Etiquette Boss: Great greeting cards

CHRISTMAS CARD ETIQUETTE

Many of our traditions have been going the way of the dodo bird because of social media expansion.

However, the internet has not yet found a way to replace the pleasure of receiving a beautiful Christmas card. Some things just do not have the same emotional impact when read through a computer screen.

For those of us who are still sending cards, this is the time to check whether you are ‘card etiquette savvy.’ For the best visual effect, the front of the card should be the first thing the recipient sees when it is opened.

Most people will hold the envelope with their left hand and pull the card up with their right, so insert fold first with the front of the card facing the back of the envelope.

If you insert the card with the fold to the top, there is the risk of damaging the card if it is opened with a letter opener. When the fold is down, it also helps to ensure that any checks, photographs or other enclosures come out with the card and not get left in the envelope and thrown out by accident.

There is also the other consideration of the card being processed through the post office. When the embellishments on the front of the card are placed to the back of the envelope, it protects the embellishment from being ruined by the process the envelope front undergoes as it passes through the post office stamp reading machines.

YOUR BEST APPEARANCE: Reduce neck wrinkles

Rest your head on the back of your chair. Place a little olive oil on the four fingers of each hand (no thumbs) and apply to the neck for lubrication. Move four fingers from each hand from neck to chin in a slow gentle glide from collar bone to chin simultaneously and bring down to the collar bone.

Do this massage for five to six minutes. A light touch is all that is needed. The nape of the neck can take a little more pressure and the stroke should be extended down the back of each shoulder for best results.

Phillipa Morrish is the president of Etiquette Training International.