With paste, you don't need to use as much as regular food coloring. I usually use a toothpick to add it to whatever I'm coloring. (put a little in at a time with the toothpick rather than a spoon...and then it doesn't matter if it gets stained.) You can add it to a little water if it makes you feel more comfortable. Just don't over do it. Just remember it does stain worse than the other stuff...hands, clothes, counters...etc.

Sounds like a good time, though. I'm taking my daughter and her friend out...but I have to be home in time to work. I lost the ability to be excited over holidays years ago. I think it's the stress of work, being a single parent trying to make ends meet and general depression that does it. I hope it goes away someday.