Now Here's a Tip
By JOANN DERSON

• "I just got back from an early holiday party, and the hostess made the cutest little butter pats. I had to have her secret, and here it is: She took sticks of butter and softened them in a pastry bag. Then she used the tips from her cake decorating kit to make fancy patterns on a sheet of wax paper. She stuck them in the fridge to harden, and there we were, all impressed by the butter. Genius, and such a classy touch!" - C.F. in Pennsylvania

• "Since I tend to call most of my relatives right around Turkey Day, I have found that Thanksgiving is a great time to update lists of sizes for the kids, nieces and nephews. This way, I'm ready when I go out shopping." - A.S. in New Mexico

• "I do most of my planned holiday giftbuying throughout the year to save money, but sometimes I like to go out shopping after Thanksgiving just to experience all the craziness that happens. I will buy one or two fun items with no one in particular in mind. I always use these as hostess gifts or for those extra people who pop up (and they always do!)." - H.L. in California