GARDEN PARTIES.
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.