Dear Heloise: I'm having a buffet luncheon this month to celebrate the holidays with the women of a club to which I belong. I'm serving ham and roast beef with side dishes.

However, several of the members have asked to bring a dish that they make and enjoy. Two want to bring a pie, one wants to bring a pasta dish, and another woman wants to bring her mother's chocolate cake. Even my sister wants to bring a dish - a large fruit salad.

How do I politely say, "No, thanks," to these kind offers? They mean well, but I've already planned the menu.

- H.K., in Connecticut

H.K., why would you say, "No, thanks"? These ladies want to help you with the cost and work of doing a luncheon for the club. No menu should be so rigid that it can't accommodate a few additional items.

When someone arrives with a dish to share, thank them graciously and place the dish on the serving table. Before everyone starts to serve themselves, announce who brought what. A good host knows how to adapt with grace.

-Heloise

PAINT SPLATTER

Dear Heloise: I get paint splatter all over my clothes and in my hair when I paint. What can I do to minimize this problem?

- J.D., in Nebraska

J.D., I had the very same problem, but I figured it out. First, get an apron made of very thick material. (You can usually find something like this at a hardware store.) Keep this if you like painting or plan to do more painting in the future.

Next, get a shower cap to cover your hair. You can either use latex gloves to cover your hands or take a piece of round cardboard and cut a slit or hole big enough to slide the handle of your paint brush through. It acts as a shield for your hand.

-Heloise

JAR OPENERS

Dear Heloise: There is little to no reason to use throwaway items to open a jar, as gadgets have been made for this purpose for years. For this reason, I've had my rubber disc for perhaps 40 years and a shaped grip for 25 or more years.

It's similar to buying plastic bottles; why use them when there are reusable ones available that can be washed time and time again?

Thanks for all that you offer us.

- R., in California

'ICE' DOG TAGS

Dear Heloise: My husband and I wear a medical dog tag with our name and phone numbers in case of an emergency. On the back side are our Medicare number and secondary insurance number. It's just for peace of mind when we're out in public, walking, driving, at the gym, etc.

Don't forget an ID for your furry friends as well. Love your suggestions!

- P., via email

Send a great hint to Heloise@Heloise.com.