DEAR MISS MANNERS: My mother and I have been debating the difference between a duvet, a duvet cover and a comforter. Our research has shown conflicting definitions. Would you be so kind as to enlighten us and settle this argument once and for all?
GENTLE READER: A duvet is a feather-stuffed quilt without a cover, a duvet cover is a slipcover for the duvet, and a comforter is a duvet with the cover already sewn on.
Got that? This has nothing whatsoever to do with manners, but Miss Manners is nonetheless delighted with herself that she actually knows the answer -- and has someone with whom to share it.