Page:Book of Etiquette, Volume 1, by Lilian Eichler.djvu/255



The invitation for a house- or week-end party differs from any other invitation. By the week-end party we mean a visit from Friday or Saturday until Monday. Thus the invited guest knows that he is expected to arrive Friday afternoon (or Saturday morning) and leave Monday morning. On the other hand, the house party may mean a visit of ten days or two weeks duration, or even longer. It is necessary, therefore, for the hostess to mention specifically the dates deciding the length of the visit. It is also courteous for her to mention the sports that will be indulged in and any special events planned, etc., and to send the necessary time-tables, indicating the best and most convenient trains.

Whether for house-party or week-end party, the invitation is always a well-worded, cordial note offering the hospitalities of one's roof for the length of time indicated. We will give here one letter of invitation, and its acknowledgment, which can be, perhaps, adapted to your own purposes.

Dear Miss Janis:

''We have planned a house party as a sort of farewell before our trip to Europe, and we are particularly anxious to have you join us. I hope there is nothing to prevent you from coming out to Pine Rock on June twenty-third and remaining here with us until the eighth of July.''

I hope to have many of your own friends with us, including Jean and Marie Cordine, who