Invitations by telephone are permissible for informal affairs, but why a
woman should spend hours at the telephone, calling up various parties and
losing her temper over "Central's" dilatoriness when she could sit
comfortably at her desk and write notes, is difficult to understand.
Whereas the formal luncheon invitation simply substitutes the word
"luncheon" for "dinner," the informal invitation is written in the first
person and requires a reply in the same form. It may be said again that
the response should follow the form of the invitation; this is an
invariable rule. This model is usually employed:
My dear Mrs. Henderson:
Will you and Mr. Henderson dine with us informally on Tuesday
evening, January twenty-seventh, at half-past six o'clock?
Trusting we may have the pleasure of seeing you, I am,
Yours sincerely,
Mary Bronson.
In reply the recipient will write:
My dear Mrs. Bronson:
Mr. Henderson and I accept, with much pleasure your very kind
invitation to dine with you on Tuesday evening, January
twenty-seventh, at half past six o'clock.
Yours sincerely,
Helen Henderson.
If the invitation is for luncheon, that word is substituted; afternoon
written in the place of evening, and Mr. Henderson is left out. In an
acceptance, one should repeat the date and hour, that no mistake may
occur. If the invitation must be declined, it is not correct to explain
the nature of the engagement or whatever reason occurs for refusal. We say
we "are unable to accept," not that we "will not be able;" the refusal
rests in the present.
An invitation sent by mail is enclosed in an envelope addressed to Mr. and
Mrs. A., and then in an outer envelope bearing full name and address.
Informal notes of invitation are written on one's best note-paper and no
outer envelope used.
Afternoon Tea.--The afternoon tea is a favorite method of paying off
social debts. Elaborate refreshments are not served. Tea is poured at the
dining table, by some friends asked to do so--it is thought quite a
compliment to be asked "to pour" For a very informal "at home" the hostess
may have a small table at hand and herself offer a cup of tea to her
visitors. For such a small affair she sends her visiting card with the
date written in the lower left hand corner. If many guests are expected
servants must be at hand to remove soiled dishes and replenish the tea and
cakes.
In acknowledgment of invitations, it is highly improper to send your card
with "regrets" written on it. An invitation is a courtesy offered; it must
be received courteously. You regret you "must decline the pleasure" of
accepting somebody's "kind--or polite--invitation."
[696 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
The Verbal Invitation.--Verbal invitations do not count for much. "Come
and dine with us some day" has no standing among invitations. The day and
hour must be named if it is to be reckoned with. And then--suppose the
hostess forgets she has given the invitation, or she prepares for a guest
who does not come! Except among very intimate friends the verbal
invitation should be looked upon with great caution. A verbal invitation
should be followed by a note repeating it.