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A device for the efficient welcoming of guests, at an embassy reception this is a line generally composed of ambassador and spouse together with any guest of honour. (At a big reception, selected senior diplomatic staff may also stand in the line.) As host, the ambassador will head the line, though a butler or other aide will sometimes stand in front to elicit and announce accurately the names of the guests, who then proceed down the line. Hosts normally ‘receive’ in this way for about half an hour after the time stated for the reception on the invitation. However, at a national day reception, for example, standing in line to welcome late arrivals may well merge into bidding goodbye to early departers, thus occupying virtually the whole period of the function. |
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