Autumn is a gorgeous season filled with warm colors, crisp weather, and bountiful harvests. As we begin to prepare for the winter months ahead, now is the perfect time to create comforting fall traditions to share with family and friends. Here are four ways to create lasting memories: Join in on ... [ Read More ]
New Year’s Eve Kissing Etiquette
Kissing in general is a touchy subject! Do I kiss on a first date? (Go ahead!) Should I kiss and tell? (Never!) Does a kiss mean a commitment? (Hardly!) Add the pressure of a New Year’s Eve countdown, a first date with someone you don’t know very well, or a room full of people you’d prefer to eat ... [ Read More ]
Toasting Etiquette – A Brief History
When you raise your glass at midnight this New Year's Eve to toast the success of 2013, as well as the prosperous year to come, it may be fun to think about a few toasting customs. Have you ever wondered why we give toasts at weddings, New Year's parties and other events? How did this become an ... [ Read More ]
A Christmas Dinner
As the holiday dinner nears and we all settle down to be with friends and family, I wanted to share what I will be serving on Christmas Eve. I have included the links to all of the recipes, simply click on the title for each dish. Visit my Pinterest page for more ideas on place settings, holiday ... [ Read More ]
Regifting Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts
With Christmas right around the corner, and a few names left on your list that haven’t been crossed off, it may be tempting to eye your re-gift stockpile. Before you clear out your inventory, here are my tips on keeping this year’s holiday gift giving thoughtful and sincere. Do use good ... [ Read More ]
Are You a Holiday Scrooge?
I recently attended a holiday dinner party where the host encouraged her guests to share their favorite part of the holiday season. One guest talked about her childhood memories and how she still decorates her home the same way her grandmother did so many years ago. Another person went on to talk ... [ Read More ]
Holiday Party Etiquette: Definition of “Black Tie”
It’s that time of year again…when men and women start to panic, asking, “What do they mean by Black Tie?” I asked a Twitter friend, Rishi Chullani, the founder of Suit Up, Dress Up, to sum it up for those gearing up for the season’s celebrations. I added a few pictures from my Pinterest page to ... [ Read More ]
Gift Etiquette: Planning Ahead for Your Holiday Budget
It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also be the most difficult when forced to stick to a budget. From hostess gifts to new decorations for the tree, holiday marketing temptations are everywhere. When it comes to your holiday budget, it’s best to have a defined game plan. Here ... [ Read More ]
Tips for a Flawless Holiday Party
From invitations to decorations, I have put together a few of my favorite pins for throwing a holiday party. This list will ensure you have everything covered and can be the perfect host, enjoying your own party while making your guests feel special. A pretty invitation sets the tone. Fun, ... [ Read More ]
Holiday Tipping Etiquette Guide
As you are making your list for this holiday season, don't forget those who have made your daily routine more joyful. My Holiday Tipping Guide is available for download here in a screen and print friendly PDF file. Or, click on the image below to enlarge. For more tips go to my recent ... [ Read More ]
Happy Thanksgiving
Hello My Friends, To those I know personally and those that I have been fortunate enough to meet via social media, I wanted to say I'm truly "Thankful" to all of you for your continued kindness and support. Don't forget to "Unplug" this Thanksgiving! With love and gratitude... ... [ Read More ]
Black Friday Shopping: Etiquette Tips
November 29 is Black Friday! You either love it, or avoid it like the plague – it’s the day the official shopping frenzy begins for the holidays. This year it’s starting even sooner with stores opening their doors on Thanksgiving Day. Follow these tips to ensure you are properly prepared to fight ... [ Read More ]
Ask the Etiquette Expert: Holiday Houseguests Dilemma
Question: My brother and sister-in-law will be coming for a holiday visit, bringing their 5 kids, ranging in age from 1 to 8, staying at our house for “at least” two weeks. As of yet, they have not given me a definitive time of departure. The family eats a specific diet and she has already sent me ... [ Read More ]
Guest Room Essentials: Nine Must Haves for a Cozy Guest Room
As many of us are planning to be either a host or guest this holiday season, I’m sharing a few of my favorite guest room essentials when it comes to planning a welcoming room, and you can find more of my faves on my Pinterest board, An Inviting Guest Room. 1. A luggage rack (or two). Providing a ... [ Read More ]
A Holiday Giveaway and My Favorite Hostess Gift Picks
Looking ahead to Thanksgiving and the holiday season, this week’s spotlight is on our favorite host and hostess gift ideas. A thoughtful hostess gift is just one of many ways to show your appreciation for the planning and preparation that went into the delightful gathering. On Monday I offered ... [ Read More ]