INVITATIONS. These maybe oral, brief notes, or, for a large affair, engraved, and should be sent from three days to a week in advance.
HOST. The host should greet his guests at the door, shaking hands with each one, and introducing to the chaperone those not known to her.
He introduces guests who are strangers to each other, bids them adieu, accompanies the women to the door, and escorts the chaperone to her carriage, and if she has come alone without one, may very properly escort her home.
If at a large reception several women have helped him entertain, he should thank them and see them to their carriages.
He will, of course, see that there is provided a dressing-room for women with a maid to wait upon them, and that the rooms are in good order, well furnished with flowers, and that the refreshments are attended to. See also INVITATIONS.
MEN. Afternoon dress is worn.
WOMEN. The invitations, engraved or oral, should be promptly acknowledged.
Women wear dress customary at afternoon teas, and on their entrance should greet the host. Upon departing they take leave of him, though this is not necessary if the reception be a large one.
If a young woman knows that a chaperone is present, she need not have her own chaperone accompany her.
If the chaperone leaves early, she should do
likewise.