For the next few weeks, we are going to be talking about parties.  But these guidelines apply whether you are going to a party or are just going over to someone’s house to visit for the afternoon.

All such get-togethers start with an invitation.  Invitation can be given in person, over the phone, through a letter in the mail, in an email, or even other ways.

The invitation should give you the “who, what, when, where and why’s” of the party.

• Who is having the party?
• What should I bring or wear?
• When is the party?
• Where is the party?
• Why are celebrating?

Once you receive an invitation, check your calendar right away and give a response as to whether or not you are able to attend.  The host or hostess needs to know how many people are coming so that he or she can prepare.  If any of the above information is missing in the invitation, you can ask when you let them know you are coming.

Many invitations have R.S.V.P. on them.  This stands for the French phrase “Répondez s’il vous plaît” which means “please respond.”  The word for word translation is “respond if you please.”  But with an R.S.V.P, let the host or hostess know if you are able to be there or not.
 
Some invitations say “Regrets Only.”  In this case, they are assuming you are coming unless you tell them you cannot make it.