Invitations in the US 美國習俗

　　A party invitation can turn into a nightmare if you don't know the customs and do not know how to act properly in a gathering. Don't worry! We will tell you something about American parties and how to get ready for them. 收到聚會邀請，不清楚聚會禮儀的你不必心焦，實用小貼士即刻奉上。

　　美國聚會禮儀的典型例句：

　　If nothing else, people may want to show off their house. 如果(請客)不是為了其它原因，人們可能是想炫耀一下自己的房子。

　　After having spent a huge amount of time and money in fixing up the place, I think it's nice to have people come and admire the results. 在投入了大量的時間和金錢裝修房子之后，請別人來欣賞一下裝修結果還是不錯的。

　　You needn't say yes or no on the spot, but you should provide an answer as soon as possible. 你不用立即接受或拒絕，但是應該盡快答復。

　　If the party includes business associates, a suit is more likely to be in order. 如果聚會有業(yè)務合伙人參加，穿西服會更合適一些。

　　Among good friends, there 's less dressing up. 好友們的聚會上，不用那么盛裝打扮。

　　Q&A:

　　Q:Why do people hold parties?

　　A:

　　1. There doesn't have to be a particular reason for a party.

　　2. According to a Chinese visitor to the US, people seldom have a very good time at American parties.

　　3. Sometimes people invite you to parties just because they want to impress you with and display their house.

　　Q:What are the customs of responding to an invitation?

　　A:When you receive an invitation by telephone, you should respond to it on the spot.

　　Q:Whom can one bring if he/she is invited to a party?

　　A:

　　1. If you are married and have children, you can't necessarily bring your spouse and children to a party if you are invited.

　　2. You should never bring a guest that is not expected.

　　Q:What should one wear to attend parties?

　　A:

　　1. One needs to wear suit if the party includes business associates.

　　2. In a party for good friends, there will be less dressing up.

　　3. In a party for old classmates, it is proper for gentlemen to wear sweaters and slacks.

　　4. Older people may choose to wear suits and dresses to their friends' parties.

　　5. For women, dressy pants with a blouse fit at all kinds of parties in the US.

　　6. In the US, pants are considered less graceful and formal than a skirt.

　　7. You can ask the hosts directly if you have no idea about what to wear.

　　學了這么多，你會用自己的話總結一下接到聚會邀請之后該怎么做嗎?下面的這段話供你參考。

　　When you receive an invitation, you don't have to say yes or no immediately, but you should give an answer as soon as possible. Make sure you know the time and place of the party. Make sure you express pleasure or thanks to the host. If you are married or live with someone, you can bring him/her with you as long as your host knows that you have a spouse or partner. If the party includes business associates, a suit will be proper. If the party is just for friends, you don't need to dress formally.