(Pictured above, left to right: Bella Ink's CH-12 and CH-18)
As a stationery manufacturer, we are asked all the time about printing, wording, punctuation and when to mail an invitation or "Thank You" card. Those decisions can be stressful for any host or hostess, but guests experience their own anxieties, including what to wear and how late an arrival is unfashionable?
With Thanksgiving only a day away, and the holiday party season hot on its heals, we thought it would be a good idea to interpret and share a couple tips from Allure Magazine's party etiquette article, which can be found in their December 2009 issue.
If you've ever been confused by the dress code listed on some party invitations, you're not alone. From casual to business attire, festive to black-tie, there are enough dress code categories to make you wonder what the difference really is from one to the next. Here are three, according to Allure, that you may see this holiday season:
Cocktail: Dress up your everyday look. You can wear pants, a dress, or a skirt. Top yourself off with some sparkle by embracing the current statement jewelry trend, and add some less than demure heels or boots... how high you go is up to you.
(Necklace: Kenneth Jay Lane at Shopbop.com, Outfit: Styled by Fashion Nerd at Shopstyle.com)
Festive: Festive also implies cocktail attire, but since the wording is a bit more lighthearted, feel free to infuse more personality into your look.
(Outfits, styled left to right by: Historie Girl and HanounaQ at Shopstyle.com)
Black-Tie: This category remains a bit more traditional. A dress, short or long, is usually expected. We fully support busting up gender norms with a fabulous pair of tuxedo pants or a tuxedo jacket embellished with sequins,though. Just don't wear them together!

(Outfits, styled left to right by: Historie Girl and if this is your look, on the right, let us know so we may credit you... Shopstyle.com)
Now that you know what you'll be wearing to the party, here are Allure's guidelines for making an entrance:
30 Minutes Late: Do not arrive any later or you may as well stay home!
15 Minutes Late: If your host or hostess has planned a sit-down dinner, you do not want to arrive any later than this without a phone call, and a very good excuse.
10 Minutes Late: When you have a group going out to dinner, don't keep them waiting beyond 10 minutes without calling. Many restaurants won't seat you unless you're entire party is present.
5 Minutes Late: Meeting a friend for lunch? After 5 minutes, he or she may begin to wonder, as they sit alone, whether there was a miscommunication about time and place.
0 Minutes Late: Never be late to a wedding, funeral, performance, or any event that your arrival will disrupt by requiring you to scoot to your seat. Just try this at a Blue Man Group performance and you'll learn your lesson.
In the past we've surveyed Bella Ink retailers about being fashionably late, and here's what they had to say:
"Not at all to a formal event, and between 10-20 minutes to a more casual party." (Sheryl of Stationery Station)
"Late enough to be noticed, but not too late that it angers others." (Jill of Westwood Paper Company)
"Five or ten minutes." (Sarah of The Inviting Place)
"Not good!" (Candy of Where's the Party)
Now you can get to Thanksgiving dinner on time, and in style.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!