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 ]
Encouraging a No-Phone Zone at the Holiday Table
For many families, preparations for fall gatherings are underway. The guest list and menu are taking shape, and everyone is looking forward to spending time together and savoring the flavors of the season. If your home is entertaining headquarters, you’re likely going through favorite decorations ... [ Read More ]
6 Easter Entertaining Tips for a Happy, Hoppy Gathering
Hooray and wiggly bunny tails! Easter parades, egg hunts and holiday meals with friends and family are once again on the calendar this spring. As the host, it’s easy to go overboard with pretty chocolate bunnies in every shape and size, elaborate egg decorating gadgets and special treats galore. No ... [ Read More ]
2022 New Year’s Eve Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts
New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate what the future holds. This season, there is much to look forward to in 2022! As you ring in the year with hope and anticipation, don’t leave your manners behind. Here are a few New Year’s Eve etiquette reminders to herald in 2022 in style and grace. Ringing in ... [ Read More ]
Tips for Throwing a Last-Minute Holiday Party
Whether you have planned your holiday party for months, or have decided at the last minute to invite a few friends over and celebrate together, paying attention to a handful of special details will make your party sparkle. If, as a guest, you have already RSVP'd, don't forget to uphold your ... [ Read More ]
How to Cancel Plans: Etiquette Dos and Don’ts
Regularly investing time with those you care about is the foundation of a strong friendship. Over the past couple of years, we've been reminded that opportunities to gather with loved ones are truly precious. Not to mention, honoring commitments and showing up for friends communicates you value the ... [ Read More ]
Making Your Own Christmas Cheer
I’m going to admit something I generally keep under my Santa hat. The holidays are the happiest time of year for me, but they also make me feel sad. The twinkling lights and the scent of balsam fir conjure up a gamut of emotions, all running through my body at once like an explosion of firecrackers ... [ Read More ]