Merry Mood-Setters

You'll probably be in a good mood when party time arrives because your kitchen will be clean for the first time in days and your hair won't have that white, floury cast anymore. But to add to the fun:

•Set up a long table, draped with a tablecloth, for guests to place their cookies on when they arrive.

•Create a cookie wreath for nibbling on during the party. Arrange an assortment of cookies around a big round platter and add a red bow.

•Offer guests hot cider, milk or punch. Also consider putting out a few snack foods such as popcorn, vegetables with dip, or chips and salsa.

•Announce a time to swap cookies--guests are usually ready about a half hour after they arrive.

•End the party with songs. One young pianist played at Peg's and pretty soon we were all singing and dancing away.