Celebrations

This past week I had the opportunity to celebrate two great friends anniversaries.  I think the world loves a good "love story."  Every time I think of a happy couple I am reminded my parents and the wonderful example of marriage they set.

Great marriages don't just happen.  They are really a gift from heaven.  I am blessed beyond measure to have such a great husband.  I was doubly blessed this week to celebrate the Taylor's 25th anniversary withe them and the Ward's 52nd anniversary with them.

We had a fun champagne gathering while the party goers served as Guinna pigs for a couple of new recipes for me.  Watch next week and I'll post what I made and join me in wishing the two happy couples many more years of wedded bliss!

Giving Back

I learned alot from these two people.  My Mother is the quintessential Southern Belle.  She taught me how to write a proper thank you note, set a pretty table, and how to say please, thank you, yes mam' and no mam'.  She taught me the art of being a southern lady (or at least she tried).  My Father taught me how to use these skills to help other people.  I learned that writing a handwritten note to someone for no reason is really a ministry.  People love to receive a kind word or thought.  Having people in your home is the best way to celebrate friendship.  And using good manners makes people appreciate your upbringing.

I was blessed to have such wonderful parents.  They taught me that giving (regardless of how large or small the gesture) really is a ministry.  What have you given back lately?

Email Manners

I have been talking with friends lately about what constitues good email manners.  This is what I have come up with so far.

 

1. Make it brief .

2. Respond promptly.

3. Don’t forward chain letters and jokes. It clogs up someone’s mailbox.

4. Don’t expect privacy at your work email.

5. Don’t send forwards unless you cut/paste everyone out of the previous email.

6. Don’t answer a phone call with an email.

7. Use BCC if you send out a mass email.

8. Don’t snoop through your loved one’s email account.

9. Never check your email at the dinner table or when you are with others.

10. Never send an email for a group thank you or condolence.

My Top Ten Party Toolkit List

1. Use great trays………you can always find some really great trays rather than paper plates at garage sales or flea markets.


2. Either serve all finger foods or provide forks.


3. Have a backup appetizer. I always have a sleeve of crackers and cheese or a tub of great dip and pita chips on hand. Always.


4. Serve bite size desserts. People rarely want a full dessert after a huge dinner.


5. Use fresh flowers. They are cheap at Kroger or Tom Thumb.


6. Keep great candles on hand. They can make the house smell like a party in no time for guests who drop by unexpectedly.


7. Move dessert and coffee to away from the dinner table. People enjoy conversation in a different location than from the dinner table.


8. Don’t put the food table next to the bar area to avoid party traffic jams.


9. Wine is cheap – buy plenty and your friends will always feel welcome.


10. Use the good china – it’s why your Mother made you get it when you got married.