HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: I travel a lot across the country for charities, groups and conventions. This January, I was in the Washington area for a home-improvement show for several days. Luck was on my side, and a friend gave me an invitation, so I was able to attend the presidential inauguration. Visit my website, Heloise.com, for links to the hints I shared on several Washington TV shows, plus a few photos.

Here’s my travel hint that I found invaluable on this trip: The phone number of the hotel was not printed on the key-card holder anywhere. Now, I write the phone number on the “envelope” or key-card holder. Many cards have just the hotel chain information on them, as do some of the notepads in the room, which are no help if you need to call the hotel directly. The key is always with me, so if I need the number, I have it.

P.S.: My other travel hotel “key” hint? I drop the key in the holder and put it right on the floor by the door. I always know where it is!

DEAR HELOISE: How do you tip during happy hour? The food and drinks are at a discounted price, but my server did the same job. Do I tip at the discounted price or regular price?

• Tom in Iowa

DEAR READER: Tip at the regular price. The server is doing the same job of bringing you food and drinks. If you think the server did a good job, tipping is how to show appreciation.

Another important tip about tipping: I always tip more for breakfast. It’s usually the cheapest meal of the day, but the server is still doing the same amount of work, if not more. How many times do servers come back to refill coffee, and bring more butter or jam? The wear and tear on their feet probably is double or triple other meal times. Tip big for breakfast.

DEAR HELOISE: For my son’s birthday party, I had invitations made with his picture on them, with him dressed in an outfit that matched the party theme. I also took photos of him holding a thank-you sign. When I ordered the invitations, I ordered thank-you notes with that picture of him.

After the party, I didn’t have to stress about writing a million thank-you notes. I simply sent out the cards. I don’t know if it is proper etiquette, but it saved me a ton of time while still telling my guests “thank you.” - Alicia in San Diego 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 Heloise@Heloise.com

MovieStyle, Pages 34 on 03/15/2013

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