From Miss to Mrs. | The Charming Homekeeper

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The Charming Homekeeper makes the transition "From Miss to Mrs." with ease!  Includes:

• 3 steps for after the honeymoon
• vintage wisdom

​When you arrive home from the honeymoon, there are three things that are of the most importance:

1. make a happy marriage
2. acknowledge gifts
3. announce your home address

#1 Make A Happy Marriage

"You now think in terms of "we" rather than "I" not only in regard to your new status as a family unit, but in your social life as well. Social customs, which are based on the fundamentals of good taste and intelligence and regard for others, are always in order."
-The Bride's Encyclopedia

Now that you are ready to begin your life together, you will want to make it a happy one! The secret to a happy marriage is to think in terms of "we" not "I".  Here's how: 

• First, present yourselves as Mr. and Mrs. Lastname when together or Mrs. Lastname when apart to establish your status as a family. 

 

• Second, embrace your joint social life. Discuss and jointly decide on your social invitations:  We gratefully accept (or regretfully decline) your invitation to dinner.  Make events mutually agreeable to both!

 

• Third, establish clear expectations of your roles.  In other words, discuss the jobs of each, then both do a great job!  Traditional roles in marriage build a strong foundation:  the husband is the financial support to the family, and the wife is the homekeeper and nurturing support to the family.

So, begin to think and speak in terms of "we" and communicate calmly and with great regard for one another . . . to make a happy marriage.

#2 Acknowledge  Gifts

Your next step is to acknowledge all gifts with a hand-written note on:

• a small notepaper (engraved with monogram or address) or
• a correspondance card.

​I suggest completing 5-10 per day so each one is special mentioning the gift specifically and even how you plan to use it.  Here's how!

To Close Relation or Friend:

Dear Ronnie,
    Jim and I love the stemware you sent, and we want you to come over as soon as we are at home, to share a drink in the beautiful glasses.
   Thank you from both of us for your wonderful gifts, and for all your good wishes.

​                                                       Affectionately,
                                                       Jim and Joanne

A thank you letter to an employer or business associate is more restrained.

To Business Associate or Employer:​

Dear Mr. Murray:
     Both Jim and I appreciate the beautiful vase you and Mrs. Murray sent us.
     We will use it with great pleasure, and send you our sincerest thanks for the gift and your good wishes.
                                                        Sincerely yours,
                                                  Jim and Joanne Smith

#3 Announce Your Home Address

Your third step is to announce your home address to let friends know you are "at home" and where.  This is done with an engraved card or joint visiting card.

The "at home" card is usually sent together with the wedding announcement, to let friends know where the happy couple will live.  Or the card may be sent seperately after they are settled in their permanent address and are ready for visitors.  -The Bride's Encyclopedia

Engraved Card:

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Smith
will be at home
after the tenth of August
​at Six Watkins Street

Joint Visiting Card:

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Smith
​Six Watkins Street

Add these words at the top: "At Home after August Tenth."

Engraved Card or Visiting Card?  A Visiting Card is about the size of a business card and is an economic choice because you can include them in your Thank You Notes, plus use them as Visiting Cards -a lovely tradition.  However, a handwritten "at home" accouncement is perfectly acceptable too.

Check List

• Think and say, "Mr. and Mrs. Lastname."
• Send "Thank You" notes.
• Send "At Home" cards.

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