Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1890-04-17
The Etiquette of Cards.

In cards themselves custom allows
comparatively little latitude the slight
changes in size shape and thickness be-
ing too Insignificant to need frequent
consideration. A lady's card should be
of moderate dimensions, about three
and three-quarters by two and a
half inches. Large or very small sizes
are not in good taste. The paste-board
should be of good quality and only
moderate thickness and of a pure white
or delicate cream tint; no color is adj
Missile, and gilt edge is the height
of vulgarity. The most elegant card
is, of course, engraved; written ones
come next, while those which are
printed must be classed with the gilt
edge. Even where the question of ex-
pense is to be considered, an engraved
plate is better than printing, for allow
ing the greater original cost. the cards
will always be uniform in quality and
the plate will last as long as needed.
Of late years these plates are to be had
at avery small price and the striking
off of the cards costs but little. If a
written card be used, and our own
handwriting is not equal to the require
ments, have them done in a bold but a
natural style, eschewing the work of
the lmltator of copper plate, as we'll as
the flourishes of the writing-master.
Circumstances alter the arrange
ment of the name. A married lady
whose husband is living should make
use of his as Mrs. James Richmond. -"
Ii. on the contrary, she is a widow her
card may read, Mrs. Mary Richmond"
though many widows object to this last
method and keep to the first form. If
the lady is the only person in the
society of small place. who bears her
name, or if she is the acknowledged
head of her family, she may use Mrs.
Richmond' alone. The oldest daughter
of the house will have simply miss
Richmond'' upon her card, thus signi-
flying that she is the Oldest while her
sisters will have Miss Alice Richmond"
and Miss Laura Richmondn instead.
Some young girls affect an ultra SIM
plicity and use the name without
Miss this is never elegant, and it's
simplicity lacks dignity, as much as
would the mothers card if the prefix
Mrs" were omitted. In cities the
SllCCV llei hulllOCl SlOulIl, 1Ol tllc SdhC
of convenience, be engraved in one
corner, while the day of reception may
occSpy the other.
Cards have become very useful as
the means of conveying somewhat in
formal invitations. For dinners, balls,
and other very ceremonious occasions
they are inadequate, out for dances,
lunches, ''at homes and teas they are
in good taste. The words ''at home" are
written upon the card by the hostess
herself" also the hour and often the
nature of the entertainment. as .Danc-
ing" Progressive Euchre.n The en-
velope should exactly fit the card. and
while it is not out of place to send by
mail, it is in better taste that they
should be delivered by servant.
The convenient card is also used in
replying to invitations. This is fire.
quently correct, but not unless the in
vitation itself was in that form. Where
one more formal was engraved, or
written in the third person a note, also
in the third person, is necessary. In
using the card the phrases, Accepts
with pleasure" or, Regrets to decline, y
are proper, but it is not allowable to
merely write ''Accepts'' or Declines, "
as this is too curt form to be sealiy
courteous Housekeeping.