Being the sort of people they are, both hosts and guests would feel uncomfortable with less formality. But to most of us, informality is a happy and desirable state. We couldn't be formal with people we know and love well. Our good friends we can and do invite to our finest parties. But we can and do invite them for dinner on a moment's notice, knowing they won't mind taking pot-luck or a menu that is less than perfect.

But not all our good friends are alike, and although we can be sure they won't like each other as much as we like them, we can more easily risk mixing them with success. The general feelings of closeness and respect will bring harmony where there might be discomfort with a group of acquaintances.

Likewise the number of close friends you entertain at one time is less important: with good friends you can have a delightful time whether there is only one couple or a crowd overflowing your house. Slight physical discomfort doesn't matter to people who enjoy each other's company.

new friends
If you've just met some people you like, people you hope will be your friends, you will want to have them at your home for a party-per­haps a party for them. In making the guest list you consider which of your friends will also enjoy these newcomers. You make this a rather small party, if you're wise, because it's less confusing for the new guests. Instead of having only old friends, consider whether it might not be tactful, too, to ask one couple you know well and another rather new to town. This way, the four newcomers will have something in common, and will probably be particularly grateful for your thoughtfulness and hospitality.

women only
If one of your school or college friends moves into the neighborhood and you don't know her husband, give a luncheon for her to meet your close friends. This holds, too, for a lady newly moved onto your street with whom you've had some pleasant conversations and whom you're sure you'd like to know better. Many times, this is the beginning of a friendship which will never include the husbands.

If you want to do something especially pleasant for the President of the Women's Club, or any other woman with whom you have interests in common and whose husband and yours will, you know, hate each other on sight, a luncheon in her honor is exactly the right party.

mothers
It is a gracious and happy custom to give a luncheon in honor of some special person. If your mother or your husband's mother comes to visit for several days, this is probably the sort of entertainment which will please her most.