Several people have asked about the proper way to address envelopes for invitations and announcements. It’s not so much that the style of addressing an envelope has changed, but more that we’ve changed in how we like to be addressed. This sounds like a boring subject, but addressing an envelope is boring. Personally, I like to have fun with it. When my girls were away at school, I used to write the names of odd characters from the Jeeves and […]

It’s never easy to see people living on the street, but with the kind of weather most of the US has been experiencing, it’s impossible not to think of the suffering that the homeless must be enduring this frigid January. Please take a moment today to look through your closet for any old coats, gloves, scarves, and hats you might not need anymore, and drop them off at your local homeless shelter. It’s easy to find a place to drop […]

There seems to be a national epidemic of awkwardness and insecurity when it comes to introductions, especially when it involves introducing one’s self to a chattering circle of guests at a party or business event. Here then is some advice on exactly how to do this. Do not be afraid! Anybody can do this. It’s not a gift that only a few are born with, but a skill to be learned, like driving a car or painting a room. First, […]

Here’s a great example of a thank you note. It was written by Marilyn Monroe and sent to the German Consul General, who had given her a bottle of champagne. It said:   Dear Mr. von Feuhlsdorff, Thank you for your champagne. It arrived, I drank it, and I was gayer. Thanks again.   My best, Marilyn Monroe   This note is original, amusing, and sincere. Nothing more needed to be said, and I bet Mr. von Feuhlsdorff was thrilled […]

     May all the joys of the season be yours!                            Happy Christmas,                                                             Lea