Manners always matter. Rude is ever rueful. And the "anything goes" era has up and gone.
Even with e-vites and other technological advances, comportment is again important when it comes to parties, for both host and guest.
Since a blip just after the middle of the last century, when "let it all hang out" roiled the world of party protocol, social graces are in, and bad form is so five minutes ago.
It's not hard to do the right things when it comes to holding or attending a social gathering. With a few tips on decorum and a dollop of common sense, anyone can elicit a hearty "Momma raised him right."
For the host BEFORE
•A "save the date" missive, via e-mail, is never a bad idea if you're more than a month out.
•Nail down whom you want to invite. Try to avoid inviting some but not all of a particular group (workmates, clients, a book club), lest feelings get hurt.
•Send invitations at least two weeks out, preferably longer (see sidebar: Advice from the pros).