Coming-out Parties.
These special festivities may take almost any form, so that the presentation of the blushing débutante may be at a dinner, ball, reception, evening party or afternoon tea; which latter custom has become very frequent of late. So much is this the case that it is somewhat to be reprehended as rendering afternoon teas too ceremonious in character. There is this in its favor, however; it relieves young girls from the strain incident upon a large party or ball. In some cases, the invitations preserve their usual form (whatever that may be) and the card of the débutante is enclosed in the same envelope. Even this distinction is sometimes wanting. Again, in the case of “At Homes” and “Teas,” the name of the young lady is engraved beneath that of her mother; if it is the eldest daughter, the form would be: Mrs. Arthur Holt. Miss Holt.
A younger daughter, under the same circumstances, would pose as: Miss Edith May Holt.
Such cards do not need a reply, but the guest will remember to leave cards in the hall for the débutante as well as her mother or chaperon. It may be said here that, should it for any reason occur that the young lady is “brought out” under the wing of some friend instead of under her mother’s care, the relative position their names will occupy on the cards is precisely the same, as: Mrs. D. G. Haviland. Miss Holt.
A more formal presentation would be in the style of an engraved note sheet:
This invitation, of course, implies a large evening party, reception or ball, and should be sent out ten days or two weeks in advance of the event.