or semipublic functions, such as club
dinners or luncheons, society receptions, school or college
graduations, receptions given by the heads of business houses on
anniversaries or at openings, civil or state receptions, charitable
social affairs, and the like.

As a rule, the etiquette and duties of such occasions do not vary
greatly from those of the more private affairs, but usually greater
formality is observed, and there is less responsibility on the part of
the public entertainers for the details of the service.

At a club reception and luncheon, the president and chief officers of
the club, with the guests of the day, stand in line and receive for a
half-hour or more, in the parlors of the club. When all the guests, or
the most of them, have assembled, the procession to the dining-room is
headed by the president with the guest of greatest distinction, who is
seated at his right. The other officers follow in order of rank, with
the other guests in order of distinction.

After dinner, when the last course is completed and the debris
removed, so that the tables present a neat appearance with their
decorations intact, the president rises and raps for order. Then,
after a few introductory remarks, he begins the program of the day.
These programs vary greatly, but usually include after-dinner speeches
of the light and happy or only semiserious order,--unless the purpose
for which all are gathered is of serious moment,--music both
instrumental and vocal, by excellent performers, and the responses to
the speeches, either by the president or by others of the officers who
may be called upon for brief and pertinent remarks. A spirit of
good-will and enthusiasm should characterize such a gathering,
whatever the object of it.

When one is appointed on the entertainment committee of a club, or of
a city, or other body of people, for the holding of a congress of any
sort, it is necessary to provide in minute detail for the
entertainment of guests for a period covering the entire time of their
stay. Such guests should be met at the depot or boat landing, should
be given every assistance toward making them acquainted with the
officers of the congress and club, and with the city, and every detail
of provision for their comfort should be looked out for. Personal
social claims upon their time should not be so made as to conflict
with their real interest in coming, or with the advantages they may
have sought in the visit, for car