EtiQuette Q & A

Question: I never received a thank you note or acknowledgment of my gift. What should I do?

Answer:

Option #1:You could do a quick follow-up phone call or text saying that you are a little worried that your gift may not have been received. Adding, “we have had issues lately with deliveries arriving on time.”

Option #2 Start with “I am a bit of a worrier, and I am just wanted to be certain you receive my ____________.”

Option #3: Wait it out, sometimes time resolves this issue. If not, use on of the above tactics.

Question: We sometimes find dinner guests staying later than we expect. How do we handle this where we are not hurting anyone’s feelings?

Answer: The best way to address this preemptively is by setting a wrap-up time ahead of time with your guests. You could also drop clues about needing to be up early or beginning to do some light cleaning to drop some non-verbal clues.

Spring and cleaning go together like peanut butter, jelly, peas, and carrots (or so the sayings go!) What is some top Soring organizing that then helps kick-start your Spring cleaning?

1) Use the throw-away, keep, donate method by choosing a room or area and three boxes. Sort each item appropriately, and then remember to donate that week so that you are not storing or leaving these items in your car.

2) If you are in cold weather states, start by organizing your closets where most of your cold weather gear is stored. Use the above method to help with this process.

3) Think Small (junk drawers, under bathroom cabinets, and kitchen sink.) Starting with smaller projects gives you a sense of accomplishment and almost instant gratification.

4) Go through bookshelves and TV/electronic areas. These can catch all areas that affect the room’s overall aesthetics.

5) Organize dressers and closets. Although this may seem daunting, setting aside an afternoon almost always puts a good dent in this organizing project.

6) Assess what needs to be done the most, make a list, and schedule this spring organizing project.

If you are still motivated, then begin detail cleaning of each room by washing walls and floorboards, deep cleaning carpets, and caring for window treatments. Enjoy your betterorganized home and consider summer or fall deep cleaning if you are cleaned out.

So, welcome Spring with open arms and a better organized home!