Recepties

Recepties is the plural of receptie in Dutch. The word can refer to two related concepts: a social event organized to welcome, honor, or mark a particular occasion, and the reception area of a building where visitors are greeted.

Social receptions range from informal gatherings to formal ceremonies, and take place in private homes, hotels, or venues. Common types include wedding receptions, corporate receptions, and diplomatic or ceremonial receptions. Typical features include invitations and a guest list, food and drinks, sometimes a program with speeches or toasts, background music, and a schedule that guides arrival, mingling, and departure.

In architecture and hospitality, a reception also denotes the front desk and waiting area in hotels, offices, hospitals, and other facilities. The reception area is usually the first point of contact for visitors, providing information, screening or directing guests, and guiding them to staff or appropriate rooms.

The term derives from the French reception and the Latin receptio, through long-standing European usage. Over time recepties have become common in many social and professional contexts, ranging from intimate gatherings to large official functions.