Now here’s a tip

“”I just got back from an early holiday party, and the hostess made the cutest little butter pats. I had to have her secret, and here it is: She took sticks of butter and softened them in a pastry bag. Then she used the tips from her cake decorating kit to make fancy patterns on a sheet of wax paper. She stuck them in the fridge to harden, and there we were, all impressed by the butter. Genius, and such a classy touch!” — C.F. in Pennsylvania

“”Since I tend to call most of my relatives right around Turkey Day, I have found that Thanksgiving is a great time to update lists of sizes for the kids, nieces and nephews. This way, I’m ready when I go out shopping.” — A.S. in New Mexico

“”I do most of my planned holiday gift-buying throughout the year to save money, but sometimes I like to go out shopping after Thanksgiving just to experience all the craziness that happens. I will buy one or two fun items with no one in particular in mind. I always use these as hostess gifts or for those extra people who pop up (and they always do!).” — H.L. in California

“Common substitution: For every cup of self-rising flour your recipe calls for, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/8 teaspoon of salt.

“”If you use a clear spice jar to store buttons, you can shake it and see if the button you are looking for is in that container. And it keeps all the buttons together.” — P.L. in Mississippi

“”I always used to carry so much stuff around with me in my purse. I have gotten smarter, though. I have moved most of the ‘just in case’ stuff to a zippered bag that I put in the trunk of my car. I have it reasonably handy when I might need it, but I don’t have to break my back lugging it around. My purse is much smaller, and my back thanks me!” — F.S. in Arkansas