Take care if you’re using sterling silver

DEAR READERS: Setting out your best silver for family gatherings makes the table look lovely. Always apply a polish designed for shining sterling silver. Here’s how to keep it in good condition.

Wash sterling silver in hot, soapy water. Then rinse completely and buff dry with a soft, clean cloth.

Never place really old or valuable sterling silver in the dishwasher. Detergent could cause discoloration.

Do not put hollow-handled silverware in the dishwasher.

Never mix sterling silver and stainless steel in the same utensil compartment.

If you receive chocolate as a gift during the holidays and you don’t consume

DEAR READERS:

all of it right away, it does need some care. Here’s how to keep it tasting good for longer.

If you put chocolate in the refrigerator, be sure to wrap it well so it doesn’t absorb other odors. Don’t leave chocolate close to any source that generates heat, such as the stove. If chocolate gets a white coating, called a bloom, it’s still OK to eat, but it might not be at its best. Never leave chocolate out on a coffee table where pets could eat it — it can be dangerous to dogs.

DEAR READERS: If you want to give canned goods or foodstuffs to your favorite local food bank or church charity but don’t have a lot of extra money to do so, here are some other ways to do it. Call the charity or food bank to see what they need. Then use coupons that you find in newspapers or online. When you are in a grocery store, look for markdowns or sales. When you shop for groceries, add an extra can or box with the coupons you have. You can collect them over a couple of weeks and then take all of them at one time to donate for the holidays. Do not give outdated food items to food pantries.

DEAR READERS: When you remove your drinking glasses from the dishwasher and notice they are cloudy but clean, here’s how to find out if they have a hard-water buildup or are permanently scratched or etched.

Heat full-strength vinegar and soak the glasses in it. But if they are delicate or fine crystal, use warm vinegar, not hot. Rub the glasses with a plastic scrubber, rinse and dry well by hand. Look at the glasses closely to see if the cloudiness is gone. If it is, the cause might be because of hardwater or because of using too much or too little dishwasher detergent. If the cloudiness remains, the glass might be permanently scratched.