There are two shopping seasons that are very hectic. One is in December and the other is in August, as school starts. These are times that you wish to make family members the happiest; yet, the traffic and the selections available are challenging. Beat the rush by being creative. Fill a large bowl in the center of the kitchen table with chilled-down fresh cooked crab, cooked lobster and cooked coquilles. Include a multi-selection of mini pots of dipping sauces such as lemon butter, honey mustard vinaigrette and balsamic vinaigrette. A tub of interesting ice cream makes dessert easy and celebratory. It’s a bonding happy back to school gathering that brings smiles and it is so each to create and easy to clean-up. Life is fun; so, make it simple! More creative school lunches can be found in my book, School Lunches That Make The Grade. © Kelly McBride Loft