t "Mr.
and Mrs. John Doe request the pleasure of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Roe's
company" at a certain date. We will also find that Mr. Dick Roe is
never "at home," but "requests the pleasure of your company."

To widely depart from any of these received canons of etiquette is to
commit a decided solecism and to discover an utter unfitness for the
desired social rank. Fortunately, there is no need, even for those not
to the manor born, of displaying any ignorance in this matter when the
simple consultation of a standard work on social etiquette will give
the needed information and save the credit of the individual.

At first sight, it would seem a very easy thing to invite a friend to
come to you at a given day and hour, and to accept or decline said
invitation would appear a matter scarcely worth considering. This rash
conclusion, however, disappears from view when it is recollected that
the proper phrasing, the suitable signature, and the appropriate
paper, are all matters of the nicest choice, and indicate with the
most unerring accuracy the good or ill breeding of the parties
interested.

From two to three persons only are invited from one family to the same
entertainment, and, in the event of a small dinner party, two would be
the limit. The invitations would be addressed, not to Mr. Coates and
family, but one to "Mr. and Mrs. Coates," another to "The Misses
Coates," or to "Miss Coates." If there are brothers, and they are to
be invited, a separate invitation is required for each one of them; a
single one addressed to the "Messrs. Coates" being considered in bad
taste. To one son and one daughter a joint invitation may be extended
in the name of "Miss Coates and Brother." On rather informal occasions
where the family, and perhaps their guests also, are desired to be
present, the invitation may be sent in the name of "Mr. and Mrs. James
B. Coates and Party."

Note Paper for Invitations.

Note paper for invitations should be plain, unruled, heavy in texture,
creamy-white in tint, and of a size to fold once to fit the large,
square envelope of the same size and tint. Monogram, if used, or
crests, if they may be rightfully claimed, should be stamped or
embossed in white directly in the center of the upper portion of the
sheet and on the upper flap of the inner envelope only. This envelope
should bear the name simply of the invited guest, and is to be
enclosed in a perfectly plain, somewhat larger envelope, which bea