A soiree is a small party where the members of one [[tags/Nest]] visit another for the purpose of socializing and entertainment, which the hosting nest is supposed to provide. Soirees are generally held between nests which are on good terms and are considered "informal", which of course means "still pretty formal". The closer the members of the nests are, the less formal they become. ==== Organization ==== A soiree is organized by a nest, the hosting nest, and the task generally falls to one or more of the female members, who are expected to set things up in such a way as to offer something for all participants. A soiree is, in principle, between two nests, but if neither nest is large, it is acceptable to invite an additional person or two. In particular, it would be appropriate to invite those who live on their own, since it is presumed they have less opportunity to socialize otherwise. ---- Invitation ---- Soirees are initiated by the host nest, who send a letter to the visiting nest. This is most commonly done in a letter between the senior female members of the two nests. Invitations of a soiree always cover the entirety of the nest - it is not possible to invite some members but not others. Before any formal invitations are sent, it is not uncommon for a member of the hosting nest to talk to a member of the visiting nest to ensure the availability of the date. ---- Entertainment ---- It is not customary to hire entertainers for a soiree - doing so reeks of [[Clan Pollentia|nouveaux riche]] and is considered to lack any personal touch. Instead, the hosting nest is expected to provide the entertainment themselves. This means members of the nest will play instruments, sing, read poetry, put on a small recital, and generally do something to keep the audience entertained. Games are normally avoided, unless the two nests know one another so intimately that the host has nothing new in terms of entertainment to offer. ==== Social Customs ==== It is customary for all members of each nest to attend. While it is acceptable for one, or in case of a large nest two members to be absent, it should certainly not be a regular occurrence that one particular member of the nest is absent, lest the visiting nest may reasonably presume that member of the nest hates them and wants them to die. When experiencing the hosts entertainment, the guests are supposed to show interest in the performance and should give honest compliments - even if the performance was horrifyingly bad. This can lead to some extremely "creative" compliments. ---- Clothing ---- Soirees are considered "informal" and as such allow a bit more freedom in what is worn - care should be taken not to make it //too// informal, especially with nests who only recently got acquainted. Gentlemen should wear an evening outfit or lounge suit of a dark colour. No gloves are worn and hats are taken off upon entry and not put back on until it is time to leave. Beyond this, men can pick and choose accessories and jewellery so long as it is tasteful and not to excess. Ladies should wear an evening gown with short, puffed or ruffled sleeves in a modest colour, usually pastels, with white or matching gloves. Some cleavage can be shown, but not too much. Jewellery is fine, but should not be too flashy. Hair pieces can be worn, but hats should be avoided. ---- Reciprocation ---- Once a soiree has taken place, the guest is expected to reciprocate with their own invitation for a soiree. Generally it is customary to leave some time in between these events. Since soirees are the common means by which two nests mingle and spend time together, a nest should organize a soiree for each of the befriended nests at least once per season. If a nest is not invited for a whole season, it is presumed that members of the two nests are no longer in one another's social circle. As such, it can be a convenient way to get rid of undesirable members of the social circle - however, pay mind that if the other nest invites first, you cannot avoid reciprocating and therefore the relation remains intact for at least another season. Additionally, you cannot remove only some members from your social circle - its the entire nest on both sides.