Seasonal Decorating Hint
Get those pesky Mardi Gras beads out of the junk drawer and hang them from the dining room chandelier for that special touch.
If the older children are critical, just say, "I worked hard for those beads." The younger kids won't get it and the older ones will change the conversation - fast!

PS - I didn't work hard for them. Some were gifts, some were purchased. But the mere thought of mother on Bourbon St. 'collecting' beads is an image no young lady wants to conjure, especially in front of company......