Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: Through the years, my friends and I have given many showers and graduation parties for each other’s children.

Sending out the invitations is usually my job. I have started providing the honoree with a printout listing each person who was invited, with a space for recording that person’s gift. It is particularly helpful for the bridesmaid or whoever is writing down the gifts, who might not be familiar with the names of all the guests. — Barbara Tripp, Via E-mail

Barbara, how clever! This list would also be good for keeping track of RSVPs and thank-you notes. A quick check mark next to the name is all it takes! — Heloise