Etiquette skills are intended to make others happy to be around you. It's important to practice our skills, not only with those we work with and socialize with, but with those that mean the most to us…our mates. With just a little thought and effort, you can make your spouse's Easter as special as the Easter Bunny.

A Few Tips:

1. A heartfelt love note or thank you note—Let your spouse know how much you love and appreciate all of the little things he/she does for you and the family by naming them and recognizing their contribution for each and every one. For example, picking up the dry cleaning, attach a free dry cleaning coupon and a new spring scarf; cooking dinner, attach a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant; driving around kids to soccer, attach a couple of movie tickets with a bag of popcorn, etc.

2. Tickets for two to a favorite spa—If you don't have a favorite, now is the time to experiment. Keep in mind that it’s even better if the spa is an airplane or road trip away. On the way to the spa, make the trip special by planning everything from beginning to end, like setting up the babysitter, hotel reservations, meals, snacks and evening entertainment if you are staying overnight.

3. Learn what they like—Ladies, learn your guy’s favorite sport, or at least show an interest in it, and likewise for you gentlemen. For example, if your wife enjoys "tea parties," what a treat to throw an "Easter tea for two" and learn how to do it properly. Here are some tips.

Easter tea for two:
a. Make an over-the-top, handcrafted invitation for the special event and put it in her Easter basket.

b. Set the table—a pastel-colored tablecloth is appropriate for Easter tea time.

c. Find her favorite teacups or splurge a little and buy a couple for the occasion.

d. Serve treats, scones, little sandwiches and some sweet desserts (buy or make them, your option).

e. Learn a few tips to talk about. For example:
- High tea is actually a heavy meal and not the formal tea that everyone thinks it is.
- You should drink tea with your pinky down.
- There are several types of teas, black, green, oolong, red and white.
- You should never serve lemon and milk together because the milk will taste sour.
- Practice using tea leaves instead of tea bags, and then serve her tea using a tea strainer.
- Make this occasion special by playing her favorite music in the background.
- And last but not least, feel proud of yourself for taking the time to do something special for your wife.

If your husband enjoys football (or another sport), host an "Easter sports party for two."

Easter sports party for two:
- Load up on his favorite chili, drinks and chips galore.
- Dress in his favorite team colors.
- Sit through the whole game without getting up to do laundry or answer the phone.
- Study up on the players, organization and winning history, then impress him with your knowledge.
- If he's a bowler, take him bowling and show him what kind of moves you've got.
- And, again, feel proud of yourself for taking the time to do something special for your husband.

4. Don’t forget the sweets—Chocolate, lots of chocolate.

5. A framed picture for your spouse’s desk or home office. Attach an Easter card to the wrapped gift letting your husband or wife know it’s just another reason of how much you love them.

Last but not least, go out and buy a beautiful Easter basket just for him or her that you can use every year. Also, make every effort to find reasons to celebrate throughout the year, not only during specific holidays.

Diane Gottsman, a nationally recognized etiquette expert, is the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in etiquette training for corporations, universities and individuals, striving to polish their interpersonal skills. You can reach Diane at 877-490-1077 or www.protocolschooloftexas.com.