Connections

Just-Because Bash — You don't need a special occasion to celebrate with friends.

the kids are at camp / grandma's house / a sleepover

i got this really amazing thai (or italian or chinese) cookbook

Really, the whole point of any party isn't about the occasion itself. It's just an excuse to put on good music, eat good food and hang out with good friends. Life is short, so why not celebrate as often as possible?

A casual gathering devoted to catching up with a few close pals. Put on a pot of tea, some relaxing music and reconnect over cookies.

The house is empty—take advantage and get together with other moms to recuperate and relax. Share Pepperidge Farm® cookies, manicures and check out all the episodes of your favorite TV show that you've recorded (but never watched) over the past three months.

Invite the ladies over to cook up a themed feast—taking it even further by arriving dressed to match the cuisine's country of origin, and playing games or watching a travel documentary from the place the recipes came from during dessert (Pepperidge Farm® cookies, of course!).

There's nothing like reuniting with friends who you don't get to see often. It gives you a chance to let down your guard with someone who really knows you, and catch up with what's happening in each other's lives now.

A Just-Because Bash is all about spontaneity, so the pressure is off for everything to be just-so. But that doesn't mean you can't be prepared to throw a fantastic party at a moment's notice.

Keep a supply of "emergency" goodies. Buy extras of your favorite Pepperidge Farm® cookies and crackers, roasted nuts, chocolate bars, wine, tea, olives and fancy mints.
When you bake homemade brownies or other goodies, set aside a portion, wrap it in plastic and freeze. Whenever the urge hits, bake ‘em up for friends.
Don't forget to stock extra party supplies too, such as candles, pretty cocktail napkins, wrapping paper, sparklers, disposable cameras and vases for flowers.
If you don't feel like tidying up the house, take the party outdoors. Meet up with friends at a park or beach and bring along a picnic basket filled with yummy food.
Don't obsess over planning ahead. Sometimes the best times are when you and a friend both happen to have a free couple of hours—take advantage of any available moments, and live it up!