Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate Mom! Are you doing anything special for your mother today?

While you may have heard of the clothing swap and the book swap, who says that you can’t swap everything that you frequently use? Swap parties are great ways to de-clutter your home while also recycling your unused items, and they’re mutually beneficial for everyone who attends. Now, how about a snack swap?

1. Decide what to swap. Consider things that you and your friends all use, such as clothing, shoes, books, kids' toys, and music.
2. Let your guests know what to make. If you don’t want to swap pre-used goods, host a food swap with items like soup or cookies. Just make sure to let your guests know well in advance so that they can get to cooking or baking.
3. Pick the right amount of people. Depending on the size of your home, you might want to narrow your invite list down to only a few people (just make sure that you invite at least five, or it won’t be much of a swap!).
4. Send an e-vite. In order to detail the instructions clearly, send all of your guests an email at least two weeks in advance.
5. Set up a swapping area. Clear out the swap room so that you have ample space to browse, and then make displays for the swappable items, such as tables or clothing racks.
6. Swap! Go around the room taking turns, or let your guests loose in a free-for-all swapping excursion.

How to Host a Swap Party [Real Simple]
How to Host a Clothing Swap Party – Rules & Ideas [Money Crashers]
Soup Swap Party [Soup Swap Party]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr srqpix

Housed in the century-old New Braunfels Post Office building—which has been beautifully restored to reflect its history—McAdoo’s Seafood Company is a popular restaurant here in New Braunfels.

The seafood-centric menu showcases Creole-style cooking techniques. If you’re going with local suggestions, start with the coconut shrimp, the creamy shrimp and cheese grits, or a selection of fresh oysters. For your entree, try the crawfish and shrimp etouffee over jambalaya with an order of catfish po'boys to share. (If it is nice out, request to be seated in the outdoor patio area!)

Happy hour is hosted 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily and promises $1 off all draft beer and specialty cocktails, $4 wine or house margaritas, and small bites ranging in price from $4 to $6. It might just be one of the best deals in town!

McAdoo’s Seafood Company
196 North Castell Avenue
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 629-3474
www.mcadoos.com

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr d o w n s t r e a m