It's festive fun with the Barefoot Contessa who is throwing a dazzling holiday dinner party for friends. A luxurious seafood gratin of lobster, halibut and plump pink shrimp in a golden saffron sauce is served. To follow, there's a creamy pumpkin mousse then spicy mulled wine and festive s'mores stuffed with French chocolate bark round a burning brazier in the garden.

One weekend, two easy elegant light lunches. On the menu, lunch number one, warm duck salad followed by blueberry crumb cake. Then the following day, saffron butternut squash and chocolate sorbet.

In exchange for pots and garden plans, Ina cooks for a friend. For lunch. pea soup and roasted red pepper and goats cheese sandwiches and for an afternoon treat, carrot and pineapple cake.