Is putting 'dinner party' on an invitation uncouth?

[Tailfeather]

I'm getting an invitation designed for my husband's and my joint 40th birthday. We're having caterers in and we're planning on canapés and cocktails followed by a 3-course supper. Would I invite people to a 'dinner party' or just invite them for supper or just invite them to a party?

(I do realise this isn't a massive issue in the grand scheme of things! But google hasn't helped, so I'm just looking for some opinions).

Thanks!

"Uncouth" always makes me think about when I might say that something is "couth". I have nothing else to add. Have fun!

Just spent a very enjoyable 10 minutes researching what the hell 'at home cards' are?! We're right, they are a very posh way of saying 'come round to ours, we'll be in and expecting guests'

I rather like them, I might get myself a set! Although none of my friends would know what they were and think I'd completely lost the plot

'A useful item for your personal stationery portfolio' indeed, it's like Downton!

”Just use your usual ‘at home’ cards”

Does the OP really seem like the kind of person who has “usual ‘at home’ cards”?

Good gracious, simple printed cards are really not that unusual, surely?
They are so useful and save the stress of worrying how to word invitations and are suitable for most occasions.

@CherryPavlova the 1700s have called and want to know if you're receiving callers ...

Don't be so pretentious. No-one has cards printed these days. And don't pretend that you do too!

Welcome to the 21st century Cherry, yes indeed having a stock of ready-printed cards certainly is unusual.

So obviously so that I’m guessing you’re on the wind-up.

The link above by Laska are quite Morge. Most people would want something simpler with just names, address, and ‘At Home’ printed on white or cream card.

Lol @ BIWI , how true!

Surely if they are all close friends it’s a group text of ‘posh nosh at ours, invite to follow’ and then the invite itself is just a bit of fun? You can make it look as posh as you like. Debretts is the best guide.

Birthday supper

Thanks everyone! I thought I was going to get scared for asking. But you have all been lovely. Feeling a bit sorry for @CherryPavlova. She was only trying to help! (Thank you).

Have opted for: 'Please join us for drinks, food and fun with friends'.

People do have them believe it or not. We have friends who live in Fulham and their mantlepiece is littered with them every time we visit.

I hate 'supper' as an alternative to 'dinner' or 'to eat'. Supper is a couple of crackers and cheese or toast and tea before bed up here in the north-east.

I think I'd say 'drinks, dinner and fun with friends' just to make it really clear that you're providing a proper meal for them - as opposed to just snacks. Nothing worse than not knowing if you should eat before you go, or eating before you go and then being faced with a massive 5 course meal!

lol at just use your usual at home cards, ha ha.

I'm well down with the Uncouth Proles , but I do have an old friend whose husband is a Lord Lieutenant and they dont have 'At Home' or any other cards.. (but then they are not from the usual 'society' stock that a lot of LLs are either )

And fun with friends makes it sound like a sex party!

But yes I'd say drinks and dinner on the (email ) or 'Come to my party' (possibly Peppa Pig!) stationery ( as that's what we'd most likely have in ..) invite..

And fun with friends makes it sound like a sex party! 

Oh no!!!! 🙈

Back to the drawing boards.....

The fun with friends sounds like you’re planning some wife swapping.

I'd say dinner instead of food, otherwise they'll eat before they come to you, thinking they'll be getting chicken vol aux vent and a sausage roll.

Drinks food and fun sounds the polar opposite of what you are planning though, if that was on the invite I would expect everyone to be in party hats doing the conga round your living room with some buffet food from Iceland and a bowl especially for everyone’s keys....... honestly just say what it is! a dinner party!

Yes "fun" sounds like "entertainment by Ann Summers"!

I would say "an evening to celebrate the birthday of Milady and Miladys dh."

Then in the corner cocktails dinner

I have At home cards!