What are three things every host should do to make guests feel welcome?
Ask about dietary restrictions and preferences before a guest arrives. Offer a welcome beverage as soon as someone comes in the door. Walk your guest to the area where you plan to mingle and introduce him or her to someone else at the party. Suggest a point of common interest to encourage a connection before walking away.
What’s an age-appropriate way to teach children to say “thank you,” even if they don’t love a gift?
We all need to be honest, sincere and kind. There is a ‘social filter’ every child needs to learn. Before saying something, children should ask themselves, “Is it true, kind and necessary?” You can be honest even if you don’t love a gift or already have the same item by simply saying “Thank you for thinking of me.” You’re reflecting on the person, not the item.
How should parents prepare children to greet relatives they don’t know well?
A handshake is a beautiful, respectful gesture. And it’s a great practice with all adults, regardless of relation.
What’s one small gesture that leaves a lasting impression during the Holidays?
Handwritten thank-you notes to a host after a gathering, remarking on the evening. Being mindful of the work it takes someone to organize an event or gathering and showing gratitude can go so far.
How can you make a thank-you note memorable in a digital age?
Don’t overthink it. A short note in your handwriting is incredibly personal and will mean more than a digital message.
What are fun ways to involve children in the responsibilities of hosting?
Setting the table is a must. Include them on the menu—they always have fun ideas. During a party, children can hang coats by the door or put them in a designated area. Older children can offer non-alcoholic beverages to adults. If the gathering ends before bedtime, children can walk guests to the door and thank them for coming.
How should you handle last-minute cancellations or surprise guests?
You want to have a home where others feel welcome, which sometimes means an extra friend (or two). Take cancellations with grace and make them fun: invite another family last-minute, if needed. Share in full transparency that you now have four pounds of BBQ to share.
What’s an easy way to remember where forks, knives and glasses go?
Use “BMW” as a reminder for Bread, Meal, Water, reading left to right like a book. They can check themselves with this trick: “fork” and “left” have four letters. “Knife,” “spoon” and “right” have five letters. I keep a small diagram in my dining room to help. You might even start with a three-course meal because you can always scale down. It’s fun to teach this to your children early.
Is it OK to use paper napkins and disposable dinnerware at a holiday meal?
Absolutely! Opening your home to enjoy the company of friends and family is the greatest gift. Presence over perfection always. The table setting is a bonus. There is a season for all things. I enjoy using my fine china all year and during the holiday rush. It is with joy that I sometimes use disposable dinnerware.
How do you handle someone’s phone at the table—especially teens?
Kindly but firmly, tell them to put it away. It’s your house, your rules. Don’t miss the time to truly connect because you’re afraid to offend someone. These are teachable moments.
How can you gently steer the conversation away from touchy topics?
Face it head-on by saying, “That is not a topic I would like to discuss right now.” Then gently steer in another friendly direction. “What did you think of the Nelly concert?”
What if someone gives you a gift when you didn’t buy one for them?
Accept it with grace and send a handwritten note right away. Do not rush into the closet to grab a halfway thought-through gift and try to reciprocate.
What should parents do if children rush during gift opening and don’t say thank you?
Address it. These are teachable moments and skills to learn. Let’s teach our kids to pause and enjoy the moment. It’s natural to rush. In our home, we have a one gift one thank you note policy. It slows down the process big time.
What are ways to show etiquette on social media during the holidays?
Take a break. Intentionally pause to regain focus on the people who matter most. Our time is too precious.