dding Anniversaries.

[Illustration:

_1885._

_1890._

_Wooden Wedding._

_Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Grant,_

_At Home,_

_Thursday evening, December fifth, 1895,_

_At half-past eight o'clock._

_263 East Thirteenth Street._]

In sending out invitations for the various anniversaries that
pleasantly diversify the years of a long wedded life, the simplest
form will always be found in the best taste. There are varied devices
for rendering these invitations striking in effect, such as silvered
and gilded cards for silver and golden weddings, thin wooden cards for
the wooden wedding, etc., but good taste would indicate that none of
these, not even gold and silver lettering (though this last is least
objectionable of all), should be used. The large engraved "At Home"
card, or the small sheet of heavy note paper, also engraved, are the
most elegant.

"No Presents Received."

The words, "No presents received," are sometimes engraved in the lower
left hand corner of the note sheet, or card. A much-to-be-admired
custom, since the multiplicity of invitations requiring gifts, is, in
more cases than one, burdensome to the recipient.

Revise the Visiting List.

Now, that it has become the custom to engage the services of an
amanuensis to direct the invitations for a crush affair by the
hundred, it would be well for every hostess to frequently revise her
visiting list, in order that the relatives of lately deceased friends
may not be pained by seeing the dear lost name included among the
invitations of the family; also, this care is necessary to remove the
names of those who have recently departed from the city, and those
whose acquaintance is no longer desired.

ACCEPTANCES AND REGRETS

[Illustration]

The essence of all etiquette is to be found in the observance of the
spirit of the Golden Rule. Perhaps in no one point is the "do unto
others as ye would that they should do unto you," more applicable than
in the prompt acknowledgment of either a formal or a friendly
invitation. This acknowledgment may be either denial or assent, but
whatever the form, it is requisite that the proffered courtesy should
be answered by a prompt and decisive acceptance or refusal. This is a
duty owed by an invited guest to his prospective host or hostess and
one that should never be neglected.

Answering an Invitation.

In accepting or declining an invitation close attention should be paid
to the form in which it