What to do about office snacks and cleanup

DEAR AMY:I am just out of college and have an administrative support position. I sit at the front of the office and am responsible for greeting visitors. Naturally, my desk is where people put out edible goodies for the office. It is happening every week. This is a problem because first, I am trying to get in better shape for my wedding and, second, the treats often shed crumbs that litter my desk. The person who puts the treats there does not bother sweeping them up and doesn't take away the dirty containers until the end of the day. Now Girl Scout cookie season is here! How do I let everyone know that I don't want these temptations on my desk or the mess that goes with them?

--NOT a Girl Scout

DEAR NOT: This is not an etiquette issue, really; this is a question of basic assertion.

Messy treats and crumbs don't make an attractive or professional first impression for visiting clients. Because you sit at the front of the office, it is part of your job to keep the area presentable.

If your colleague doesn't clean it up, then you should.

You could help to establish a different snack lounge by offering to place the treats in a common area in another part of the office (not on someone's desk) and printing out an attractive sign to place nearby, urging co-workers to enjoy the offering.

DEAR AMY: I think you really missed the boat with "Wondering," the mom who wrote about another mom who asks for teenage guests at her home to pay for their own pizza and for kids to pay for their own movie tickets when they go out. When you invite guests, you should treat.

--A Generous Mom

DEAR GENEROUS: I was thinking about the costs associated with this sort of group outing, but many readers agree with you that the host should always pay.