When some married woman or woman guest of honor assists his wife to receive, he should at the proper moment escort her to the dining-room.

  Hostess.  The hostess and those receiving with
       her should be just within the door, ready to
       receive each guest as announced.

       The hostess shakes hands with each guest,
       and introduces them to those receiving with
       her.

Friends assisting a hostess to entertain are generally permitted to invite a few of their own friends, and their cards are sent with those of the hostess.  A pretty feature is the presence of a number of young women here and there in the rooms to assist in receiving the guests.  Music is always appropriate.

Hours.  The hours are from 4 to 7 P.M.

Introductions.  The hostess should introduce
her guests to those receiving with her. 
See also introduction.

Invitations.  Engraved invitations are sent a
week or ten days in advance, by mail or messenger.

They are usually issued in the name of the
hostess only, though they may be issued in
the name of both husband and wife.

In place of the visiting-card, an “At
Home” card may be used, or cards specially
engraved for the purpose.

       When cards are sent to a married couple,
       the cards are addressed to both husband and
       wife.

Invitations are sent in two envelopes-the inner one unsealed and bearing the name of the guest, and the outer one sealed, with, the street address.

  Invitations, answering.  It is not necessary
       to accept or decline these invitations, as the
       guest accepts by his presence.  If unable to
       do so, he should send by mail or messenger
       a visiting-card, to reach the hostess during
       the ceremony.

When the invitation has been issued in the name of the hostess only, a husband and wife each send a card, and if in the name of hostess and her daughter, each should send two cards.  If the invitation has been issued in the name of the husband and wife, the wife should send one and a husband two cards.

       If the woman in the family is the only one
       present at the function, she can leave cards
       for the rest of the family.

  Men.  Both the host and men wear the regulation
       afternoon dress, consisting of the long
       frock coat with single or double-breasted
       waistcoat to match, or of some fancy cloth,
       and gray trousers.  White linen, a light tie,
       a silk hat, gray gloves, and patent leather
       shoes complete the costume.