When someone is consistently late, it can feel like their time matters more than yours. It doesn’t. Habitual tardiness often sends an unintended message of disregard. Over time, it can quietly earn someone a spot off future guest lists. Handling chronic lateness doesn’t require confrontation or resentment. With tact and consistency, you can address the…
What to Serve at a Dinner Party: Food Do’s and Don’ts
When hosting a dinner party, the goal isn’t to impress with complexity—it’s to make…
How to Host a Memorable Dinner Party (Even If You Break the Rules)
Rules provide structure, even at dinner parties. While traditional etiquette often dictates…
Growing up in my house, if we didn’t have 20 people for a holiday it wasn’t a holiday. Between the adult and kid tables…
Holiday travel is in full swing, which means crowds and flared tempers at our nation’s airports. With the exception of flying on Air Force One, pleasure and flying do not go hand in hand. Airline travel is becoming more and more uncomfortable in today’s world. What are some ways we can learn to live with this challenge?
• Prepare for your trip: Make a packing list for everything you will need on your journey—don’t wait until the last minute and just throw things in your suitcase.
• Make a second list of things to do before your trip. Include stopping the paper and calling the bank to give them your away dates and where you are going, so your credit card doesn’t get suspended while you’re gone. Make sure you have someone to care for your plants and pets and to pick up your mail.
The holidays are the most festive time of year, but they can also be the most tension-filled. Here are some tips on how to have a low-stress season.
• At the holidays, think merry and bright vs. serious and somber. Like eggnog, the conversation should be light.
• Agree that it’s okay to disagree with family, friends and party acquaintances, and then avoid the subjects you disagree on. Don’t discuss finances, health problems, politics, religion, marital secrets or office gossip.
• Be sure and RSVP to a party invitation. Your host will need a head count for food and beverages.
• Dress for success. Holiday time is a time to wear something special, and it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. If you’re unsure what to wear, ask your host.
If you’re nervous about hosting Thanksgiving dinner, follow my friends-and-family holiday guide. It’s failproof. Dress code: Thanksgiving is a casual, fun-filled day, so “smart casual” is the way to go: slacks, sweaters, comfortable clothes to allow for extra helpings of turkey and carbs. Mix up the guests: Family tension can run high during the holidays,…
It’s hard for kids to mind their manners at the holidays when so many exciting things are happening. But it’s more important than ever to know how to act at this time of year, when friends and family gather to celebrate the seaon. Here are some rules for kids, plus some guidelines for how…
The very word elopement is romantic, especially if your wedding takes place in a far-away destination such as Paris or Venice. But even a civil ceremony at City Hall can be romantic when two people are truly in love. The word elopement simply means to marry secretly, usually without the knowledge of family or…
The very word elopement is romantic, especially if your wedding takes place in a far-away destination such as Paris or Venice. But even a civil ceremony at City Hall can be romantic when two people are truly in love. The word elopement simply means to marry secretly, usually without the knowledge of family or friends….