Etiquette of Entertaining Visitors

Whether the party is formal or informal depends entirely upon circumstances and requirements, as well as the personal taste of the hostess, when her out-of town visitor is to meet her friends. Well she knows the heart-warming influence of a cup of tea and the friendliness of a fat tea-urn!

Wise in the ways of entertaining, the clever hostess gives an afternoon tea on the day that her out-of town visitor is to meet her friends. Well she knows the heart-warming influence of a cup of tea and the friendliness of a fat tea-urn! The illustration opposite aptly portrays the jolly, informal type of tea party at which out-of-town guests are entertained. Of course, whether the party is formal or informal depends entirely upon circumstances and requirements, as well as the personal taste of the hostess.

The hostess who is entertaining a visitor from another town, and who desires to make her stay as pleasant and agreeable as possible, may give a theatre party to which a group of interesting men and women are invited. The theatre party may be followed by a dinner at her home or at a hotel.

It is not good form to make a round of calls on one's friends and acquaintances with the sole purpose of presenting the out-of-town visitor. In fact, the hostess may not attend any social function with her visiting guest unless an invitation is included for this guest also. However, she may, if she wishes, advise the friend from whom she has received an invitation that an out-of-town guest is with her and request that she, too, be invited. – From Lillian Eichler’s “Etiquette Problems in Pictures,” 1922

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia