Send it
Invite friends over with a set of 10 Elle Cocktail invitations from Elle Alexandra (www.ellealexandra.com) featuring some martini-sipping ladies. They're printable, but you can personalize them by using them as notecards and penning the details yourself. The reason for the party? Any excuse will do. Try a ‘I learned a new recipe’ or ‘My patio is now open!’ theme.

Wear it
Pop h’or duerves in the oven in one of Domistyle’s new aprons, which come in a variety of styles. Our Fave: the Baby Blue/Pink Blossom half-apron with sash-tie; available at www.sheshoppe.ca or www.snazzygirl.com. Choose a style that matches your décor and hang it on a hook in your kitchen when not in use; these are too pretty to tuck away in a drawer.

Set it
Skip dishwashing for the day and set the table with fun French Bull paper plates and napkins from Paper Products Design (www.paperproductsdesign.com); e-mail them to find a retailer near you.

Cook it
Domestically disabled? The Girl Can't Cook: 250 Fabulous No-Fail Recipes a Girl Can't Be Without by Cinda Chavich features some easy recipes for the hostess who normally prefers take-out. For the budding gourmet, try Nigella Lawson’s latest Forever Summer; both available at www.amazon.ca.

Wrap it
Make mini loot bags for your guests filled with stickers or buttons from Me hoi (www.mehoi.com) and gum from Blue Q (www.blueq.com). Or split up One Minute Manicure’s Professional Pack Classic, which includes 12 2-ounce jars of their best-selling scrub (www.oneminutemanicure.com).