Dear Annie: A friend stayed at my place because her apartment was being fumigated the day before Thanksgiving. After I told my friend she could stay with me, I was invited to my sister-in-law's for our family dinner. I then asked if my friend could come if I brought along a dish. I didn't want her left alone. I didn't say anything to my friend until I was sure it would be OK with my family.

My sister-in-law left me a screaming message that what I did was wrong. She told me I simply should have said I couldn't come and it was rude to ask to bring a guest. I didn't know that asking first was bad. What do you think? -- Etiquette Faux Pas

Dear Etiquette: You did nothing wrong. When you have an unexpected houseguest and you are invited to a family event, it is good manners to ask if the guest would be welcome, and if not, to decline the invitation. The fact that this was a family Thanksgiving dinner means your friend should definitely have been included, knowing that she would otherwise be alone on a holiday. Shame on your sister-in-law for being so mean-spirited.