Teas and Receptions
Afternoon parties range from the very dignified reception to the more or less formal tea party to the quite casual cocktail party. The reception today has become primarily a state affair, a public gathering in honor of a prominent personage or an important event. Receptions most frequently take place on the diplomatic or civic levels and are handled, as in the case of official dinners, by a competent staff.
The major difference between a reception and a tea is one of atmosphere, like the difference in furnishing twin houses. A reception takes itself seriously while a tea party, no matter how formal it may be, is friendly and inviting. We do not go to be impressed or instructed, but rather to enjoy seeing our friends and be seen by them.
Afternoon teas are given in honor of visiting celebrities, or a new daughter-in-law, new neighbors, to "warm" a new house, or for a house guest from another city, or, as is most often the case, for no reason other than that the hostess feels hospitably inclined. The invitation is a standard visiting card with "Julie. 10, Tea at 4 o'clock" in the lower corner, opposite the address, and, if appropriate, "To meet Mrs. Harvey Montgomery" across the top of it. Or it may be telephoned.
Posted by Eugene Vodovoz at 20 January 2012, 4:59 PM 
Categories: Etiquette
Tags: teas receptions warm visiting invitation hospitably
Categories: Etiquette
Tags: teas receptions warm visiting invitation hospitably
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