what is the best way to criticise a relative?

I try not to criticise my relatives. If I feel I have to say something I will try to make a suggestion rather than advice against something. No matter what i will try to slip it into a conversation, not just spill it out. I think it is importnat to be sensitive to others feelings. But there are times if I am directly affescted by something someone does where i will speak up. And if someone does something i do not like in my home i will ask them please to stop. I guess the most importnat thing here is to try not to hurtful.

Humor. That's the answer. Criticism hurts - no matter how true. But if you wrap it skillfully with humor, you can get the point across with everyone having a good laugh, the person getting the point and still not offended. Using humor is an art. ;-)