Whether it's a favorite symphony, opera or ballet, a trip to the theatre is an excellent treat for the holidays. As you put on your evening attire, it may be time to brush up on your holiday theatre etiquette. Here are some tips to ensure that you and your fellow patrons enjoy the performance you've ... [ Read More ]
Office Productivity in Five Minutes or Less
When faced with a few spare minutes of downtime at work, it’s tempting to use this time to take a quick look at your Facebook account or text a friend about dinner plans. But those moments of waiting for a client call or a meeting to start can be precious opportunities to tackle small, but necessary ... [ Read More ]
How to Wear Winter White
“No white after Labor Day” doesn’t exactly ring true these days. You probably don’t want to wear white heels – a hard fashion to pull off to begin with – but the calming palette of neutral attire is perfect for the cooler months. When worn properly, white can be crisp and professional. Here ... [ Read More ]
Holiday Etiquette: How to Stay Your Best Kept Self
The holidays are a harried time of year and we tend to let ourselves get overwhelmed with holiday shopping, office functions and dashing around town getting together with people we don’t generally see during the year. I asked the ladies at Best Kept Self what they would suggest this holiday season ... [ Read More ]
Holiday Etiquette: How to Host a Party in a Small Space
Do you ever feel like your humble abode may be too cramped for entertaining? Living in a small space doesn't mean having to sacrifice throwing a fabulous party. With a few holiday etiquette hostess rules and some tips from our friends at Little Miss Party Planner, your guests ... [ Read More ]
Etiquette Tips for Autumn Celebrations
For those of you that don’t know, I have the good fortune of sharing my etiquette tips in each issue of Celebrate Magazine. In keeping with the season, I am “thankful” for the opportunity to be a part of such a beautiful magazine. If you haven’t already been formally introduced, please allow me to ... [ Read More ]
How to Carve a Holiday Turkey
Thanksgiving is just a few days away and our friends at Bob's Steak & Chop House in San Antonio, Texas, are giving us some tips to help us carve our beautifully cooked main dish. Also, my good friend Shelly Miles, SA Living, and I had a Turkey Carve Off with Chef Derek giving us ... [ Read More ]
How to Be the Perfect Host: Creating a Gracious Guest Room Part II
Here is Part II of our two part series on how to create a warm and welcoming guest room. Your goal as the host is give your house guests an experience they will remember and cherish for years to come. Setting the stage to make your guests comfortable during their stay takes some effort and planning. ... [ Read More ]
How to Be the Perfect Host: Creating a Gracious Guest Room Part I
One of the benefits of the holiday season is the opportunity to open your home to visitors you may not have seen all year. If you have guests in your home for the holidays, don't skimp on the essentials. Hotels make their clients feel special and welcome by bringing elegance to basic necessities. ... [ Read More ]
Holiday Etiquette: Navigating Dietary Restrictions
A large guest list for the holidays also comes with a mounting variety of dietary restrictions. Food Allergy Research and Education estimates that up to 15 million Americans have food allergies. Diabetes, lactose intolerance, high blood pressure, and allergies are just a few things to consider when ... [ Read More ]
Holiday Etiquette: Setting the Thanksgiving Table
Coming together for Thanksgiving offers so much more than the opportunity to share in a delicious meal, though that is certainly something to be enjoyed! For the host, preparing for a beautiful gathering means time spent in advance on the details so that she can be fully present when the holiday ... [ Read More ]
Eight Steps to Setting Up a Festive Holiday Buffet
Holiday entertaining at my home is one of my favorite perks of the fall and winter seasons. But, have you ever faced the unfortunate task of cutting down your guest list because you felt you couldn't accommodate everyone? If so, consider serving buffet style. It encourages guests to move around and ... [ Read More ]
A Thanksgiving Dinner Checklist
Are you planning your first Thanksgiving? Where do you begin? No worries, we have created a fun and informative checklist to help you maneuver your first Thanksgiving dinner. Of course, it's only the beginning of a lifetime of additions and traditions. Click here for your downloadable ... [ Read More ]
Ask the Etiquette Expert: Should Teens Trick-or-Treat?
Question: Can I turn away teen trick-or-treaters for being too old? Answer: Manners matter – rather than ask a teen to leave your doorstep (very rude), take a deep breath, ask yourself what is the harm in giving out an extra treat, and hand him or her a candy bar. If a teen walks up to your ... [ Read More ]
Halloween Costume Party Etiquette
Costume parties are a great excuse to get together with family, friends, and coworkers. With Halloween right around the corner, I’m sure you have your costume purchased and have already RSVP’d in a timely manner. That’s a little nudge to get going! Here is a list of the Do’s and Don’ts when it ... [ Read More ]