Heloise

Dear Heloise: After spending 6 hours on a jet, I feel compelled to write. When flying, please don’t grab the seat in front of you to assist you when standing up. Stand by using your armrests for support. Also, your child kicking the seat in front of them is a no-no. — Pat, via email

STUFF IT

Dear Heloise: I stuff my expensive purses and luxury handbags with butcher paper so that they will keep their shape. Do you have any other hints for storage? — Jennifer J., in Houston

Jennifer, before storing the bag, empty it completely and remove any dust or loose particles from it. Don’t stuff the bag with newspaper; the print could rub off inside the bag.

Store the stuffed bag in a dust bag (a soft, natural-fiber bag — many luxury brands come with dust bags) in its original box. Don’t let one bag touch another; this can cause wear and discoloration. Don’t hang the bags by their handles as it can change the shape of the handles.

P.S. Keep your proof of purchase and all tags and receipts for the bag; this ups its resale value. However, the most important thing is to use your bag and enjoy it. It wasn’t made to sit on your shelf! — Heloise

LUCKY PENNY

Dear Heloise: I have always picked up a penny regardless if it is heads up or down. Whenever I have lots of pennies in my wallet, I place them on shelves throughout the grocery store for others to find and have “good luck.” — T.B., in Los Angeles

RECEPTION HINTS

Dear Heloise: We’ve decided to have a party for all of our friends and family to announce that we got married in Las Vegas. (We eloped.) The problem is, I don’t know how to plan a nice party of about 50 people. Got any hints for me? — Laura T., in Aspen, Colorado

Laura, do as much as possible ahead of time and start making lists. If you need help, ask a friend to pitch in, or hire a person to mingle among the guests. They can refill drinks and make sure that the food table is always clean and well-stocked.

Next, plan your menu: Make a list of everything that you intend to serve and post it on the refrigerator door. Make sure that you have enough bowls and serving trays. Do you need to rent additional seating or extra tables?

You can have a deli, grocery store or catering company make up platters for you. A cheese, fruit or meat tray is always nice and can save you a lot of time. In the end, make sure to relax and have fun! And congratulations! — Heloise

PET PAL

Dear Heloise: This is my American Bully/pit bull Zoey. She is the sweetest, most lovable dog I’ve ever had! — Kelley Williams, via email

Readers, to see Zoey and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”

Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@Heloise.com. — Heloise

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.