Every March, both the Irish and Irish at heart celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with all things green and festive. From office parties and school plays to a friend’s St. Patrick’s Day tea party, it’s a wonderful excuse to gather with family and friends. Here’s a fun little quiz you can use with your ... [ Read More ]
How to Be a Mannerly Guest This Holiday Season
The season of merriment and magic—filled with holiday baking, cookie decorating, gift exchanges, and more—has arrived! With so much to see, do, and celebrate, it’s also the perfect time to brush up on your best and brightest manners before attending festive gatherings. Here are 10 essential tips for ... [ Read More ]
Holiday Wish List Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts
Holiday shopping is in full swing, and it can be quite stressful to decide who gets what on your list. The time and effort you spend guessing can be alleviated when your friend or family member gives you some very direct, pointed “hints” in the form of a wish list. A holiday wish ... [ Read More ]
2024 Holiday Travel Checklist
December travel is officially here! Even the most prepared packer may forget the basics in a holiday hurry. I've been known to leave a charger behind (more than once) and even drove away without my cell phone one time—oops! Making a list and checking it twice works wonders for Santa and for each of ... [ Read More ]
Holiday Cheer & Cash: Your 2024 Holiday Tipping Guide
The magic, song, and sparkle of the holiday season are here to lift our spirits and delight children everywhere! As you deck the halls, add tinsel to your tree, and stock up on festive wrapping paper, you may also be turning your attention to who you’ll be tipping in bright red or gold envelopes ... [ Read More ]
How to Be a Gracious Thanksgiving (and Every Holiday) Host
’Tis the season for festive gatherings, favorite traditions, and time spent with family and friends. If you’ll be hosting this Thanksgiving—or beyond—there are so many tips and tricks to make the process more enjoyable for everyone involved. Part of your role as a host is to keep your spirits ... [ Read More ]
Holiday Houseguest Etiquette: Planning For A Gracious Stay
Being a gracious houseguest during the most festive time of year involves more than finding the perfect hostess gift and arriving when you said you would—it means being exceedingly considerate and doing your part to blend into your host family’s routine. Whether you’ll be staying a few days or a ... [ Read More ]
2023 Holiday Travel Etiquette: A Mannerly Hotel Stay
The twinkling of lights and your favorite holiday sounds set the tone for merry and magic as you make your way to your destination. Holiday travel is in full swing, and even though you are paying a premium to stay in a hotel, you are still expected to follow some basic etiquette rules. After all, a ... [ Read More ]
Merry Manners: 2023 Holiday Party Etiquette
Getting social during the holidays requires a merry blend of celebration and courtesy. Spending time with people you enjoy can be a wonderful experience, especially this time of year. A word of caution: it can also be a huge stressor if you don’t think and behave respectfully and strategically. The ... [ Read More ]
Generosity Unwrapped: Your 2023 Holiday Tipping Guide
It’s the most wonderful time of the year—or so the song goes—and certainly time to start making your list and checking it twice for those who provide you with year round loyal service. Holiday tipping will soon be in full swing, and your budget may be a bit short of funds while your heart is full of ... [ Read More ]
Musings on A Cup of Christmas Tea
The Christmas season is upon us, and we are all ready for a holiday celebration. What better way to gather than hosting a get-together with family and friends? Some people enjoy evening cocktail parties, while others prefer a short but meaningful visit to accommodate their holiday calendar. The ... [ Read More ]
How to Decline a Holiday Party Invitation With Grace
The countdown is on to December 25, and holiday parties are in full swing. Your calendar is packed full of holiday happenings, and the invitations keep arriving. Even a little extra Christmas magic will not allow you to attend every event. Or, you’ve decided to keep a little peace and quiet on the ... [ Read More ]
Holiday Party Etiquette: Checklists for Your 2022 Event and My Signature Cocktail
Whether you are hosting a few girlfriends or having a formal dinner party for 12, preparation is the key ingredient when it comes to a successful holiday celebration. In today’s post, I’m breaking down holiday party planning into manageable checklists for your 2022 gathering. You’ll also find a ... [ Read More ]
8 Thanksgiving Host Tips to Make Your Celebration Go Smoothly
If this is your first time hosting Thanksgiving dinner, you may be worried about pulling everything off and being a gracious host while appearing to be at ease in front of your guests. No doubt that preparing an important meal, especially over the holidays in front of your friends and family, is a ... [ Read More ]
2022 Holiday Tipping Guide and Gentle Considerations
Tis the season to tip, and every year, it’s not a surprise that there are certain people you wish to acknowledge with the gift of cash. Having a “gentle guide” will leave you feeling more confident and less stressed. I am often quoted in the media on how much to tip, and while some things never ... [ Read More ]