Proper Etiquette for Family Names

As told by a former English teacher

Want to grab an ornament for you and a few friends, but aren't sure how to properly write their surnames? 

Here are a few simple rules when it comes to properly pluralizing family names...

1. Simply add "-s" to the end of most names.
Example: The Britts, The Reddings, The Smiths

2. Add "-es" to the end of names that end in s, x, z, ch, and sh.
Example: The Joneses, The Foxes, The Burches

3. If you don't like the way adding "-es" looks, just add "family" after the surname.
Example: The Jones Family, The Fox Family, The Burch Family

4. If the surname ends in "y," stick an "-s" on the end. No "-ies" here!
Example: The Delaneys

5. Do not add an apostrophe unless the name is meant to be possessive.
Example: The proper way to write our family name is "The Britts," not "The Britt's." The only way we'd use an apostrophe is if I write "The Britt's ornament" because then I would actually show possession of the ornament - but I wouldn't suggest doing that. ;)

Ooo! While you're here, another pet peeve of mine is "stationery" vs. "stationary."  You order monogrammed "stationery," and you ride a "stationary" bike.  Cool?

Have another question?  Just ask!