The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness

CHAPTER V. EVENING PARTIES. ETIQUETTE FOR THE HOSTESS. The most fashionable as well as pleasant way in the present day, to entertain guests, is to invite them to evening parties, which vary in size from the "company," "sociable," "soiree," to the party, par excellence, which is but one step from the ball. The entertainment upon such occasions, may vary with the taste of the hostess, or the caprice of her guests. Some prefer dancing, some music, some conversation. Small parties called together for dramatic or poetical readings, are now fashionable, and very delightful. In writing an invitation for a small party, it is kind, as well as polite, to specify the number of guests invited, that your friends may dress to suit the occasion. To be either too much, or too little dressed at such times is embarrassing. For large parties, the usual formula is: Miss S----'s compliments to Miss G----, and requests the pleasure of her company for Wednesday, March 8th, at 8 o'clock. Such an invitation, addressed either to an intimate friend or mere acquaintance, will signify full dress. If your party is a musical soiree, or your friends meet for reading or conversation alone, say so in your invitation, as-- Miss S---- requests the pleasure of Miss G----'s company, on Thursday evening next, at 8 o'clock, to meet the members of the musical club, to which Miss S---- belongs; or, Miss S---- expects a few friends, on Monday evening next, at 8 o'clock, to take part in some dramatic readings, and would be happy to have Miss G---- join the party.