Judg, I very much like the idea of having something you and anybody who's around--her, your son(s), your husband, a friend who drops by--can do while you get acquainted.
We routinely have a partially completed jigsaw puzzle going on the kitchen table when Kid Two arrives with a female in tow. Sometimes we don't make much progress, but other times, that's where all the getting-to-know-you conversations take place. It doesn't take much skill, or reveal a lack of skill that makes anyone feel foolish, it allows those who are shy (me!) to avoid eye contact, a person can do it alone or with others, it gives them something to do while I'm doing kitchen stuff...
Maryn, whose son's girlfriend put in the last piece on her last visit
