Etiquette for Little Folks

Whenever dinners are given to invited guests, civility requires that an early answer should be returned; for the proper wording of such answers, I refer you to the Notes of Invitation, where full directions are given. An acceptance, in such a case, should be as binding as a promissory note; and no light cause should ever be allowed to prevent your fulfilling your engagement. Want of punctuality at a dinner party, is an affront to the whole company, as well as to the gentleman and lady of the house. A ceremonious dinner requires that the company be well and handsomely dressed, though not in such gay attire[Pg 63] as is usually worn at a ball or evening party.