Invitations & Good Manners
Q1: What"s the acceptable timing for changing one"s reply to a holiday dinner invitation
A: If the change is from "no" to "yes", let the hostess know at least a week beforehand so she"ll have enough time to include you in her plan. A change from "yes" to "no" is usually due to illness or an emergency. In that case, call the hostess as soon as possible, explain the problem, and express your regrets.
Q2: How far in advance should guests be invited to a Christmas party
A: Since Christmas is the busiest party time of the year, it"s best to invite guests earlier—about a month in advance—than you would for a regular party. The earlier you send out invitations, the more people are likely to accept. Of course, small gatherings of good friends may be arranged on much shorter notice—within a day or two.
Q3: If you"re invited to two holiday cocktail parties at the same time on the same evening, is it all right to attend both of them
A: Since the guests are expected to come and go at staggered (错开的) times during cooktail parties, it"s fine to attend two events on the same evening. However, guests should spend a reasonable length of time—at least an hour—at each party, and they should tell the hosts the reason for their leaving.
Q4: Is it rude to drop in on friends or relatives to deliver Christmas gifts without calling ahead
A: Generally, it"s not a good idea to drop in on anyone unannounced. During the holidays, however, it"s often the custom among family or friends to casually stop by to visit and bring gifts. Still, it"s more considerate to call first. That way, friends or relatives know when to expect you, and you can be sure they"ll be home. You should invite guests as early as possible to attend Christmas party because ______.
A．the guests can prepare their gifts better B．the earlier you invite people, the more guests you will have C．the earlier you invite people, the better you can prepare for it D．the guests can have much more time to make up their minds