This time of year, I’m always planning for this year’s special events: who’s getting married, who’s having a baby, etc.

We’ll soon be welcoming a new addition to our family; my sister-in-law is having a baby girl! My husband has four sisters who are great at planning events. They throw some of the most beautiful showers I’ve ever seen. And it’s all about the details.

For example, we made cupcakes with fondant baby clothes on them – each cupcake decorated with different baby-related items: blankets, onesies, booties... This “clothesline theme” was very popular that year and could be found on lots of party decorations and baby clothes.

For another event we did a sundae bar, which got me thinking about other possibilities. What about a cheesecake bar, where there’s cut up, 1-inch-square cheesecakes with different toppings offered, such as fresh fruit, chocolate syrup and whipped cream.

If you do a “bar” like this, don’t forget the garnishes. I like to include dishes full of sprinkles, crushed cookies and candies – I could go on and on. You could do the same thing, but with brownies – yum! Who wouldn’t love a delicious brownie smothered in strawberries and whipped cream? You could even offer both: brownies and cheesecake. Whoa!! I need to simmer down. But I can't help but to get excited – I love doing these events.

One of the best parts about celebrating events: it’s an opportunity to explore food presentation and make the honored guest feel extra special. Right now, I’m exploring what a 13-year-old boy might want to eat on his birthday – since he’s my son, I don’t think I can go wrong. We shall see…