Planning an at-home dinner party can be even worse. There’s 11th-hour panic cleaning, cooking, and hoping the neighbors don’t freak with all the cars parked out front. Not to mention decorating.

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I grew up in a home where socialization was discouraged. We were not allowed to have friends over, and I never recall having people over for dinner. Now, as an adult, I’m ...

How can I tactfully word the invitation so everyone knows I’m inviting them to dinner, not treating them to one? I don’t want anyone to be embarrassed due to assumptions or expectations.