The hospitality expressed in the words:

"Come in the evening, or come in the morning;

Is possible only between those people who hold to each other the tenderest friendship of life, and whose coming and going disturb in nowise the outward and visible revolution of the household machinery. Quite different is the case when hospitality is tendered in the form of an invitation to a formal dinner. In no other social function are the laws of etiquette so strictly to be observed. There are prescribed forms for everything connected with this function, and by carefully informing one's self in regard to a few rules of conduct, neither hostess nor guest need fear unpleasant situations; but, as in all things else, it is practice that makes perfect and gives the air of "being to the manner born."

The Invitation

For a dinner party, as for a wedding party, and all strictly ceremonial occasions, the invitation is in written rather than in verbal form. Either a plain card of large size, or a sheet of heavy linen paper engraved in script, is considered in good taste. The names of the guests, the hour and date of the function, are filled in by hand.

The prescribed form for both invitation and reply is given below:

Invitation.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Brown request the pleasure of Mr. and Mrs. Drake's company at dinner, on Thursday, February fifteenth, at eight o'clock.

1oo Beacon Street, Feb. 1st.

The address upon the envelope reads:

Mrs. Wm. F. Drake, 250 Marlboro Street.

Reply.

Mr. and Mrs. Wm. F. Drake accept with pleasure Mr. and Mrs. Brown's kind invitation to dinner on Thursday, February fifteenth, at eight o'clock.

250 Marlboro Street. Feb. 1st.

Envelope addressed to Mrs. Frank J. Brown, 100 Beacon Street.

If for any reason there is doubt of ability to attend the dinner, substitute in reply for the words "accept with pleasure" the words "regret that they are unable to accept."

The invitation is usually sent out two weeks in advance, though in the height of the season, especially in large cities, it is sent even earlier. A reply should be sent the same day, or, at least, the day following the receipt of the imitation; it should be declined in case of inability to accept by either of the individuals included in the invitation.

The Hour And Length Of The Dinner

The hour at which a formal dinner is served depends upon local custom; seven, seven-thirty, and eight o'clock are the usual hours, though eight-thirty is often the hour in New York and Washington, and nine in London. Two hours is the limit of time to pass at the table; an hour and a half is preferable. Dinners are a recreation, and every moment should be charged with pleasure, if the affair is to be successful.

Announcement Of Dinner

The guests will time their arrival to allow a margin of fifteen minutes before the hour for dinner. When all are assembled, the butler or waitress draws the curtains that lead from the room and bows slightly to the hostess, or says, "Dinner is served." If guests are late, dinner is not announced until an order from the hostess is received.