Get Crafty-Or Just Buy It

Yes, crafting is (and has been) back to hip for some time. What if you've a) become so entranced that you have more extras of your creations than friends and family can handle or b) are entranced by the idea but too hapless and overscheduled to make something right now and you have several birthdays and the holidays looming? You can stop by Etsy, a place where you buy and sell cool handmade stuff. Bags, kids' stuff, clothes, trinkets, arty accessories, all updated all day long as people post their newest treasures. Some offer you the chance to customize the fabric or style, for a one-of-a-kind look that may prompt people to ask, "Did you make that?" "Well, I made it possible..."

Ja, Oktoberfest

Why not reach for a theme that's fun and easy and create your own Biergarten this month? A few kegs, some carb-heavy dishes, a bit of stein racing in the backyard, all set to the strains of peppy polka and, of course "The Chicken Dance." Lederhosen optional but very appreciated. Anyone out there throwing it down German-style this fall?