Whether you're a beginner QUILTER or an expert, one thing is for sure: ADDING a little chocolate to the mix can really add some flavor.

If you are ready to have some fun with quilting, throw a quilting party for your quilting friends. All you need are your separate quilting projects and a variety of chocolates to get started.

Here are some essential chocolate noshes to choose from:

• Box-o-chocolates (such as Russell Stover)

• Chocolate fondue fountain

• Chocolate ice-cream + chocolate sprinkles

• Chocolate cookies in any variety

• Hot chocolate

• Chocolate martinis (made with chocolate liquor)

• A variety of white, dark, milk, and flavored chocolate

To make the party especially fun, send out a special chocolate-inspired invitation, such as a Hershey's brand card. If you cannot find a chocolate invite, simply use a brown note card and envelope and write the invitation to the quilting party using a colorful paint pen.

Set a Timer

Because it can be overwhelming to sample each piece of chocolate at once, sample the chocolate at set intervals. Quilt for several minutes, then, simultaneously on queue, sample a different variety of chocolate.

For example, if you are very ambitious, create a mix tape of music and every time the song changes, put down your quilting project and sample a new kind of chocolate. This process will not only inspire you and your guests to focus on your quilting projects, but it will create a laugh that will help you all have fun with quilting.

Share Chocolate Recipes

Have each of your quests bring their own recipes for their favorite chocolate dishes to the quilting party. Make sure they bring enough copies for each of your guests. For example, some guests might bring intricate chocolate-inspired recipes that will take days to make. Others might bring their favorite tips for making the perfect quick chocolate indulgence.

As you each work on your own quilting projects, compare recipes and vote on which recipe is most likely to be repeated, which recipe is hardest to make, which recipe is best in a pinch, and which recipe uses the most kitchen appliances (or any other creative categories). The winner of each category can win a chocolate prize.

Chocolate Party Favors

Be sure to wrap some chocolates in a chocolate-inspired fabric that you can give to your friends as they leave. Include your favorite chocolate recipe on the packaging for the party favor. For laughs, you can even attach a zippered bag and instruct your friends to send back their favorite chocolates to you! Giving chocolates away is an inexpensive way to make your chocolate quilting party fun, memorable and tasty.

Having a chocolate party will not only inspire you and your friends to work quickly (so that you can savor the chocolate samples), but it is a memorable way to get together for an evening of laughter and fun.