3 JANUARY 2004, Page 55

Q. As a Christmas card, a friend of mine sent

out a picture of herself and her husband in a helicopter with their new country house in the background. How should! gently point out that this was a lapse in taste?

Name and address withheld A. Chat about cards in general, then throw in, 'You didn't send any Christmas cards this year, did you?' When she replies that, on the contrary, you must surely have noticed the picture of her with her chopper, etc., you should reply, 'But surely that wasn't a Christmas card?' and then remain silent as she struggles to make a connection between this boastcard and the Christmas message.