With Christmas behind us, many of us are looking at a very busy last week of the year: remaining Christmas and New Year’s parties to plan for, gift cards and certificates to use, returns to make, resolutions to draft, charities to donate to—we’re all trying to make the last days of 2011 count. Homeowners who find themselves hosting relatives and throwing parties certainly have plenty to do, so planning out your activities can help you...

As December 20 edges closer and closer, many families are readying their frying pans and potatoes for another Hanukkah celebration filled with crispy potato pancakes (latkes) and cheese-filled, deep-fried crepes (blintzes). For those of us who don’t celebrate the eight-day Festival of Lights, these foods might seem appetizing, but also a little too intimidating to actually try plating. Fortunately, the Detroit Free Press was able to sit...