Cards should be sent by mail or messenger by those invited but unable to be present, and should be timed so that they reach the house during the function.
A husband and wife each send a card when the invitation is issued in the name of the hostess only, and two cards each when issued in the name of hostess and her daughter. If issued in the name of both husband and wife, a husband should send two and his wife should send one card.
DAUGHTERS. The daughters who have passed the debutante age usually stand for an hour beside their mother to receive the guests, and afterward mingle with the guests to help to make the function a success.
DEBUTANTE. When a tea is given in honor of a debutante, she stands beside the hostess (usually her mother), and each guest is introduced to her. Flowers should be liberally provided, and friends may contribute on such an occasion.
The host and the men all wear the regulation afternoon dress.
Women wear costumes appropriate to the afternoon, more elegant in proportion to the elaborateness of the function.
Guests may suit their convenience in arriving, provided they do not come at the opening hour nor at the very end.
After leaving their wraps in the dressing- rooms, guests enter the drawing-room, leaving their cards in the tray in the hall, and then giving their names to the man at the door, who announces them.
On entering the room, the women precede the men.
After greeting the hostess and being introduced to those receiving with her, the guests move into the middle of the room.