Earlier this year, we worked with a group of new lawyers and were surprised to find that the #1 topic about which they had questions was none other than tipping—how much, when, where and how. Those same questions frequently arise during the holiday season.

Keep in mind that the purpose of a tip is to communicate “thank you” for some service that has been provided.Good, solid service at a restaurant should be rewarded with a 15% tip.Superlative service warrants more.Bellmen who assist with luggage should be offered at least $1 per bag.I always leave a $1 on the pillow for hotel housecleaning staff.And, I vary the tip for a concierge dependent upon the amount of effort he or she undertook in helping me secure dinner reservations.

Lots of other service providers have helped us out this past year.They include the owners of the sedan company that drive us back and forth to the airport, the folks at Fed Ex, and the business center connected with our loft.Be assured we’ll recognize each of these service providers with a gratuity and a personal note.