Dear Debra, I need some tips and ideas to celebrate by daughter's first birthday.  Amanda Dear Amanda, Your baby's first birthday is an important milestone and such a cause for celebration.  Here are some thoughts to help you get started. First, time your daughter's party for when she is at…

Dear Debra, Do I really need a well stocked bar anymore or can I just make one exotic drink for the evening and hope everyone partakes?  Sue Dear Sue, As hostess it is your choice what to serve for beverages for any event you host in your home.  If you…

Dear Debra, My husband and I are having an open house to celebrate our new home. Is it appropriate to put together a wish list and include it in the invitations so people can get what we want/need? Amanda Amanda, First of all congratulations on your new home! It is…

As the years go by, I notice more people -- especially younger friends and relatives -- don't respond to my RSVP request. Why is that? Do they not know what RSVP means? Is it polite to follow up with the non-responses through a call or email to confirm their attendance and if they…

Dear Debra, I would like to serve, at a dinner party, a stuffed chicken breast which requires me to tie the breast with kitchen string before cooking.  Should I "de-string" the chicken before serving it to my guests- even if it may cause the filling to fall out? Colleen, Chicago Dear Colleen,…