DEAR MISS MANNERS: How do you get people to RSVP in a timely manner? My suggestion is to mention, in your invitation, that you have only a specific number of dinners, special treats, surprise ...

Dear Miss Manners: A pair of neighbors hosted my wife and me for an impromptu dinner, to which we contributed a nice salad. The food was fine, the apartment lovely. We have sent them a thank-you note.

Let's say you've received an invitation via email or—more serious yet—via that ancient mode of communication, the post (with stamps and everything). It reads "Please come for dinner, Eight O'Clock, ...