The MJQs Club One Party, Jan. 22 or “How to read an invitation”
(Mommy and daughter, click for the big pic. we are so pur-deee)
I am raising my children like most Southern Mothers do. Like all mothers do. To be able to darn READ. When my girls get a mailed invitation, they had better be able to decipher the meaning of the invitation without making any huge pheax-pas. I sent out Club One Party announcements to the MJQs a week or so ago. I even sent detailed instructions on a separate little sheet of paper inserted in the envelope to answer and anticipate any questions. Again, herding cats is a constant test of my…patience. (deep breath) Now. On to the HOW-TO:
First-Read the envelope. Is it addressed to you and to you, only? Then YOU and YOU alone are invited. Next clue. Open the envelope. Does it say anywhere on the printed material, “and guest” or “and husband” or “and family’? If not, then the invitation is extended to YOU and You ALONE. Simple. If you do see “and bring who-ever” written anywhere, then you may bring the person described in that bring who-ever comment. Now. If the invitation tells you what to do, who to bring, what to wear, where to be, or gifts needed, well? ..honestly gifts are always appropriate…
Can you read simple instructions? Yes? Good Girl! READ it and do it. Oh and If this is a SALES event and not a P-A-R-T-Y- ,(think Tupperware, Pampered Chef, clothing company of any sort), then it is not really a party. It’s just a marketing buzz word called a “party” designed to make money for the host. All of these rules of engagement are null and void if the hostess/marketing specialist is trying to sell you something. You need not worry about any of this little bit of advice! Sales events are covered under a totally different set of rules. Oh and so are political fundraisers. So do not ask me to give money to a candidate unless you have me know it IS a party to raise money. (If you want to shop and your host makes money off you, then go to the event. If not, do not go. Simple.)
Now back to reading an invitation. If the group is a social group and the party is a Dutch treat affair, DO NOT expect the hostess to cover the cost of any of the party. If she tells you that a group is meeting for dinner and a movie, and bring a friend and it is DUTCH, fine. Come with Credit card or Cash. If the thing says, ”Dancing & Lady Chablis at Club One, call and buy tickets, Dutch” -THEN, call and buy your darn tickets. DO NOT expect anyone to be your Mommy and buy your tickets for you. Come or not.
Still confused? Read this. Honey Queen, call Club One and buy tickets, (if you want to go) for Jan 22nd, 10:30 show. MJQs wear full regalia and if you do not know what that means, well… I feel sorry for ya’. I am not telling you what to wear and I am not buying anything for you and if you can not make it…it is OK! really!!! But do NOT come and expect me to hold your hand and wipe your royal butt for you… (This is the Tough Love part of being in-charge.)
now dear MJQs, did that sound too harsh? waaay tooo angry and annoyed?…really?! …maybe somebody needs a time-out? NO!!! -Not you! Me!!! I am going to my quiet place now and think about all this…. where’s my tiara? putting jewels in my hair has a calming effect…ohmmmmmm….