LITTLE ROCK — DEAR HELOISE: When I stay at a friend’s home overnight, I casually make the bed I slept in the next morning. I don’t make it up perfectly, but I put everything back in place.
Recently, a friend invited me to her home overnight. Imade the bed up the next morning. After the fact, this friend told me that she expects her guests to pull all the sheets and blanketsoff, leaving them for her to pick up later and launder.
I never heard of such a thing. Maybe you have an opinion on the proper way to handle this.
- Nancy in Ohio
DEAR READER: My opinion is to ask your host, but like you, I usually “slightly” make the bed. I also do this every day that I’m there. I asked my good friend Peggy Post, etiquette expert, and she suggests asking hosts if you should strip the bed before doing it. A host may prefer that you do what you did and make up the bed. Typically, removing used bedding is a courtesy to the host. Take everything off the bed and fold the sheets. Pull whatever covering is used up over the bare mattress and leave the folded sheets at the bottom of the bed.
DEAR HELOISE: Colored nail polish can yellow nails, so I’ve always tried to use a clear polish as a base coat. A friend told me I should be using a specific clear polish for my base coat that differs from my top coat. Is this true?
- Kensley in South Carolina
DEAR READER: Yes, a base coat is intended to make nail polish adhere to the nail. It’s a little sticky, so the colored polish attaches more easily. A top coat, on the other hand, seals the nail polish, making chipping less likely while adding shine. If you don’t feel like keeping track of which clear polish is which, you can find one that doubles as a base and a top coat.
DEAR HELOISE: I have a method for making sure that one never loses one’s wallet: Buy a chain with a hook on both ends (available at homeimprovement stores). Attach one end of the chain to your purse and the other to your wallet. If the chain is too long, it can be cut and reattached. Several times, my wallet has fallen out of my purse, but it always stays attached.
- Joyce B., Salem, Ore. Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail
Weekend, Pages 45 on 11/08/2012