1. Americans often plan social gatherings on short notice, so don’t be surprised if you get invited to someone’s home or to see movie or basketball game without much warning. If the time is convenient for you, by all means accept their invitation. But if you’re occupied at that time, don’t be afraid to refuse the invitation, perhaps suggesting a time that would be better. Your host won’t be shamed.翻译
美国人经常在短时间内决定聚会安排，因此如果事先毫无准备就被邀请去某人家做客，或去看电影或者篮球赛，你也不必感到惊奇。如果时间允许，你一定要接受他们的邀请。但是如果你当时很忙，不要害怕拒绝邀请，或许你可以提议一个更好的时间。这样，邀请你的人就不会感到没面子。
2. If a friend has invited you to drop by anytime, it is best to call before visiting to make sure it is convenient for him. Do not stay too long, since you do not want to overstay your welcome.翻译
如果你的朋友邀请你有空时去家里坐坐，最好在去之前先打个电话确定你的造访是否方便。不要呆太久以免让人生厌。
3. Invitations are usually sent in person or over the telephone. The main exception is for receptions and other formal occasions, in which case a written invitation will be mailed. You would often receive a written invitation to a wedding ceremony.翻译
邀请一般要当面或者通过电话发出。欢迎会或其他正式场合就不一样了，这种场合需要邮寄正式的邀请函。通常你会收到参加婚礼的邀请信。
4. For a casual dinner invitation, don’t arrive more than 5 minutes early, because your host may still be preparing for your visit. Arriving more than 10 minutes late is considered rude if very few people were invited. If many people were invited, it’s OK to arrive a little late, even as much as half an hour late. For example, it’s OK to arrive late for a party or for a social gathering with a large number of people.翻译
参加非正式的宴会，早到不要超过5分钟，因为主人或许还在为你的到访做准备。如果受邀请的人较少，那么迟到10分钟以上被认为是无礼的。如果受邀请的客人很多，那么迟到一会儿也无妨，你甚至可以迟到半小时。例如，参加宴会或和一群人参加社交活动都可以迟到一会儿。
5. If you’re invited for dinner, it’s appropriate to bring the host a bottle of wine, a gift basket of fruit, a box of candy or a bunch of flowers. Don’t bring roses, as men often give roses to women on a
date.翻译
如果你应邀参加晚宴，最好送主人一瓶酒、一个水果篮、一盒糖或者一束鲜花。不要送红玫瑰，因为男人通常在约会时送女人红玫瑰。
6. If you wish to thank the host for his or her warm reception, it’s right to call or send a written thank-you note the next day.翻译
如果你要感谢主人的热情款待，最好在第二天打电话或者送封信致谢。