This week: How to act at a holiday party. Max's Christmas balls. The yoohoo house. Secrets of the Publix wine bag. Sam's poodle drama continues. Teresa Giudice comes to town. Building a party guest list. Being a "show-up" person. What and what not to bring as a host gift. The lore of Max's red salad bowl. A call to bring back birds as gifts. Getting trapped in a conversation. Finding a mutual break in talking. Treading lightly with shoe policies. Managing dietary restrictions. Circling back in January.