We know your Pink Plaid House Party will be fun. And tasty. And creative. And meaningful. And...

...well, the truth is, while we know it will be great, we don't know exactly what will be most special about your get-together. But we WANT to know!

When your party is over, come tell us about it!

...and videos, and blogs...

Great friends. Great food. A great cause. What more do you need for great memories?

To make sure those memories last beyond the weekend, and to share them with guests and other friends afterward, be sure to take lots of photos and video of your party.

Photos are easy: Just make sure you've got batteries (and space on that memory card), then point and click.

Are videos harder? Not really. Not sure what to say? Don't worry; there's no script. Just ask your guests some simple questions. "What's your favorite dish today?" "Who is the pinkest person of the day?" "Why is this cause so special to you?" The answers will be worth remembering... and sharing here on your party site.

Fruit Salad with Cranberry Dressing

The brilliant ruby red color of cranberries brightens this refreshing winter fruit salad.

Prep: 25 minutes Chil: 2 hours Makes: 6 side-dish servings.

• 2 cups cranberries
• 13 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup orange juice
• Bibb lettuce leaves
• 2 large oranges, peeled and sectioned (2 cups)
• 1/2 large pineapple, peeled, cored, sliced and cut into wedges
• 2 large ripe pears, cored and sliced into wedges* (2 cups)
• 2 kiwifruits and/or golden kiwifruits, peeled and sliced lengthwise into wedges (1 cup)

1. For dressing: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries and water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 4 to 5 minutes or until berries just begin to pop. Remove saucepan from heat; stir in sugar and orange juice. When cool, press mixture through a sieve. Discard cranberry skins. Cover and chill the dressing about 2 hours or utnil thoroughly chilled. (The dressing will thicken slightly as it chills.)
2. To serve, line six small bowls or plates with lettuce leaves. Arrange fruit on lettuce leaves. Drizzle with dressing.

* Note: To prevent pears from darkening, brush cut edges with lemon juice.

Per 3/4 cup: 231 cal., 1g total fat (0g sat. fat), 0mg chol., 4mg sodium, 58g. carbo., 5g fiber, 2g pro. Daily values: 11% vit. A, 113%vit. C, 5% calcium, 5% iron. Exchanges: 2 fruit, 2 other carbo.

We do. Your guests do. Better Homes and Gardens and other party sponsors do.

And since you're hosting a Pink Plaid House Party, we know you do, too.

When it comes to supporting the fight against breast cancer, everyone should care. But we also know that, for many people, this is a highly personal battle, fueled by experiences that have touched their lives in powerful ways.

What does the Pink Plaid party mean to you?

French Bread from Fleischmann's

The dough for this French bread is easier to handle than Artisan-Style Bread dough and will produce a finer texture.

Prep: 40 minutes. Rise: 1 hr 35 min

Rest: 10 minutes. Bake: 35 minutes. Oven: 375° F

Makes: 2 loaves (28 slices)

5 1/2 to 6 cups all-purpose flour

2 packages active dry yeast

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

2 cups warm water (120°F to 130°F)

Cornmeal

1 egg white, slightly beaten

1 tablespoon water

1. In a large mxing bowl, stir together 2 cups of the four, the yeast, and salt. Add the 2 cups warm water to the flour mixture. Beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed for 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can.
2. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough remaining flour to make a stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (8 to 10 minutes total; see photo 1, page 141.) Shape dough into a ball. Place in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease dough surface. cover; let rise in a warm place until double in size (about 1 hour; see photos 2 and 3, page 141.)
3. Punch dough dow (see photo 4, page 141.) Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide dough in half. cover; let rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, lightly grease a baking sheet; sprinkle greased baking sheet wth cornmeal.
4. Roll each dough half into a 15x10 inch rectangle. Tightly roll up, starting from a long side; seal well. If desired, pinch and slightly pull ends to taper them. Place shaped dough, seam sides down, on prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, stir together egg white and the 1 tablespoon water. Brush some of the egg white mixture over loaf tops. Let rise until nearly double in size (35 to 45 minutes.)
5. Preheat oven to 375°F. Using a sharp knife, make three or four diagonal cuts about 1/4 inch deep across each loaf top. Bake for 20 minutes. Brush again with some of the egg white mixture. Continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes more, or until bread sounds hollow when lightly tapped. Immediately remove loaves from baking sheet. Cool on wire racks.

Baugettes: Prepare as above, except divide dough into four portions. Shape each portion into a ball. cover; let rest 10 minutes. Meanwhile, lightly grease two baking sheets or four baguette panns; sprinkle with cornmeal. Roll each dough portion into a 14x5 inch rectangle. Roll up, starting from a long side; seal well. If desired, pinch and slightly pull ends to taper them. Place shapred dough, seam sides down, on prepared baking sheets or baguette pans. Continue as directed, except reduce the second baking time to 8 to 10 minutes. Makes 4 baguettes (56 slices.)

Per slice French bread or 2 slices baguettes:

85 cal., 0g total fat (0g sat. fat), 0 mg chol., 128mg sodium, 18g carbo., 1g fiber, 3g pro.

Daily values: 6% iron

Exchanges: 1 starch

What to Serve

To help you determine what foods to serve, here are some things to keep in mind...

• Select favorite recipes you are comfortable with preparing, or try new recipes before the day of the party.
• Include make-ahead appetizers that require only minimal last-minute prep or heating.
• Make sure you will have enough refrigerator space for cold appetizers.
• If appetizers are to be warm, make sure you have enough oven space to warm them, and warming plates to maintain their temperature.
• Choose foods that provide contrasting colors, flavors, temperatures and texures. Balance rich foods with light items, and include at least one or two low-calorie and vegetarian choices.
• Plan appetizers from each of the following categories for variety: meat or poultry, fish or seafood, cheese, and vegetables or fruit. If your party lasts over several hours, consider serving hearty appetizers, such as meatballs, kabobs, or some made with pastry or bread.

PINK PESTO!

Smoked Salmon-Pesto Spread

Prep: 20 minutes. Chill: 6 to 24 hours.

Stand: 15 minutes. Makes: about 2 1/2 cups

1 4 ounce piece plain, smoked salmon, skin and bones removed and flaked

1/2 of an 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup purchased basil pesto

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened

2 tablespoons snipped fresh chives

1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

Assorted crackers or baguette

1. Line a 3 cup mold with plastic wrap. In a bowl, stir together salmon and the half-package cream cheese. Spread evenly in bottom of mold. Spead pesto over salmon mixture. In a bowl, stir together the 8 ounces of cream chees, the butter, chives and pepper. Drop by spoonfuls over pesto; spread evenly. Cover and chill for 6 to 24 hours.
2. To serve, uncover and invert mold onto serving platter; remove plastic wrap. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Serve with assorted crackers.

Per 2 tablespoons:

109 cal., 11g total fat (5g sat.fat), 97mg chol., 135mg sodium, 1g carbo., 0 g fiber, 3g. pro.

Daily values: 6% vit. A, 2% calcium, 1% iron

Exchanges: 2 1/2 fat

Setting the Scene

When entertaining, a few thoughtful touches can make guests feel truly welcomed into your home.

• Call on candles or soft lighting to create warmth; avoid scented candles that may clash with the food you serve.
• Whether tied to the season, linked to the occasion, or an expression of your own creativity, centerpieces add a festive note. Just be sure they're not so tall that guests can't see around them.
• Music can add to the mood. Keep it at a volume that allows guests to converse comfortably.
• Monitor guests' comfort throughout the evening. You may have had your heart set on serving guests on the deck, for example, but if the evening turns chilly, move the party indoors.
• If you serve alcoholic beverages, always have a non-alcoholic drink or two on hand. Never press a guest who declines an alcoholic beverage.
  

PINK DRINKS!

Cranberry Tea

Prep: 15 minutes. Chill: 2 hours. Makes: 5 servings.

3 cups water

4 bags green tea

1 bag mint team

2 cups cranberry juice, chilled

Ice cubes

Fresh mint leaves or fresh cranberries (optional)

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to boiling. Remove from heat. Add tea bags. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes. Remove and discard tea bags. Cover and chill for 2 hours.
2. Transfer tea to a pitcher; stir in the cranberry jice. Serve over ice. If desired, garnish with mint leaves or cranberries. Chill remaining tea up to 2 days.

Per 8 ounces:

58 cal., 0g total fat (0g sat.fat), 0mg chol., 6mg sodium, 15g carbo., 0g fiber, 0g. pro.

Daily values: 60% vit. C, 1% calcium, 1% iron

Exchanges: 1 fruit

Party packages have been mailed, and across the country party hosts are receiving their free kits.  What's inside?

• the "pink plaid" cook book, Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book, Celebrating the Promise
• "Words of Promise" card, with pin and bracelet, from the Susan G. Komen  Breast Cancer Foundation
• a new CD from Kelly Sweet
  
• Rocco's Real  Life Recipe cards
• Fleischmann's Yeast recipe cards
• Fresh Express salad coupons
• pink party napkins from BH&G
• Energizer batteries to power your party
• A $75 gift certificate from Serta Mattress

What do you think? Any ideas on how to use each item?

Pink Plaid House Party hosts are a sharing, caring bunch. They also know how to throw a great party!

As you plan out your own Pink Plaid party, use this section to share your ideas with other partygoers around the country... and find great suggestions from other hosts.

People want to know...

• What are you serving?
• What's your favorite recipe?
• How are you decorating?
• What are you doing to make your party more fun or more meaningful?

Thousands applied. Few were chosen. Congratulations, you made it!

What is the Pink Plaid House Party?

A unique way to empower special people to spread the word about a vital cause... and share a fantastic party in the process!

By hosting a party featuring food and fun from the Better Homes and Gardens® New Cook Book, Celebrating the Promise, you're sharing more than great recipes...

You're supporting the fight against breast cancer. You're giving your friends a chance to get their own copy of this  fabulous cook book at a fantastic price. And you're kicking off the fall with the party of the year!

Now that you're part of the Pink Plaid House Party, you're wondering...

How does this House Party work?

• Party day -- On October 6^th, gather your guests for food, friendship and a celebration of national Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

• Party package -- Hosts will get their free party package, featuring a copy of the cook book and great samples/offers from party sponsors, about a week before party day.

• Party now! -- Your party may be weeks away, but the fun starts now here on your party website.  Send and track invites; post comments to the blog; upload pics and videos; check regularly for exclusive recipes and planning tips...

Now let's get this party rolling!