Q. Around this time of year a successful friend likes to rent an expensive ski chalet with cook and fill it with friends. Guests pay for nothing except air fares and tips and he invariably invites me and my partner to join the house party. Regrettably, one thing does mar our enjoyment. Without exception, he always puts my partner and me in the worst room. We think he reasons that, since most of his guests are used to luxury and we are not, we will mind the worst room the least. But the fact is we love luxury too and would really enjoy an upgrade. We can’t think how to protest without seeming ungrateful and/or chippy, but can you see a solution, Mary?

– W.B., London W5

A. You might at least air the topic by arranging a dinner in London and including a friend unknown to your host. Prime them to say they are renting a chalet themselves for the first time and would love any tips or advice. At an opportune moment they should pose this – quite reasonable – question: ‘But how do you decide who goes in the best room and who goes in the bum-out?’ Whatever your host answers, your friend can say: ‘Gosh, I think I’m going to put my poorest friends in the best rooms – give them a treat. Would that work?’

Q. I’m in regular contact with friends on WhatsApp. This year some of these WhatsApped me on Christmas Day. Fair enough if they had sent just ‘Happy Christmas’-type greetings. But no, these were people with busy housefuls of visitors, sending messages requiring answers such as: ‘Did you get good presents?’ They affected my enjoyment of the day because I felt it would be rude not to answer. Has it suddenly become acceptable to WhatsApp on Christmas Day, Mary?

– C.E., Northants

A. No, it has not. Outside of communicating with family members and romantic partners, it’s quite wrong to initiate WhatsApp conversations on Christmas Day. Next Christmas Eve scroll back to see who sent the problem WhatsApps last year and send them a pre-emptive message of goodwill – words to the effect of: ‘Since I will be unable to send you best wishes for a happy Christmas tomorrow, sending them tonight.’

Q. A much-loved friend with questionable taste sent a snap of some hideous candlesticks, asking if I would like them for Christmas. I didn’t have the heart to say no and now am lumbered. What should I have said?

– S.G., East Tytherton

A. ‘They look amazing but I’ve put candlesticks on my wish list for my mother/daughter/sister and they would be furious if someone else got me better ones.’