Dear Heloise: For years, I hosted Thanksgiving for my husband’s family, which usually consisted of around 15 to 20 guests. Some brought a dish, but I prepared my dishes ahead of time and kept them in Crock-Pots with liners, including the turkey. I have several Crock-pots of different sizes that I’ve accumulated over the years. I got to enjoy my company, everything was ready on time, and cleanup was easy. What a time- and stress-reliever! I enjoy your column!– M.L., in Iowa

IT’S SEW EASY

Dear Heloise: I planned to do some sewing but didn’t have a large-enough surface in my home to lay out my pattern on the fabric. An employee at my local craft store suggested that I use a science fair display board, which can be placed on a bed to serve as a sturdy flat surface. I got one for just a few dollars (at the same store), and it works perfectly. It is big enough to lay out a pattern for a dress or pants and folds up flat for easy storage.

I read your column in the Daily Sun in Port Charlotte, Florida.– Susan E., via email

SKILLET ORGANIZATION

Dear Heloise: To organize skillets and frying pans in your cupboard, get vertical desktop file sorters with 2-inch spacing between them and stand the skillets on edge. This makes each of them easily accessible and uses up minimum cupboard space.– John E., in Tucson, Arizona

TWO FOOD HINTS

Deal Heloise: My sister told me about this hint, and it works so well that I want to share: When you make a sandwich, cut it down the middle, then cut the two pieces again from top to bottom down the middle again. This way, the pieces fit in your mouth just right.

The other foods I love are cheese and crackers. When eating them, I use sliced cheese and layer it first with the cheese, then a cracker, then another slice of cheese. This way, the cheese on the outside holds in the cracker crumbs. I read your hints everyday in the Orange County Register.– Jan, in Lake Forest, California

CALCIUM-BUILDUP TRICK

Dear Heloise: A recent letter about calcium buildup in showers inspired me to write to you. About 15 years ago, I had my shower remodeled. Since this time, I have resolved the issue of calcium buildup. After a shower, I wipe all glass and metal surfaces with a hand towel that is kept just for this purpose. This keeps the shower looking like it was remodeled yesterday. I have been told that the minerals in the water cause the unsightly appearance. This works, takes less than 1 minute, and is worth the effort!– Paul B., via email

UNAPPRECIATED GIFTS

Dear Heloise: I am writing in response to Bobbie P.’s comments about the lack of thank-you notes or gift acknowledgements. I do agree that gifts should be given without the expectation of receiving anything in return. I send gifts to let people in my life know that they are important to me, that I am thinking of them, and that I am happy for whatever event they might be celebrating.

When I don’t even receive an acknowledgment that the gift was received (I have to check the tracking number or my bank statement), this sends a message back to me that my gift was not important or appreciated by them. Therefore, I am not inclined to waste any more of my money, time and effort to send gifts that aren’t appreciated. There are plenty of other people and charities that I know will appreciate it!– Wendy, in Upstate New York

Wendy, a simple “thank you” by phone, email or letter is always nice. As they say in the South, “It just shows that your mama raised you right.”– Heloise