A woman may leave the cards of the men
       of her family who have been unable to attend.

Cards should be sent by mail or messenger by those invited but unable to be present, and should be timed so that they reach the house during the function.

A husband and wife each send a card when the invitation is issued in the name of the hostess only, and two cards each when issued in the name of hostess and her daughter.  If issued in the name of both husband and wife, a husband should send two and his wife should send one card.

  Daughters.  The daughters who have passed
       the debutante age usually stand for an hour
       beside their mother to receive the guests,
       and afterward mingle with the guests to help
       to make the function a success.

  Debutante.  When a tea is given in honor of
       a debutante, she stands beside the hostess
       (usually her mother), and each guest is introduced
       to her.  Flowers should be liberally
       provided, and friends may contribute on such
       an occasion.

       The host and the men all wear the regulation
       afternoon dress.

       Women wear costumes appropriate to the
       afternoon, more elegant in proportion to the
       elaborateness of the function.

       Guests may suit their convenience in
       arriving, provided they do not come at the
       opening hour nor at the very end.

After leaving their wraps in the dressing- rooms, guests enter the drawing-room, leaving their cards in the tray in the hall, and then giving their names to the man at the door, who announces them.

       On entering the room, the women precede
       the men.

       After greeting the hostess and being introduced
       to those receiving with her, the guests
       move into the middle of the room.

       Guests go the dining-room when they
       wish without greeting the hostess.

It is not expected that guests at a large reception will stay all the afternoon.  Twenty minutes is long enough.  It is not necessary to bid the hostess good-bye when leaving.  If guests take leave of host and hostess, they should shake hands.

       In the dining-room the men, assisted by
       the waiters, help the women.

When the reception is a small formal one, the guests may stay a longer time, and usually it is better to take leave of the hostess, unless she is much occupied at the time.

  Host. Except when a newly married couple
       give a house-warming or a reception, the host
       does not stand beside his wife, but spends
       the time in making introductions, and doing
       his best to make the function a success.