Volume I Part 24 (1/2)
If the invitations are issued and distributed by a committee or board of directors, instead of by private subscribers, the words:
_The Committee of the Third Reunion Hilldale Club 234 Kingston Avenue_
appear beneath the engraving, in the left-hand corner. The proper form is to use a letter sheet, engraving the invitation on the outer face, and listing on the second inner face, the names of the men who are giving the ball. However, it is also correct to use a large bristol board card, listing the hosts on the reverse side, or on another similar card.
ACKNOWLEDGING SUBSCRIPTION DANCE INVITATIONS
An invitation to a subscription ball, received in the name of the whole body of subscribers, requires a prompt acknowledgment of acceptance or denial to the address given on the card. But if a subscriber extends an invitation to a friend, enclosing with the invitation his or her own card, the answer is sent to this subscriber individually. It is usually a short, informal note, something like the following, and it may be addressed to the entire Committee or merely to its Chairman:
_19 West Street, April 18, 19--_
_My dear Mrs. Blake:_
_It is with great pleasure that I accept your invitation to attend the Third Reunion of the Hilldale Club, on Friday, the tenth of April._
_Sincerely yours,_
_Helen R. Haddock._
INVITATION TO PUBLIC BALL
Public b.a.l.l.s that require purchased tickets have a very distinct kind of invitation. The following invitation should be printed or engraved on very large letter sheets or cards, giving, either on the second inner sheet or on the reverse of the card, the names of the patronesses.
_The pleasure of your company is requested at the Annual Masquerade Ball To be given at the Taft Hotel Thursday Evening January the fifth, at ten o'clock_
_Cards of admission, Three Dollars On sale at the Taft Hotel and homes of the Patronesses_
REQUESTING AN INVITATION
When one is invited to an entertainment and finds it impossible to attend without a visiting guest or relative, an invitation may be requested. But a great deal of tact and good judgment must be exerted.
A note of request follows, but in writing notes for your own particular instances, you must remember that each note has to be adapted to the occasion in hand.
_27 Claremont Terrace, May 8, 192--._
_My dear Mrs. Jolson:_
_Elsie Millerton, whose brother you remember was at Hot Springs last year when we were, is spending a few days with me. I wonder if I may bring her to your dance next Thursday?_
_Sincerely yours,_
_Mary B. Hall._
It is rarely necessary to refuse such a request as this; but if the ballroom is already too crowded and if the hostess has received a number of similar pet.i.tions she may with propriety send a brief note of refusal with a courteous word or two of explanation.
THE DINNER INVITATION
A dinner invitation is the highest form of courtesy. That is why it requires prompt and very courteous acknowledgment.