Every hostess knows better than crying over spilt milk, red wine or giblet gravy. Spills happen. People can be clumsy and kids get excited. That’s part of the life we’re celebrating next week. The best plan is spill prevention. Set the kids’ table with wipe-clean placemats. Use non-drip candles. A table runner can help contain the inevitable drips and drops from green bean casseroles and cranberry chutneys. Be prepared with a small stack of clean, white kitchen towels to blot spills when they happen. Not rub, wipe nor scrub. Take a deep breath; refresh your optimistic smile and blot. When the feast is over and the guests have gone home, bring us the stains and we’ll do our magic.