Ask Rosemary

Rosemary is our resident expert on party planning, party favors, fun recipes and great gift prize ideas.

If you would like to Ask Rosemary for ideas to help plan your next party please fill out our Inquiry Form detailing your information. Your question and Rosemary's response will be listed below within one week.

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Do you have to send a thank you note for a Christmas Gift from a family member?
	"A thank you note should be sent anytime a gift is received. It does not matter whether it is family or not. You send a thank you note to express your appreciation for being remembered."
I was raised to write a thank you note every time I got a gift - including Christmas. When I became a part of my husband's family, they all laughed and said it was silly since we all exchanged gifts. What is the proper etiquette on thank you notes at Christmas? Should I conitnue to write them, or is it a "freebie" since it's a mutual giving time?
	Thank you notes should be written for any type of gifts received. They are even written when a good deed or type of service (if someone has you over for dinner or brings you a cooked meal). You should continue to write them if others elect not to that is their problem.
When my husband and I send a greeting card should it be signed "John and Mary Doe" or "Mary and John Doe?" And the same question applies to sending a greeting card to close friends, should it be signed "John and Mary" or "Mary and John?" Thank you for your help.
	There are two different mindsets to answer this question. Traditionally the male name is signed first. This is still my suggested way. However, with the trend switching to "equal rights" for females..... etc... A new thought is that who ever signs the letter, card, etc. may sign their name first. So, it is a preference rather than a correct way.
HI, We are hosting a brunch for our daughter's college graduation a week before Christmas. We are traveling to a central location to meet several family members. It was suggested a brunch due to the season's obligations and the traveling necessary. I would like to have her have a thank you note already prepared for each guest to have on the table before their place setting. This would be instead of hand written notes to be mailed out at a later date. This acknowledges their gifts immediately and saves on the postage. Most family members have stated that they will give her a gift of money. But I need the note to be general in case someone should not be able to give a gift. We realy just want to celebrate the occasion and the season has limited the time available. To each note she may attach candy or chocolates. Is that acceptable? Thanks.
	That is a great idea. She can attach a special candy and the note could read: Thank you for sharing a very special time in my life. You have helped make today a more memorable occasion by your presence and your kindness.
What is the proper way to sign a Christmas card....The Olsons, The Olson's, or The Olsons'? I say it's The Olsons as I am not showing any possession however my co-worker disagrees.
	Since the signature represents multiple people the correct form is "The Olsons". This indicates more than one person. No possession....
Is it okay to send wedding thank you notes with Christmas cards? We were married 11/26/05.
	Not the best way to say "thank you". A wedding thank you should be separate from a Christmas greeting.
I am a paper carrier and I have been receiving holiday tips. Should I give a thank you card and if so what should I write?
	Most definitely. You should "post" a note. It could read something like: Thank you for your appreciation of my services. Have a Happy Holiday. or Thank you for thinking of me at this holiday season.
When wording the invitation for an evening dinner party could I specify attire i.e "Christmas Dressy"?
	This is perfectly acceptable. You can set the tone for the dress attire.
At our annual Christmas dinner, my boss honored me for being in his employ for 25 years. He presented me with numerous gifts and made a very emotional toast. I am having great difficulty in expressing my greatfulness for his kindess and generosity. He also gave a gift for my husband for putting up with him for 25 years. Can you please help me, asap? I need to get this thank you note out this week. Thanking you in advance for your prompt reply.
	I think it is very nice of your boss to show his appreciation. However, YOU deserved it. 25 years....... How about something like: I feel so very fortunate to be working with you for twenty-five years. We have a great working environment and a wonderful friendship. Your recent acknowledgment and display of gratitude has given me a wonderful memory. Thank you for affording me the opportunity to enjoy my job.
My in-laws (not the friendliest people towards me) gave my husband money ($500) for a Christmas gift. Should I thank them and if so, what in the world should I say?? PLEASE HELP!!
	Was the gift card made out to both of you? If it wasn't then you should most definitely write a thank you card. That's right - if it WASN'T. The reason I say this is because the gift should have been given to both of you. Write a note and say something like: We would like to thank you for your Christmas gift. We are going to buy something the two of us can use. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.

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