CARDS. Guests leave their cards in the hall either
when entering or leaving only at large garden
parties.
DRESS. It is customary for women to wear light
afternoon dresses.
Men wear summer business suits, yachting
flannels, and straw hats, and even white duck
trousers. Gloves are not worn.
The regulation frock coat and high hat is
not worn, save by men from the city or at
some extremely fashionable affair.
GUESTS. After leaving their outer garments in
the dressing-rooms, the guests should pay
their respects to the hostess, after which
they are free to enjoy themselves as they
please.
The usual length of stay is about half an
hour or the whole afternoon.
While guests may arrive at their own convenient
time, they would do well to remember
that they have not the same freedom to come
and go as at an afternoon reception.
Guests should take leave of the hostess unless
she is very much engaged.
HOSTESS. The hostess wears afternoon dress,
and usually one that is dainty and delicate--
suitable for a summer afternoon.
She receives on the lawn, shakes hands
with each guest, and makes introductions
when deemed essential.
She may, if she so desires, receive with
some member of her family.
HOURS. These are from 3 to 7 P.M.
INVITATIONS. These are issued in the name of
the hostess, and may be engraved or written.
Sometimes the hostess writes on her card:
GARDEN PARTY, JULY 17, FROM 4 TO 7, or she
may use an AT HOME card, and in the lower
left-hand corner write: GARDEN PARTY. The
engraved card usually indicates an elaborate
affair.
These invitations may be sent by mail or
messenger.
It is a good plan to add to the invitations
some information regarding the trains, or to
enclose a time-table.
All such invitations should be promptly
acknowledged or declined.
MEN. Men wear summer business suits, white
ducks, or yachting flannels, A tennis suit
would be permissible.
The regulation frock coat and high hat
should be worn only by men from the city
attending an affair in the country, or at some
extremely fashionable affair.
Men should greet the hostess both on their
arrival and departure.
Visiting-cards are left only at large garden
parties.
WOMEN. Women wear light, delicate, afternoon
dresses.
They should greet the hostess, both on their
arrival and departure.
Visiting-cards are left only at large and
formal outdoor affairs.
GERMANS. See COTILLIONS.