You read about them in holiday stories, sing about them in Christmas carols and serve them on your dinner table, but some traditional holiday foods are a bit of a mystery; figgy pudding, anyone? Some traditions are so ingrained in our holiday rituals no one even questions them, but each has an ... [ Read More ]
Client Holiday Gift Giving Etiquette
If you think nothing says “Happy Holidays Valued Client” like your corporate logo emblazoned upon a baseball hat, this is a good time to re-evaluate your company’s gift-giving practices. Choosing a gift is like any aspect of doing business; it can either enhance or detract from your relationship ... [ Read More ]
Addressing Awkward Holiday Party Dilemmas
The holidays are full of good tidings and joy, however, they also are a perfect opportunity to encounter a checklist of uncomfortable situations. How we handle the awkward moments makes all the difference to Santa when he’s deciding who to visit this year. Here are a few scenarios and some ... [ Read More ]
Holiday Gift Registries: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
We commonly associate gift registries with weddings, bridal showers and baby showers, to supply newlyweds and new parents with those things they will need to begin their journey together. Increasingly, however, the registry concept is being applied to other gift-giving occasions, from birthdays to ... [ Read More ]
7 Ingredients to Hosting a Successful Holiday Gathering
A holiday celebration is always much more meaningful when shared with people you love and respect. Planning an event requires consideration for those in attendance. It’s the host’s ultimate responsibility to make their guests are comfortable by thinking ahead for every possibility, leaving nothing ... [ Read More ]
How to Avoid Political Drama at the Holiday Table
As we head into the holiday season, people will gather around the table to share a meal. Hosts and guests may find themselves unwillingly involved in a conversation they would prefer to avoid. Political drama continues to dominate the headlines and there is no end in sight. However, it’s not ... [ Read More ]
Holiday Etiquette: Tips for Being a Good Guest or Host
There is a sense of order and comfort when you know what to expect from a host and guest’s perspective. In a Southern home, you learn early the value of family, friends and good food, gathered together at a party or the dinner table. You may notice at most parties people tend to gather in the ... [ Read More ]
How to Care for Your Holiday Silver
It's time to prepare your home for the influx of seasonal guests. One of the things on your list should be the care and polishing of your silverware. Historically, owning sterling silver was a subtle implication of wealth. Silver chests housed family pieces handed down from generation to ... [ Read More ]
Get Your Cast Iron Skillet Thanksgiving Ready
There are some do's and don'ts when it comes to caring for a cast-iron skillet. With proper care, cast iron can last a lifetime and become a family heirloom. I can't help but think of my grandma and how she would cook cornbread and fried potatoes in her favorite cast iron skillet. When she passed ... [ Read More ]
10 Small Ways to Make a Big Difference
October 28th is National Make a Difference Day, where volunteers around the country will give their time to serve their communities in a wide variety of ways, including food drives, park clean-ups and more. It’s a reminder to make your corner of the world a better place and add a deeper meaning ... [ Read More ]
5 Ways to Have a Safe and Allergy-Free Halloween
The month of October is filled with sweet treats and Halloween decor, but if you have children with food allergies, it’s one more hurdle to navigate. For families without food sensitivities, a peanut butter cup is simply a delicious confection, but for those who are severely allergic, it can be ... [ Read More ]
Fourth of July Pool and Beach Bag Essentials
It’s the 4th of July, and the sun is scorching hot. Hopefully, you will either be enjoying your day by hosting a party or attending as an invited guest. If you're lucky, the party may include a river, lake, ocean or pool. You'll need some essential tools to stay cool, calm and energized as you ... [ Read More ]
Father’s Day Beyond the Tie: 7 Ways to Make Dad’s Day
Father's Day is right around the corner, but you still have time to make the leading man (or men) in your life feel valued. You don't have to resort to the cliché tie or over-gifted coffee mug this year. Celebrate the fathers in your life in thoughtful ways with a little effort and ... [ Read More ]
Easter Entertaining With Cake Stands and Serving Trays
You may have thought a tea caddy or tray was reserved for scones and finger sandwiches, but there’s so much more you can do with a simple serving piece. ... [ Read More ]
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the Office
You don’t have to be Irish to raise a glass on St. Patrick’s Day! This cultural holiday is recognized around the globe, annually on March 17th. ... [ Read More ]