Invitations and replies to invitations

The majority of invitations are made by telephone because that way you get a quick answer and it can be cheaper! The secret of success is, if there are more than one couple being invited first try and book those who are likely to be engaged or who are away from home a lot. Where however, a number of invitations have to be sent out in advance and replies required, especially for important functions, such as weddings, charity balls, celebrations, christenings and the like, then they should go by post or by hand delivery.

It is correct to invite people by an ordinary letter but it is easier to use post cards. Normally invitation cards go in white envelopes. Some people love to display these cards on the mantelpieces and they are also less likely to forget the date. In sending an invitations to anyone who may not know the area, draw a map showing how to reach you or have a simple map drawn and run off a few on a duplicator or photocopy some as it is a tremendous help and a sure sign of kindness to your friends. Card invitations are usually in the third person.The invitation should show whether it is dinner, or less formal or whatever. If the words “black tie” are on the invitation means that a dinner jacket should be worn and implies a formal occasions such as dinner or dance. The telephone number should be included if phone replies are acceptable. Here is an invitation which would be written or typed on a card unless the party printed ones are used:

Mr. and Mrs. John Jackson

invite

Mr. and Mrs. Helen White

to a Bridge Party and Buffet Supper at 7 p.m.

at 12 Beech Road, Brighton

on Friday, 25th August

12 Beech Road, Brighton,

BN4O 6XY R.S.V.P.

1. READ AND TRANSLATE THE TEXTS.

2. RETELL THE TEXTS.

The browns give a dinner party

This evening the Browns have invited some friends to dinner. It is just a small dinner-party for four of their friends: Mr. and Mrs. Carter and Mr. and Mrs. Macdonald.The guests arrive at about half past seven and are shown into the sitting room where Mr. Brown pours drinks for them. Sherry is the most popular wine in England; men usually prefer dry sherry, but women prefer sweet. At eight o’clock Mrs. Brown says that dinner is ready and they move into the dining room.

Mary Brown does all the cooking in her house. She is always a little worried in case something goes wrong, but this evening everything goes well and the guests make many kind remarks about her cooking.

There are four courses: soup, fish, meat and a sweet, which is pudding today. Cheese and biscuits and coffee will be served after the sweet.

The conversation at table is lively and interesting. Mrs. Brown will not let the men talk about trade and politics all the time; when she thinks anyone is getting tired, she changes the subject. She is very good at getting people to talk in an interesting way, and there is always plenty of laughter at her dinner table. Mr. Brown often wonders how his wife can manage to make sure that au her guests enjoy themselves, and at the same time the dinner is well served.

But then, he has known for a long time that his wife is a very clever woman!

When dinner is over they go to the sitting room. For a while the ladies sit and talk while the men stand about smoking their cigars and talking business. Presently Mr. Brown brings out some of his new records he thinks his guests will like to hear.

At about eleven the Macdonalds decide they must go as they have to get back to London. The Carters offer to run them to the station in their car. So the guests leave together. Mr. and Mrs. Brown see them off at the garden gate. The guests thank their hosts for a pleasant evening and drive off.