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Does anyone use “calling cards” anymore when at someone’s party?

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Mrs James Dean (Mrs C) asked:


I read a book of 1955, and she spoke to abandoned, calling cards, so that they know, who was on the party. Obviously had the maps, the persons, name, address and telephone number. I plan a garden, and I wei

  1. Old Mister Happy
    April 6th, 2009 at 16:13 | #1

    That tradition was GONE for all practical purposes even by 1955. It was actually more of a Victorian thing, when people did drop by, unannounced, and simply left their “calling card” with the butler. Cards now are used related to business and are sometimes left at offices if a salesperson visits and hopes to get an appointment.

    A guest book would be the solution, if you want a record of who attended your party. A bit unusual, but not rude at all, and a nice keepsake especially if you don’t entertain often or this is something very special.

    Buick’s answer would make you seem ridiculous. People now have business cards, not “calling cards” and a tray of business cards has NO PLACE at a garden party, how tacky.

  2. Masto
    April 7th, 2009 at 08:00 | #2

    I agree with the first post. Provide a guestbook OR send some electronic e-invitations so that you have an electronic database of people who are going. You can also send out thank you cards after the event. Good luck!

  3. Tapestry6
    April 8th, 2009 at 16:52 | #3

    Yes its a lost tradition, it was very ‘in’ hundred years ago. But then people would vacation a lot (the rich ones) and would just leave a card to let people know they stopped by now everyone leaves email.

  4. buick
    April 9th, 2009 at 04:32 | #4

    Calling cards are starting to make a come-back in more trendy circles. What I’d suggest is that you put out the tray for the cards and have a small card beside it, or in the middle of it, saying “please leave your calling card” in a pretty script font.

    In your invitation, make a point of saying you’re having a traditional garden party. It’s ok that your company will be unsure of what “traditional” entails. When they arrive, they’ll see things like the calling card plate and perhaps other touches that really scream “traditional”.

    The key to starting a trend is consistency. Keep conducting your garden parties the same way, and what you’ll find is things like calling cards spontaneously appearing on the plate. It’s a fun way to make the experience more interactive for your guests. They’ll probably question it at some point and that’s your opportunity to give them a bit of history on the tradition and make some gentle idea suggestions that they try it themselves.

    Give it a shot and see what happens. :-)

  5. Just Jil
    April 10th, 2009 at 05:51 | #5

    Lost tradition. You can have a guest book instead. I love the antique Victorian calling cards..they are beautiful!

  6. Nerdy MILF
    April 12th, 2009 at 14:59 | #6

    I have people leave their digits on empty condom wrappers after **** nights. What? I can;t remember who all is in there!

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