Many prospective hostesses prefer to send written notes instead of the engraved invitation, especially if the dinner is to be fairly informal. This sort of invitation should, however, be extremely simple. I think that most well-informed hostesses would agree that the following is too verbose:
DEAR MR. BURPEE. It would give us great pleasure if you would dine with us on Monday next at seven-thirty. By the way, did you know that Mr. Sheldon died yesterday of pneumonia? Cordially, ESTELLE G. BESSERABO.
For receptions in honor of noted guests, word the invitation in this manner:
MR. AND MRS. CORNELIUS VANDERBILT _request the pleasure of your company on Friday evening February sixth from nine to twelve_ AT DELMONICO’S to meet Asst. Fire-Chief CHARLEY SCHMIDT and Mrs. SCHMIDT
Invitations to graduating exercises are worded thus:
THE SENIOR CLASS of the SOUTH ROCHESTER FEMALE DENTAL INSTITUTE requests the honor of your presence at the Commencement Exercises _on Tuesday evening, June the fifth at eight o’clock_ MASONIC OPERA HOUSE _“That Six” Orchestra._
Responses to invitations usually take the form of “acceptances” or “regrets.” It is never correct, for example, to write the following sort of note:
DEAR MRS. CRONICK: Your invitation for the 12th inst. received and in reply would advise that I am not at the present time in a position to signify whether or not I can accept. Could you at your convenience furnish me with additional particulars re the proposed affair—number of guests, character of refreshments, size of orchestra, etc.? Awaiting an early reply, I am, Yours truly, ALFRED CASS NAPE.
If one wishes to attend the party, one “accepts” on a clean sheet of note-paper with black ink from a “fountain” pen or inkwell. A hostess should not, however, make the mistake of thinking that a large number of “acceptances” implies that anybody really wishes to attend her party.
The following is a standard form of acceptance:
Dr. Tanner accepts with pleasure the kind invitation of Mrs. Frederick Cummings Bussey for Thursday evening, December twelfth, at half after eight.
This note need not be signed. The following “acceptance” is decidedly demode:
DEAR MRS. ASTOR: Will I be at your ball? Say, can a duck swim? Count on me sure. FRED.