Dr. Smith's & Heloise hosted their first Twitter Party on December 21st! Below are Heloise's answers to the great questions sent in by fans prior to the party. Check back on Thursday, December 22nd for a full list of questions and answers from the party. And as always, visit www.Heloise.com for more great hints and helpful suggestions.

From Alison, via e-mail: “Do you have any suggestions for cleaning very large silver serving dishes? I have a punch bowl and platter that are so large they do not fit in the basin of my kitchen sink. I’m hesitant to use something abrasive to clean the tarnish as they are quite old."

Heloise says: Silver is lovely but does take a little care. Do NOT use anything abrasive! A good silver polish is recommended, especially if the piece is antique. In your case, my hint is to use the bathtub to clean the large pieces. Many times, just washing in warm/hot water with mild dish soap and a microfiber cloth will spiff up some pieces. Be sure to dry well right away. Because you silver is old, I would be hesitant to tell you any other home remedies.

From Davis, Facebook: “My Mother used to have me read Heloise when I was younger. Love Heloise. Any suggestions on how to clean a stain on our light carpet where the tree stand has leaked sap/water?”

Heloise says: Oh my! This is not good! It will take some work as the sap is sugary and does not come up easily. You will have to do the following steps several times.

If you have a carpet cleaner, or hand held carpet spot remover that’s your best bet. Next, take a bowl of warm water (no detergent) and a microfiber cloth or a clean sponge. Have a bath towel handy. Dab at the spot with the damp cloth/sponge, and then dab with the bath towel. You need to soften the sap. This will take repeated cleaning, as it will “wick” up. Then clean with 1 cup tap water and a drop or two of mild dish soap. Rinse well with water and then dry with the bath towel.

From Stephanie, via twitter: “Is tipping at Christmas customary? I had not heard this, but my friend says she tips more over the holidays to her stylist, housekeeper, etc. I feel like I am generous all year round.”

Heloise says: Yes, tipping at Christmas is customary in most parts of the country. You may be very generous all year around and that is wonderful, but a Holiday bonus or tip is a nice gesture. If you employ someone, such as a housekeeper, yard person, dog walker or go to the same hair stylist, a Holiday thank-you is special. If you don’t feel it’s right for you, or you cannot fit it in your budget, then a card or even small gift, which can be home baked goods, will send the same message.

From Lauren, via email: “I’m allergic to cats. Very allergic. We’re visiting my husband’s family for Christmas Eve this year, and they have two long-haired cats. Would it be inappropriate of me to ask that they put them away while I’m there? Any suggestions for natural remedies that might help with my allergies?”

Heloise says: This is a little touchy and I am not really an etiquette expert but in general here are some things to consider. If the visit is only for one evening, and you know the people well (as you do!), I feel it would be okay to explain the situation. Most will understand. Sorry, I don’t really do medical and can’t think of a home remedy. But, you should be prepared that you may still have a reaction and have something handy to take, if necessary.

From Maureen on Twitter: "Heloise, I need your help! How can I get red wine stains out of my linen table cloth? Wine always gets spilled!"

Heloise says: Being prepared is being really smart! If wine spills on the tablecloth during a meal, don’t panic! First, dab up all that you can with a towel. Then, grab the salt shaker, and dump as much salt as needed to cover the stain. Finish your meal! Put the tablecloth in a sink (or bathtub if it’s really big) and let soak in cool/cold water for a minimum of 30 minutes. If a stain remains, put full strength laundry detergent on it, rub together and wash as usual. Air dry, and check the spot. Repeat if needed.

From @iam_shawna on Twitter: "Dear Heloise- After changing my son's diaper, I held him on my lap and got diaper cream on my pants. How do I get it out?"

Heloise says: You can remove the cream, or any substance like it, such as hand lotion or even cooking oil by using hair shampoo! Rub some on the backside of the material, let it set for a few minutes, then wash using hot water (if the pants can be washed in hot water) and let air dry. Don’t put into the dryer, until the stain is gone. You may have to do this a time or two to get it all out. Give that little one a kiss from!