Erika Preval

Just in time for Thanksgiving, I was invited by CNN’s HLN Weekend Express to share holiday etiquette tips. Host Shyann Malone posed a variety of questions that ranged from the appropriate time to decorate for Christmas to what to bring when being hosted in someone’s home. From there, my youngest daughter and I were escorted up the escalator to a second security station which allowed us access to the elevators. Made a quick trip to CNN’s Hair and Makeup (the team is terrific) and was whisked away to the studio to have my microphone put into place.

Each week during the holiday season, Erika Preval of Charm Etiquette school in Atlanta, will answer a question that helps us navigate the grey area of modern etiquette. Invest in calligraphy software that can print directly onto the envelopes, if time or budget don’t allow for a professional calligrapher. If they’ve been a couple for over 6 months, consider a plus-one who should either receive a separate invitation, have their name appear on a separate line on the inner envelope, or have the notation of recipient’s name “and Guest”. Traditionally the inner envelope ensured that a wedding invitation, having travelled via horse and carriage, arrived in pristine condition to its recipients.