I, too, would hate to arrive at a party and be given a "corporate-style" name tag, but I think an appropriate option would be ones that are nicely printed (first names only in larger type) with a lady-friendly font, on colorful paper, that could slide into plastic holders to be pinned on. The hostess should be responsible for this, or delegate to someone who has the proficiency. Then...make light of it as each one is handed theirs upone arrival! This seems more "tea luncheon-like" to me.

I agree and disagree with the name tag issue. I was recently in charge of a famiy reunion and I decided to go with name tags. Children grow so fast that you hardly recognize them from year to year and smaller children don't always remember great-great aunts and uncles right away. It is impersonal and some didn't participate which was not an issue, while some of the more enterprising young adults switched tags and drove us nuts most of the afternoon. Go with the flow. If it's an option some may decline while others feel more comfortable not asking names while in conversation. You could always change your name for the event just to see who's paying attention.

We had mother daughter grandma auntie whoever lol teas at our church. We usually used a nice wide ribbon and fabric painted the names neatly, or made little gloves out of paper lace and did calligraphy on them as name tags they dont have to be tacky they can be cute, or elegant or whatever....they are useful and in that kind of situation practical.

I don't know how well this would work for a formal affair, but they could design their own as an icebreaker activity. My wife has had to do this at a baby shower before. I think they might have even had to get to know one person and design the tag for that person. It could get the whole thing started in a more friendly manner.

Of course, there will always be a couple stodgy party poopers who won't want to participate. Those are the ones who will complain anyway. Some people choose to have a lousy time no matter what.