing things in your cart. It’s also a great way to keep a running total of your entire purchase.

10. Shop online. The Internet age has changed Black Friday shopping, which means that unless you enjoy the adventure of a 4:00 a.m. shopping trip, most deals are available online, at home, in the comfort of your pajamas. Several retailers will be offering free shipping as well to entice online shoppers. Don’t forget to check out Mrs. Fields Friday morning, as well as our blog and our Facebook page for special Black Friday deals!

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This idea is equal parts simple craft project, entertainment for kids, Thanksgiving centerpiece, and feel-good activity. With a few simple items, you can create this Thanksgiving Thankful Tree and fill it with all the things you and your guests are grateful for this year. It’s a perfect gathering activity as your guests arrive, and simple enough that you can put the kids in charge of putting it together while you’re taking care of last-minute details for dinner. You’ll need the following items:

• One sturdy branch from outside, about 3 or 4 feet tall
• One vase, preferably tall and narrow
• Whole nuts or smooth pebbles to secure the branch
• Leaves cut out from colored paper (find a free template here)
• Twine to secure leaves to tree
• Pens, pencils, markers, or crayons for guests to use to write

If you’re feeling ambitious, you can spray paint the tree branch in advance to create more of a contrast. Otherwise, hold the branch in the center of the vase and fill the sides in with nuts or pebbles to secure it and keep it straight. Cut strips of twine just long enough to tie leaves to branches. Cut out multiple leaves, at least one per guest. Each guest can write his or her name on a leaf, along with what they are thankful for this year, before securing it to the tree. Once complete, place the tree in the center of the table for everyone to enjoy.

My favorite part of the Thankful Tree? It can be used again and again each year, and the leaves become a sweet way to remember Thanksgivings past!

One more thing—don’t forget to enter our 3rd Annual “Give Thanks with the Gift of Cookies” Giveaway! Entries accepted until midnight Sunday!

(Image via BHG.)

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Fall Leaves Box

If you’ve ever hosted Thanksgiving, you know that it involves a lot of work—often days of work—to prepare the feast and the accommodations too. That’s why a thoughtful hostess gift is so important to remember when you are a guest. It’s a generous way of saying, “Thank you for sacrificing your time and home to make this possible.” Here are my top five gift ideas for your Thanksgiving host.

My go-to offering is always a beautiful cookie gift, like our Fall Leaves Box. You can arrive with it in hand, or have it sent the day after with a thoughtful note. It can be opened up and shared with the crowd, or savored as an individual gift. I know I’m biased, but you really can’t go wrong with cookies.

A scented candle is another favorite of mine. As a general rule, I’m not a fan of decorative gifts. It can be stressful for a host to feel like she needs to display it right away. (Remember, she’s got a lot on her mind.) But a candle is easy to incorporate anywhere. The host can light it up immediately for ambiance.

A set of pretty tea towels is always welcome, especially when wrapped around a home baked loaf of bread. And if her kitchen is anything like mine on Thanksgiving, those towels will be put to immediate use!

You could also show up with bubble bath or bath salts for your host. He or she will likely need a long, relaxing soak in a tub after the festivities are over.

Finally, I think a fabulous new music CD is a great gift. Think about your host and his/her taste in music, then select a new album that they’ll likely enjoy. Or, better yet, create a mellow mix of your own favorites that you’ll think they will like. Your host will appreciate the time you took to create it and it can be used as background music for the get together.

What are your favorite hostess gift ideas? Share them in the comments section!

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