It is the feastive time of year. By that I mean there are a lot of feasts going on and I have made it a personal goal to get to as many of them as possible.

There are several theories on the etiquette involved in buffet style eating, which most large gatherings seem to prefer as a form of getting the food to those wishing to eat.

One is to carefully look over all the selections before making any decisions. This way you don't waste calories or plate space that would otherwise be reserved for the true gems of the lineup.

Another is to take a little bit of every dish. This tactic allows diners to taste everything and leave a little something on the plate when finished dining. That helps make it clear that the guest isn't starved half to death.

I don't go by either one of these policies. I keep eating to a minimum all day before going to one of these functions and then really grub up. If it looks good or interesting or like something I have always wanted to try, I give it an audition with my mouth, a little tryout on the tongue.

It makes the host feel good to know their hard work is appreciated. It makes me feel good to know I don't have to wash the dishes.

I have learned a few tricks, though. Don't be fooled into eating vegetables put out as appetizers. They are vegetables, even if it is Christmas and we are supposed to be kind and generous to all. Vegetables don't count. They especially don't count when there is very likely chocolate or cheesecake, or both, somewhere nearby.

Another hint is when you go to a potluck, pay close attention to the pot in which the victuals reside.

A pot can tell a whole lot about the cook. If the baking dish or pan is slightly warped, shows many scars from where a knife has cut the goodies made in the pot, dish or pan in question, or is gently singed around the edges, that is a good sign that the cook who uses that dish has used it a whole bunch and is probably pretty darned good at it. Hence, it is safe to eat. Get a lot.

If, however, the dish is one of those really pretty, shiny ones that looks like it has never been used, chances are it hasn't been. Pass that one by.

Of course, there are drawbacks to this theory, namely having to get one's clothes custom made by Omar the Tentmaker.