"Your responsibility will be to make the punch."

I looked at my partner in responsibility, Sheila Gilman, and asked her what she knew about making the opening punch drink at the Annual Labor Day Party at the Hamlet.

"I'm not sure, but I have a recipe," said Sheila. "I sincerely hope it works." When she mentioned the ingredients, everybody in the room immediately volunteered to become a taste-tester.

These are the basic materials that comprised the punch. In relating them, I do say that originality counts. Don't be bound by exact measurements. This bubbly libation inspires creativity, so let the artist in yourself emerge.

1. 2 Bottles of Champagne. The most expensive French champagnes are not necessary because they are being mixed with other juices.

2. 2 Quarts of 7-Up. Self-explanatory.

3. 1 Can Frozen Lemonade Concentrate. Pink lemonade is acceptable.

4. 1 Can Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate.

5. 1 Bag Frozen Strawberries.

6. 1 Pint Rainbow Ices or Sorbet. Use lemon or raspberry if you wish to impart a specific flavor.

7. 750 ml Bottle of Grape Wine (optional). This is not part of Sheila's recipe, but it adds to the flavor.

8. Vodka (optional). Also not part of the original beverage recipe, but it is your party and you can add liquor on your own.

9. A Large Punch Bowl.

10. Ladle.

You are now ready to mix the ingredients. Place two refrigerator trays of ice into the bottom of the bowl. Pour in 7-Up. Add the lemonade and O.J. Add the champagne. Drop in the ices. Mix with the ladle to soften the ices and bring all the flavors together. Add the strawberries just before the guests arrive. Remember, the wine and vodka are up to you.

As the volume of the beverage declines, add the 7-Up and champagne so as not to lose the overall flavor of the recipe.

When the guests arrive, they will question you sharply. "What is in this punch?" they will ask.

The vaguer you become, the more successful the drink. You do not have to divulge secret formulas or any quasi-military information. If you so desire you may make use of the Fifth Amendment.

I hope your party will be successful. The party at The Hamlet was sensational. We were served a delicious Chinese meal from the Imperial Wok in Hicksville, complete with Chinese lanterns and fortune cookies.

I told Sheila, "The punch started the party off and it just kept going."