The coronavirus has made an impact on how and who we are going to tip this year. Although it is early November, it’s not too early to make a plan and think about your tipping budget. For example, in the past, the takeout protocol would have been to “skip” the gratuity jar if you so desired. Today, I ... [ Read More ]
Hosting Halloween 2020 Style
It comes as no surprise that Halloween will look different to most people this year. While the festivities may not be the same as they were in the past, eager young children will not understand a complete cancellation. Some adults won’t either. Safety is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. ... [ Read More ]
Celebrating Memorial Day 2020
Summer season is officially kicking off and Memorial Day 2020 will definitely feel different than in years past. While many things have changed over the past few months, our gratitude for the brave military men and women who have died while serving in the military remains the same. An additional ... [ Read More ]
Celebrating a Socially Distant Mother’s Day 2020
Happy Friday, everyone! This weekend is Mother’s Day and I have covered several ways to celebrate mom this week. Some of my tips were featured in Forbes, MarketWatch, and NBC4, SA Living, where you can watch the video at the end of this blog. (see video below) One of my favorite ways to show love ... [ Read More ]
Celebrating Easter at Home 2020
For some, spending Easter at home may feel perfectly normal, but for others, it's a change from the ordinary celebration of picnics, parks, bike trails, hikes and touch football games. It would be an understatement to say this Easter will probably be looking a little different for most families this ... [ Read More ]
6 Reasons for Keeping Greeting Cards Alive
Two of the great American purveyors of greeting cards, Hallmark and Papyrus are both closing stores across the country. Both cite shifting trends in how Americans send wishes to each other. Birthday greetings on Facebook instead of cards, text messages, and emails instead of handwritten letters on ... [ Read More ]
Give the Gift of Memories this Valentine’s Day
Flowers and chocolates are lovely, but the best gifts may not come in a box. Memories are priceless. Creating new ones and celebrating tried and true traditions are a great way to make a lasting impression. They will most certainly last longer than any floral bouquet or candy treat. According to ... [ Read More ]
Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Entertaining
If you only think chocolate when you think about Valentine's Day, you are missing out on some great opportunities to entertain. There are no set rules when it comes to a special Valentine's Day delicacy. This year try your hand at a creative charcuterie board for someone you love. One of my favorite ... [ Read More ]
How to Politely Return Unwanted Gifts
The holidays have come to an end and you may find yourself with a closet full of unwanted items that you would want to return. You don’t have the room to store them and you don’t have the heart to toss them. Leading etiquette expert and modern manners authority Diane Gottsman shares 6 tips on how to ... [ Read More ]
Embracing New Year’s Eve Solo
You’ve made it through the holidays, but now you have to endure New Year’s Eve solo — without a date, mate, or solid plans. Whether you’re away from family, newly single, several years divorced, widowed, or the kids are with their other parent this year, it can be challenging to celebrate and ... [ Read More ]
How to Receive an Unwanted Gift
If you have ever been on the receiving end of a grimace, scowl or remark when handing someone a gift, you know first-hand there is an art to graciously accepting an unwanted gift. The goal of the person receiving a gift is to react appropriately. Make sure you respond in a way that lets the giver ... [ Read More ]
How to Handle Holiday Food Pushers
Celebrations and traditions involving food and drink are part of the holiday season. It makes it difficult for many who are trying to follow a specific eating plan that doesn’t include pumpkin pie, stuffing, eggnog or an assortment of fat and sugary treats. It’s even more difficult when food pushers ... [ Read More ]
Holiday Recipes: Macaron vs Macaroon
Are you struggling to come up with something creative to give as a hostess gift or a special treat for your neighbors and friends? Why not consider baking a special batch of cookies? For me, there is nothing better than biting into a delicious “macaroon”. Or, wait, is it "macaroon" or "macaron"? ... [ Read More ]
Your Holiday Etiquette Questions Answered
The holiday hustle and bustle is in full swing and we all are finding ourselves going from one event to the next. Often hosting our own family gathering. I have collected a few holiday etiquette questions I have received and I have answered them below. Pack and Carry I am hosting a holiday ... [ Read More ]
Holiday Dress Attire Etiquette
The holiday parties are officially in full gear and there is also much confusion when it comes to what to wear to a holiday event. An invitation should clearly state the dress code but often, there is misunderstanding when it comes to “cocktail”, “business casual” and “black tie”. I am sharing an ... [ Read More ]