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 "Dame Curtsey's" Book of Party Pastimes 
 for the Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
The "Dame Curtsey" Books 
 
 " DAME CURTSEY'S" BOOK OF NOVEL 
 ENTERTAINMENTS FOR EVERY DAY 
 IN THE YEAR. Illustrated with numer- 
 ous photographs and line drawings. 
 Handy 12mo. Boards, $1.00 ; leather, 
 $1.75 net. 
 
 " DAME CURTSEY'S " BOOKOF GUESS- 
 ING CONTESTS. Boards, 50 cents net. 
 
 MORE GUESSING CONTESTS. By 
 "Dame Curtsey." Boards, 50 cents net. 
 
 "DAME CURTSEY'S" BOOK OF ETI- 
 QUETTE. Frontispiece. Boards, 50 
 cents net. 
 
 •• DAME CURTSEY'S " BOOK OF REC- 
 IPES. Illustrated. Boards, $1.00 net. 
 
 A. C. McCLURG & CO., Publishers, 
 CHICAGO 
 
 o 
 
COSTUME BARN PARTY 
 
"Dame Curtsey's" Book of Party 
 
 Pastimes for the Up-to- 
 
 Date Hostess 
 
 By 
 
 Ellye Howell Glover 
 
 Author of "Dame Curtsey's" Book 
 
 of Novel Entertainments for 
 
 Every Day in the Year 
 
 Etc. 
 
 Chicago 
 
 A. C. McClurg & Co. 
 
 1912 
 
s" 
 
 A^ 
 
 
 Copyright 
 
 A C. McCLURG & CO 
 
 1912 
 
 Published September, 1912 
 
 ^, F. HALL PRINTING COMPANY. CHICAGO 
 
 ^CI.A320869 
 
Foreword 
 
 THE success of the "Dame Curtsey'' books has been 
 such as to warrant the pubHcation of the present 
 volume in response to the constant demand for 
 "something new, something different'' that every hostess 
 desires for her parties whether large or small. The 
 schemes herein presented are all practical, many of them 
 arranged for moderate purses, with directions clearly 
 stated, for the benefit of the thousands of people who 
 have no time to do their own thinking. Acknowledge- 
 ment is due The Chicago Record-Herald and The Inter- 
 national Press Bureau for the privilege of using much 
 of the material that makes this book possible. 
 
 E. H. G. 
 Chicago, July i, 19 12. 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 CHAPTER PAGE 
 
 I Pastimes for January i 
 
 II Pastimes for February . . . o . 13 
 
 III Pastimes for March 34 
 
 IV Pastimes for April 50 
 
 V Pastimes for May 68 
 
 VI Pastimes for June 78 
 
 VII Pastimes for July 98 
 
 VIII Pastimes for August 105 
 
 IX Pastimes for September 116 
 
 X Pastimes for October 123 
 
 XI Pastimes for November 145 
 
 XII Pastimes for December 159 
 
 XIII Party Pastimes for All Occasions . .178 
 
 XIV Party Pastimes for Children's Birth- 
 
 days AND Common Days . . . . 215 
 
 XV Choosing Partners — After Dinner 
 
 Tricks 238 
 
 XVI Suggestions for Bazars and Church 
 
 Socials 245 
 
 XVII Pastimes for Showers and Announce- 
 ments 266 
 
Party Pastimes for the Up-to-Date 
 
 Hostess 
 
 CHAPTER L— PASTIMES FOR JANUARY 
 
 A New Year's Toast 
 
 Here's to the old year! Drink, hoys, drink. 
 Here's to the days that have fled, 
 Old friends, old wine, old memories; 
 Drink to the joys that are dead. 
 
 Here's to the Nezv Year stretching ahead, 
 To the days that are blithesome and gay. 
 May the joys of the old he the joys of the new, 
 Its sorrows fade gently away. 
 
 For the New Year 
 
 ALL over the world New Year's Day is a joyous 
 season, and the custom of giving presents is a most 
 ancient one. In olden days the Romans carried 
 gifts of dates and figs wrapped in gold leaf to their sena- 
 tors with small bits of money. In the time of Shakespeare 
 there were some very odd gifts associated with New 
 Year's Day, among them an orange stuffed with cloves, 
 or a gilt nutmeg. 
 
 In France it is the general custom to present one's 
 friends with a gift at New Year's, and I find many people 
 do it here. Many of us love all occasions on which we 
 have the opportunity of remembering our loved ones. 
 Here is a charming verselet to accompany the gift from 
 a sweetheart : 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 • Another year of smiles and tears, 
 Another year of grief or glee, 
 Another year of all my years 
 I dedicate to thee. 
 
 Diaries and ''Line-a-Day'' books are always acceptable 
 gifts, and doubly valuable if inscribed with a sentiment 
 like this, written in the giver's own hand : 
 
 My sheets invite 
 The hand to write 
 Each day on one 
 Of something done — 
 I trust, no ill ; 
 But better still 
 A blotted scrawl 
 Than naught at all. 
 
 All those who contemplate having friends to watch the 
 New Year come in will welcome this invitation and close 
 the envelope with a ''beir' seal, or write the message in 
 gold on a white bell-shaped card; add hour and address 
 with name of hostess: 
 
 Soon the midnight bell will chime, 
 "One lap more for Father Time !" 
 Come with song and merry din 
 Help us bring the New Year in ! 
 
 Greetings for the New Year 
 
 Child of eternity, child of the silence. 
 
 Fair New Year, 
 Wise with the wisdom sages have left thee, 
 
 Bend thine ear; 
 Lift up the veil that covers thy features, 
 
 Strange New Year ! 
 Rainbow a promise over the darkness. 
 
 Lest we fear. 
 Bury our yesterdays, foolish and empty, 
 
 Fathoms deep ; 
 Leaving the mound unmarked, untended. 
 
 Where they sleep. 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 Then shall the morrows find us valiant, 
 
 Scorning fear, — 
 Meeting thy glance with glance undaunted, 
 
 Glad New Year! 
 
 A New Year's Eve Party 
 
 This really clever affair was original with the hostess. 
 There were twelve guests. Each one was assigned a 
 month in the invitation, and she came dressed to repre- 
 sent that month. Then each girl had the privilege of 
 asking a man who was to come representing an event 
 or prominent person associated with the month repre- 
 sented by his fair lady. 
 
 On arriving, it was most interesting to see the ways 
 the girls took to represent the months, and their escorts 
 the events. For instance, an animated firecracker accom- 
 panied "Ju'y/' ^ Santa Claus came with ''December,'' 
 who was clad in pure white with a chaplet of holly. 
 
 There was an informal dance, and at eleven o'clock 
 refreshments were served. The guests all watching the 
 hands of the clock, at five minutes before twelve arose, 
 joined hands and sang, ''Auld Lang Syne.'' As the hour 
 sounded, the hostess opened the front door for the passing 
 out of the Old Year and the entrance of the little 
 New Year. 
 
 There was a fortune cake containing a good wish or a 
 prediction for each one. The latter were tightly rolled 
 and concealed in gilded nutshells. The place cards were 
 cut in bell shape and had little calendars on them tied with 
 a knot of red ribbon. The one who guessed the most 
 events or characters was presented with a wee travelling 
 clock ; the other two prizes were calendars. 
 
 Party for New Year's Eve 
 
 The invitations were on bell-shaped bits of red card- 
 board, with lettering done in gold. The wording was to 
 
 3 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 this effect : "Miss Blank requests your presence at a cal- 
 endar party on the eve of the New Year to bid farewell 
 to an old friend and welcome a new-comer. Please come 
 wearing something to represent the month of your birth, 
 one of the special days, if possible." 
 
 On the night in question it was a most bewitching sight. 
 Many had the flower, stone, and verse representing their 
 birth month, and some wore an object to represent the 
 special day or days in that month. For instance, July was 
 gay with red, white, and blue and a fringe of small fire- 
 crackers around the tunic of the gown, with a crown of 
 gilt stars, and silk flags on the side of the bodice. She 
 carried a basket of poppies, wore an enormous ruby ring 
 and presented a card to the hostess, which read : 
 
 Those who in warm July are born, 
 The glowing ruby should adorn; 
 Then will they be exempt and free 
 From love's doubts amd anxiety. 
 
 In the dining-room the table was in yellow, with a 
 small tree for a centrepiece trimmed with gilt tinsel and 
 small crepe paper oranges ; each one contained a small 
 gift; in gilded walnut-shells on the tree, there was a 
 "wish" for each guest. In fact, the hostess called it a 
 "wish tree.'' The favors were dainty calendars; with 
 the ice cream a "prophecy" cake appeared, containing 
 a number of small articles, such as a ring, heart, wish- 
 bone, thimble, button, coin. 
 
 New Year's Reception 
 
 New Year's calls, like many other good old fashions, 
 are returning to favor, and it is now quite the thing to 
 give receptions on the first day of the year. Especially 
 for debutantes is the time auspicious, for the men have 
 no excuse to offer for not being present. The hours are 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 from 4 to 7 and the opportunity is great, for everyone 
 is apt to be in a holiday humor. After the reception an 
 informal dance may follow with only ices served. The 
 Christmas greens are in evidence, with mistletoe hung in 
 bunches fastened by scarlet satin ribbons. 
 
 There was an old custom that said mistletoe should 
 be used at Christmas only, but the legends say that 
 Christmas lasts until the sixth of January, or "twelfth 
 night"; so, make the best possible use of the mistletoe, 
 as there is something very fascinating about its waxen 
 berries combined with holly. 
 
 Punch may be served ; or a frozen eggnog is very nice 
 and has a touch of novelty. Surround the bowl with a 
 huge wreath of holly. In the dining-room the usual 
 reception refreshments may be offered. 
 
 A Good Resolution Party 
 
 This, of course, should take place on New Year's Eve. 
 Pass slips of paper with the word ''Resolved'' written 
 at the top, with the request that a set of six resolutions 
 be written, to be unsigned, but read aloud by the hostess 
 at the supper to be served at ten o'clock. The hour for 
 this party was ten, so that all would be on hand to wel- 
 come the New Year. I give examples of ''resolves" that 
 were forthcoming at such a party : 
 
 I will be as honest as the times will permit. 
 
 I will spend less time before my mirror — be the self-denial 
 what it may! 
 
 I will break no more hearts. 
 
 I will not cross bridges before I get to them — it would be too 
 difficult. 
 
 I will be good to all, but gooder to myself. 
 
 I will tell no more lies — except social ones, which are neces- 
 sary, or I should be ousted from society. 
 
 I will be what I wish to^ be thought. 
 
 I will live closer to my ideals. 
 
 My best self shall rule. 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 Where I pluck out a fault, I will try to plant a virtue. 
 I will look at life through rose-colored spectacles. 
 I will welcome all the bits of happiness by the way. 
 
 As the hostess read them the guests tried to guess who 
 was the author, and the one who guessed the most 
 correctly was awarded a large calendar. 
 
 The place cards at the table were small calendars with 
 
 pictures of the new home of the hostess at the top. At 
 
 each cover there was either a tin horn or a small drum 
 
 which was used on the stroke of midnight. At each 
 
 plate she had a tall white candle and a ball of red and 
 
 black cord, which, she explained, signified the ''joys and 
 
 sorrows'' of the year. To the balls cards were attached 
 
 bearing this sentiment: 
 
 Twine ye, twist ye, even so 
 Mingle shades of joy and woe, 
 Hope and fear and peace and strife, 
 In the thread of human life. 
 
 After the spread each guest was told to unwind his 
 or her ball onto a gilded stick, and at the end of the 
 "life'' line would be found a hope or ambition realized. 
 As the hostess knew the people very intimately, it was 
 not difficult to provide symbolic favors. For instance, 
 the young doctor found a wee automobile at the end of 
 his string; the girl with the wanderlust strongly devel- 
 oped found a tiny steamer; the musically inclined man 
 found a violin, etc. The flowers w^ere white, and at the 
 request of the hostess the girls wore white, and the men 
 came in summer flannels. It was a very pretty ending to 
 a happy New Year's day now gone to join the procession 
 of eternal years, one of the annals of the past. 
 
 A Calendar Luncheon 
 
 This luncheon may be given any time during January. 
 Ask just twelve guests and write the invitations on little 
 
 6 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 calendars. Have tiny pads and pencils at each plate, the 
 name being written on the first leaf. With each course, 
 six in all, two resolutions are to be written, after which 
 the pad is passed so the resolutions will be written by dif- 
 ferent persons. The hostess is to read all aloud when the 
 after-dinner coffee is served around the grate fire in the 
 living-room. 
 
 This game may be played: Suspend twelve baskets 
 from an archway or in the doorway, each one with the 
 name of a month on it. Provide twelve rubber balls, 
 each with the name of a month printed on in black. 
 The trick is to see who can place the greatest number 
 of balls in the right baskets. The score does not count 
 if the ball does not go into basket of same name. Each 
 person is permitted two throws with each ball. This 
 is a hard game and full of fun. Award a calendar 
 for a prize. 
 
 A Calendar Tea 
 
 May be arranged in this way: In the invitation ask 
 each guest to state her birthday month when she accepts. 
 Then, if it is a large tea or luncheon seat those having 
 the same month at tables decorated especially to repre- 
 sent it. On the place card have written important events 
 of the month, the stone, the flower and the motto, if there 
 is one ; also names of great men and women who have 
 been born in the month. This makes very interesting 
 conversation. 
 
 Novelty for a New Year's Dance 
 
 Have a florist make a large bell of wire; cover the 
 frame with holly; a rim of mistletoe adds to the attrac- 
 tion. Get balls of confetti; wrap in white tissue paper, 
 dip in liquid glue, then in diamond dust ; place these balls 
 inside the bell ; paste paper across the bottom, permitting 
 four ribbons of red and green to come through from the 
 
 i» 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 clapper. When the hostess wishes, four guests pull the 
 ribbons, each guest gets a ball and a merry pelting with 
 confetti follows, and all wish each other a *'Happy New 
 Year." This is best for the close of the party. If the 
 party winds up with a cotillion the favors may be horns, 
 bells, calendars, and all good luck symbols. 
 
 A January Birthday Luncheon 
 
 This pretty luncheon was hastily arranged in honor of 
 a friend who was going away, and by accident the hostess 
 learned the day set for her entertainment was also her 
 friend's birthday. As the guests were all very intimate 
 friends and only too glad of the opportunity to show 
 some attention to the departing guest, they all contributed 
 a small sum with which the hostess purchased a charming 
 garnet bar-pin. It was tied to a bouquet of red roses. On 
 the card was written this verse, allotted to the month of 
 January : 
 
 By her, who in this month is born. 
 No gems save garnets should be worn; 
 They will insure her constancy, 
 True friendship and fidelity. 
 
 The flower for the month is the pearly snowdrop, and 
 there was a huge bunch of them in a red Bohemian glass 
 bowl for the table centrepiece. Red candles were used 
 with shades of the same color, and a lovely fire blazed 
 in the grate. Altogether it was a most hospitable aflfair. 
 With the dessert of frozen pudding came a birthday cake 
 with the name of the guest picked out in small red 
 candies. The cake was on a candle board surrounded 
 by a circle of blazing red candles. Each guest made a 
 wish and blew one out before the cake was cut. After 
 this the maid brought in the bouquet on a silver tray, 
 and the pin tied in a wee white box with garnet ribbon 
 was discovered. 
 
 8 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 An "Old Christmas" Party 
 
 The sixth of January brings "Twelfth Night," or as it 
 was called in olden times, "Old Christmas." This date 
 is really the "Epiphany," and is commemorated by 
 Churchmen as the day Christ was made manifest to the 
 Gentiles. 
 
 On this day the Magi or Three Wise Men from the 
 East, led by the star of Bethlehem, came with their gifts. 
 How many of us remember Longfellow's poem, which 
 begins : 
 
 Three kings came riding from far away, 
 
 Melchior and Caspar and Balthasar. 
 Three wise men out of the East were they, 
 And they travelled by night and they slept by day, 
 
 For their guide was a beautiful, wonderful star. 
 
 The custom of celebrating this day is prevalent in 
 nearly all the European countries, and it is the j oiliest 
 kind of a feast day in England. With some of the ideas 
 given here I am sure many a hostess will arrange a party 
 that will bring the holiday season to a memorable close. 
 
 One thing that must be done is to burn every vestige 
 of Christmas greenery. If perchance any be left, the 
 place will be haunted by gobblins, one for every unburned 
 twig or leaf. If there has been a Yule log, a bit of it 
 must be saved with which to kindle the next year's Yule- 
 tide fire. Personally, I knew a man, one of God's noble- 
 men, who to the very last of his life clung to this tradi- 
 tional custom. Even when he lived in one of our great 
 cities and had only a wee grate, he burned a small slab 
 of wood in lieu of the Yule log and carefully saved a 
 fragment to lay on the grate "the next" Christmas. 
 Would there were more of us alive to the sentimental 
 side of things ; we would not have so many common- 
 place days. Here is a verse in the quaint old spelling 
 
 9 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 that tells better than I can of this custom. I cannot give 
 the author credit, as it is unsigned : 
 
 Kindle the Christmas brand, and then 
 
 Till sunset let it burne, 
 Which quenched, then lay it up again 
 
 Till Christmas next returne. 
 
 Part must be kept, wherewith to teend 
 
 The Christmas log next yeare; 
 Where it is safely kept, the fiend 
 
 Can do no mischief there. 
 
 A large cake is part of the Twelfth Night refresh- 
 ments; in England the bakers used to try to outdo one 
 another in their wonderful creations, and their triumphs 
 were on display in shop windows, before which throngs 
 gathered. In a cake to be eaten on this occasion there 
 must go a bean, a pea, and a clove. If a man draws the 
 bean, he is the king. If a girl gets it she presents it to 
 the man she wishes to honor. The pea makes its owner 
 ''queen" if a girl gets it; a man getting it presents it 'to 
 the girl he wishes to honor, and the one whose slice 
 contains the clove must be the court jester, regardless 
 whether it is a boy or girl. The evening may be filled 
 with all sorts of merry games, dancing, and revelry, for 
 at midnight the **Lord of Misrule" ends his reign. The 
 twelve days of feasting are over, and the world settles 
 down into a regular routine. 
 
 St. Agnes's Eve 
 
 St. Agnes's eve comes on the twentieth of January, 
 and a hostess may give the required touch of novelty 
 by following out some of the omens and traditions sup- 
 posed to be connected with this day. 
 
 On St. Agnes's eve young maidens were supposed to 
 peer into the future to divine the character of intended 
 
 lO 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 husbands. It was a time for love prophecies, the pin 
 test being especially popular. So a paper of dolFs pins 
 might be laid beside each plate with a copy of this quaint 
 jingle: 
 
 I stick this pin, this pin I stick, 
 To know the thing I know not yet; 
 That I may see 
 
 The man that shall my husband be — 
 Not in his best or worst array, 
 But what he weareth every day, 
 That I to-morrow may him ken 
 From among all other men. 
 
 A row of pins is taken out while a line is repeated, and 
 all the pins must be put in the sleeve. To make the charm 
 effective, they say, the waist with all the pins must be 
 worn all night. The man who comes to remove the pins 
 is the one. I suppose if the maiden has a dreamless night 
 that she is doomed to single blessedness for another year. 
 
 Rosemary and thyme were the especial flowers to be 
 used on this day. If the old-fashioned posies can be 
 found, put a nosegay at each plate with a pair of tiny 
 wooden shoes. At the finish of the luncheon, dinner or 
 whatever the affair may be, each girl is to take a bit of 
 ''rosemary and thyme'' and place in the shoes. When she 
 goes to bed a shoe is to be placed on either side of her 
 downy couch to insure just the right dreams and their 
 happy fulfillment. 
 
 White flowers, with a white menu as far as possible, 
 make a table pretty, passing with dessert a tray of 
 marshmallows and a wee glass candlestick containing a 
 white candle, one for each guest, to be taken as souvenirs. 
 Toasting marshmallows at the table and watching to see 
 whose candle burns the longest, is a happy finale to a 
 luncheon or dinner. The first candle to go out foretells, 
 '*no wedding for a year,'' the one with a flickering flame 
 
 II 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 denotes an interrupted courtship ; the one that burns clean 
 and clear to the socket means a wedding within a year. 
 
 These suggestions may be utilized by each individual 
 hostess as best suits her needs. Probably not one in ten 
 will remember that it is the eve of St. Agnes, and the 
 words may be written on the invitation just to give people 
 something to think about. 
 
 Toasts for the New Year 
 
 God bless the master of this house, 
 
 Likewise the mistress, too, 
 And all the little children 
 
 To whom the day is new. 
 
 Welcome be ye that are here, 
 Welcome all and make good cheer. 
 Welcome all another year. 
 
 Under mistletoe and holly 
 
 A party gay and jolly 
 
 In games will pass the hours away 
 
 Of this our festive New Year's Day. 
 
 Ring out the old, ring in the new; 
 
 Ring, happy bells, across the snow; 
 The year is going, let him go; 
 
 Ring out the false, ring in the true. 
 
 May every joy attend you, 
 And Heaven daily send you. 
 Blessings in heart and home. 
 
 A resolution let us make. 
 
 On this bright New Year's Day, 
 Throughout the year we'll wear a smile. 
 
 And fret dull care away. 
 
 Come, let's join the merry throng! 
 
 Upon the coach of life we'll ride, 
 Speeding the coming year along 
 
 Happy we'll be, whate'er betide. 
 
 12 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 CHAPTER H.— PASTIMES FOR FEBRUARY 
 
 For Candlemas Day 
 
 ON the second day of February comes Candlemas 
 Day, which was observed by our remote ancestors 
 as reHgiously as Christmas. In fact, all of 
 our festival days had their origin in religious rites and 
 ceremonies. This special day was a feast of the purifi- 
 cation of the blessed Virgin. In ancient times to burn 
 candles on this day was supposed to ward ofif evil spirits 
 for the ensuing year. The candles were also symbolical 
 of our Lord's being the Light of the World. For a 
 luncheon have an unshaded taper at each place ; and white 
 flowers must be used, snowdrops if procurable, Roman 
 hyacinths and lilies of the valley are both suitable. With 
 delicate maidenhair ferns and a circle of white candles 
 the table will be beautiful in its purity. 
 
 Where doll supplies are kept, tiny candles and candela- 
 bra may be obtained that are intended for the furnish- 
 ing of doll houses ; they will make just the right souvenirs 
 for an occasion of this kind. At the end of the feast pass 
 wax matches and request each girl to light her candle. 
 A bright spot in the flame denotes the receiving of a 
 looked- for letter; if the flame is wavering there will be 
 a spell of bad weather. In Europe they say : 
 
 If Candlemas be fair and clear 
 There'll be two winters in the year. 
 
 The candle burning the longest means a happy, pros- 
 perous marriage; the one that goes out first augurs ill 
 
 13 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 for the bride. Before the candles are permitted to go 
 entirely out, try this fortune: Let each girl stand three 
 paces from the light and endeavor to blow it out with 
 as few puffs as possible — for each blow denotes a year's 
 delay in her wedding. The ice cream may be served in 
 candle moulds, and a blanched almond lighted and put 
 in for a wick will burn for several moments — long 
 enough to bring out a chorus of "Ohs" and **Ahs,'' when 
 brought to the table. The scheme will give the added 
 touch of ^'something different'' so eagerly sought by 
 hostesses, and will afford a new topic for conversation. 
 
 For Dickens's Birthday 
 
 The next special day on which the hostess may add a 
 touch of novelty to her functions is the seventh, the 
 birthday of Dickens, who is without doubt the king of all 
 story writers. 
 
 A club which devotes itself exclusively to his works 
 planned this very clever and almost impromptu affair, 
 which was held at the home of one of the members. 
 
 The demand for charity had been great, and this en- 
 tertainment was evolved with all the interest that quickly 
 conceived and promptly executed things have. This 
 shows what twenty young women may do when concen- 
 trated action and the able assistance of an equal number 
 of men come to the rescue. 
 
 Post cards portraying Dickens characters were sent 
 to the friends of the members, asking them to come to 
 the Dickens shop on day and date given. The significant 
 words, ''Bring a full purse," told the object of the affair, 
 but all the plans were kept secret. 
 
 There were six booths, as follows: 
 
 ''Great Expectations" was a fish pond, presided over 
 by the enthusiastic daughter of the hostess. She had 
 collected the articles, tied them up into interesting par- 
 
 14 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 eels, and cleared a goodly sum. The "Old Curiosity 
 Shop'' had a great variety of things, both useful and 
 ornamental. The booth was decorated with old pieces of 
 China and Sheffield lent for the occasion and was pre- 
 sided over by ''Little Nell,*' assisted by her "grand- 
 father." 
 
 The "David Copperfield" booth, with "David" in 
 charge, had a fine collection of copper articles, sold on 
 commission for an "arts and crafts" guild. The prices 
 were marked at so many "coppers." 
 
 A very interesting booth bore the sign, "The Tale of 
 Two Cities," and had goods characteristic of London and 
 Paris. There were English and French china, post 
 cards, neckwear and lingerie for sale. Tea was served 
 with toasted muffins, orange marmalade, and there were 
 chocolate and rolls. "Lucy Manette" and "Madame De- 
 farge" were in charge. 
 
 "Pickwick Papers" was in charge of Sam Weller, who 
 sold toothpicks, icepicks, nutpicks, lampwicks, stationery, 
 and magazines. 
 
 "Bleak House" had a variety of attractive novelties for 
 the house, presided over by "Esther Summerson." 
 
 The club members were all costumed as characters 
 from Dickens, and acted as reception committees. Charm- 
 ing small volumes of Dickens were on sale at all the 
 booths. Many of the articles had been contributed by 
 merchants, and a number of things were sold on com- 
 mission. 
 
 For reading aloud we suggest Kate Douglas Wiggin's 
 "A Child's Journey With Dickens" (Houghton, Mifflin & 
 Co.), and selections from Henry Van Dyke's appreciation 
 of Dickens, Scribner's Magazine for June, 1912. 
 
 This affair would be seasonable at any time, and is a 
 very novel method of having a bazaar for either a church 
 or club society. 
 
 15 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 For Lincoln's Birthday 
 
 The birthday of the "Great Emancipator" comes on 
 the twelfth and is worthy of our heartfelt celebration. 
 Log cabins bought at candy stores, with realistic chains, 
 are fine for the table ; very good log cabins may be made 
 from sticks of horehound candy. The post-card dealers 
 have a supply of Lincoln cards that will serve nicely 
 for place cards or invitations. There has been a great 
 revival in literature pertaining to Lincoln and a short 
 sketch called "He Knew Lincoln" is just the thing to 
 read aloud at a Lincoln party. Bales of cotton and lit- 
 tle pickaninny dolls are suitable favors, and our glorious 
 flag, small size, in silk, is always an acceptable souvenir. 
 
 The refreshments at such an affair should be simple. 
 Here is what one hostess had: First, baked beans in 
 individual brown earthenware ramekins, hot Boston 
 brown bread with raisins in it, potato salad, coffee, 
 pickles, - chocolate blanc-mange in tall glasses with 
 whipped cream, small sponge cakes. Molasses taffy with 
 salted peanuts was passed. This was served to a card 
 club so the hostess made the occasion a bit different by 
 having Lincoln favors and score cards. 
 
 Luncheon on Lincoln's Birthday 
 
 The dining-room was decorated with flags, the centre- 
 piece being a representation of a Southern scene with a 
 realistic log cabin and darkey dolls dressed in blue ging- 
 ham pinafores and a cute toy mule with a cart loaded 
 with bales of cotton. Over the table there was a fern 
 ball, in which small silk flags were thrust to be taken by 
 the guests to pin on their dresses or put in the hair. 
 
 The place cards were ornamented with a picture of 
 Lincoln and the shield of the United States beneath it. 
 At each end of the table there was a large bow of red, 
 white, and blue ribbon. The menu was quite unique. 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 First, cream of corn, with bread sticks tied with the tri- 
 colored ribbon. Tiny stars cut from cold boiled beets 
 were on top of the whipped cream which capped the 
 soup. Next came chicken breasts with cannon-ball po- 
 tatoes cut with a tiny round cutter obtainable at any 
 housefitting store; red and white radishes and green 
 peas. Next '"patriotic" salad, made of tomatoes on white 
 hearts of lettuce and mayonnaise served on blue plates. 
 The dessert was ice-cream forts made by taking cones 
 of vanilla cream and placing candied cherries on the side 
 like gun sights, capping all with a flag. The cake was 
 cut and iced to represent American flags, blue candies be- 
 ing used for the stars. To hold the nuts and bon-bons 
 there were drum-shaped boxes. 
 
 Lincoln's Favorite Poem 
 
 Lincoln was never tired of repeating or quoting the 
 poem, "O, Why Should the Spirit of Mortal Be Proud?" 
 by William Knox. It is not known where he first en- 
 countered it, but it was his favorite bit of verse. 
 
 We are delighted to give it entire, as so many young 
 people and teachers will welcome it for the birthday cele- 
 bration of our first martyr President. 
 
 O, why should the spirit of mortal be proud? 
 Like a swift-fleeting meteor, a fast-flying cloud, 
 A flash of the lightning, a break of the wave, 
 Man passeth from life to his rest in the grave. 
 
 The leaves of the oak and the willow shall fade, 
 Be scattered around, and together shall fade; 
 And the young and the old, the low and the high, 
 Shall crumble to dust and together shall lie. 
 
 The infant a mother attended and loved. 
 The mother that infant's affection who proved, 
 The father that mother and infant who blest, — 
 Each, all, are away to that dwelhng of rest. 
 
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Party Pastimes for the 
 
 The maid on whose brow, on whose cheek, in whose eye, 
 Shone beauty and pleasure, — her triumphs are by; 
 And the memory of those who loved her and praised 
 Are alike from the minds of the living erased. 
 
 The hand of the king, that the sceptre hath borne, 
 The brow of the priest, that the mitre hath worn, 
 The eye of the sage and the heart of the brave 
 Arc hidden and lost in the depths of the grave. 
 
 The peasant, whose lot was to sow and to reap; 
 The herdsman, who climbed with his goats up the steep; 
 The beggar, who wandered in search of his bread, — 
 Have faded away like the grass that we tread. 
 
 The saint who enjoyed the communion of heaven; 
 The sinner who dared to remain unforgiven; 
 The wise and the foolish, the guilty and just 
 Have quietly mingled their bones in the dust. 
 
 So the multitude goes, like the flower or weed. 
 That withers away to let others succeed; 
 So the multitude comes, even those we behold. 
 To repeat every tale that has often been told. 
 
 For we are the same our fathers have been; 
 We see the same sights our fathers have seen; 
 We drink the same stream, we view the same sun. 
 And run the same course our fathers have run. 
 
 The thoughts we are thinking our fathers would think ; 
 From the death we are shrinking our fathers would shrink; 
 To the life we are clinging they also would cling. 
 But it speeds for us all like a bird on the wing. 
 
 They loved, but the story we cannot unfold; 
 They scorned, but the heart of the haughty is cold; 
 They grieved, but no wail from their slumber will come; 
 They joyed, but the tongue of their gladness is dumb. 
 
 They died — aye ! they died — we things that are now, 
 
 That walk on the turf that lies over their brow 
 
 And make in their dwellings a transient abode, 
 
 Meet the things that they met on their pilgrimage road. 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 Yea, hope and despondency, pleasure and pain, 
 
 Are mingled together in sunshine and rain; 
 
 And the smile and the tear, and the song and *the dirge. 
 
 Still follow each other like surge upon surge. 
 
 'Tis the wink of an eye, 'tis the draught of a breath 
 From the blossom of health to the paleness of death, 
 From the gilded salon to the bier and the shroud, 
 O, why should the spirit of mortal be proud? 
 
 College Hearts for St. Valentine 
 
 This is played just like military euchre, except that 
 each table represents a college instead of a fort. The 
 tables are decorated with the individual college colors, a 
 pennant of the school being suspended over the table ; a 
 bow of the color is on the back of the chair. Tiny 
 hearts are used for keeping the score, and each table has 
 the college yell to use when victorious. 
 
 Every game won is marked by hanging a large heart 
 on the pennant above the table. These hearts have a 
 wire hook attached for hanging easily. 
 
 The following table gives an idea how to carry out 
 the game : 
 
 TABLE I— HARVARD 
 
 Game i — Couple i and 2 defend table i. 
 
 Couple 3 and 4 attack table 3. 
 Game 2 — Couple i and 4 defend table i. 
 
 Couple 2 and 3 attack table 2. 
 Game 3 — Couple 2 and 4 defend table i. 
 
 Couple I and 3 attack table 4. 
 Game 4 — Couple 3 and 4 defend table i. 
 
 Couple I and 2 attack table 3. 
 
 TABLE 2— VASSAR 
 
 Game i — Couple i and 2 defend table 2. 
 
 Couple 3 and 4 attack table 4. 
 Game 2 — Couple i and 4 defend table 2. 
 
 Couple 2 and 3 attack table 3. 
 Game 3 — Couple 2 and 4 defend table 2. 
 
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Party Pastimes for the 
 
 Couple I and 2 attack table i. 
 
 Game 4 — Couple 3 and 4 defend table 2. 
 
 Couple I and 2 attack table 4. 
 
 TABLE 3— YALE 
 
 Game i — Couple i and 2 defend table 3. 
 
 Couple 3 and 4 attack table i. 
 Game 2 — Couple i and 4 defend table 3. 
 
 Couple 2 and 3 attack table 4. 
 Game 3 — Couple 2 and 4 defend table 3. 
 
 Couple I and 3 attack table 2. 
 Game 4 — Couple 3 and 4 defend table 3. 
 
 Couple I and 2 attack table i. 
 
 TABLE 4— BRYN MAWR 
 
 Game i — Couple i and 2 defend table 4. 
 
 Couple 3 and 4 attack table 2. 
 Game 2 — Couple i and 4 defend table 4. 
 
 Couple 2 and 3 attack table i. 
 Game 3 — Couple 2 and 4 defend table 4. 
 
 Couple I and 3 attack table 3. 
 Game 4 — Couple 3 and 4 defend table 4. 
 
 Couple I and 2 attack table 2. 
 
 A Valentine Wish Party 
 
 It was indeed an ingenious hostess who evolved this 
 charming affair for St. Valentine's evening. For the 
 benefit of many entertainers the scheme is given entire. 
 
 The invitations, sealed with tiny red hearts, bore this 
 jingle: 
 
 We gladly indite you 
 This note, and invite you 
 On Valentine's evening to come 
 And join in a hearty 
 New-fangled wish party 
 With friends who will make you at home. 
 
 For some time previous to this the wishbones of all 
 the turkeys and chickens that had been consumed by the 
 family and neighbors had been saved with this occasion 
 in mind. Now they were fastened upon a heart-shaped 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 valentine, one for each guest, a special rhyme embodying 
 a wish being inscribed with gold ink. These rhymelets 
 may be made to suit the personal individuality of each 
 guest if the hostess takes a little extra time in the prepara- 
 tion. A few specimens are given : 
 
 I wish you were a hammer, 
 
 And I a box of tacks; 
 You could drive me very gently 
 
 With gentle little whacks. 
 
 I wish I were a gallant knight, 
 
 And you my lady fair; 
 rd serenade you every night. 
 
 Oh ! what a happy pair. r 
 
 I wish that life 
 
 But held for me 
 Some joy that I^ 
 
 Might share with thee. 
 
 I wish for you a life of gladness. 
 Full of joy and free from pain. 
 
 Full of mirth and free from sadness, 
 Bright as sunshine after rain. 
 
 I wish I were an elephant 
 
 And you a bale of hay; 
 Fd tuck you in my rubber trunk 
 
 And carry you away. 
 
 If you were a fisher and I were a fish 
 Fd swallow the hook on your line. 
 
 Because I should know that this was your wish. 
 And your wish, of course, would be mine. 
 
 If possible the rhymes may be illustrated with little 
 pen-and-ink or water-color sketches, thus making a de- 
 lightful souvenir of the party. To choose partners for 
 supper or refreshments, suspend two bags heart-shaped, 
 from the ceiling by broad streamers of ribbon or tulle. 
 
 21 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 They must be several feet apart ; then thread baby ribbon 
 through them, the ends hanging out of the side of either 
 bag. The men take the end of a string on one side, 
 the girls on the other, at a given signal the strings are 
 pulled, the hearts are broken and partners are found at 
 either end of a string. 
 
 If it is a buffet luncheon and the men assist in the 
 serving, they may be given aprons made from white 
 crepe paper, having a border of flaming red hearts. The 
 napkins may be adorned in a similar manner, if it is im- 
 possible to buy them decorated for the occasion. 
 
 Since the observance of "special'' days has become such 
 a general custom, merchants have recognized the fact and 
 keep a supply of novelties in the way of dinner favors 
 and souvenirs for each occasion as it comes. If the sup- 
 ply of wishbones is equal to the demand, one may be 
 given to each lady to be pulled with her partner to see 
 whose wish will come true. Artificial wishbones may be 
 purchased by the dozen. 
 
 Valentine Toasts 
 
 Here's to the prettiest 
 
 Here's to the wittiest. 
 
 Here's to the truest of all who are true, 
 
 Here's to the sweetest one, 
 
 Here's to the neatest one, 
 
 Here's to them all in one. 
 
 Here's to you. 
 
 She may be here, she may be there; 
 She may be dark, she may be fair; 
 Perhaps she's large, perhaps she's small; 
 Perhaps she's low, perhaps she's tall; 
 But till the sun forgets to flame 
 Each heart shall pledge her changeful name; 
 As pure as gold, as fine as myrrh, 
 As dear as heaven — here's to her. 
 
 — Arthur Guiterman, 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 Thy lips are sweet, 
 
 Thy dress is neat, 
 
 Thou'rt altogether hard to beat; 
 
 But, best of all, thy pies and cake 
 
 Are such as mother used to make; 
 
 So if thou truly will be mine 
 
 Then I will surely be but thine. 
 
 A Children's Valentine Party * 
 
 Issue the invitations on heart-shaped cards, preferably 
 of pink, and decorate with pink hearts cut from thin 
 cardboard. These hearts may be purchased by the hun- 
 dred in all sizes, or they may be made at home. 
 
 Have ready on a large sheet of white paper the draw- 
 ing of a man, just the head and shoulders. Pin this on 
 the wall, then blindfold a child and give him or her a 
 bright red cardboard or paper heart. Turn the victim 
 around three times and then tell him to walk to the man 
 on the wall and pin the heart in its place. This is very 
 funny. Next hang from a doorway or the ceiling a 
 heart made heavy enough so it will hold the string down 
 within reach of the guest, give him a pair of scissors and 
 walk him once around the room with final instructions to 
 walk to the heart and cut it down. 
 
 After this a quiet game will be acceptable; so pass 
 cards with the word "Valentine" done at the top. Allow 
 fifteen minutes for making as many words as possible 
 out of the one word. Then collect the cards and award 
 a prize to the one having the most. In fact, rewards 
 should be offered for the two stunts described above, as 
 it always adds zest to work for something. There are 
 many inexpensive novelties appropriate for St. Valen- 
 tine. Oh, yes, I forgot to say that each guest should be 
 requested to bring a valentine to be dropped in a box. 
 Before refreshments the hostess takes them all out of 
 the box, gives one and a pencil to each guest, telling 
 
 23 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 the girls to address it to a boy and the boys to address to 
 a girl, after which she distributes them. To choose 
 partners for supper or for a game, make as many hearts 
 as there are couples, cut them in irregular bits, then tell 
 the company to find their **other half/' See that no two 
 hearts are cut alike. 
 
 A Valentine Luncheon 
 
 Send the invitations on valentines inclosed in the regu- 
 lation fancy envelope. For the table centrepiece have a 
 Cupid, and from this little god of Love have garlands 
 of tiny artificial rosebuds sewed on baby ribbon radiating, 
 to each place. 
 
 The guests may find their seats by hand-painted hearts 
 on which are portrayed each one's fad or fancy with no 
 names written. The figures will be all Cupids. One 
 card showing him with a camera, another portraying him 
 on horseback, another carrying a golf bag, etc. Small 
 hearts sprinkled over the table at random are decorative, 
 also a fringe of them around the candle shades. 
 
 For souvenirs get heart-shaped boxes with a gilt ar- 
 row on top, fill with tiny heart bonbons. This is a de- 
 lightful menu and not too elaborate, so almost any hostess 
 will be able to utilize it. 
 
 Serve heart-shaped canapes spread with anchovy paste, 
 then tomato bouillon with a spoonful of whipped cream 
 on the top, placed there just before sending to the table; 
 a crown roast of lamb with peas in heart-shaped pastry 
 cases; sweet potato croquettes, a salad of string beans, 
 minced sweet pepper, carrot cubes and cauliflower 
 moulded in heart-shaped forms with gelatin; put a dash 
 of mayonnaise or with a beet heart on top. Heart-shaped 
 meringues filled with strawberry ice-cream make an at- 
 tractive dessert. There are heart-shaped bonbons to be 
 tied together with gilt tinsel, which look very pretty in 
 tall glass comports at either end of the table. 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 Unique Valentine Invitations 
 
 The hostess at a card club had these quaint invitations 
 for a party Feb. 14: In bright red envelopes she placed 
 hearts of lurid hue on which was written: "Hearts are 
 trumps. No previous attachments considered." The 
 date, hour, name, and address followed. She had hearts 
 shaped from ice-cream, which she cut from brick cream 
 with a tin heart-shaped cutter, and the cakes were made 
 the same way. The score was kept by dropping candy 
 motto hearts into a silk bag made like a heart, the draw 
 string being of gold cord. Gilt hearts were glued on the 
 bags, which were of red and decorated. Red carnations 
 were used, and small dolls dressed in tulle with gilt wings 
 representing Cupids were the favors at each place. 
 
 Caramel Valentines 
 
 Try this clever little scheme called "Caramel Valen- 
 tines'' ; Take red or white cardboard hearts, paste little 
 hearts all over them for decoration, and right in the mid- 
 dle put a caramel wrapped in gold or silver paper. Make 
 tiny slits on all four sides, through which run baby ribbon 
 (use a ribbon runner). Cross the ribbon over the cara- 
 mel so as to keep it in place; tie in a wee bow on top. 
 Write something like "Sweets to the sweet'' on top be- 
 neath the bow. Children also love heart-shaped cookies 
 made with hole in the top through which ribbon may be 
 run for favors. 
 
 King and Queen of Hearts 
 
 For "King and Queen of Hearts" the invitations must 
 be heart-shaped. The hostess may draw a heart outline 
 in black India ink and write the words in red. First 
 have a hunt for hearts, using candy motto hearts or small 
 ones of cardboard or paper that may be purchased by the 
 
 25 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 hundred for a nominal sum. The man who finds the 
 most is crowned ''king/' and the girl who captures the 
 most will be the "queen of hearts." Make the crowns 
 of pasteboard covered with gold paper, notch the edges 
 into points capped by a heart, then paste hearts around 
 the rim. 
 
 There should be large hearts to be worn like shields, 
 tied in place by ribbons. These are minute directions, for 
 there have been so many requests from very young read- 
 ers who want to know exactly how to give a Valentine 
 party. 
 
 The royal pair may be given envelopes containing red 
 hearts marked with black hearts, which the queen dis- 
 tributes to the men, each being numbered; the king dis- 
 tributes to the girls white ones marked with tiny red 
 hearts, also numbered. When the numbers are matched 
 partners will be found for refreshments. 
 
 As a pretty feature the hostess may have valentine 
 sentiments written on cards attached to an immense 
 heart, suspended in the hall, from which colored cords 
 wind in and out, up stairs and down. This is Cupid's 
 maze; when unravelled, there will be a valentine favor 
 on the end of each string. 
 
 Allow twenty minutes for the writing of original val- 
 entines, with a prize for the best, all to be read aloud, the 
 girls voting on the men's creations and vice versa. 
 
 To make things lively during refreshments have the 
 doorbell ring violently and a postman enter with ''special 
 deliveries" from Cupid's court. This would be a good 
 way to present any souvenirs the hostess might wish to 
 give. They might be just valentine postcards for each 
 one. They are so attractive this year. 
 
 For the table centrepiece there should be a large heart- 
 shaped cake containing a thimble, ring, coin, heart, lock, 
 key, and any other articles the hostess may wish to put 
 
 26 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 in. The ''queen'' will preside over the cutting of the for- 
 tune cake and the ''king'' with much ceremony will pass 
 it. Ices, cakes, meringues, sandwiches, patty shells, and 
 bonbons may all be ordered in the form of hearts. At- 
 tractive candle shades for this function may be made by 
 tying four hearts together with bows of ribbon and hav- 
 ing a fringe of wee hearts. Heart festoons to the table 
 corners are also good, with traceries of the tiniest hearts 
 imaginable over the table. 
 
 Washington's Birthday Celebration 
 
 Clubs, churches, and individual hostesses seem to plan 
 for special entertainments for February 22, It is a day 
 we all celebrate in grateful remembrance of the first man 
 honored by the Presidency. We honor him not only as a 
 patriot, but in these days of ardent revival of all things 
 colonial we recall Washington as a splendid example of 
 life as it was at that time. Thinking that the "Father 
 of Our Country" is often feted to the exclusion of his 
 better half, a woman's club planned a most interesting 
 reception at which the wives of our presidents acted on 
 the reception committee. Most libraries and many family 
 bookcases contain two volumes entitled: "Ladies of the 
 White House," and from the illustrations therein the cos- 
 tumes were made. 
 
 The room was transformed into regular colonial style 
 by borrowing or renting furniture of the period. It is 
 surprising how much may be collected, such as brass 
 candlesticks, foot warmers, pewter, plate, old china, and 
 spinning wheels. There was a programme of typical 
 American songs to the accompaniment of an old melodeon. 
 
 The tea table had four ladies to pour, a half-hour each 
 at a time, and the young women of the club dressed in 
 costumes as described in "Janice Meredith." There were 
 tea, coffee, Banbury tarts, sponge cake, sandwiches of 
 
 27 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 salt-rising bread, wee pickles, orange marmalade, and 
 preserved ginger, served by these attractive maidens. 
 
 There was a short programme bringing out each White 
 House lady as her name was called, with some incident 
 that made her career in Washington memorable. 
 
 In the tearoom the predominating colors were blue 
 and buff, and the walls were covered with some old prints 
 of famous Americans. They were made in the fifties, 
 and were very interesting. 
 
 Such affairs are educational and enjoyable. We are 
 apt to think the women have had no very active part in 
 forming our history, and it is well worth while to disa- 
 buse any mind of any such fallacy. 
 
 Novelty Ice Cream and Cakes 
 
 To serve ice cream on February 22, make balls of 
 vanilla cream, pile three up like cannon balls and stick 
 a small silk flag in the top of each just before sending to 
 the table. The cake may be cut from a large sheet of 
 layer cake into rounds by using a biscuit cutter ; frost all 
 around with chocolate icing and serve with the ice cream. 
 Children are delighted with this pretty arrangement. It 
 only takes a little extra time, and surely the birthday of 
 the nation's father is a special occasion. 
 
 Here is a recipe for George Washington hatchets: 
 Mix and sift two cupfuls of flour and half a cupful of 
 brown sugar. Add half a cupful of butter and the yolk 
 of two eggs, and work, using the hands, until smooth. 
 Toss on a slightly floured board, roll to one-third of an 
 inch in thickness and cut in hatchet shapes, using a sharp- 
 pointed knife, being guided by a soft cardboard pattern 
 previously prepared. Place a candied cherry on each 
 hatchet and brush over with the yolk of ^^g slightly 
 beaten and diluted with one teaspoonful of water. Place 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 on a tin sheet and bake in a slow oven until delicately 
 browned. 
 
 A Hatchet Party for the Twenty-Second 
 
 This hatchet party was given by an organization that 
 stands for temperance, but the scheme could be adopted 
 for other purposes as a novelty for the Twenty-second. 
 The invitations were issued on hatchet-shaped cards, and 
 the envelopes fastened with a patriotic seal. Here is the 
 invitation : 
 
 "Ye Young Women of the Y. W. C. A. extend ye in- 
 vitation to meet ye Hatchet Family of ye anciente tyme 
 at ye home of Miss Mary Brown on ye evening of Febru- 
 ary ye 22d of ye year of our Lord 191 1, at eight of ye 
 clock." 
 
 Below is a list of the receiving dames, dressed in 
 Martha Washington costumes consisting of flowered 
 chintz over-dresses, with skirts of a plain colored satine, 
 perhaps quilted. The waists will open over a white ker- 
 chief, with elbow sleeves. Round caps, with frills of 
 lace, surrounded by a band of ribbon, complete these 
 very becoming dresses. 
 
 Johanna Adams Hatchet. 
 
 Tomazine Jefferson Hatchet. 
 
 Jamesina Madison Hatchet. 
 
 Jemima Monroe Hatchet. 
 
 J. Quinciana Hatchet. 
 
 Andrewsia Jackson Hatchet. 
 
 Wilhemina Henrietta Harrison Hatchet. 
 
 Johnsetta Tyler Hatchet. 
 
 Marty Van Buren Hatchet. 
 
 Jinny Keturah Polk Hatchet. 
 
 Zacherina Taylor Hatchet. • 
 
 Milleralla Fillmore Hatchet. 
 
 29 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 The Original State Party 
 
 This hostess was very brave, and had just thirteen 
 guests at her very unique party, which she gave on Feb- 
 ruary 22, When questioned why she had thirteen guests, 
 she said, ''One for each original State, don't you see?" 
 Boys and girls were told to come wearing the hair jn the 
 style of the time of Washington. As they arrived each 
 was handed a slip of paper on which were written the 
 nicknames of the thirteen first States, which are : 
 
 The Granite State (N. H.), the Bay State (Mass.), the Nut- 
 meg State (Conn.), Little Rhody (R. I.), the Empire State (N. 
 Y.), the Razor-Back State (N. J.), the Keystone State (Pa.), the 
 Blue Hen State (Del.), the Line State (Md.), the Old Dominion 
 (Va.), the Tar State (N. C), the Palmetto State (S. C), the 
 Cracker State (Ga.). 
 
 This was a good starter, and conversation was lively 
 until tea was announced. Here is the menu : 
 
 Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean (Oysters). 
 Croquettes de TAmerican Eagle (Chicken). 
 
 Peas. Olives. Biscuit. 
 General Greene Salad (Lettuce and Celery), 
 
 Lafayette Dressing (French). 
 
 Revolutionary Cannon Balls (Cheese Balls). 
 
 American Ice. Washington Pie. 
 
 Liberty Cake. 
 
 Old Government Java. 
 
 Fourth of July Crackers. 
 
 Washington's Birthday Game 
 
 Get a carpenter to smooth off a nice pole about four 
 feet high, plant it firmly, well braced in a tub, then paint 
 in circles the follov^ing colors, more if you want to con- 
 jure up more rhymes. Pass to each guest a card with 
 these jingles and a nice, sharp little hatchet tied with 
 streamers of red, white, and blue. The color one strikes 
 
 30 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 the hatchet in tells one's fate. Of course the victim is 
 blindfolded : 
 
 Blue — Your life will be tried and true. 
 Red — You will be forced to beg your bread. 
 White — Your deeds will always bear the light. 
 Green — You're bound to find great wealth, I ween. 
 Pink — Good will come where you least think. 
 
 A Washington Centrepiece 
 
 From an azalea bush or a California pepper plant make 
 an adorable cherry tree, by attaching candied cherries, 
 or the imitation cherries made from almond paste, which 
 confectioners have at this season. Then from the tree 
 run red ribbons to each place, where they may be attached 
 to little cherry log candy boxes. The effect is good, and 
 is suitable for a party given for children or adults. 
 
 A Toast for the Twenty-Second 
 
 Here's to the tree and the cherries it bore; 
 Here's to the hatchet that smote it full sore; 
 Here's to the lad that was honest and true; 
 Here's to his colors, the red, white, and blue; 
 Here's to his sword with the laurel entwined; 
 Here's to the hero in all hearts enshrined ! 
 
 — Arthur Gutter man, 
 
 Washington Children's Party 
 
 Use the American flag for decoration, having it in 
 evidence throughout the room ; then, for the table centre- 
 piece, on a silk flag for a doily have a large cake with a 
 flag on top, the stars made of candied violets, and the 
 stripes of red and white frosting. 
 
 For a contest, see if the children can cut out a star 
 from folded paper; let them hunt gilt stars hidden 
 throughout the room. For prizes the confectioners show 
 a bewildering assortment of symbolic candy-boxes, those 
 
 31 
 
Party Pastimes fer the 
 
 in shape of hatchets, logs, and cocked hats being espe- 
 cially attractive. 
 
 This is a fine opportunity for using the "Flags of All 
 Nations/' For a few cents one can purchase an envelope 
 filled with paper flags representing every country. As 
 they are held up, the one knowing where it belongs iden- 
 tifies it and is awarded that flag. Then have a tree 
 drawn on a sheet, or large bit of paper fastened to the 
 wall; hand in turn a bunch of artificial cherries to each 
 one, blindfolded, and see who can pin them where cher- 
 ries ought to be. All those who get the bunch on a 
 branch might receive a handful of candied cherries. 
 
 Serve cherry sherbet, decorated with candied cherries ; 
 the cakes ornamented in the same way, with wee hatchets 
 for name cards. 
 
 For Longfellow's Birthday 
 
 On February 27 conies the natal day of one of our 
 beloved American poets. Longfellow holds his own in 
 the hearts of all loyal Americans ; and this aflfair, planned 
 for the school children by an up-to-date teacher, was 
 charming. It was given at the home of one of the pupils : 
 
 There was a platform at the end of the big living-room, 
 where the children gave tableaux, all taken from Long- 
 fellow's works. The invitations were sent on Long- 
 fellow post cards, and the decorations were Indian 
 trophies, blankets, etc., borrowed from a retired army 
 officer and used as a setting to the series of pictures ar- 
 ranged from ''Hiawatha.'' There were refreshments of 
 weak tea, because, as a small lad said, ''Boston was the 
 place of the famous tea party and Longfellow lived in 
 Boston''; and then baked-bean sandwiches, because 
 "everyone who lived in Boston was supposed to know 
 'beans' " ; olives and ice cream and cake complete the 
 list. I am sure nothing would please the one who wrote 
 
 32 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 "The Children's Hour'' more than to know with what 
 keen interest his birthday is celebrated by the American 
 children of to-day. One of the show places of Boston, 
 or, more properly speaking, Cambridge, is the famous 
 house on Brattle street where the poet lived and died. 
 
 Keeping it as he used it is a joy, for it makes every- 
 thing seem so very real to those who are so fortunate 
 to be there on the half-day a week that the rooms are 
 open to the public. 
 
 Excellent prints may be obtained and used as souvenirs 
 both of the poet and his home. 
 
 33 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 CHAPTER III -PASTIMES FOR MARCH 
 
 A March Supper Party 
 
 THIS was arranged for an after-theatre spread and 
 the hostess kept in mind the ''Mad March Hare" 
 idea, as the table centrepiece was a big brown 
 bunny surrounded by a circle of little brown bunnies. 
 There were funny little rabbits holding wee Japanese 
 turned-inside-out parasols (doll size) at each plate, and the 
 bonbon boxes were carrots and Easter eggs. The piece 
 de resistance was, of course, Welsh rabbit made in the 
 chafing dish and chicken salad served in nests, lettuce 
 hearts garnished with tgg rings. 
 
 If Easter comes in March, the supper would be suit- 
 able for the week following Easter, while the favor 
 counter is still supplied with rabbits and eggs of all 
 descriptions. This charming verse might be written on 
 the place cards with water-color blue-birds flying over 
 them: 
 
 In March the earliest bluebird came 
 And carolled from the orchard tree 
 His little tremulous songs to me, 
 And called upon the summer's name, 
 And made old summers in my heart 
 All sweet with flower and sun again. 
 
 — William Dean Howells. . 
 
 A Violet Luncheon 
 
 Violets are the flower for the month of March, so 
 here is an opportunity for the hostess to give a violet 
 luncheon. For the centrepiece have violets in a low jar 
 with a corsage bouquet tied with violet gauze ribbon at 
 
 34 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 each place. Candle shades of lavender with silver 
 tracery are very eflfective. 
 
 Serve caviar on toast, grape fruit with cherries, bouil- 
 lon, baked oysters in ramekins, breast of chicken cutlets, 
 peas, potato croquettes, hot rolls, cucumber salad in cu- 
 cumber boats, cheese and raspberry jam; baskets of spun 
 sugar in violet tint filled with ice-cream and candied 
 violets; coffee and violet-hued bonbons. 
 
 Grape juice may be served with the repast, and if ex- 
 pense does not have to be considered, the hostess may 
 present each guest with a stick pin in the form of a 
 violet. 
 
 A gown of any of the heliotrope shades would be ap- 
 propriate for the hostess to wear. 
 
 For Saint Patrick's Day 
 
 It is not necessary to be a descendant of Erin to cele- 
 brate the ''seventeenth of Ireland," and many hostesses 
 save this date so as to add a bit of novelty to their en- 
 tertainment. Here is a copy of an invitation issued by a 
 hostess who was always clever in planning for special 
 days: 
 
 Miss Elsie Gray 
 
 begs the honor of your riverint prisince 
 
 at a rivilry 
 
 in memory of St. Phadrig 
 
 Saturday avenin', March the Siventeenth 
 
 At 357 Elm street 
 
 Ivry wan is requisted to wear 
 
 a thrifie of grane 
 
 To extinguish himsilf from the ithers 
 
 They were on cardboard of green cut in shape of a 
 harp (a shamrock would be equally pretty) and written 
 in gilt ink. To decorate a house as they would in Ireland 
 there should be large crosses of straw and flowers hung 
 over the doors. A blackcock is also a symbol, for on the 
 
 35 
 
Party Pastime sfor the 
 
 Seventeenth this bird was solemnly sacrificed in memory 
 of St. Patrick. 
 
 A novel way of selecting partners for any game the 
 hostess may plan, or for refreshments, is to have a grab 
 bag covered with green; in it place just half as many 
 symbolic favors as there are guests, having the dupli- 
 cate tied up in green crepe paper. The men grab and the 
 girls are given their favors in the dressing-room. When 
 all assemble in the drawing-room the favors are matched. 
 
 A soap bubble contest with clay pipes tied with green 
 ribbon is a good stunt, the prize for the most or best 
 bubbles blown in a minute to be a cake of green soap or a 
 bottle of green-hued toilet water in a bottle tied with a 
 huge green bow. By the way, let me tell you how to 
 make attractive cheese balls to serve with the salad : Take 
 Neufchatel or **Blue Label" cheese and drop a wee bit 
 of green vegetable coloring (get at drug store) on it; 
 blend well with a few finely chopped pistachio nuts ; form 
 into balls the size of large marbles. 
 
 Irish Luncheon Menu 
 
 Gream of Potato Soup, with Powdered Parsley 
 
 Celery Curls (Pigtails) 
 
 Salted Almonds 
 
 Pigs in Blankets (oysters skewered in slices of bacon and broiled) 
 
 Coleslaw 
 
 Croquettes Shaped Like Potatoes, Resting in Beds of Cress 
 
 Stuffed Baked Potatoes (fixed with tiny wooden skewers to 
 
 resemble pigs) * 
 
 Spinach Served in Shamrock Decorated Cases 
 Shamrock-shaped Bread and Butter Sandwiches 
 Sweet Watermelon Pickle or Spiced Peach Decorated with 
 
 Angelica Shamrocks 
 
 Salad of French Beans, Peas and Pearl Onions in Lettuce Leaf 
 
 Ice Cream in Slices, Decorated with Green Sugar 
 
 Shamrocks 
 
 Or Pistachio Ice Cream 
 
 Small Cakes, Decorated with Harps of Gold Candles 
 
 Coffee Buttermilk 
 
 36 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 For favors have a tiny basket of oxalis at each plate. 
 It looks much like real shamrock and most florists have 
 it at this season. 
 
 St. Patrick's Day Vegetarian Luncheon Menu 
 
 Spinach Soup 
 Green Peppers Stuffed with Bread Crumbs and Tomatoes 
 
 French Peas 
 
 Baked Potatoes in the Half Shells 
 
 Olives Pickles 
 
 Lettuce and Watercress Salad, French Dressing 
 
 Vanilla Ice Cream 
 
 (On each slice put a tiny green paper frog) 
 
 Cakes Cookies Cut Like Shamrocks 
 
 For place cards use tiny pipes with name on stems 
 
 fastened with a bow of green ribbon. The decorations 
 
 for the middle of the table consist of a round mirror 
 
 with tiny frogs on it. Surround the whole with smilax. 
 
 Card Party on St. Patrick's Day 
 
 All the portieres were taken down and replaced by 
 ones of cheesecloth of unmistakable green. Scarfs of 
 green cheesecloth were carried from windows and doors 
 to the central chandelier. The Irish flag predominated 
 everywhere. Cards were played, the score cards being 
 shamrocks. Refreshments consisted of salad with green 
 mayonnaise, olives, brown and white bread sandwiches, 
 green ice-cream, white cake, green icing and green bon- 
 bons. The fork and spoon for each guest were tied with 
 ribbon of emerald hue and the napkin was pinned with 
 a woven silk shamrock. The prizes consisted of a green 
 glass art vase, a volume of poems bound in green, a 
 green pottery jar, a picture framed in green moulding. 
 The hostess wore bows of green in her hair. Among the 
 decorations were roses and hyacinths colored green by 
 the florist. All the electric lights were veiled with green 
 crepe paper, and palms stood in every available nook. 
 
 37 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 To Find Partners at a St. Patrick's Party 
 
 Get at the favor counter or make as many snakes as 
 there are to be guests. Tie ribbons, two of a kind, around 
 the necks and hide throughout the rooms. Those finding 
 snakes beribboned ahke are partners. Another way is to 
 make shamrocks, then cut in two, hiding the halves which 
 are to be put together. Either of these ways has the ad- 
 vantage of mixing the guests up in fine shape so there 
 won't be any lack of a good time. St. Patrick's day 
 parties are always very informal affairs, oftentimes the 
 more impromptu the better. 
 
 For St. Patrick's Day in the " 'Avenin' " 
 
 Issue invitations to a luncheon or supper on cards on 
 which the shamrock is painted. If desired, decorate 
 rooms with big bunches of clover or oxalis tied with 
 green ribbon, and use similar green on dining-room 
 table. Place cards may be of any of the quaint con- 
 ceits of the day, snakes, Irish lads and lassies, frogs, 
 Irish flags. Many can be made by deft and artistic 
 fingers. 
 
 After the luncheon or supper let your guests kiss the 
 Blarney stone — moss or lichen covered. Provide tiny 
 books and let each one write a compliment to the hostess. 
 To the most clever give a box of green candied fruit 
 tied with ribbon and shamrock for prize. 
 
 A treasured souvenir of the occasion could be made by 
 an artistic friend by copying them into a book, illustrat- 
 ing the quotations with all the Irish emblems, etc. An 
 Irish Jack Horner pie would also add to the amusement 
 and be the closing feature of a delightful entertainment. 
 
 Have cream of pea or spinach soup, a roast pig with 
 potato in his mouth, necklace of oxalis; peas in pates, 
 creamed **Murphys,'' chicken salad, mint julep, frozen 
 punch, fancy cakes with green icing, creme de menthe in 
 
 38 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 tiny glasses of crushed ice, topped with a mint cherry, 
 the glass on its flat glass plate being surrounded with 
 sprays of maidenhair ferns. 
 
 Irish Punch 
 
 One quart strong infusion green tea, one-fourth cup- 
 ful apricot brandy, one-half cupful gin, one-half cupful 
 sugar. Mix thoroughly and pour over one quart lemon 
 sherbet. Turn into a freezer and freeze to the mushy 
 stage. Serve in tall glasses and decorate with whipped 
 cream tinted green and a small green flag in each. This 
 is good served at a dancing party in lieu of the usual 
 frappe, or to be passed between games at card parties. 
 The flag to be worn in the hair or buttonhole. 
 
 Living Pictures on St. Patrick's Day 
 
 For a club entertainment it is charming to give a 
 series of living pictures arranged from the titles of old 
 Irish songs. While the picture is being shown, have 
 someone concealed to read or sing a verse or two. I give 
 a few suggestions ; a book of Irish songs will give many 
 more, complete with music and words. 
 
 There's a dear little plant that grows in our isle, 
 
 'Twas Saint Patrick himself sure that set it, 
 
 And the sun on his labor with pleasure did smile, 
 
 And with dew from his eye often wet it. 
 
 It shines thro' the bog, thro' the brake and the mireland, 
 
 And he called it the dear little shamrock of Ireland ; 
 
 The dear little, sweet little, dear little shamrock of Ireland. 
 
 Believe me if all those endearing young charms, 
 
 Which I gaze on so fondly today, 
 Were to fade by tomorrow and fleet in my arms. 
 
 Like fairy gifts fading away; 
 Thou wouldst still be adored. 
 
 39 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 As this moment thou art ; 
 Let thy loveliness fade as it will, 
 
 And around the dear ruin each wish of my heart 
 Will entwine itself verdantly still. 
 
 Colleen Bawn, Colleen Bawn, 
 
 From childhood I have known; 
 Fve seen that beauty in the dawn, 
 
 Which now so bright has grown. 
 
 Young Rory O'Moore courted Kathleen Bawn ; 
 He was bold as a hawk, she soft as the dawn ; 
 He wished in his heart pretty Kathleen to please. 
 And he thought the best way to do that was to tease. 
 
 Och, girls dear, did you ever hear 
 
 I wrote my love a letter, 
 And although he cannot read 
 
 I thought 'twas all the better, 
 For why should he be puzzled with 
 
 Hard spellin' in the matter. 
 When the manin' was so plain 
 
 That I love him faithfully? 
 
 Far renowned for larnin' and piety, 
 Still Fd advance ye widout impropriety. 
 Father OTlynn as the flower of them all. 
 Here's a health to you, Father O'Flynn, 
 Slainte and slainte and slainte agin, 
 Pow'rfulest preacher and tenderest teacher 
 And kindliest creature in ould Donegal. 
 
 When first I saw sweet Peggy, 
 
 'Twas on a market day; 
 A low back'd car she drove and sat 
 
 Upon a truss of hay. 
 
 Other songs suitable for picture poses are "The Kerry 
 Dance/' "The Fine Old Irish Gentleman,'' "The Exile of 
 Erin," "Kitty Tyrell" and "Kitty of Coleraine." In the 
 room where refreshments are served try to make it as 
 
 40 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 much as possible like an Irish cottage. There should be 
 a perfectly bare floor, an unpainted table, plain wooden 
 chairs, heavy white china and as much pewter as may be 
 obtained. Have mugs to drink from. Have an old 
 woman with a shawl over her head knitting lace, and 
 those who serve should have on plain dark gowns of 
 calico with white neckerchiefs and aprons, with knitting 
 sticking in their belts. 
 
 Toasts and Sentiments for March Seventeenth 
 
 A triple grass 
 Shoots up, with dewdrops streaming, 
 
 As softly green 
 
 As emerald seen 
 Through purest crystal gleaming. 
 Oh, the Shamrock, the green, the immortal Shamrock, 
 
 Chosen leaf 
 
 Of bard and chief. 
 Old Erin's native Shamrock ! 
 
 — Thomas Moore. 
 
 H I remember correctly, these toasts or sentiments are 
 all by A. R. Harrison: 
 
 It's the little things in life, boys. 
 
 That count for most that's best; 
 And by the same small token, 
 
 They leave us most distressed; 
 It's the little things that harden. 
 
 The little things that cheer, 
 So let us drink, live, laugh and love 
 
 The little while we're here. 
 
 Here's to the toast of all nations, 
 
 And here's to the toast of all toasts; 
 Here's to the best in creation, 
 
 And here's to the toast that we roast. 
 There's one me heart would be addin', 
 
 A toast of exquisite delight — 
 To our guests, who come here to gladden 
 
 And help us make merry to-night. 
 
 41 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 Come fill 
 
 While you will 
 All the bumpers again; 
 
 Send mirth 
 
 While it's worth 
 Round the table; 
 
 Let's drink 
 
 While we think 
 Of some pleasant refrain 
 
 For to-morrow 
 
 Begorra, 
 We may not be able. 
 
 Toast America's golden rod. 
 
 Toast England's rose so rare, 
 Toast Scotland's drowny thistle. 
 
 And France's lily fair. 
 They all deserve our praises 
 
 And our blessings, too, I ween, 
 But give to me this bit of grass 
 
 From that little Isle so green. 
 
 Oh Paddy dear! 
 
 You're surely here; 
 Your colors gay adorning; 
 
 Heart gay and light 
 
 As Banshee bright; 
 To you — the top of the morning ! 
 
 Here's to the blarney that never was meant 
 
 To wound, malign or assail you; 
 Here's to the chaff like sweet balm it is sent 
 
 To cheer when sorrows bewail you; 
 Here's to that blarney beneath a kind heart 
 
 That ever stands ready and glad 
 To help a weak brother take on a new start 
 
 When his soul feels lonely and sad. 
 
 Here's to you, my Irish lasses! 
 
 To your loyal hearts so true; 
 May you often cause our glasses 
 
 To be tipped in praise of you. 
 
 42 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 St. Patrick was a temperance lad, 
 
 Who hailed from Dublin town; 
 By chasing snakes from Ireland 
 
 This good saint did win renown. 
 But faith, 'tis different nowadays 
 
 Here 'neath the stripes and stars. 
 The man caught chasing snakes, begor, 
 
 Will land behind the bars. 
 
 Mothering Sunday 
 
 Lent brings a day that I wish every one would cele- 
 brate, regardless of creed or sex. It is the fourth Sun- 
 day, known as ''Mothering" Sunday by all those who 
 remember old customs and are strict Churchmen. Per- 
 haps I should not say that either, for the modern church 
 calendars name this only as mid-Lent; but in days gone 
 by in England this day was especially set apart to do 
 honor to one's mother. It was a feast to her, conducted 
 and celebrated by her children, those who were married 
 including their husbands and wives, but there were no 
 other guests. There was a sumptuous dinner, with 
 special dishes known to be among mother's favorites; 
 there were gifts ; family matters were discussed with all 
 possible freedom. Those who could not be present sent 
 letters to be read; in fact, it was a dear, old-fashioned 
 family gathering. The head of the house was not for- 
 gotten, but made the recipient of a bottle of rare wine, 
 or some special delicacy. 
 
 Back as far as the days of Queen Bess this day was 
 celebrated, as the records show" a recipe for Simnel 
 cakes, which were always served at mothering-Sunday 
 feasts. They resembled rich fruit cakes, with nuts in 
 the icing, which was made yellow with saffron. 
 
 Now we can all plan individually the best way for us 
 to observe this day. Every one of us can send a special 
 
 43 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 letter, if unable to be with the dear mother. Most of 
 us know some special thing that would be luxury; and 
 I, for one, want to make this suggestion : that next year 
 we have a special little box set aside for Mothering 
 Sunday, for I know of no greater pleasure or joy than 
 honoring the dear soul whom we call mother. If we are 
 so unfortunate as to be without a very own mother, let us 
 make a feast for some one's mother. If I dared men- 
 tion names (and most of you would recognize it if I 
 did) I would like to tell you of a girl who is quietly 
 making a Mothering Sunday out of every Lord's day by 
 cheerfully taking her busy little self to an institution 
 known as the Old Ladies' Home, and she gives them a 
 royal good time, such as women sorely miss who are 
 without a home circle of their very own. 
 
 Eggs for Lent 
 
 It is much in favor this season to serve a poached 
 egg on a crisp round of toast at afternoon teas. Along 
 with many other ideas, we have borrowed this from 
 our English cousins. 
 
 A chafing dish or alcohol burner may be used by the 
 hostess in the drawing room, or the eggs may be served 
 by the maid from the kitchen. Of course, each one 
 must be individually prepared, and the toast be very 
 hot and well buttered. A bit of watercress or parsley 
 makes a dainty garnish, and some people like an olive 
 or a salted nut on the plate as a relish. 
 
 Lenten Sevs^ing and Luncheon Club 
 
 Eight young matrons formed themselves into what 
 they were pleased to call the *Trugal Luncheon Club." 
 They met during Lent to sew for a children's hospital. 
 They began at eleven and stopped at five o'clock. The 
 hostess furnished a three-course luncheon, the menu 
 
 44 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 itemized to the smallest detail. The one who served the 
 cheapest luncheon was the guest of the other seven at 
 some sort of a function given during Easter week. 
 
 Each member also brought all the pennies that she had 
 obtained during the week, and they were dropped into 
 a quaint little bank which was opened on Good Friday, 
 the contents going toward an Easter treat for the little 
 inmates of the hospital. 
 
 For Lenten Pastimes 
 
 In so-called ''society" social functions assume a simpler 
 character during Lent; many overworked matrons who 
 live in a grand whirl of dinners, balls, and teas form 
 circles to sew for the poor, and really a surprising quan- 
 tity of work is turned out for the benefit of charities and 
 friendly aid all over the country. 
 
 A coterie of young matrons formed themselves into 
 what they called the '*Doll Brigade," they were each 
 pledged to dress five dolls during Lent with clothes that 
 would come oflf. 
 
 Then an interested set of young men promised to 
 provide each doll with a trunk and on the next Christ- 
 mas these self-same dollies went to a certain ward in 
 a large city hospital that bears the placard *Tncurable." 
 
 Perhaps we all do not keep Lent, but surely any season 
 of the year that causes this sometimes apparently selfish 
 world to stop and think how best to help others is a good 
 thing. 
 
 A Lenten Idea 
 
 A LADIES^ aid society has evolved the following scheme 
 for us during Lent. Annually it has been the custom 
 for many years to hold a bazar during Easter week. The 
 soliciting of articles heretofore has been a rather for- 
 midable task. This year a basket in hamper form will 
 
 45 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 make the rounds of hotels and boarding houses, besides 
 going to the homes of the society members. There is 
 a large card attached, with words to the effect that any 
 article suitable for the Easter sale may be placed therein. 
 The basket remains a day, two days or a week, according 
 to the number of people in the house. Then it is called 
 for and the contents given to the general chairman to 
 be cared for until the various committees sort the articles 
 for the respective booths. In this way many things are 
 secured from the ^'stranger within the gates"; for many 
 towns, at this season, are full of tourists. 
 
 Rest Cure Party 
 
 This Lenten party, given from three to six for eight 
 girls, proved such a success that I am sure there will 
 be many more. It certainly was an innovation and came 
 about by one of the girls saying she was so tired out, so 
 weary of formal function, so bored by being a debutante 
 that she wished for something different. The something 
 different came in the form of a wee note which said: 
 ''Come to My Rest Cure Party." There was not an 
 absent guest, I assure you. They found the great 
 drawing-room with shades nearly drawn, a log fire, 
 couches with piles of pillows and afghans. When all 
 had arrived the hostess said no one was to talk until 
 moved to do so, then only in the lowest voice. Quite 
 mystified, the girls found places and a maid noiselessly 
 passed piping hot bouillon and crisp wafers; then from 
 the next room a low sweet voice to a guitar accompani- 
 ment sang a series of lullabies; then the same voice read 
 several delightful stories in a low, distinct tone. The 
 person was concealed by a screen. Then there was simply 
 nothing doing for tifteen minutes, each girl being told 
 to close her eyes and tell at the end of that time her 
 
 46 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 vision. This took another half hour, when a tray of 
 fragrant tea and deHcious sandwiches were served with 
 candied ginger. After that, having sufficiently rested, 
 tongues buzzed at a merry rate and the girls pronounced 
 it a fine party. 
 
 Card Party Refreshments 
 
 In Lent cards are not put away except by some espe- 
 cially devout penitent who is a devotee and wishes to 
 make a real sacrifice. In fact, during this season card 
 parties are the means of raising large sums of money for 
 charity and Easter offerings, inasmuch as many bridge 
 and euchre clubs deny themselves the prizes and vote 
 the money to church and pet charities. The suggestions 
 given are not difficult to carry out. There should always 
 be a sweet and substantial course if served at a morn- 
 ing party, as these refreshments often take the place of 
 a luncheon. The hours are from ten to twelve. These 
 morning affairs are much in vogue in the South, many 
 of the parties being held on the broad porches. The 
 guests wear wash frocks and look very attractive flitting 
 about with gay sunshades. 
 
 For the first course have creamed oysters or lobster, 
 with sandwiches of brown bread, filled with creamed 
 cheese and chopped olives; stuffed eggs, with mayon- 
 naise dressing and thin bits of breast of chicken laid 
 on top ; hot biscuits, scalloped crab-meat in ramekins, 
 small Parker house rolls, grape fruit salad with white 
 grapes. For sweets, try orange jelly in orange shells, 
 capped with whipped cream; a fruit mixture chilled, 
 served in tall glasses, with a spoonful of lemon ice on 
 top ; individual chocolate gelatines, with whipped cream. 
 A vegetable salad in fancy cases with tiny tarts of lemon 
 or vanilla cream capped with a thick meringue is another 
 good combination. Coffee demitasse is usually served 
 
 47 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 last. It is an acceptable custom to serve an iced drink 
 during the game. 
 
 "Mad March Hare" Party 
 
 With "Alice in Wonderland'' in mind, a hostess 
 planned this party, founding it on the ''Hatter and the 
 Dorrriouse,'' ''who were forever drinking tea/' This 
 tempestuous month is the time to give this clever party. 
 
 It was a luncheon and a dozen guests were bidden. 
 When they entered the dining-room the windows were 
 open, the curtains flying about, chairs were overturned, 
 pictures were awry and apparently "chaos" was the only 
 word to describe the scene. On the table there was a 
 large brown rabbit standing on his haunches, one ear 
 turned back and wisps of straw clinging to his fur. In 
 the very centre of the table was a large straw hat, the 
 "Hatter,'' evidently; it was filled with a lot of spring 
 blossoms and vines placed, as artists say, "with studied 
 carelessness." A little chocolate mouse peeping out of 
 the hat represented the "Dormouse." There were silver, 
 china, tumblers, dishes of olives and bonbons on the 
 table, and order was soon restored. Just as every one 
 thought there was nothing more "mad" about the aflfair 
 the hostess said : "Please change places with your right- 
 hand neighbor." Then she gave each one a yellow pad 
 to which there was a pencil attached, and asked that a 
 drawing be made of a March street scene. Only four 
 strokes were to be made. Then at the next course, when 
 seats were changed again, four more strokes were to 
 be made by the guest who took the place. When the 
 dessert was served each guest kept the pad and finished 
 the sketch and signed her name. Then these "mad" 
 productions were pinned up on the wall for inspection. A 
 copy of "Alice in Wonderland" was given to the one 
 whose picture received the most votes. 
 
 48 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 A Chafing Dish Party 
 
 The well-known lines from Bryant's poem called 
 "March'' headed the invitation which bade eight chosen 
 friends to a revel conducted by 'The Mad March Hares." 
 
 The stormy March is come at last, 
 With winds, and clouds and changing skies ; 
 
 I hear the rushing of the blast 
 That through the snowy valley flies. 
 
 It was a cheery sight indeed to see the attractive table, 
 with eight saucy brown hares made by the fingers of the 
 clever hostess from cardboard, one standing erect at each 
 place. Appropriate, too, was the color scheme of brown 
 and green with jonquils. 
 
 At the ends of the table were chafing dishes presided 
 over by the hostess and her sister. First in bouillon cups 
 rabbit broth was served, then ''little pigs in blankets," 
 which were plump oysters sauted in thin strips of bacon ; 
 corn muffins appeared at just the right moment from the 
 kitchen and the piece de resistance was Welsh rabbit. 
 Coffee was served with cheese and toasted crackers. 
 There was no sweet course; olives and salted nuts, with 
 crisp morsels of celery, were on the table. 
 
 For luck there were rabbit feet, every one warranted 
 to be the left hind foot of a Jack rabbit caught on the 
 thirteenth day, in the dark of the moon. 
 
 Every one had a glorious time, and the saying, "Mad 
 as a March hare," was a misnomer on this occasion. 
 
 49 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 CHAPTER IV —PASTIMES FOR APRIL 
 
 An April-First Feast 
 
 Hot Chocolate. 
 Stuffed Eggs. Baked Potatoes. 
 
 Pudding. Cup Cakes. 
 
 Bouchees of Jelly and Cream. 
 
 Bonbons. Lady Fingers. 
 
 Boiled Eggs. Sandwiches. Meat and Vegetables. 
 
 Bouillon. 
 
 THE menu cards were clever conceits of red card- 
 board decorated with a saucy court jester done in 
 red, gold, and black. Each guest was supplied 
 with a red and white fool's cap of crepe paper on enter- 
 ing the dining-room. This repast was not difficult to 
 serve and created lots of fun. 
 
 "Hot chocolate'' was chicken bouillon tinted brown 
 with a bit of vegetable coloring procured at the drug 
 store. It was brought on in chocolate cups topped with 
 a spoonful of whipped cream. The "stuffed eggs" were 
 egg-shaped croquettes of sweetbreads and potatoes, 
 cooked to a delicate golden brown, almost yellow. A 
 delicious entree of mushrooms came on in the disguise 
 of baked potato shells, the halves neatly joined by tooth- 
 picks. 
 
 A silver pudding dish was next brought in covered 
 with a meringue on top, accompanied by a silver cake 
 basket in which were cup cakes. The pudding was a 
 hot veal loaf and the meringue was salted and seasoned 
 with onion juice and celery salt. Cup cakes were biscuits 
 baked in patty pans, the centres scooped out and filled 
 
 SO 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 with asparagus tips, the tops being fitted on and all 
 browned in the oven just before serving. 
 
 For the salad there was tomato jelly moulded in small 
 cups, a dab of mayonnaise placed on it, and on top of it 
 a bit of whipped cream. Dainty wafers were passed, 
 which had been baked in lady finger pans; they were 
 buttered, put together and heated. The bonbons were 
 squares of cheese wrapped in silver and gilt paper taken 
 from chocolate bonbons. 
 
 The ''boiled eggs" proved to be most delectable ices 
 egg-shaped and eaten from egg cups. Sandwiches were 
 made of white cake spread with various fruit fillings 
 and cut in shape with cooky cutters. From a candy- 
 shop the hostess obtained the place favors, which were 
 little plates of egg cups. The bonbons were made of 
 almond paste, and after-dinner cofifee was in bouillon 
 cups with sugar in the salt cellars. 
 
 An April Fool Party 
 
 The first day of April oflFers an opportunity for the 
 up-to-date hostess to provide something out of the ordi- 
 nary for the entertainment of her guests. It is need- 
 less to say that such an evening will be full of surprises. 
 Decorate the invitations with a water-color or pen-and- 
 ink sketch of a court jester, and request each guest to 
 relate the most "fool" thing he ever did or heard of. 
 When the guests arrive have the house all dark, cur- 
 tains drawn, and very little light visible when the door 
 is opened. Instruct the maid to say: "Not at home." 
 This, however, is only for a moment, when she changes 
 her mind and asks the astonished guests in. 
 
 Offer a prize for the best "fool" story. When awarded, 
 the box or package will contain nothing, but the real 
 prize will be found elsewhere later on, in the napkin at 
 the table, for instance. The one who declines to tell 
 
 SI 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 any story, or the worst one, gets his prize at once. To 
 choose partners for supper, take ribbons three-quarters 
 of an inch long and shut between the folding doors, 
 the men on one side, girls on the other. Each holds a 
 ribbon, and when the door is opened the ones holding the 
 same ribbon are partners. 
 
 The menu is devilled crabs, baked potatoes, asparagus, 
 tomato salad, ice cream, coffee and cake. For the ''bouil- 
 lon" have creamed celery in old-fashioned soup plates. 
 *'Baked potatoes" may be mashed turnips, carrots, and 
 peas in baked potato shells, covered with grated cheese 
 and browned in the oven. These are delicious. For the 
 ^'asparagus" have large macaroni laid on toast, with 
 cream sauce. 'Tomato salad" may be a mixture of 
 blood orange, celery and nuts served in cucumber boats. 
 The ''ice cream" may be old-fashioned custard frozen. 
 Puff pastry filled with mince meat will be the ''cake," 
 and will delight the men. "Coffee" may be one of the 
 cereal preparations, but the real thing should be pro- 
 vided for those who wish it. Pass cigars and cigarettes 
 of chocolate. Tiny wands wound with ribbon, the end 
 of each one bearing a bell, make charming souvenirs; 
 and place cards can be cut in shape of a dunce or fool's 
 cap. 
 
 An April-First Party 
 
 A YOUNG girl having a birthday on the first of April 
 devised and carried out this pretty party in a most suc- 
 cessful manner. The invitations were issued on fools- 
 cap paper, asking each girl to come dressed as a "fool," 
 the costumes to be made of cotton material and crepe 
 paper, so the expense would not be great, but just as 
 much fun. Red and green, the jester's colors, were car- 
 ried out in every detail as far as possible. On the red 
 candle shades funny little donkey heads were outlined 
 
 52 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 in green. The ices were served in the dearest little green 
 paper cabbage heads and the fruits proved to be excel- 
 lent imitations in the real fruit shapes and colors, only 
 they were candy boxes, and the supposed chocolate eclairs 
 were filled with creamed chicken. A delicious cream 
 sauce was passed to put over them. There were all 
 sorts of amusing games, such as marbles for the girls 
 and a doll dressing contest for the boys, a whistling 
 contest for the girls and a sewing contest for the boys, 
 all having simple prizes for the best. There were clowns 
 and jesters. The children said "it was the best party 
 ever" and so the mother who planned the affair was 
 amply repaid for her trouble. Here is a list of names 
 of real clowns and jesters who once existed: Archie 
 Armstrong, the famous jester of King James I; Chicot, 
 the jester whom Dumas has immortalized in his novels; 
 Triboulet and Brusquet, jester of King Francis I of 
 France; John Heywood, the jester of Henry VIII; Scro- 
 gan, the jester of King Edward IV; Patrick Bonny, who 
 attended Regent Morton of Scotland. Other characters 
 in fiction are the ''Green Son" of the Vicar of Wake- 
 field, called Moses; the ''Mad Hatter," from "Alice in 
 Wonderland"; the "Three Wise Men of Gotham," 
 "Don Quixote," "Sancho Panza," "Simple Simon," etc. 
 
 Hot Cross Buns 
 
 Hot cross buns to serve on Good Friday are found in 
 all Roman Catholic countries and in most Protestant ones. 
 We all know from our knowledge of Mother Goose the 
 old nursery rhyme of: 
 
 Hot cross buns! Hot cross buns! 
 One a penny; two a penny! 
 Hot cross buns ! 
 
 It IS still a cry to be heard in London on the streets 
 during Good Friday. 
 
 S3 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 While most bakeshops make and take orders for these 
 rolls, perhaps many readers will be grateful for this 
 rule, as I was: 
 
 One quart of sifted flour, three cups of sweet milk, 
 one cake of compressed yeast dissolved in a cup of luke- 
 warm water. Beat into batter and let rise in a warm cor- 
 ner for six or eight hours, when it should be double in 
 bulk. Beat hard, adding four large tablespoons of melted 
 butter, a generous pinch of nutmeg (grated) and a small 
 spoonful of salt. Take one cup of flour sifted three 
 times, with an even teaspoonful of soda. Add and knead 
 for ten minutes. The dough should be just soft enough 
 to handle. Let it rise again to double its bulk, which 
 should be in four or five hours. Turn out on the board, 
 roll to a half -inch in thickness, cut with large biscuit 
 cutter, place in pans for last rising; when high and light 
 cut a deep cross in centre with a sharp knife. Bake cov- 
 ered for twenty minutes, then brown. While hot brush 
 with beaten white of Ggg and powdered sugar. Eat 
 while warm. 
 
 Easter Legends 
 
 The legend of the Easter rabbit is one of the most 
 ancient in mythological lore and is closely related to the 
 folk tales of southern Germany. 
 
 In the beginning of things, it seems, the rabbit was a 
 bird. As a great favor the goddess Eastre, who was the 
 patron of spring, gave it four legs, for which the rabbit 
 was deeply grateful. In remembrance of its former 
 life as a bird, when the spring or Easter season comes, 
 it lays eggs of gorgeous colors ; and the egg has always 
 been a symbol of the resurrection, and therefore used at 
 Easter time, when we look for the life everlasting and 
 all things made new. 
 
 It is a German custom for children to go to their god- 
 
 54 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 mothers at Easter for the gift of colored eggs and a 
 baked rabbit. Just before Easter the children are sent 
 to the garden to build a nest for the expected rabbit, 
 and early Easter morning they go with great expecta- 
 tions, and are never disappointed, to get the eggs which 
 the rabbit has laid for them. Even in Africa, among 
 the heathen tribes, worship of the egg is common. No 
 altar is complete without its egg decoration, and most 
 huts have at least one sacred tgg. On all the eggs 
 devoted to the rites worship a verse from the Koran 
 is written at each end, while the sides are ornamented 
 with scenes from the Nile. 
 
 A rare specimen of these eggs is to be seen in the 
 Detroit Museum of Art. The etchings on the shell 
 follow closely the same general design as the paintings of 
 men and women that were recently found in Cairo. 
 
 In Easter Land 
 
 Dawn— it is in the Easter land! 
 
 Far have our caravans come, and we 
 Here at the edge of the desert stand, 
 
 Looking away to the joys to be, 
 Aye, it is dawn, and we've journeyed far 
 Led by the glow of the Easter star. 
 
 Who at the gates of the Easter land 
 Bid us good morning, and lead us in? 
 
 Children, a world of them, hand in hand, 
 Palms and processions of lily kin. 
 
 Enter! Oh, sad was the march, and long — 
 
 Join in the triumphs of Easter song. 
 
 All is forgotten on Easter day — 
 
 Shadows and fears of the wintry path. 
 
 Here at the end of a troubled way 
 
 Fragrant the welcomes the Easter hath, 
 
 This is the haven the pilgrims scanned, 
 
 Dawn — it is dawn in the Easter land. 
 
 55 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 The Celebration of Easter 
 
 The celebration of Easter is almost as universal as 
 Christmas, and how children love it! All the symbols 
 are so beautiful ; and even the smallest child may be 
 taught the wonderful significance of the resurrection 
 as it comes to us with every return of spring. 
 
 There are many charming devices for entertainment to 
 be given during Easter week, but the time-honored egg 
 hunt is best loved by boys and girls. Let me tell of this 
 original way of varying the hunt: Have all kinds of 
 eggs, of candy, china, favor eggs, and the real fruit of 
 the hen, gilded, silvered and colored. Then make a big 
 score card and put up where it may easily be consulted. 
 Place a value on the different eggs, a gold one to count 
 twenty; silver, ten; blue ones, five; candy ones, four; 
 the very smallest, one, etc. Then for very special prize 
 favor eggs fifty will be the score. Give the guests 
 baskets or silk bags for the spoils and have plenty of 
 assistants to help the children add up their eggs cor- 
 rectly, each one to keep what he or she finds; and, 
 besides, have rewards for the best scores. This will add 
 zest to the hunt and take fully an hour. If the weather 
 is fine some of the eggs might be hidden outdoors. The 
 centrepiece for this party may be a huge egg in a nest 
 of tinsel and imitation grass ; on cracking the egg it will 
 be found to contain an egg or Easter favor for each 
 guest. 
 
 A sport almost as old as Easter itself is what is called 
 a '*faire bee" or 'egg fight.'' In olden times this fight 
 took place on Easter Sunday before service. The largest 
 clear space in the village was chosen and the lads 
 assembled from far and near. The game consisted in 
 striking an egg first ''point to point'' with an opponent, 
 then "butt to butt.'' The clever boy tried to select a very 
 tough shell egg that would knock the other player's 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 all to bits. If the egg was not broken point to point, 
 the next play was butt to butt. The victorious egg was 
 called the **cock." Sometimes the ''cock'' would stand 
 the strain of several successful attacks, and then would 
 be called ''the cock'' of "three" or "four." In the inter- 
 val between the lengthy services "faire bee" was resumed. 
 English history tells us that back in the time of Edward 
 I. the custom of rolling eggs on Easter Monday prevailed. 
 I wonder how many know that the observance of Easter 
 dates back to the year 68. In 1752 the rule was adopted 
 that makes Easter Sunday fall on the first Sunday after 
 the full moon which happens on or next after March 
 21. If the full moon happens on Sunday, Easter is the 
 next Sunday after. 
 
 Hoop Race for Easter 
 
 A MOTHER of three dear children entertained at an all 
 day Easter Monday party, the guests being seven of the 
 neighborhood children. The invitations were written 
 on egg-shaped cards sealed with a violet paster, or the 
 dearest Easter chick just coming out of the shell may 
 be found among the seals or pasters, as the children call 
 them. The ages of the guests ranged from five to eight 
 years. A third floor chamber is known as the children's 
 room, and it was prettily decorated with flowers and 
 branches of budding fruit trees which had been placed 
 in water for several days ; there was a mass of blossoms 
 on them by Easter. Ten little hoops were prepared 
 thus, for one of the games, each one was wound smoothly 
 with a colored tape. The boy who could roll his hoop 
 twice around the room without letting it turn over was 
 awarded a bag of marbles, and the little girl who accom- 
 plished the same feat had a dear little doll baby dressed 
 all in white. A substantial luncheon was served at 
 noon with just the prettiest table imaginable, all glorious 
 
 57 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 jonquils, bunnies, and fluffy yellow chicks. A music box 
 played during the repast. After luncheon the children 
 decorated eggs to take home; and then the last game 
 was best of all. On a white cloth was pasted the head 
 of a beautiful child; the children were blindfolded and 
 told to pin a paper flower on the head of the child. A 
 prize was given for the one who best placed the flower. 
 
 Easter Hat Sale 
 
 A CLEVER hostess evolved this unique affair given on 
 Easter Monday. There were twenty-four guests, and 
 the invitations read something like this: 
 
 ''You are bidden to a sale of headgear at the resi- 
 dence of Mr. and Mrs. Blank on the eve of Easter 
 Monday. Please send or bring a hat, bonnet, cap or any 
 form of head covering, either trimmed or untrimmed. 
 This will be the great opportunity of a lifetime to ob- 
 tain an original headpiece." 
 
 And such a variety of parcels, bandboxes, bags and 
 parcels as we found when all had assembled in the 
 spacious living-room! The host, a jolly, quick-witted 
 man, acted in the capacity of auctioneer. The guests 
 were provided with tiny candy Easter eggs in little 
 silken bags to use for money, and the bidding waxed 
 fast and furious. Those who drew untrimmed hats had 
 to trim them, making their selections from a table piled 
 high with a conglomeration of feathers, flowers, ribbons 
 and velvets. The hats were something wonderful to 
 behold — Quaker bonnets, sunbonnets, baby bonnets, old 
 Derbys, straw sailors, discarded mushrooms, silken hats 
 of vintage of 1873, and a lot of queer shapes and styles, 
 so curious that we all exclaimed: ''Did we ever wear 
 such things?*' The ice cream was moulded in the shape 
 of hats and the strawberries were served in cunning 
 baskets fashioned from dolls' straw hats. This was such 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 a merry, informal affair that I am sure many of the 
 department readers will enjoy giving just such a party. 
 Be sure to ask thoroughly congenial people, who will 
 enter into the spirit of the thing and respond heartily. 
 A prize might be offered for the most artistically trimmed 
 hat, choosing for the reward one of the many Easter 
 novelties. Charming hats of crepe paper could be made 
 for souvenirs, distributed to all just before refreshments 
 are served. 
 
 Easter Sandwiches 
 
 Try these for sandwiches during Easter week: Use 
 thin slices of either white or whole wheat bread ; butter 
 and spread with this filling — two hard-boiled eggs, 
 one-eighth of a teaspoonful of salt, one teaspoonful of 
 paprika. Mash the egg yolks smooth, mix in the salt, 
 paprika and butter. Spread the bread with butter, then 
 with the yolk mixture, then with the egg whites chopped 
 fine. Stamp out with an oval cutter. On each one stand 
 a wee yellow chick, the kind that comes about a cent 
 apiece or even less. Make a circle of cress or parsley 
 around a plate and pile the sandwiches in the middle. 
 
 Easter Egg Hunt 
 
 No Easter-tide is complete for the children without 
 an tgg hunt. If the weather permits this should be out 
 of doors. Hide eggs of all sizes and colors, hard-boiled, 
 and candy ones, in every conceivable place. If the party 
 is a large one there should be four prizes, one to the 
 child getting the golden tgg (gilded), one for finding 
 the silver egg, one for finding the most and one for the 
 child who finds the egg marked ''third prize." The 
 prizes should be some of the many Easter novelties, or 
 candy boxes filled with candy eggs. A pot of jon- 
 quils or hyacinths is a suitable prize if the winner is 
 
 59 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 about eight or ten years old. Serve ice cream, rabbit- 
 shaped cookies and bonbons. There is a very old game 
 called ''egg pick'' that the children should play after the 
 hunt. Use only hard-boiled eggs. A child who strikes 
 out with his egg at one held by another child and whose 
 egg breaks or cracks first wins the other egg. If there 
 is a hill conveniently placed, or even a slight slant to the 
 ground, there may be an egg-rolling on a small scale 
 such as the children had in Washington at the White 
 House for many years. 
 
 The Butterfly Motive 
 
 A PRETTY and symbolic conceit is to use butterfly candle 
 shades and place cards for an affair given in Easter 
 week. These may be home made or purchased. A 
 *'shower" of butterflies over the table is lovely. They 
 may be made of white paper touched with gilt if the 
 white and gold scheme is to be carried out. 
 
 An Easter Lily Table 
 
 A LOVELY lily table arranged for an Easter bride's fare- 
 well luncheon was done in this way; the stalks of lilies 
 were placed so that the stems all went toward the center, 
 making a lovely circle of white blossoms quite far 
 around the table. Right in the very center of the table 
 was a mound of the same lilies made rather low, so 
 that the decorations did not interfere with the guests 
 seeing one another. The candles of white in silver 
 holders with white silk shades over delicate green com- 
 pleted a lovely scheme. The place cards represented a 
 bride and bridegroom, she with her bouquet of Easter 
 lilies; the nut-holders were daintily shaped boxes made 
 exactly like real hats, the colors being green and white. 
 
 60 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 For an Easter Table 
 
 From wire make a half an egg in shape (or get a 
 florist to do it), cover with ferns and moss and stud with 
 small flowers. Fill it with small bouquets, violets would 
 be lovely; to each bouquet attach a ribbon and run to 
 the place plate where it may be tied to a card bearing the 
 name of the guest. As yellow and white are the Easter 
 colors, this scheme would be effective carried out with 
 yellow ribbons, jonquils and white cards. At a party for 
 children buy a large egg that divides in the middle, fill 
 with tiny, fluffy yellow chickens ; suspend over the table or 
 in a doorway, when the ribbons that tie the egg together 
 are pulled the chicks will fall in a golden shower one 
 for each little guest. 
 
 A Motto for Easter 
 
 If you and I-r-just you and I — 
 
 Should laugh instead of worry; 
 If we should grow — just you and I— 
 
 Kinder and sweeter hearted, 
 Perhaps in some near by and by 
 
 A good time m^'^ht get started; 
 Then what a happy world 'twould be 
 For you and me— for you and me. 
 
 Announcing an Easter Engagement 
 
 An engagement announced on Easter Monday was 
 done in this way : In the centre of the table was a mound 
 of velvety green moss on which a rustic brown basket 
 stood filled with eight large goose eggs ; over all was a 
 network of jonquils and narcissi. Each egg bore the 
 name of a guest and within lay concealed the bride-elect's 
 gift to her would-be maids, exquisite veil pins, each with 
 a cleverly worded note asking them to act in the capacity 
 of maids and matrons. 
 
 6i 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 An Egg Social 
 
 Some one has said that ''the pomps and vanities of 
 this wicked world receive a terrific drubbing during 
 Lent, but, with Easter day their recovery is quick and 
 certain/' Be this as it may, an egg social is a fine scheme 
 for the week after Easter. 
 
 Write the following invitations on egg-shaped cards, 
 varying the wording to suit the occasion: ''An eggs- 
 ellent plan has been adopted by (name of society) to 
 eggs-haust the eggs-pense of (whatever object the social 
 is given for). We shall hold an egg social on (whatever 
 date it is to be given on), to which the eggs-pense of 
 admission is eggs-actly lo cents. We shall have an eggs- 
 ellent time. Please eggs-ert yourself to come and 
 eggs-amine the novelties prepared. No one will be eggs- 
 cused. You may eggs-pect much joy at small eggs-pense. 
 An eggs-ellent committee will wait upon you and eggs 
 will be served. Make your eggs-it at your pleasure." 
 Have rosettes of yellow and white ribbon for those who 
 serve on the reception committee and use the same colors 
 in decorating the room. Serve egg sandwiches, cold veal 
 loaf garnished with rings of hard-boiled eggs, baked 
 cup custards, candy eggs and egg-shaped cookies. 
 
 An Easter Tree 
 
 This novel device was thought of by a mother whose 
 children were continually demanding something new. 
 There was a merry little Easter party. Suddenly the 
 doors were opened into the dining-room, disclosing a tree 
 on the centre of the table with a pert bunny on the top. 
 Then all over the branches were chickens, ducks and 
 bunnies, both brown and cotton-tails. There was a nest 
 of eggs at each plate and in the egg hunt which preceded 
 the feast the prizes were "Peter Rabbit'' and "Mr. Ben- 
 jamin Bunny.'* The name cards were charming Easter 
 
 62 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 postals with the child's name on the address side. The 
 children were perfectly delighted with this party, and 
 the mother kept the tree a surprise even from her own 
 children. 
 
 For "Primrose" Day 
 
 The nineteenth of April is Primrose Day. It does not 
 mean as much to us as to our English cousins, who 
 loyally wear a primrose on that day in remembrance of 
 Disraeli (Lord Beaconsfield), who died on that date. 
 
 For a dinner or luncheon planned for the nineteenth 
 it is a suggestion to use everywhere — centrepiece and 
 room decorations — these charming flowers which come 
 in all colors and are very plentiful as well as cheap at 
 the florists'. A potted primrose of the double variety 
 would make an acceptable prize at bridge or any other 
 game at which the hostess wishes to give a reward of 
 merit. 
 
 For favors the little jardinieres of porcelain, which 
 I think are imported from Paris, would be lovely, each 
 containing a wee primrose plant; the place card could 
 be tied to the handle. I am sure these ideas may be 
 easily adapted to any functions on this date. They give 
 the requisite touch of something ''different,'' which seems 
 to be so necessary to the peace of our up-to-date hostesses. 
 
 An English Tea 
 
 The twenty-third of April is St. George's Day and a 
 loyal Englishwoman is going to use the occasion to give 
 an afternoon tea for which she has sent cards to all on her 
 calling list. A touch of novelty will be the playing and 
 singing of English ballads and ''God Save the King" 
 will be played more than once by the stringed instru- 
 ments, which are to be concealed from the guests by a 
 screen of English flags and palms. Mingled with the 
 
 63 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 stars and stripes will be the British union jack and the 
 Cross of St. George, and everywhere there are to be 
 roses of all hues. This season's debutantes will take 
 turns at the table, where tea will be poured and piping 
 hot English muffins, made small, will be passed with 
 orange marmalade. There will be tiny sandwiches and 
 preserved ginger. 
 
 For Shakespeare's Birthday 
 
 The twenty-third is the date celebrated as the great 
 "Bard of Avon's" natal day, although some authorities 
 contend that he was born on the twenty-sixth. History 
 says that purple and gold were his favorite colors. For 
 a touch of novelty this combination could be used with 
 quotations from his writings on the place cards. Prizes 
 could be some of the many beautiful small books that 
 are made out of his plays or pertaining to him. A charm- 
 ing book is called *The Lovers' Shakespeare," bound in 
 red. It is just the right size to pick up in an idle moment. 
 
 Shakespeare Riddles 
 My first is a good meat, with eggs a good dish ; 
 My second's allow, or permit, if you wish. — Hamlet. 
 My first is so modest and bashful, withal; 
 My second's a tuft of your hair, that is all. — Shylock. 
 
 My first is the city of Italy's pride ; 
 
 My second's a vowel, which you mustn't elide. — Romeo. 
 
 My first's a girl's name — to your wits put a file ; 
 
 My second and third describe her the while. 
 
 If she is well bred, understand and has style. — ^Antony. 
 
 A name of one syllable here you will see, 
 
 A villainous smile, devoid of all glee. — Lear. 
 
 My first you take as a witness before heaven; 
 
 My second some take when an inch they are given; 
 
 My third is a vowel, just one in seven. — Othello. 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 It is said that George Washington, even in fun, 
 Never told at all, in his life, my one; 
 My two you will find by the sea, I am sure; 
 My third you will do, be your life e'er so pure. — 
 Lysander. 
 
 My first is the name of metals combined 
 
 With some other substance, just as they are mined; 
 
 My second's the name on that part of the world 
 
 Which rose solid and firm when in space it was hurled; 
 
 My third is a vowel, which endeth this. 
 
 And I am very sure you'll none of it miss. — Orlando. 
 
 My first it is money, of specie or gold 
 
 When "we" is objective, my second behold. — Cassius. 
 
 My first, you see, is the time of year 
 
 When all the leaves and the birds disappear; 
 
 My second's a metaphor applied to bread. 
 
 Because it supports one's life, it is said. — Falstaff. 
 
 Invitation to a Shakespeare Club Card Party 
 
 A CLUB devoted to Shakespeare as well as cards is- 
 sued the following invitation which was responded to 
 with alacrity by all the members. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Richard Smiths 
 Greeting : 
 *'Lend thy serious hearing to what I shall unfold." — Hamlet. 
 
 "Sir (and lady), you are very welcome to our house. 
 It must appear in other ways than words, 
 
 Therefore, I scant this breathing courtesy." — Merchant of 
 Venice. 
 
 "Say, what abridgment 
 Have you for this evening?" 
 
 — Midsummer Night's Dream. 
 
 "It will be the pastime passing excellent." — Taming of the 
 Shrew: 
 
 65 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 **If your love do not persuade you to come, 
 Let not my letter." — Merchant of Venice. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Brown. 
 April twenty-first, at eight o'clock. 
 
 The prizes were all suggestive of the immortal bard, 
 consisting of a framed sepia print of Shakespeare, a 
 stein with a picture of Falstaff and cup of sack; framed 
 photographs of Stratford-on-Avon scenes, and a charm- 
 ing print of Romeo and Juliet. The hostess called the 
 roll and each member responded by giving a Shakes- 
 peare quotation. 
 
 A Spring Luncheon 
 
 People who live in the country are making things 
 pleasant for their city friends by having them out for a 
 week-end or for a day. Delightfully informal lunch- 
 eons, with tramps through the woods and ravines, make 
 these visits pleasant. Birds and the budding spring- 
 time furnish novelties galore, and nature hunt parties 
 are quite the proper caper on the north shore. 
 
 A hostess at one of these affairs asked her guests to 
 wear short walking suits with stout shoes. After a 
 couple of hours on a glorious tramp all returned to the 
 house for a bountiful repast, consisting of escalloped 
 creamed chicken, fried sweet potatoes, spaghetti, hot 
 biscuit, tomato salad, strawberries and individual angel 
 food cakes, with coffee served with the meal. The cen- 
 trepiece consisted of a dozen pink, lavender, and white 
 hepaticas and lacy bay ferns. With tall pinks in shaded 
 candles the effect was lovely. At each place there was 
 a small jardiniere filled with the same flowers, which 
 were taken home by the delighted guests. 
 
 The candy passed during the afternoon was pink, 
 white, green, and yellow buttercups, and marshmallows 
 
 66 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 were toasted over the candles at the table. The prize 
 for the most flowers guessed in the contest was pack- 
 ages of flower seeds. 
 
 By the way, I wonder how many people know that 
 genuine wild-flower seeds may be purchased, I saw a 
 barren yard around a new house that looked like a 
 bower of beauty last summer, all made by sowing broad- 
 cast a lot of wild-flower seeds. They made the place 
 beautiful against the time when the yard could be 
 properly graded and grassed. 
 
 67 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 CHAPTER V— PASTIMES FOR MAY 
 
 A Dinner for May Day 
 
 THIS can be made a delightful occasion. Write 
 the invitations and place each one in a tiny bas- 
 ket, with a flower — and bit of green. Have them 
 delivered by hanging on the doorknob, the messenger 
 ringing the bell to be sure they are received. This re- 
 vives the old and pretty custom of tying to the doorknob 
 a May basket filled with flowers and perhaps a tiny gift, 
 then hastening out of sight before the door was opened. 
 Of course the most suitable centrepiece is a Maypole or 
 a large gilt basket filled with flowers. To choose part- 
 ners for any entertainment scheme the hostess may have 
 in mind, make a **tulip bed.'' Fill a shallow wooden box 
 with sawdust or sand, cover with green crepe paper and 
 place on a taboret or table. Then make realistic tulips 
 out of crepe tissue paper if the real ones are not pro- 
 curable and expense cuts no figure. On the end of each 
 wire stem place the half of some well-known quota- 
 tion, or the title of some book. When the quotation is 
 made whole, or the author of a book is found, the 
 couples are ready to proceed; the flowers should be 
 pulled first by a lady, then a gentleman. On one of 
 the tulips there will be a crown drawn and the person 
 who ^'gathers'* it will be adorned with a chaplet of 
 flowers, representing the May-day "Queen;" a man 
 should exchange with a lady if he draws the crown. 
 Have some one read Tennyson's "I'm to Be Queen of 
 the May," or "Call Me Early, Mother Dear." 
 
 68 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 A Milk and Honey Tea 
 
 May is sometimes called the "bee" month, for the 
 reason that in England clover is at its best at this sea- 
 son and the honey bee makes its choicest honey. This 
 very old saying comes to us from the annals of the 
 past: 
 
 A swarm of bees in May 
 
 Is worth a load of hay; 
 
 A swarm of bees in June 
 
 Is worth a silver spoon; 
 
 But a swarm of bees in July 
 
 Is not worth a fly. 
 
 This merry month of May also used to be called in 
 ancient times the *Trimilki" month, for the pastures were 
 so rich that the cows could be milked three times a day. 
 
 With these two things in mind a clever hostess sent out 
 her cards for this *'milk and honey tea/' with the words 
 "informal" and "thimbles" in one corner. 
 
 After a jolly hour examining the various bits of needle- 
 work displayed by the guests the maid brought in a large 
 tray containing the tea service, which was dainty with 
 pink and white clovers around the sandwich plate that 
 contained piping hot biscuit spread wnth honey. The tea 
 was sweetened with honey and there were honey cakes 
 and honey candy. For those who liked milk there was a 
 pitcher of the fresh liquid, the cream floating yellow on 
 the top, and a pretty bowl held cracked ice for those who 
 liked it cold. 
 
 There were little bee-decorated place cards for sou- 
 venirs with this sentiment on the one in whose honor 
 the tea was given: 
 
 Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 
 
 An Apple-Blossom Luncheon 
 
 On apple-blossomed cards the invitations for a May 
 luncheon were sent out. It was an informal aflfair, but 
 
 69 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 very dainty. The hostess was fortunate to live in a 
 suburb where fruit trees were plentiful, and recognized 
 the fact that nothing is so appropriate as what the 
 season and nature provide. She made her house into a 
 dream of beauty by banking mantels, filling fireplaces, 
 umbrella jars and other large receptacles with masses of 
 pink and white blooms. 
 
 On arrival the guests were refreshed with grape 
 juice and wafers and then repaired to the dining-room 
 lighted by alternate pink and white candles to partake 
 of this tempting luncheon: Celery soup, crown roast of 
 lamb, new peas and potatoes, hot rolls, tomatoes stuffed 
 with sweetbreads, capped by mayonnaise; for dessert, 
 maple mousse in white boxes with a spray of apple 
 blossoms on the top; small pink and white iced cakes. 
 The day was warm and cofTee was served on the flower- 
 trimmed porch; afterwards a walk was taken in the 
 near-by woods. This is a gentle hint to suburban peo- 
 ple to entertain their city friends during this glorious 
 month, when Mother Nature is waiting to receive her 
 children in all the radiance of her pristine spring glory. 
 
 For May First 
 
 Children eagerly welcome any innovation from the 
 commonplace, so let them share in the preparations for 
 May Day. It makes them happier and in consequence 
 better. If it is too cold to have outdoor fetes, the spirit 
 and letter of the law may be carried out indoors. Most 
 charming May baskets can be made by braiding crepe 
 tissue paper, then sewing it together; alternating strips 
 of white and green w^ork up effectively. A handle is 
 braided and sewed on, and the receptacle filled with 
 flowers. Covers for potted plant and earthen fern 
 dishes are made in the same manner and add much to 
 the beauty and attractiveness of these gifts. 
 
 70 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 There has been a delightful revival of many old-time 
 dances which were given on the greensward, among 
 them the Morris dance, which is still danced in War- 
 wickshire. May Day meant in England all sorts of pleas- 
 ant plays and dances which were indulged in by both 
 old and young. This Morris dance had a gay jingling of 
 bells and a clashing of staves and swords. It was sup- 
 posed to have been named from the Moors and several 
 certain characters always participated — a fool, a piper, 
 Maid Marian and a hobby horse. There is an old saying 
 that the hobby horse was really the ''king'' of the May. 
 
 A dance around the May pole is one of the prettiest 
 sights imaginable. Instead of ribbon use streamers of 
 tarlatan. Each child should have a crown of real or 
 artificial flowers, the little queen to have a gilt circlet 
 besides. A flower hunt is a good stunt, hiding the blos- 
 soms in all sorts of places, providing little baskets to 
 contain the spoils. In a sand pile each may take his 
 turn in laying out a garden, dividing oflf the beds with 
 shells and pretty stones, the best design to receive a prize 
 of a package of flower seeds. At this May Day party, 
 plan for all sorts of races, with a time-keeper and a 
 judge, all the prizes to be flowers in pots or single blos- 
 soms. The ice cream should be served in little pottery 
 flower pots, small size, lined with waxed paper. Plant 
 a flower in each pot, one of the straight, stiflf-stemmed 
 variety, like tulips or jonquils. Sprinkle chocolate over 
 the top to look like earth. The children will be delighted 
 with this method of serving. 
 
 For Memorial Day 
 
 The thirtieth, brings the last special day in the month's 
 calendar, and the shopkeepers have provided many 
 patriotic reminders of this, our saddest memory day. We 
 are all reminded forcefully each year of the fact that 
 
 71 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 our **Grand Army'' is becoming pitifully reduced in ranks 
 and we owe a debt of gratitude to the gray and griz- 
 zled veterans who gave themselves to preserve the Union. 
 This is not a time for hilarity, but for a sacred rever- 
 ence. We may all do something to show our appreciation, 
 even if it is only to pause and bow our heads or lift our 
 hats when we see the soldiers pass on their way to lay 
 fresh garlands on their comrades who are silently sleep- 
 ing in the great bivouacs of the dead. If we are still 
 privileged to have a "Grand Army" man within our 
 family circle, let us decorate the table with flags and ask 
 a few friends in to sing the good old war songs and listen 
 to the thrilling stories that veterans can tell. Nothing in 
 print is more interesting than these tales. Let us join in 
 *The Blue and the Gray'' and say a prayer while our 
 hearts ache over "The Vacant Chair." I am sure a splen- 
 did entertainment may be arranged with the soldiers 
 of '6 1 our honored guests. 
 
 A May Day Luncheon 
 
 The first day of May is a holiday much looked for- 
 ward to by our cousins over the water. In England it is 
 a most festive occasion, with the outdoor dance around 
 the May pole and all sorts of games and races on the 
 green, in which old and young participate. 
 
 The filling of May baskets with wild flowers, hanging 
 them on the doorknob, ringing the bell and running away 
 is a custom told in song and story. It is an opportunity 
 of giving gifts of flowers and concealing something more 
 substantial in the basket. 
 
 For the luncheon described the hostess had a May 
 pole nearly three feet tall in the centre of the table. It 
 stood in a block of wood concealed by a mound of flowers 
 and ferns. An embroidery hoop wound with ribbon was 
 on top, from which rainbow-colored ribbons ran to each 
 
 72 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 plate, where they were fastened to small baskets of vio- 
 lets with the name card tied to the handle. 
 
 The following menu was served: A chilled fruit mix- 
 ture in tall glasses topped by a spoonful of lemon ice, 
 broiled squab on toast, creamed new potatoes with 
 chopped parsley, green peas, tomato salad with cucumbers 
 and cheese straws, individual strawberry shortcakes and 
 coffee. 
 
 A Unique Flower Luncheon 
 
 The hostess asked ten guests to come to a luncheon 
 each wearing a flower (either real or artificial) to rep- 
 resent a country. The flowers were all typically spring- 
 like, being daffodils, narcissi and hyacinths. The place 
 cards were original rhymes, in which the name of the 
 flower was not mentioned, but to be guessed. A few 
 specimens follow: 
 
 Your sweet face says : "I think of you," 
 
 Your colors are of every hue. (Pansy.) 
 
 Blue as the loving sky, 
 Thine emblem constancy. 
 
 (Forget-me-not.) 
 
 "I love you ! I love you !" your rich color imparts. 
 Oh, how fondly we nesde you close to our hearts. 
 
 (Red rose.) 
 
 Though dangerous pleasures you imply, 
 Your waxlike petals do please the eye. 
 
 (Tuberose.) 
 
 The countries represented are : United States, golden- 
 rod; England, rose; Ireland, shamrock; France, fleur 
 de lis; Japan, chrysanthemum; Canada, maple leaf; Hol- 
 land, tulip; Scotland, thistle; Germany, cornflower; 
 Switzerland, edelweiss, etc. 
 
 One of the many flower-guessing contests was used as 
 a pastime, the prizes being a copy of ^'Elizabeth and Her 
 
 n 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 German Garden/' and set of flower-decorated place 
 cards. The centre of the table represented a formal 
 miniature garden. 
 
 A Baseball Luncheon 
 
 A MOTHER who had two sons in a baseball nine gave 
 this original luncheon, inviting the nine as special guests. 
 The invitations went out on diamond-shaped bits of pink 
 paper and were received with great enthusiasm. The 
 hour was one o'clock, after which there was a practice 
 game for the approaching "big'' game which was to 
 decide a championship ; so all were told to come in their 
 baseball suits. 
 
 The centre of the table was laid out for a game with 
 miniature figures on a "diamond" made from green 
 paper ; a wire mask held flowers, and the place souvenirs 
 all represented names of famous baseball nines. There 
 were the "cubs," little stuffed "red sox," the "pirates," 
 represented by skull and crossbones; the "tigers," 
 "giants" and "indians." There were also miniature bats 
 and balls, and the nine's mascot, a dog, was not forgotten. 
 
 A hearty meal of beefsteak, spaghetti, with tomato 
 sauce, scalloped potatoes, olives, brown and white bread, 
 salted nuts, fruit salad with hot cheese sandwiches, indi- 
 vidual apple pies and generous cups of cocoa delighted 
 the youthful guests. Molasses candy and peppermint 
 sticks were the sweets. The boys went off with three 
 cheers and a tiger for the popular mother, and she 
 declared she never had more appreciative guests. 
 
 Fruit-Tree Blossom Luncheon 
 
 This is the month, and the only one, in which these 
 decorations are available. A hostess realizing this is 
 planning to use branches of apple, pear and peach blos- 
 soms, making her house one bower of spring beauty. 
 
 74 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 The wild pink crabapple blossoms she is going to use 
 exclusively in the dining room. A very Japanese effect 
 may be achieved with these blossoms and her idea for 
 this affair is draw^n largely from the celebration of the 
 feast of cherry blossoms so lovingly observed by our 
 little brown neighbors across the western sea. Brown 
 wistaria baskets will be used to hold single branches and 
 the tint of the rooms is all soft grays and tans ; the result 
 will be truly artistic and pleasing. From these hints I am 
 sure all our readers will want to give May luncheons, and 
 what could be prettier than these decorations for a house 
 or church wedding? The practice of using what is sea- 
 sonable and at hand is becoming more and more popular, 
 and we do not need to force flowers not in season just 
 because it costs a fortune to get them, but use the blos- 
 soms nature provides for each season as it rolls around. 
 
 Afternoon Tea 
 
 As afternoon tea has become such an established 
 custom on this side of the water, it is well to know some- 
 thing of the origin of tea drinking. 
 
 It is needless to say that China claims to have discov- 
 ered the use of tea as a drink, and there is a very pretty 
 legend connected with it, which is as follows : 
 
 Way back in the dim past of that land of ancient 
 history the daughter of a reigning sovereign w^as desper- 
 ately in love with a young nobleman, whose caste did not 
 permit him to marry her. At every opportunity they 
 exchanged loving glances, and from time to time he 
 gathered some flowers, sending them secretly to the 
 object of his adoration. One day while strolling through 
 the palace grounds the princess met her lover, and while 
 her attendants were not looking he tried to give her 
 some blossoms he carried, but all she grasped was a 
 small, green-leafed twig. 
 
 75 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 This she carefully protected, placing it in a goblet of 
 water. She gave it her tenderest devotion and finally, 
 being of a very sentimental nature, she lifted the glass 
 and drank the water. Being impressed with the delicious 
 flavor she ate the twig itself. 
 
 The taste pleased her so greatly that in memory of her 
 lover she had tea leaves brought to her each day and she 
 ate them or drank the water. The court ladies observed 
 her custom and whether from sentimental motives or not, 
 they began to follow her example. The result was that 
 tea drinking became prevalent throughout the Chinese 
 empire and employment was thus given to many people. 
 It is claimed that this occurred 3,000 years before the 
 coming of Christ. 
 
 An equally pretty legend narrates that the princess, who 
 was suffering with an incurable disease, while walking 
 in the garden with her ladies picked some leaves from 
 the plants which bordered the walks and gave them to 
 her friends to remember her by. Knowing that the leaves 
 would dry and crumble in time the ladies planned to make 
 the gift a part of their very life. They therefore infused 
 the leaves and drank the tea. The custom of infusing the 
 same kind of leaves was maintained long years after the 
 princess had passed away, so that our tea-drinking is 
 really in remembrance of this lovely lady of old. 
 
 Tea tables are unusually pretty these days, and no 
 place is quite so satisfactory to show off one's latest 
 table accessories and dainty gowns, no place do my lady's 
 dainty jewelled hands appear to greater advantage, than 
 when presiding at her informal five o'clock tea. This 
 cozy, unconventional hour is becoming popular with 
 the men as well as the fair sex, and those who have been 
 in England come home thoroughly addicted to the tea 
 habit. 
 
 Toasted crackers with butter or cheese are much in 
 
 76 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 favor, as well as the thinnest of sandwiches. One hostess 
 IS famous for her hot muffins, another for toast fingers 
 and orange marmalade. Candied orange and lemon peel, 
 also ginger and oyster crackers dipped in melted chocolate, 
 are all delicious to be served in quaint side dishes of glass 
 or silver. 
 
 7J 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 CHAPTER VI -PASTIMES FOR JUNE 
 
 Gifts for Girl Graduates 
 
 IN years gone by it was flowers only for the sweet girl 
 graduate, but now, while flowers are still given, they 
 are often used only as the medium of sending some 
 gift of intrinsic value, concealing the parcel among the 
 blossoms or tying it to the bouquet. There are regular 
 books prepared, or they may be made by an artistic 
 friend to contain all the memory notes so dear to girlish 
 hearts, pages for pasting in programmes and samples of 
 frocks, for there are several special gowns that girls 
 seem to think necessary to be graduated properly. 
 There is the frock for the baccalaureate sermon, the senior 
 party frock and the graduating gown, which ranks next 
 in importance to the wedding gown or the debut dress. 
 The class colors, the college yell, spaces for senior pic- 
 tures, the class day programme, newspaper clippings ; all 
 these find a place in the book, and there are probably 
 many other items that the individual will want to put in, 
 so several pages are left blank. For those who may wish 
 to make such a book I append a number of suitable 
 quotations : 
 
 For the cover: 
 
 A day in June. 
 
 For the graduate as a freshman: 
 
 An unlesson'd girl, unschoord, unpractised: 
 
 Happy in this, she is not yet so old 
 
 But she may learn. — Shakespeare. 
 
 78 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 A photograph as she looked during a vacation : 
 
 The world is so full of a number of things, 
 Tm sure we should all be as happy as kings. 
 
 — Robert Louis Stevenson. 
 
 Under a picture of the school : 
 
 Still sits the schoolhouse by the road. 
 
 — Whittier. 
 
 To go under a picture of teachers or pupils : 
 
 I count myself in nothing else so happy 
 As in a soul remembering my good friends. 
 
 — Shakespeare. 
 
 This under the college president's likeness : 
 
 Taught thee each hour one thing or another. 
 
 — Shakespeare. 
 
 Under class pictures these are appropriate: 
 
 A bevy of fair women. Milton. 
 
 .... companions 
 That do converse and waste the time together. 
 Whose souls do bear an equal yoke of love. 
 
 — Shakespeare. 
 
 For the college colors use this: 
 
 Thoughts, master, are masked under such colors. 
 
 — Shakespeare. 
 
 And this for the college jokes : 
 
 A college joke to cure the dumps. 
 
 — Dean Swift. 
 
 The space reserved for clippings will need this 
 
 quotation : 
 
 Praise me not too much, 
 Nor blame me, for thou speakest to the Greeks, 
 Who know me. —Bryant's "Homer's Iliad." 
 
 79 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 And at the last use this : 
 
 Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever ; 
 Do noble things, not dream them, all day long. 
 
 — Charles Kingsley. 
 
 The child is a woman, the book may close over, 
 For all the lessons are said. 
 
 — Jean Ingelow. 
 
 Class Party 
 
 This affair was held on the lawn and was given by a 
 class president to the members of her graduating class. 
 The hours were from four to eight ; thus was included a 
 very charming picnic luncheon or supper. When all had 
 arrived, partners were chosen for tennis and croquet, 
 and each one was presented with a denim pillow in the 
 class colors, which happened to be green and orange. 
 The pillows were made by taking the two colors, sewing 
 them together diagonally across the sides. They made 
 bright spots of color on the greensward and were accept- 
 able souvenirs of a very happy occasion. Then each one 
 had a rosette of the same colors. Refreshments were 
 served at small tables on the porch, which were gay with 
 Chinese lanterns. There were two kinds of cold meat, 
 hot biscuit, potato salad, olives, salted nuts, ice cream and 
 cakes with candy, ginger ale, and coffee for those who 
 wished it. At eight o'clock a hay rack took them to a 
 nearby country club for an informal dance. 
 
 Toasts and Sentiments for a Class Banquet 
 
 This is an outline used upon the programme of a class 
 who had their farewell dinner before graduation. A good 
 way to use these excellent selections would be to assign 
 them as responses, awarding the subjects to various 
 members of the class. 
 
 80 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 A Journey 
 
 Toastmlstress : 
 
 Then, pilgrim, turn, thy cares forego 
 
 All earth-born cares are wrong; 
 Man wants but little here below, 
 
 Nor wants that little long. 
 
 — Goldsmith. 
 
 The Preparation — Our Alma Mater: 
 
 Where'er I roam, whatever realms I see. 
 
 My heart untravell'd fondly turns to thee. 
 
 The Beginning — The graduates : 
 
 Nature, a mother kind alike to all, 
 
 Still grants her bliss at labor's earnest call. 
 
 On the Way — The Alumnae : 
 
 For just experience tells in every soil. 
 
 That those who think must govern those that toil. 
 
 A Roadside View — The Prophesy: 
 
 Around my fire an evening group to draw. 
 
 And tell of all I felt and all I saw. 
 
 Our Guide : 
 
 But in his duty, prompt at every call, 
 
 He watched and wept, he prayed and felt for all. 
 
 Destination — Our Married Sisters : 
 
 Let school-taught pride dissemble all it can. 
 
 These little things are great to little man. 
 
 A June Luncheon 
 
 In June the flowers are so plentiful that many love to 
 entertain. I want to tell you how a hostess in the country 
 gave a clover luncheon one rare day in this lovely month. 
 The guests were asked to come out from the city in 
 shirtwaist suits and the hostess told them they were to 
 go out and gather clover for her decorations. In fields 
 near the house red, white, and a beautiful variety of 
 pink-tinged clover grew in profusion. Bowls, jars, and 
 small crocks were filled with these fragrant blossoms. 
 
 The place cards were decorated with clovers and green 
 four-leafed clovers, and each bore an appropriate quota- 
 tion, which I give for the benefit of others : 
 
 8i 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 Quotations 
 
 The queen of the year has come, 
 
 Hail to thee, June! Sweet mistress mine. 
 
 — GODDARD. 
 
 Hark! she is here — 'tis the rose-faced June 
 Striking the harp to her merriest tune. 
 
 — Capern. 
 
 Welcome, bright June, and all its smiling hours, 
 With song of birds and stir of leaves and wings. 
 
 — Webbe. 
 
 June, bonnie June, I but love thee the more 
 That evermore smiling thou sunshine dost bring. 
 
 — Leigh Hunt. 
 
 June, brightest of the summer months of flowers. 
 
 — Burleigh. 
 
 With sunny smiles and showery tears 
 The soft, young June day now appears. 
 
 — McLellan. 
 
 And what is so rare as a day in June? 
 
 — Lowell. 
 
 Sweet June, with the fair forehead bound 
 With dewy wild flowers and with roses crowned. 
 I love thee well. 
 
 — McLellan. 
 
 Dainty Centrepiece 
 
 A HOSTESS living in a delightful country place arranged 
 this unique centrepiece at a luncheon v^hich she gave for 
 some of her city friends. She had an enormous straw 
 hat tied as a basket filled v^ith roses. It v^as held by a 
 big bow of gauze ribbon. At each place small baskets 
 filled with unhulled strawberries rested on a doily of 
 grape leaves. On the handle was a bow of pink gauze 
 ribbon, with the name card pinned to it with a dainty 
 
 82 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 imitation coral stick-pin ; just one pink rose rested on the 
 handle. It was all very simple, but the rustic effect was 
 lovely. 
 
 Luncheon for Girl Graduates 
 
 Next to the wedding day there is no more important 
 occasion, perhaps, than the day the bud makes her bow 
 to society, and not all girls do that ; most of them, how- 
 ever, are pretty sure to graduate and marry. In this age 
 of elaborate entertainments those for the young woman 
 just leaving the schoolroom have their full quota of 
 elegance. At an affair given for the graduating class of 
 a fashionable school the centrepiece was a silver basket 
 filled with pink moss ; instead of a real silver receptacle, 
 a basket gilded or silvered would be equally effective. 
 Candles of pink, with silver shades and place cards cut 
 and tinted in exact rose shades, added much to this 
 couleur de rose table. The nut-holders carried out the 
 same idea, for they were tiny pink roses, the paper cases 
 being inclosed in silken rose petals. The ice cream was 
 in shape of pink roses with stem and leaves of green 
 candy. At each place was a long-stemmed rose, to which 
 was tied a small pink bag of satin which contained 
 the graduate hostess's gift to her classmates — lovely 
 amethyst pins. Graduation presents are now uppermost 
 in every one's mind, and belt pins, hat pins, bracelets, and 
 collar pins are all safe purchases set with semiprecious 
 stones, and any girl would be delighted with a bit of real 
 Irish lace in form of stock, collar, cuff's. 
 
 Graduate Farewell Luncheon 
 
 These are the days shared alike with the sweet girl 
 graduate and the fair June bride. Ofttimes the graduate 
 soon becomes the bride, and it was an occasion like this 
 that originated this pretty luncheon. 
 
 83 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 The guest of honor was invited to be present on a 
 certain day at the home of the hostess, who was the class 
 president. AH excepting the honored guest contributed 
 to the feast. 
 
 The quotation used on the place cards was especially 
 apropos. It was Longfellow's beautiful lines: 
 
 Stop, stop, my wheel! Too soon, too soon, 
 The noon will be the afternoon, 
 Too soon to-day be yesterday. 
 
 The toasts were "Our School," "Our Bride-EIect'' and 
 "Plain Living and High Thinking/' The class gift was a 
 stunning copper desk set, with the bride's monogram 
 done on each piece. 
 
 Reunion of College Girls 
 
 At a reunion of college girls the hostess planned a 
 "daisy" luncheon which was very pretty. The invitations 
 had water-color daisies scattered over the pale-green note 
 paper and read : "Will you be a link in my Maisy chain' 
 on (day, date, hour) ?" 
 
 After wraps were removed the hostess gave each guest 
 a wreath of daisies for her hair. These she had made 
 on very fine wire of real daisies which had been left in 
 water overnight so they kept perfectly fresh for several 
 hours. The table (a round one) had a large mass of 
 daisies in a green bowl for the centrepiece, and from the 
 overhead light to the four corners there was a daisy chain 
 made of smilax and daisies fastened at each corner with 
 bows of yellow and white tulle. The small cakes served 
 with the ice cream were ornamented with frosting daisies 
 with yellow centres ; the ice cream was yellow and white. 
 Gold-band china and glass candlesticks with yellow shades 
 completed this exceptionally good-looking table. The 
 place cards were cards with daisies cut out around the 
 edge, hand painted. There was no special entertainment 
 
 84 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 scheme planned, as the hostess said *'the girls had so 
 much to 'reminisce' about they had time to give every one 
 a chance to talk it over." By the way, this set of girls, 
 many of whom are married, have a very nice custom of 
 keeping each others' birthdays. They have a book with 
 all dates in, so if only a card of greeting is sent, the 
 birthday member is sure of at least ten good wishes for 
 ''many happy returns of the day." 
 
 Omens of the Wedding Day 
 
 June — the month allotted to brides and roses — is prob- 
 ably the most popular season of the year, as it brings to 
 many the fulfilment of hearts' desires. It is said — by 
 whom no one seems to know — that if the day chosen by a 
 girl for her wedding proves to be rainy, her life will be 
 filled with more sorrow than joy. Be that as it may, one 
 of the very happiest of marriages was made on Friday, 
 the thirteenth day of the month, and at the hour set for 
 the ceremony there was a most terrific thunderstorm. In 
 spite of the fact that for years Saturday was considered 
 the most unlucky of wedding days, of late it has been 
 chosen by brides of even international fame. 
 
 If the carriage containing a bride should meet a funeral 
 procession the driver must be instructed to turn some 
 other way. If he does not, fate decrees that the bride 
 will soon die. 
 
 To avoid the possibility of any bad luck on her wedding 
 day, the bride-elect should not offer to assist in washing 
 or wiping the family dishes, for if by chance she should 
 happen to break a bit of china it would be an exceedingly 
 evil omen. The old record does not say what, but it 
 would be prudent not to tempt fate. 
 
 Gray is the color a bride should choose for her going- 
 away gown if she wishes to wear what for ages has been 
 considered the proper thing to insure good luck. Perhaps 
 
 85 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 that is the reason that there is always a steady demand 
 for this color. 
 
 Some one gets hold of these old superstitions and 
 customs, and the public thinks it is acquiring something 
 new just because they are so old that everyone has 
 forgotten all about them. 
 
 When the cake known as the ^'groom's cake" is passed 
 at a wedding supper the girl who gets the longest piece 
 will be the first one to marry. Maidens who are anxious 
 to leave the state of single blessedness should consult 
 the head waiter and see that some bits of cake are cut 
 longer than the others. 
 
 Fate was certainly kind when she decreed that for a 
 bride to shed tears on her wedding was a good omen, 
 for it would take a pretty stoical young woman to go 
 through the breaking of home ties without a few tears, 
 no matter how alluring the prospect of the new life. 
 
 Snow falling on a wedding day augurs well for the 
 happy couple, being a prophecy of great happiness. 
 
 For girls who have been asked to set the day it might 
 be well to remember that June 3, 11, 19, and 21 are 
 considered by the fates to be especially propitious on 
 which to have the knot tied. 
 
 A Flag Day Party 
 
 This is primarily for the children, but a hostess enter- 
 taining on the fourteenth may utilize a red, white, and 
 blue color scheme with our beloved Stars and Stripes in 
 evidence among the decorations. 
 
 Make the children realize how much the flag means to 
 us, its origin, and let them hang flags everywhere, large 
 and small, and provide wee flags of silk for them to 
 wear; they are not costly. Show them pictures of the 
 flags of other nations ; Webster's Dictionary shows them 
 all and sets of foreign flags in an envelope are obtainable 
 
 86 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 at most department stores. Have a programme of 
 patriotic songs ; children love to sing them. Then serve 
 ice cream in little flag-decorated boxes and wee cakes 
 with a flag stuck in the white icing. 
 
 A Toast to Our Flag 
 
 Flag of the free hearts' hope and home! 
 
 By angel hands to valor given; 
 Thy stars have lit the welkin dome, 
 
 And all thy hues are born in heaven. 
 Forever float that standard true ! 
 
 Where breathes the foe but falls before us, 
 To Freedom's soil beneath our feet, 
 
 To Freedom's banner streaming o'er us. 
 
 — Lena Austin. 
 
 Suggestions for Travellers 
 
 A LADY going to Europe was the recipient of numerous 
 gifts from her family and friends and had several fare- 
 well showers given her. On her return she said that a 
 pair of knitted woollen slippers without soles had afforded 
 her inexpressible comfort while on shipboard and on the 
 continent, where fire in her room was often an impossi- 
 bility. They took scarcely any room in her travelling 
 bag and proved a nightly comfort. Another convenience 
 would be bags made for each pair of shoes, of blue 
 chambray bound with white tape, white bags of linen to 
 hold corsets and a series of eight or ten little pockets to 
 be fastened to the top tray of the steamer trunk. Such 
 "catch-alls" are a great convenience. 
 
 This is how a thoughtful mother prepared lunch for 
 two small children: The journey was almost across the 
 continent, and something had to be done to vary the 
 monotony of the dining car. Delicious sandwiches, each 
 separately wrapped in wax paper, salted nuts, a tiny 
 cheese jar filled with jelly, wafers and individual sponge 
 cakes were packed in small boxes and then all were 
 
 87 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 packed in a papier-mache telescope, which was used 
 exclusively as a lunch box. 
 
 In each box there was a "surprise," such as snapping 
 paper caps, paper dolls to be cut, paper puzzles in 
 envelopes, even small toys, mostly in shape of candy 
 boxes, which were filled with peppermints and fruit 
 tablets. There were paper napkins in a variety of shapes 
 and colors, and plenty of them. Lemon juice in a glass 
 bottle provided lemonade, and there were aluminum 
 spoons, a small glass for each child, and squares of 
 waxed paper for holding fruit, thus keeping the little 
 fingers clean. Meal time was a delight, and there were 
 no piece meals indulged in at any *'old time." Once in 
 the morning and once in the afternoon they had an apple 
 or orange, and at the end of the journey the children 
 were in perfect physical condition, thanks to the mother's 
 regularity. She certainly had travelling reduced to a 
 science. 
 
 The stewardess on an ocean liner told a passenger who 
 was grievously aifiicted with mal-de-mer that a bit of 
 boiled ham or bacon, or even dried beef, chewed slowly, 
 would settle the stomach, and other food would also be 
 retained after taking the salty morsels. This was tried 
 and proved successful. 
 
 A sheet of letter paper placed over the pit of the 
 stomach will often relieve car sickness, so an old experi- 
 enced traveler says. It is always obtainable and is worth 
 remembering. 
 
 When one or more persons are travelling together it is 
 well to make one bundle of canes and umbrellas by fasten- 
 ing with small leather straps of black or tan that come for 
 this purpose. Besides the travelling cups which collapse 
 and fit into cases there are cups of paper that will serve 
 for three or four drinks and can then be thrown away. 
 These are fine for picnics and automobile trips. 
 
 88 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 A Daisy Table 
 
 In many localities daisies grow wild in profusion. A 
 hostess who rejoiced in fields of them used this dehghtful 
 combination ; she made long chains of daisies and smilax, 
 and outlined the places at table, which was set with a 
 cluny lace cloth over pale blue. The candlesticks were 
 of glass, with white candles shaded with white over 
 blue, with a fringe of white beads. The centrepiece was 
 a gilded basket with daisies, the handle tied with a huge 
 bow of white and blue satin ribbon. The guests were all 
 members of an embroidery class, so for favors there were 
 gilded embroidery hoops tied with pale-blue satin ribbon. 
 For place cards there were hand-painted marguerites with 
 the petals cut out, names of the guests being done in gilt. 
 
 At each plate was a corsage bouquet of daisies tied 
 with blue ribbon. Everyone exclaimed ''How lovely!'' 
 when the doors were opened and the pretty table 
 disclosed ; the china was white gold band and the effect 
 was so cool and refreshing. A simple summer menu 
 was served, the salad being the only thing characteristic 
 of the decorations. It was made by hard-boiling eggs; 
 cutting the whites lengthwise to make petals, and mashing 
 the well-seasoned yolks to form the round centres of the 
 ''daisies'' which were carefully formed on the blanched 
 hearts of head lettuce. 
 
 A Strawberry Luncheon 
 
 June is the season when these luscious berries are in 
 their prime and a luncheon with them for the basis is a 
 very pretty affair. Use a brown rustic basket for the 
 centrepiece, filled with large red berries, vines, and leaves. 
 If possible to obtain, get the real plants. At each place 
 have a white candle with a shade of crushed strawberry 
 color. Serve first five unhulled berries on a leaf-covered 
 plate, with a neat pile of pulverized sugar in the centre. 
 
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Party Pastimes for the 
 
 Instead of plates small baskets are suitable for these 
 berries, standing them on a service plate ; the place card 
 may be tied to the handle. Tomato soup comes next, 
 then a salmon croquette, new potatoes, and beet salad. 
 The last course will be individual strawberry shortcakes. 
 With these pass a bowl of whipped cream for those who 
 wish it, as it is a good rule never to serve any fruit with 
 cream on it, as many people dislike milk or cream with a 
 fruit acid. During the afternoon lemonade may be served 
 with strawberries floating on top. 
 
 The Morning Musicale 
 
 During the spring and summer the morning musicale 
 is most popular, the hours being from lo to 12. At an 
 affair of this kind given for about twenty intimate friends, 
 which was followed by a simple luncheon, the hostess 
 had the following quotations, one at the top of each 
 programme : 
 
 Music is the language spoken by angels. — Longfellow. 
 
 Music is the child of prayer, the companion of religion. — 
 Chateaubriand. 
 
 Music loosens the heart that care has bound. — Byrd. 
 
 Music is love in search for a word. — Sidney Lanier. 
 
 Music is as a shower bath of the soul, washing away all that 
 is impure. — Schopenhauer. 
 
 In music all hearts are revealed to us. — Shorthouse. 
 
 My language is understood all over the world. — Haydn. 
 
 Music is a thing of the soul ; a rose-lipped shell that murmurs 
 of the eternal sea; a strange bird singing the songs of another 
 shore. — J. G. Holland. 
 
 What love is to man, music is to the arts and to mankind. — 
 VoN Weber. 
 
 Music is the first, the simplest, the most effective of all instru- 
 ments of moral instructions. — Ruskin. 
 
 It is music's lofty mission to shed light on the human soul. — 
 Schumann. 
 
 Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. — 
 Auerbach. 
 
 Music is the only sensual qualification mankind may indulge in 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 to excess without injury to their moral or religious feelings. — • 
 Addison. 
 
 Music is to the mind as is air to the body. — Plato. 
 
 Music is a higher manifestation than all wisdom and phi- 
 losophy. — Beethoven. 
 
 Music is the only perfect language of all the higher emotions. 
 — Abbott. 
 
 Music is the only one of all the arts that does not corrupt the 
 mind. — Montesquieu. 
 
 Were it not for music, we might in these days say the beauti- 
 ful is dead. — Disraeli. 
 
 We cannot imagine a complete education of man without 
 music. It is the gymnastics of the affections. In suitable connec- 
 tion with exercises, it is necessary to keep body and soul in 
 health.— -RiCHTER. 
 
 I think sometimes could I only have music on my own terms, 
 could I live in a great city, and know where I could go whenever 
 I wished the ablution and inundation of musical waves, that 
 were a bath and a medicine. — Emerson. 
 
 That which music expresses is eternal and ideal. It does not 
 give voice to the passion, the love, the longing of this or the 
 other individual, under these or other circumstances; but to 
 passion, love, longing itself. — Wagner. 
 
 It is in music, perhaps, that the soul most nearly attains the 
 great end for which, when inspired by the poetic sentiment, it 
 struggles — the creation of supernal beauty. It may be, indeed 
 that here this sublime end is now and then attained in fact. We 
 are often made to feel with a shivering delight that from an 
 earthly harp are stricken notes which could not have been 
 unfamiliar to the angels. — Edgar Allan Poe, 
 
 A Rose Musicale 
 
 Roses belong to June, so this charming affair is 
 specially fitting then. Have the hour 3 o'clock and 
 give the programme of songs all pertaining to roses. 
 Intersperse piano or violin selections, although ballad 
 programmes are very popular. Serve ice cream, either in 
 rose molds or in lovely candy roses, the stems of green 
 candy; small cakes and after-dinner cups of French 
 coffee. Decorate exclusively with roses, giving each 
 guest one as he enters the room. 
 
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Party Pastimes for the 
 
 PROGRAMME 
 
 1. My Love Is Like a Red, Red Rose. 
 
 2. Roses Bring Dreams of You. 
 
 3. My Rosy Rambler. 
 
 4. My Southern Rose. 
 
 5. Last Rose of Summer. 
 
 6. Garden of Roses. 
 
 7. My Wild Irish Rose. 
 
 8. Roses in June. 
 
 9. Meet Me in Rosetime, Rosie. 
 
 10. Roses. 
 
 11. My Rosary. 
 
 12. Rose, Pretty Rose. 
 
 A Clover Luncheon 
 
 The invitations for this pretty affair were sent on 
 green cardboard clovers, written with white ink; there 
 were only six guests, and they were asked to wear shirt 
 waist suits, so there was no formality. The table centre- 
 piece was a glass bowl filled with pink and white clover 
 blossoms with a profusion of the beautiful leaves. The 
 tablecloth was sprinkled with clovers, and clover chains 
 made by the small daughter of the hostess went to the 
 four corners of the table from the chandelier. The effect 
 was lovely and so simple. 
 
 The place cards were white, with a four-leafed clover 
 pasted on each. The first course was fruit, then fish 
 creamed in ramekins, Saratoga chips, pear salad, cheese 
 wafers, olives, nuts, cheese balls with bar-le-duc. A 
 sherbet, small cakes and iced grape juice completed the 
 repast. After luncheon a long walk was taken through 
 the fields to hunt four-leafed clovers. On the return tiny 
 hot biscuit with clover honey were served on the porch, 
 with tea. 
 
 June Birthday Party 
 
 A LITTLE girl whom the gods favored by ushering into 
 this mortal sphere on a sunny June day always has her 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 birthday celebrations on the lawn. Each year this affair, 
 which was always a costume party or a character party 
 of some kind, was looked forward to not only by the 
 participants in the pretty pageant, but by the grown-ups 
 who were asked to view the scene from the broad piazzas. 
 
 The invitations, which were issued two weeks in 
 advance, requested the guests to come costumed as the 
 flower designated. These notes were written in gold ink 
 on pale pink paper, tied to a pink rosebud; and were 
 delivered from a rose-trimmed basket. 
 
 The girls came as roses in all varieties. Then there 
 were lily of the valley, violet, tiger lily, daisy, pansy, 
 black-eyed Susan, etc. The boys were sunflowers, 
 bachelor's buttons, tulips, red carnations and chrysanthe- 
 mums and nasturtiums. Jack-in-the-Pulpit and Johnny 
 Jump-Up were also represented. Crepe tissue paper and 
 cheap gauzes, tinsels and cambrics entered largely into 
 the construction of the costumes worn. 
 
 Soap bubbles occupied the first part of the afternoon, 
 the tennis court being the place selected for the contest. 
 The girls blew the bubbles and the boys fanned them over 
 the net ; the opposite side tried to keep the bubbles from 
 going over. The side first getting ten bubbles over the 
 net won a prize. Then things were reversed, and the boys 
 blew and the girls fanned. Glycerin in the proportion of 
 a tablespoonful to a pint of water was used for blowing 
 the bubbles and the pipes had a rim of soap around them 
 inside the bowl which causes the fairy balls to grow to 
 immense size ; the glycerin gives lasting qualities unknown 
 to plain water. There were prizes for this contest, 
 consisting of flower-shaped candy boxes filled with 
 candied violets and rose petals. 
 
 At 5 o'clock supper was served from a long table 
 over which a canopy of paper roses had been made by 
 
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Party Pastimes for the 
 
 putting up tall stakes at regular intervals from which 
 these garlands were festooned; the roof was made by 
 criss-crossing, heavy wire and covering with vines. The 
 roses were suspended by fine wire. The effect was 
 excellent. 
 
 Making the roses had furnished the children of the 
 house pleasant occupation for more than one rainy spring 
 day; having helped in the preparations, they were most 
 keenly interested in the success of the party. 
 
 Refreshments consisted of minced chicken sand- 
 wiches, lemonade, sugar wafers, strawberry ice cream 
 and a huge birthday cake wreathed in pink roses. Pink 
 rose holders held the candles, and each child had a wee 
 pink iced cake with a wee pink candle in front of his 
 place to take home. 
 
 A Croquet Luncheon 
 
 Along with other old-fashioned things the time-hon- 
 ored game of croquet has been revived. These sugges- 
 tions are for a luncheon to follow a match. 
 
 The table should be a long one to carry out the scheme 
 with best effect, and if a miniature set of croquet can be 
 purchased it will also simplify matters. Eight small 
 wickets will be needed and they are to be arranged on 
 the table just as on the ground. The cage or crossed 
 arches should be quite tall, as they will form the centre- 
 piece. Any handy man (or woman) can make these 
 wickets with blocks of wood and wire. Wind the wickets 
 first with green crepe paper, then with fine picture wire 
 or florists' wire. Cover them with sweet peas or any 
 other flower that may be preferred, but the sweet peas 
 are especially pretty when the delicate pink, white and 
 lavender are combined. Each wicket may have a ribbon 
 bow on top. The tiny croquet mallets are laid at each 
 place with name cards tied to the handle. For bonbons 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 have hard candy balls flavored with fruit juice; the 
 confectioner will make them in all the delicate shades. 
 The croquet stakes, ribbon-bound, should be at the head 
 and foot and the successful players have these seats. 
 
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Party Pastimes for the 
 
 CHAPTER VII —PASTIMES FOR JULY 
 
 THE Fourth of July, besides celebrating- our nation's 
 birthday, has become a day of family festivities, 
 often marking the gathering of the clan for the 
 first time since the winter holidays. It is a jolly merry- 
 making time for house and week-end parties. Everyone 
 is in a holiday humor, and the gorgeous red, white and 
 blue floats in triumph from the flagstaffs erected on the 
 grounds of country homes. 
 
 It is now quite the thing to fly a large bunting flag, 
 and the lowering and raising each day has become a part 
 of the daily routine. In one family the eldest son, a lad 
 of 12, has been delegated for this especial duty, the flag 
 being carefully folded and put in a certain place. It is 
 left up until seven, as father always likes to see it flying 
 when he comes home on the train, "for then he knows 
 everything is all right," as the seven-year-old girl 
 explained. 
 
 At a party to be given at a hospitable home, the guests 
 were asked to come in costumes representing prominent 
 characters in American history. The ice cream was 
 in shape of flags, gunboats and forts with tiny silk flags 
 flying from the ramparts, and soldiers. Fireworks were 
 set off after dark, but there were no explosives louder 
 than baby firecrackers and small torpedoes. They had all 
 sorts of funny races on the lawn, and the prizes were 
 patriotic candy boxes filled with candy crackers and 
 chocolate bonbons wrapped like torpedoes. 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 July Fourth Balloon Party 
 
 A DEVOTED father cornered the balloon market for a 
 party which was given in honor of his son's eighth birth- 
 day. The youngster having reached earth in time to 
 hear the final ''pop" before July Fourth ended, his parents 
 always tried to have some rather unusual party for him. 
 
 There were twenty children, and ten red and ten blue 
 balloons. Then under the father's direction each child 
 had a fireworks balloon, which was sent up just ''as soon 
 as it's dark enough," the small lad said. And what a 
 long time it takes to get dark on the Fourth of July I 
 
 There was plenty of pink lemonade, with cherries in 
 it, a silk flag for each one, red, white and blue candles in 
 the cake and ice cream in the same patriotic colors, 
 moulded in shapes of cannons, with cannon balls of 
 chocolate. Altogether it was a jolly good party, and no 
 danger in it, either. The boys shot air guns and the 
 girls had bows and arrows. 
 
 Fourth of July Tangle Party 
 
 The invitations for this party read : "Miss Sally Parks 
 desires Miss Mildred Jones's presence at a Ntlage Yaptr 
 on Saturday, July 4, from 8 to 11." 
 
 It took a little juggling with letters to find out just 
 what kind of party it was, and when they did get the 
 words the guests were not much wiser. Mystery is 
 always delightful, especially when one is to be entertained. 
 
 The first tangle was unravelling or rather untangling 
 worsteds, the partners being chosen by matching quota- 
 tions cut in halves. The prize was awarded after each 
 event. "Tangled Celebrities" came next, being the names 
 of famous persons transposed. There were ten names 
 and five minutes were allotted for making them plain. 
 Partners were found for this by hunting and matching 
 
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Party Pastimes for the 
 
 animal crackers. The third and last tangle was the very 
 best. 
 
 A lot of imitation firecrackers (made of candy) were 
 tied to a string and made into a perfect maze, cobweb 
 fashion, each person being given an end to untangle, 
 taking off firecrackers as they were found. The one who 
 got the most crackers off in a given space of time not 
 only had the spoils to eat, but a funny cannon cracker 
 box filled with delicious candy cannon balls. 
 
 A July Fourth Amusement 
 
 The objects all represent prominent Americans; pic- 
 tures cut from magazines will help out. The names may 
 be written on flag-decorated cards: 
 
 Paul Revere— A toy horse with rider labelled, "The Horse 
 Travels Best by Night." 
 
 Abraham Lincoln — Two small darkies, labelled, "All Free." 
 
 Washington — A bunch of cherries, labelled, "Our National 
 Fruit." 
 
 Carrie Nation — A toy hatchet, labelled, "You Think You 
 Know. Guess Again." 
 
 General Grant — A chocolate cigar. 
 
 Theodore Roosevelt — A doll's Rough Rider hat. 
 
 Richmond Hobson — A confectioner's "kiss." 
 
 Barbara Frietchie — The national flag. 
 
 Theodore Thomas — A bar of music and a street car con- 
 ductor's cap. 
 
 Benjamin Harrison — His grandfather's hat 
 
 Mark Twain — Two pencil marks. 
 
 P. T. Barnum — A hippopotamus, labelled, "The Greatest Show 
 on Earth." 
 
 Harriet Beecher Stowe — "Uncle Tom's Cabin," represented 
 by a toy negro cabin. 
 
 Priscilla Alden — A picture of a Puritan at a spinning wheel. 
 
 Jefferson Davis — A Confederate dollar bill. 
 
 William J. Bryan — A silver dollar (number sixteen in the 
 collection). 
 
 Miss Stone — The stone figure of a woman, labelled, "Kid- 
 napped," or a copy of Stevenson's "Kidnapped." 
 
 Joseph Jefferson — A little dog, labelled, "My Dog Schneider." 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 Nathaniel Hawthorne — "The Scarlet Letter/' represented 
 by a medium-size red envelope. 
 
 Eli Whitney — A cotton gin, represented by a branch of cot- 
 ton and a bottle, labelled, "Pure Holland Gin." 
 
 Robert Fulton — A toy steamboat. 
 
 Benjamin Franklin — A kite and a key. 
 
 For favors cover small pill boxes with red paper to 
 look like firecrackers ; run a string through the cork for 
 a fuse; fill with red bonbons or perfumery. 
 
 Some Patriotic Toasts 
 
 to COLUMBIA AND HERS 
 
 Here's health to Columbia, the pride of the earth. 
 The Stars and Stripes — drink the land of our birth ! 
 Toast the army and navy, who fought for our cause, 
 Who conquered and won us our freedom and laws. 
 
 I was born an American, I live an American, I shall die an 
 American. — Daniel Webster. 
 
 Breathes there the man with soul so dead 
 Who never to himself hath said: 
 
 "This is my own, my native land!" 
 Whose heart hath ne*er within him burned 
 As home his footsteps he hath turned 
 
 From wandering on a foreign strand? 
 
 —"Lay of the Last Minstrel," Scott. 
 
 A Porch Watermelon Party 
 
 The invitations were melon-shaped bits of green card- 
 board ornamented with a row of little darkies eating 
 triangular pieces of watermelon, the words, "Den O dat 
 Watermelon'' done in gilt letters across the top. Jack 
 O'Lantems made from watermelons hung from the 
 veranda, alternating with Japanese lanterns of various 
 shades. The table centrepiece was made from a scooped- 
 out half of melon filled with brilliantly colored nastur- 
 tiums ; the name cards were extremely odd, being squares 
 
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Party Pastimes for the 
 
 of melon rinds, the names etched down to the pale lining 
 of the rind. A sharp orange wood stick was used for 
 lettering. The place doilies were made from melon seeds, 
 the black coloring showing up beautifully on the pink. 
 The first course was iced watermelon juice with tiny 
 cubes of the pink fruit floating in the green bouillon 
 cups. The next course was watermelon and cantaloupe 
 salad served in white lettuce hearts in pink salad cups 
 made from crepe paper ; and the third course consisted of 
 salad cups made from pink crepe paper; and the fourth 
 course consisted of watermelon frappe served in little 
 boats from watermelon rinds neatly cut out with a very 
 sharp knife, each boat having a darky doll to steer it. 
 After this unique repast, a quartet of darkies sang coon 
 songs for an hour ; they were concealed by the shrubbery 
 on the lawn and the music was greatly enjoyed by the 
 guests on the porch, the moon came up and it was all 
 lovely and unusual. 
 
 For a Dandelion Party 
 
 Was there ever a child who did not love dandelions? 
 This gorgeous little flower is first with us in the spring, 
 and even stray blossoms may be found late in the fall. 
 A field fairly carpeted with these yellow stars gave the 
 idea for this party. 
 
 No sooner thought of than a dozen children had 
 received notes written in white ink on round pieces of 
 yellow paper asking them to assemble in Parson's field 
 at two o'clock one July afternoon. Sewing tables were 
 set under a couple of trees covered with white crepe 
 paper tablecloths. In the centre of each was a mound of 
 dandelions, a bunch at each place, and there was a basket 
 for each guest. 
 
 When all had arrived there was a contest to see who 
 could gather the most flowers in a half-hour; after the 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 spoils were counted the boy and the girl having the most 
 were crowned with dandelion wreaths. Then they made 
 rings, chains, and bracelets out of the stems and told 
 fortunes by the full blown blossoms. 
 
 At five o'clock this delicious spread was unpacked from 
 a huge hamper, and the children pronounced it the "best 
 ever'': Bread-and-butter sandwiches, egg salad, dainty 
 small cakes and bottled lemonade, fruit and candy. 
 
 A Bacon Bat 
 
 A YOUNG college friend informed me that the very 
 latest thing in outdoor affairs was "a bacon bat." I 
 concluded that it must be loads of fun. Of course, as 
 with all such parties, all depends upon the guests and 
 their love of outdoor functions. We all feel the ''call of 
 the wild" these glorious days, and I am sure many of our 
 readers will want to have a ''bacon bat" just as soon as 
 they read this. 
 
 Six couples are enough. Provide plenty of delicious 
 bacon sliced very thin, sweet potatoes and several dozen 
 finger rolls. These are the requirements, but other things 
 may be added at the pleasure of the hostess. Build a 
 fire, roast the sweet potatoes (or take a frying pan, have 
 the potatoes boiled at home, and fry them over the coals). 
 Grill the bacon on the ends of long sticks, insert the 
 finger rolls and you have a meal fit for a king. Coffee 
 may be made, and I assure you the only danger is in not 
 having enough of everything. 
 
 Nature study classes are in favor all over the country, 
 and after a tramp, what could be more appetizing than 
 the repast I have just described? I would suggest roast- 
 ing Irish potatoes and taking a jar of butter with plenty 
 of tissue paper napkins. Hard boiled eggs are a welcome 
 addition, with a jar of tiny cucumber pickles and olives 
 both ripe and green. 
 
 lOI 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 A Hen Party 
 
 Don't for one minute think that this party was merely 
 a convocation of the gentler sex. The men were the 
 instigators, and this is the way it all came about. A 
 couple belonging to their card club had taken the sub- 
 urban fever in its most violent form. The result was not 
 only a charming bungalow some twenty miles out, but 
 the chicken fever had struck them, too. So all ''Ed" 
 talked about was hens and their fresh eggs. The funny 
 man in the club suggested a surprise party, first telling 
 the couple that a few of them were coming out on Satur- 
 day afternoon. The women prepared a dainty luncheon, 
 and each man secured a real live hen, some took a dozen 
 eggs for hatching. Imagine the scene when twenty 
 guests arrived, and ten hens. The host and hostess rose 
 to the occasion, coffee was made and the repast served 
 on the porch while the men regaled the company with 
 the stories of how and where they procured the hens. It 
 was made up among them that he fowls must be delivered 
 by the giver, not sent by express or messenger. It was 
 the funniest affair ever seen. 
 
 An Outdoor Fete 
 
 A YOUNG woman who lived in the country, also near 
 the shore of one of our great lakes, planned this happy 
 day for her friends. 
 
 She was entertaining a house party of four, then she 
 issued charming cards bearing a snap shot of the house, 
 with the following diversions : from ten to twelve, tennis, 
 croquet, archery; luncheon al fresco at one; on the 
 veranda until three; surf bathing and beach party with 
 picnic supper at six. Lawn party with dancing at half 
 after eight. The guests took in all or as many of the 
 features as they could, all showing up at the party. The 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 lawn was beautifully decorated with lanterns, fairy 
 lamps and several electric headlights, making it a scene 
 like fairy land. 
 
 A few stringed instruments furnished the music. 
 Refreshments consisting of watermelons, ices, fruits, 
 small cakes and bonbons were served on the porch from 
 the dining room that opened out on it by a series of 
 French doors. Automobiles met the trains and took the 
 city guests to the station. The men wore flannels and 
 the girls short dainty wash frocks at the dance and all had 
 a glorious time. 
 
 A Floral Card Party 
 
 During the summer, whether at the seashore or moun- 
 tain, people are apt to keep in mind their special charity 
 (and every woman has one these days). Card parties 
 seem to be the most popular way of making money, and 
 this method has proved not only pretty but successful. 
 A floral card party is carried out by giving prizes of 
 potted plants and keeping the score with flowers, either 
 carnations, roses or some blossom that does not wilt 
 quickly. 
 
 Invitations are sent for a "floral progressive card 
 party" on cards cut in the shape of a flower. Jonquils, 
 tulips, marguerites and roses lend themselves admirably 
 to the scheme. To the winners pass vases containing the 
 score flowers. At the finish every one will possess at 
 least one or more of the fragrant reminders of their good 
 luck. The ice cream may be moulded in floral shapes, 
 and the small cakes ornamented with candy roses; crys- 
 tallized violets and rose leaves may be mixed with the 
 bonbons. Each guest is supposed to contribute 25 or 50 
 cents, whichever sum is agreed upon, to the charity for 
 which the party is given. 
 
 103 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 A Knock-About Party 
 
 *'Wear a knock-about suit, a broad brim hat and stout 
 shoes and come to my house Tuesday at five p. m/' Such 
 were the characteristic notes sent to a dozen friends, six 
 boys and six girls. Big sister was the chaperon, and 
 what a fine one she made. When all had arrived cups of 
 iced bouillon were served with hot wafers; and soon a 
 hay rack appeared, drawn by two stout horses. Horns 
 were provided, and away they went on a four-mile ride 
 to the side of an inland lake, where a fish supper was 
 provided at a nearby farmhouse; then a moonlight row 
 on the lake, and the homeward journey to the tune of 
 college songs accompanied by a guitar and banjo played 
 by two of the boys. Safely back by 10:30, refresh- 
 ments consisting of watermelon and ginger ale were 
 served by the hospitable mother; and all toasted marsh- 
 mallows over tiny pink candles, which were fastened by 
 a drop of wax to pink plates; toothpicks were used to 
 hold the sweets and they puffed beautifully over the pink 
 flames. All declared that it was the very best party ever, 
 and all welcomed the novelty and informality of the 
 affair. 
 
 A Golf Luncheon 
 
 A MINIATURE links was the decorative scheme in the 
 centre of the table, golf bags and sticks were the personal 
 souvenirs at each place, and the guests came directly from 
 a morning game, so were hungry for the plain but appe- 
 tizing menu. The maid serving had her cap adorned 
 with the colors of the club to which all belonged, and 
 candy was made in round balls. Iced bouillon was served 
 first, followed by cold tongue and jellied chicken, hot 
 rolls, shoestring potatoes, asparagus salad, bar-le-duc 
 and cheese. Chocolate ice cream was served in ball 
 moulds, and the cakes were sponge drops rolled in grated 
 cocoanut. 
 
 104 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 CHAPTER VHL— PASTIMES FOR AUGUST 
 
 Below-Zero Luncheon 
 
 THE hostess issued her invitations on blue-white 
 cards, the letters outlined with diamond dust. She 
 did this by writing with a heavy pen in gilt ink, then 
 went over the letters with liquid glue, then dipped the 
 card in the diamond dust and the sparkles adhered to the 
 glue. A polar bear clasping a thermometer which regis- 
 tered "lo below" was in the corner of the card. "Please 
 wear a white frock" was in the lower left-hand corner. 
 On arriving, iced grape juice with a dash of lemon 
 was served. In a few moments the dining-room doors 
 were opened, revealing the coolest place imaginable. The 
 chairs were covered with white cotton cloth, the curtains 
 were white and the floor had been covered with sheets 
 tightly stretched and fastened down with large tacks. 
 A huge cake of ice was the centrepiece, surmounted by a 
 group of toy polar bears. Ferns and vines were massed 
 about the base. Two small globes of goldfish were on 
 either side. The candles were white, also the shades. 
 Diamond dust glistened on the tablecloth and glass icicles 
 hung from the chandeliers, while the dearest of tiny dolls 
 drew sleds inscribed with the name of each guest, forming 
 the place cards. 
 
 Then a delicious white menu was served — first iced 
 bouillon in glasses, cold breast of chicken, Saratoga 
 chips, baking-powder biscuit, pear and pineapple salad 
 with whipped cream dressing, iced tea and cantaloupe, 
 filled with vanilla cream completed this feast, with the 
 usual accessories of nuts, white French bonbons and 
 
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Party Pastimes for the 
 
 individual cases, and the most delicious watermelon pre- 
 serves. The guests were asked to relate the coldest 
 experience they had ever had. There were large ther- 
 mometers around the room with the mercury down below 
 y zero. 
 
 A Sylvan Party 
 
 "Maid Marian requests your presence under the Green- 
 wood Tree at three o'clock on Saturday. If it rains the 
 party will be in the house.'' 
 
 A dozen children were the recipients of the above 
 invitations, and not one sent regrets. On the eventful 
 day it did not rain, and the young hostess, aged seven, 
 awaited her guests in a perfect fairy bower. Her elder 
 sister had been deeply interested in fairy stories, and 
 this really unique affair was the result. 
 
 Lanterns and paper chains such as children make in 
 kindergarten were interlaced from tree to tree, and there 
 were quantities of wild flowers arranged in tubs and 
 crocks. The entire yard was transformed into a perfect 
 bower, and the mystery that pervaded everything was 
 delicious to the children. After a number of pretty 
 games and dances done to music (the piano had been 
 moved close to an open window for the occasion) a 
 golden wand (father's cane wrapped in gilt paper) was 
 handed to each child in turn. 
 
 On a fine old maple tree this placard was found : 
 
 These branches are laden 
 With treasures for maidens; 
 Strike with your wand 
 The fairies'll respond. 
 
 A tree close by said : 
 
 High in this tree 
 Treasures you'll see 
 For good little boys 
 There are all sorts of toys. 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 Tied to the branches of these trees there were favors 
 wrapped and fastened with gay narrow ribbons. The 
 children pointed to the parcel they wished for their own 
 and the fairy god-mother proceeded to cut it down with 
 her magic scissors. 
 
 But the serving of refreshments was the best of all. 
 
 An awning was pulled aside and there were two long 
 
 tables with spoons, plates, and big platters containing 
 
 what proved to be a reserve supply of stuffed eggs and 
 
 sandwiches. Then the good fairy pointed to a sign on 
 
 the tree, whose branches overhung the supper table, 
 
 which said: 
 
 Under this tree great doings there'll be; 
 Look sharp for cookies and eggs you'll see. 
 Candy and nuts and oranges, too, 
 Are up there waiting for you and for you. 
 
 And sure enough, hanging to the low bough were 
 sandwiches, hard-boiled eggs, animal cookies, doughnuts, 
 stick candy, bags of nuts and an orange for each guest. 
 Paper napkins fluttered in reach of all and a small tree 
 near by had twelve bright tin cups attached to it with the 
 following legend: 
 
 If thirsty you are 
 And come from afar, 
 Take a cup from this tree, 
 Walk first to the left, 
 And then to the right, 
 A well of clear water, 
 Will rise to your sight. 
 
 Sure enough, there was the water-cooler on a fern- 
 decked table, but, instead of water, it contained lemonade. 
 The children were wild with delight and voted "Maid 
 Marian's" party the very best ever. 
 
 An Indian Dinner Party 
 
 Three couples who summer in the far northern woods 
 were the recipients of this novel dinner, given by a 
 
 107 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 bachelor who had been their guest during several seasons. 
 The invitations were on birch bark, with an Indian tepee 
 done in the corner, and a camp fire. The envelope was 
 also of birch bark, but inclosed in white ones to protect 
 in the mail. The dining-room was ornamented with 
 Indian products — Navajo blankets on the floor, on the 
 walls fine specimens of pottery and baskets gathered 
 from the West and from Alaska. The centrepiece was a 
 most realistic tepee, with braves and squaws and children, 
 not forgetting a dog or two. The place cards were 
 papooses, to which the names were attached by bead 
 strings. The initials were worked on birch bark in porcu- 
 pine quills. Bonbons and salted nuts were in tiny Indian 
 baskets at each place. They were taken as souvenirs. At 
 each end of the table were large birch-bark canoes filled 
 with flowers and vines. I give the menu, which was 
 written on an Indian postcard: 
 
 Squaw Soup (Bouillon). 
 
 Wigwam Croquettes (Fish). 
 
 Chicken a la Canoe. 
 
 Saddle of Mutton. 
 
 Choctaw Peas. Apache Gravy. 
 
 Arrowhead Potatoes. 
 
 Calumet Squabs. 
 
 Papoose Rolls. Wikiup Salad (Roman). 
 
 Prune Sioux (Feather Cream). 
 
 Hiawatha Cakes. Indian Punch. 
 
 Grasshopper Cheese. Tomahawk (Cookies). 
 
 For a Beach Party 
 
 Here are some practical suggestions for a beach or 
 shore party, to be given either by moonlight or as a 
 regular supper to be served at six o'clock: Driftwood 
 in abundance must be at hand and a huge fire built. 
 When the coals are just right, put in good-sized potatoes 
 to roast, and also ears of green sweet-corn. There may 
 be fish to be broiled. If so, the meal will be an ideal one. 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 Sandwiches, devilled e^^s, and salad will be forth- 
 coming from pasteboard boxes. A supply of paper dishes 
 and napkins will complete the details for this simple but 
 delicious repast. Provide squares of butter for the pota- 
 toes and eat with a spoon. Have marshmallows and 
 some long, clean sticks for roasting. These will make 
 the dessert. Much sweet stuff is always out of place 
 for a meal of this kind, although doughnuts arc generally 
 enjoyed by the masculine mem])ers of the party. Sweet 
 potatoes may also be roasted, but they burn quickly and 
 require careful watching. 
 
 Banjos, guitars, or mandolins, with the good old college 
 songs are always a fitting accompaniment to a beach 
 party. Steamer rugs, common sofa pillows, and extra 
 wraps will be provided by the ever-thoughtful chaperon. 
 
 An Orchard Party 
 
 We had taken what was practically an abandoned farm 
 for the summer and were meditating how to entertain 
 our city friends in some rather unusual way, when Polly 
 came to the rescue and said, ''Let's have an Orchard 
 party.'' So the artist of the family did lovely invitations, 
 with apple trees as the decorative scheme. We had four 
 small tables each with a rustic basket for the centrepiece 
 filled with field wild-flowers. The ])lace cards were made 
 from squares of birch bark, and the joke favors were 
 wrapped in yellow tissue paper and tied to the trees, from 
 which they were cut by the guests. Then we sent to town 
 and got fruit-shaped candy boxes, which were strung at 
 intervals on yellow cord after the method of the old but 
 always funny cobweb parties, and stretched these strings 
 over a good part of the orchard. The hunt after the 
 luncheon for the ''fruit'' added much to the merriment. 
 Sometimes it was necessary to climb up a ladder con- 
 veniently placed under a tree to reach the "fruit," which 
 
 109 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 was just out of reach, and sometimes a rail fence had to 
 be climbed. The guests were all told to wear tub suits, 
 and broad brimmed straw hats were provided. 
 
 Picnic Parties 
 
 Picnics are quite the proper thing these days. We 
 are all coming to live in the open and gratify this longing 
 according to the opportunities and invitations within our 
 reach. Of course, the picnic de luxe is when one goes 
 in magnificent high-grade car and the inner man is satis- 
 fied by the contents of a luxuriously equipped wicker 
 chest, which contains all the appointments necessary to 
 a perfectly served meal. The hostess brews a cheering 
 cup from her English tea basket; a folding table and 
 chairs are set up ; with the helpful thermos bottle, cooling 
 drinks are forthcoming, and a delightful repast is enjoyed 
 many miles from the starting-point. 
 
 Every one may indulge in some sort of outdoor meals ; 
 even the back porches of apartments have been changed 
 into charming eating-places by the means of awnings, 
 screens, rapidly growing vines and window boxes, each 
 article being neatly wrapped in waxed paper. For a few 
 cents paper sets, consisting of table cloths, napkins and 
 plates, may be purchased, also paper drinking cups, so 
 there will be very little to carry home. 
 
 An outing club of young people has simplified matters 
 by each member owning a tin plate, knife, fork, and 
 spoon and cup, which are marked with the owner's 
 initials. All are tied together and left at the house nearest 
 to the shore, where all gather for the start to the beach 
 parties which are so popular. There is a chaperon pro- 
 vided by the hostess, and such merry times as these lads 
 and lasses have ! Sometimes they go bathing ; there is 
 always some unusual feature planned. If beach or woods 
 are not accessible, try having a picnic in the back yard; 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 it is really a very good substitute, and has the advantage 
 of home near and no long journey before one can seek 
 the downy couch and sweet repose, which is always wel- 
 come after outdoor doings. 
 
 At a Honey Tea 
 
 As EXPERTS claim that the best honey is made from 
 clover, the centrepiece was a great bowl filled with red 
 and white clovers. The place cards were decorated with 
 clovers, around which bees hovered in the most realistic 
 manner. Honey was used for sweetening the tea, and 
 milk was served with delicious hot biscuit, also muffins, a 
 delightful accompaniment to the golden honey in the 
 comb. 
 
 On the guest of honor's card was written: ^'Sweeter 
 than honey and the honey-comb.'' Refreshments were 
 served on the porch, and the guests brought their fancy 
 work, as the invitations said "Thimbles." '^ 
 
 An Old-Time Rag Bee 
 
 A HOSTESS who combined a good time with getting her 
 
 rags cut and sewed for bedroom rugs for her new house 
 
 issued the following invitation to a dozen of her intimate 
 
 friends : 
 
 Come to ye 
 
 old-fashioned homestead 
 
 for a 
 
 rag-cutting at five o'clock. 
 
 Come prepared for your work with 
 
 scissors and aprons. 
 
 Supper will be served at seven o'clock. 
 
 Ye husbands have an invite to supper. 
 
 These were despatched by messenger, and they were 
 sealed with a big dab of red wax and did not have 
 envelopes, being carefully folded to represent them. 
 Bunches of herbs and strings of dried apples decorated 
 
 III 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 the rooms, and patch-work quilts furnished the draperies. 
 Each lady was provided with a basket of rags and the 
 one who sewed the largest ball was awarded a prize of 
 a pumpkin pie. Supper was served from a candle- 
 lighted table and consisted of brown bread, rolls, cold 
 ham, Boston baked beans, chicken salad, catchup, pickles, 
 currant and apple jellies, crullers, spice cake, with cot- 
 tage cheese, fruit, nuts, and coffee. 
 
 Afterwards, old-fashioned games like backgammon, 
 checkers and bezique were played. 
 
 Early Morning Bird Party 
 
 A HOSTESS in a near-by suburb gave this party, which 
 was novel and hugely enjoyed by those who participated. 
 The hour was half-after five in the morning, and the 
 invitations contained a time table with the train marked 
 that those who accepted must take. At the station they 
 were met by" a bus and conveyed to the house, where 
 coffee and rolls were served on the porch. Then an 
 hour was spent in the woods adjacent to the grounds 
 where the birds congregate for their early matins. 
 
 The hostess had a book describing birds, their habits 
 and their notes, which was used as reference. A prize 
 was awarded to the person who knew the names of 
 the most birds, one to the person who discovered the 
 greatest variety, and one to the guest who counted the 
 most nests. An hour was spent in this way and then all 
 returned to the house, where a perfectly delicious break- 
 fast was served, beginning with fruit and ending with 
 waffles and maple syrup. 
 
 A Lawn Bridge Party 
 
 Lawn fetes are very popular. A delightful bridge 
 party was just given with ten tables scattered over the 
 perfectly cut lawn that stretched at the front and side 
 
 112 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 of the house. The entire color scheme was in yellow, the 
 gorgeous golden glow being in evidence everywhere. 
 The tables were covered with white, they had very nar- 
 row yellow ribbons across the corners to hold the table 
 numbers, pencils (of yellow) and the score cards, which 
 were decorated with sunflowers. There were five prizes, 
 all very beautiful, being a white and gold plate, a cup 
 and saucer, sugar and creamer, and a comport in glass 
 with gilt decorations. Refreshments were served on the 
 card tables, and consisted of orange ice in tall glasses, 
 the stems twined with asparagus ferns; the cakes were 
 card-shaped, iced in white with spots in yellow. The 
 bonbons were orange and lemon quarters, glaces. There 
 were two hostesses who wore charming gowns of yel- 
 low. During the games glasses of lemonade containing 
 slices of orange were passed on glass trays. 
 
 A Sand Pile Party 
 
 An innovation in children's parties was started by a 
 mother of three, whose babies clearly loved company. 
 She sent cards illustrated with "sunbonnet'' babies asking 
 a dozen children to come in their ''rompers" from three 
 to five. On a bright Saturday afternoon the merry 
 throng appeared to find a load of delightfully clean sand ; 
 a set of sand toys for each child and a pail and shovel. 
 There was a low table, a tub of water with which to mix 
 the sand to the right consistency for pies; spoons, cake 
 tins, and shakers to sprinkle "sugar*' and *'salt." Oh 
 joy, there was a dish of flour for icing. 
 
 It was the j oiliest, happiest party imaginable. Sand- 
 wiches, ice cream, cake (angel food) and lemonade were 
 served and each child took home the sand toys for 
 souvenirs, including the shovel and pail. 
 
 113 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 Progressive Dinner on August Twenty-Sixth 
 
 There were six couples who "bridged" together, 
 golfed together, and shared each other's joys and sorrows 
 for at least ten years. Then the parting of the ways 
 came and the little coterie was broken up. They gave 
 this affair at their last party: 
 
 PROGRESSIVE DINNER MENU 
 
 6 130 p. m. — Canapes Mrs. B. 
 
 (Address written in full.) 
 7 :oo p. m. — Soup Crecy Mrs. H. 
 
 (Address.) 
 7:30 p. m.— Fish Mrs. D. 
 
 (Address.) 
 8:00 p. m. — Meat Mrs. S. 
 
 (Address.) 
 8 :45 p. m. — Salad Mrs. A. 
 
 (Address.) 
 9 :30 p. m. — Dessert Mrs. K. 
 
 (Address.) 
 10 :i5 p. m. — Walnuts and wine Mrs. F. 
 
 (Address.) 
 
 Probably not many of us remember our history well 
 enough to recall that August 26 is the anniversary of the 
 battle of Crecy, but the ''soup'' hostess was a loyal little 
 English woman who always served Crecy soup on this 
 day. King Edward VIL, when he was the prince of 
 Wales, also commemorated this day by insisting upon 
 Crecy soup being served to him in honor of his illustrious 
 ancester, the Black Prince. 
 
 I give the recipe, as it is a distinct novelty and used 
 by many patriotic English families on this date: 
 
 The basis is carrots, young and fresh. First, slice 
 rather thin, then fry a dozen of them with one sliced 
 onion, one new turnip, diced small ; use an ounce of butter 
 and an ounce of finely shredded bacon. Add a bay leaf, 
 a tablespoon of finely minced parsley and a little sweet 
 
 114 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 marjoram. When the vegetables begin to brown reduce 
 the heat, stir to prevent burning, and in about ten minutes 
 add a quart of rich beef stock and simmer for two hours. 
 Strain before serving and add a dash of nutmeg. 
 
 An Automobile Card Party 
 
 A HOSTESS who was a member of a country club enter- 
 tained at dinner and then played cards with these novel 
 settings. In the first place the invitations were decorated 
 with tiny red autos and her car took the guests to the 
 club ; as it held seven, the driver m.ade four trips with a 
 merry load each time. 
 
 The dinner table was in shape of a Maltese cross, 
 with the centrepiece a large auto made by a confectioner 
 and filled with flowers. The place cards were auto candy 
 boxes and even the playing cards had automobiles on the 
 backs. Score cards were ornamented in a like manner. 
 The prizes consisted of an auto veil, cup in case for long 
 country runs, picnic set, mechanical toy in form of an 
 automobile for the man who was awarded the consolation 
 prize. 
 
 It was the last of August, and peaches were in their 
 prime; the dessert was ice cream moulded into exact 
 productions of the real fruit ; in fact, the stem and leaves 
 were right off the trees. 
 
 T15 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 CHAPTER IX.— PASTIMES FOR 
 SEPTEMBER 
 
 REMEMBER that this month claims the sapphire 
 for its stone, the morning glory for its flower, and 
 it is considered a most auspicious month for mar- 
 riages. Here is a verselet for a maiden who has a 
 birthday in September's thirty days: 
 
 A maiden born when September leaves 
 Are rustling in September breeze, 
 A sapphire on her brow should bind; 
 'Twill cure diseases of the mind. 
 
 The sixteenth, eighteenth and twentieth are considered 
 
 especially happy wedding-days; an old saying goes: 
 
 Married in September's golden glow, 
 Smooth and serene your life will flow. 
 
 A Wild Aster Luncheon 
 
 The lovely wild aster furnished the keynote to one 
 of the prettiest luncheons I ever attended. This dainty 
 flower is very common, and really it is very beautiful. 
 With it always comes the golden-rod, and they grow 
 usually in close proximity. For a table centrepiece there 
 was a low green pottery bowl containing a flower-holder, 
 so that the blossoms branched out in a charming man- 
 ner. The doilies were white, with finger bowl and 
 tumbler doilies having embroidered designs in lavender. 
 First we had iced grape- juice in tall glasses resting on 
 doilies of grape leaves. Then there was the usual 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 luncheon menu with a delicious grape- juice sherbet for 
 dessert, decorated with candied violet leaves, the plates 
 set in a wreath of asters. The rooms were lavishly dec- 
 orated with golden rod, and the combination of lavender 
 asters and the brilliant yellow was very effective. 
 
 A "Labor Day" Luncheon 
 
 The hostess, being adroit with her pen, decorated each 
 invitation with a girl in some act of household work, and 
 besides this there was nothing but the day and date with 
 the quotation: "Learn to labor and to wait"; also the 
 request to wear a wash gown. 
 
 When the guests arrived they were given aprons all 
 finished except the strings, which were of ribbon. This 
 sewing done, the first labor was accomplished. Bows to 
 match the apron strings were worn in the hair, a long 
 hairpin being thrust through each to keep it in place. 
 
 The table centrepiece was a doll's wash tub filled with 
 asters ; the place cards were dustpans lettered in gold tied 
 to the cutest of brooms. Before the dessert, each guest 
 brushed her own crumbs with her broom and dustpan. 
 And the dessert — it was the best part of all. There were 
 eight guests, and four wee ice-cream freezers were 
 brought to the table. Four of the guests "froze" and 
 four concocted the cream, put in the ice, salt, etc. It all 
 went well, the cream being ready to eat in less than 
 fifteen minutes. Then the coflfee; it was ground and 
 made at the table, poured into the individual pots, and 
 each guest served herself in an after-dinner cup at her 
 place. 
 
 An interesting magazine article on the "revival of the 
 household arts" was a feature of the after-luncheon 
 entertainment and the hostess displayed some fine speci- 
 mens of "before the war" needle work which she has 
 gathered from various parts of the South. 
 
 117 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 Each guest was asked to tell her favorite occupation 
 and the best method of perfecting it. 
 
 A Harvest Home Supper 
 
 A HARVEST home supper — that is the proper thing this 
 month. Hostesses who rejoice in country houses always 
 wind up the season with one of these delightful affairs. 
 Perhaps the invitations say ''En costume/' and then all 
 the guests go in country guise, hayseeds from Podunk 
 and gay farmer lads and lasses all gather in one big 
 frolic. 
 
 Usually a hay wagon with four horses is sent to meet 
 the guests, and tin horns are provided for the men with 
 which to wind a merry tune as the load is conveyed along 
 the road. After dancing, supper is served, and the cere- 
 mony of bringing in the last sheaf of wheat is some- 
 times observed by people who love to adhere to all the 
 dear old customs of the past. 
 
 At such a dinner, which is to be given the last of the 
 month, everything served on the table is to be home 
 grown ; and the favors, of which I had a glimpse, are all 
 symbolic of gardening or farm work. 
 
 The centrepiece is to be a miniature load of hay drawn 
 by three horses abreast, and there is to be a real barn 
 with the fascinating toy animals in the barnyard. The 
 hostess said she spent nearly an entire day in search of 
 these novelties with which to make her dinner complete. 
 
 The guests are asked to come promptly at five, and 
 there is to be a drive over the farm before sitting down 
 to the table at six o'clock. In the invitation a time table 
 was enclosed with the train to be taken marked, and it 
 was also added that the guests were to come in business 
 suits. 
 
 A recipient of one of these much-desired "invites" 
 said: "There is a woman after my own heart; she never 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 leaves a fellow in doubt as to just what to do/' Many 
 of us might take the hint and remember to be more 
 explicit. 
 
 A Novel Nut Card Party 
 
 A HOSTESS wishing to add a touch of novelty to her 
 afternoon card party, which was to be given upon the 
 broad enclosed porch, did so in this manner : She issued 
 invitations enclosed inside an English walnut shell ; these 
 were sent by messenger to the nearby places and put in 
 tiny boxes and sent by mail to the town guests. The 
 score cards were nut shaped and the number of games 
 won was kept by dropping nuts into small silk bags of 
 nut-brown satin. Cards backed with acorns were used. 
 For refreshments, nut sandwiches, with chicken salad, 
 olives, and cheese nuts were served with nut ice cream 
 and nut cake. Glaced nuts were the sweet, and salted 
 nuts were passed. 
 
 The prizes, of which there were four, were a nut- 
 shaped silver vanity box, a nut-shaped thimble case, a 
 fancy box filled with glaced nuts, and a box of candies 
 in exact shape of peanuts. It is astonishing how many 
 appropriate articles may be found to use at a nut party. 
 
 A September Luncheon 
 
 This is such a glorious month! One feels that it is 
 just good to be alive, and to be permitted to help others 
 plan for happy times is certainly a delight and privilege 
 much appreciated. A hostess who returned from a sum- 
 mer abroad gave this pretty affair, the place cards bear- 
 ing this appropriate verse: 
 
 O sweet September, thy first breezes bring 
 
 The dry leafs rustle and the squirrel's laughter, 
 
 The cool fresh air whence health and vigor spring, 
 And promise of exceeding joy hereafter. 
 
 119 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 The cards were decorated with a tracery in gold, 
 studded with bkie dots, supposed to be sapphires, the 
 birth stone for this month. The table was bare, with a 
 wonderful set of blue doilies and centrepiece done by 
 the Russian peasant women. Black-eyed Susans, now in 
 their prime, were the only flowers in evidence, and they 
 fairly made the rooms blaze with gorgeous colorings — 
 "concentrated sunshine," some one has aptly called them. 
 
 The piece de resistance was what the hostess called 
 scrapple, and was so delicious she had to give the recipe, 
 which follows: One pound of round steak, one pound 
 of fresh pork, put through the chopper, boiled until done 
 and enough water left to take up cornmeal to the mush 
 consistency. Mould in a pan over night. Slice thin, dip 
 in cornmeal and fry in hot lard or bacon grease. The 
 platter was garnished with parsley and deviled eggs. 
 
 Then there were escalloped tomatoes and green pep- 
 pers in ramekin, and individual peach shortcake was the 
 dessert. 
 
 A novel feature was that four guests out of the eight 
 were born in September. 
 
 A Shell Party 
 
 This party may be carried out at the seashore, or after 
 returning with a bountiful supply of shells, which are 
 among the most wonderful of nature's creations. 
 
 The affair I have in mind was given for a ten-year-old 
 daughter to celebrate her birthday. Invitations were 
 issued written on little clam shells, scrubbed clean; the 
 lettering was also clear and distinct. 
 
 Fish nets, crab nets, fishing poles of bamboo, with 
 flags and boat pennants made the decorations. 
 
 The table was lovely with a huge oval pan (made by 
 tinsmith) in the centre, real sand made a beach with 
 
 120 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 tiny shells; at the corners there are large conch shells 
 filled with flowers and vines. 
 
 On the lake or sea were tiny boats, with wee dolls for 
 sailors. For place cards there were candy boxes in 
 shape of oysters, crabs, lobsters, and fish — filled with 
 hard candies in exact shape of shells. 
 
 Then there was a basket filled with rare shells from 
 all parts of the globe, which were examined by the 
 guests and explained to them by the young hostess' aunt, 
 who had collected them, also rare bits of coral. 
 
 For the older children there was a contest to which the 
 answers were all names of fishes. 
 
 The prize was a glass globe filled with gold fish. 
 
 When refreshments were served, salted almonds were 
 on mussel shells. The plates were large, round, almost 
 flat shells, which came from the Pacific coast. Creamed 
 salmon was served hot in shell ramekins; these shells 
 were fluted and came from Florida. ''Potatoes on the 
 half-sheir' were scooped out baked potatoes on large 
 clam shells. Then, of course, there was ice cream and a 
 candle-lighted cake, each candle in a little shell anchored 
 in the icing. A pretty contest was stringing the beautiful 
 little opalescent shells that come from Hawaii and are 
 used so effectively for necklaces. The smaller children 
 had a fish pond for their amusement. 
 
 Two Outdoor Games 
 
 These games are just the thing for outdoor parties, 
 which may be given all the month of September. The 
 first is called ''Deerfoot." 
 
 All the players are different kinds of deer : Reindeer, 
 elk, moose, red deer, fallow deer or mule deer, antelope, 
 and fawns. For the forest trees have pieces of paper 
 held to the ground with sharpened sticks, or real trees 
 if they are available. There must be one fewer of trees 
 
 121 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 than of deer. The extra deer stands in the middle of 
 the ''forest/' A leader is chosen by popular vote or by 
 the host, and all follow him, skipping lightly around the 
 ''forest/' Suddenly the deer in the centre calls "Deer- 
 foot" — and all run rapidly to a tree for shelter. Of 
 course the deer in the middle is after a tree, too. The 
 deer who fails to find a tree is called a snail and takes 
 his place in the centre and the game proceeds. 
 
 The Wigwam 
 
 Half of the players hide and have ten minutes to make 
 their trail with cut papers (confetti) or corn. Each 
 Indian goes a different way. Then at the expiration 
 of the time limit the other players, who are "white men," 
 go on the trail and the game is to see who can return 
 to the wigwam first with his Indian. 
 
 While these are supposed to be boys' games, girls 
 enjoy them too. I speak from experience, for it was the 
 delight of my childhood days to "play Indian," and I still 
 thrill with genuine terror when I think of my fear of 
 being scalped. 
 
 122 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 CHAPTER X -PASTIMES FOR OCTOBER 
 
 Maud MuUer Party 
 
 DURING the golden October days, outdoor and 
 indoor parties combined are quite the thing. A 
 hostess noted for her originaHty invited her friends 
 to a Maud Muller party. The invitations said : ^'Informal ; 
 please come in country costumes." As she lived in a 
 suburb, time tables were inclosed with the train marked 
 that she wished them to take. The hour was five, and a 
 merry throng took the four o'clock train. An immense 
 hay wagon was at the station, wath the splendid big horses 
 gayly decorated and driven by the regular farm men 
 instead of the liveried coachman and footman. There 
 were horns for the men, and the hostess awaited them 
 on the steps of the porte cochere. Big straw hats were 
 given to the men, with red ribbons, and the girls had 
 blue ones. Rakes with gilt handles were given the girls, 
 who were thus attired as **Maud Mullers,'' and went forth 
 to rake the hay on this charming summer day which 
 had gotten by mistake into the fall calendar. 
 
 The girl who made the largest stack in ten minutes 
 was awarded a prize ; also there was a prize for the neat- 
 est stack. The men superintended this, and then a plough 
 was brought for the men to try their skill, with prizes 
 for the straightest row, and for the one made in the 
 quickest time. By this time twilight was falling and 
 guests watched the chickens fed and the cows milked. 
 Then all adjourned to the dining-room, where a sumptu- 
 ous supper was served, everything except the meats 
 
 123 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 being a product of the place. The decorations were most 
 unique, being likewise home productions. Gourds, small 
 squashes, and pumpkins were converted into most attract- 
 ive flower holders, and the flowers were wild purple 
 asters and golden rod, the combination being a most 
 happy one. At half -after eight the hay wagon came to 
 the door and a drive of an hour was taken over the 
 hardest of country roads and then back to the station 
 in time for the ten o'clock train. Afterwards in talking 
 it over we all agreed that our hostess was so successful 
 because her entertainments were so simple and she so 
 natural and unaffected. Yet she could and sometimes 
 did entertain formally and had plenty of money to 
 spend; but her favorite way was to do things on the 
 spur of the moment, and she always made use of the 
 things that were in season. 
 
 She also had the art of always assembling just the 
 right people together, and always remembered who hated 
 '"bridge," who didn't like golf, and who loathed to dress 
 for a formal dinner party. On the quiet, I think she 
 keeps a book with the peculiarities of each one of her 
 friends carefully jotted down, just when she entertained 
 them, and just what she served on each occasion. At 
 least that is the way one of the best entertainers I ever 
 knew does, and it is worth considering. 
 
 An October Luncheon 
 
 This charming October luncheon was the talk of those 
 fortunate enough to attend. There were thirty guests 
 seated at small tables throughout the rooms. The decora- 
 tions were perfectly gorgeous and all supplied from the 
 garden of the hostess and the woods near by. First there 
 were quantities of foliage turned into vivid reds and 
 browns, with dashes of yellow ; there was a screen made 
 of woodbine, the leaves of which are so beautiful now. 
 
 124 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 Then there were masses of salvia and clusters of moun- 
 tain-ash berries. All exclaimed when they entered the 
 rooms, "How lovely!" At the head of each place card 
 was the following verse written in gold ink, and the 
 decorations were scarlet and purple berries, which were 
 cut out at top and side of card, as if growing: 
 
 My ornaments are fruits, my garments leaves, 
 Woven like cloth of gold and crimson dyed; 
 
 I do not boast the harvesting of sheaves, 
 O'er orchards and o'er vineyards I preside. 
 
 An immense brown basket of fruit was passed with 
 the dessert course, the handle wound with vines and a 
 huge bow of green, red and yellow. After the luncheon 
 they played cards ; the prizes were unusual from the fact 
 that the hostess had made them all during the summer, 
 all from brown linen worked in the autumn shades. 
 There were two bags, a runner for the table and a lovely 
 oblong pillow. On each table there was a little basket 
 filled with candies. Grape juice was served during the 
 game, each glass on a doily of grape leaves. The effect 
 was cool and the grape juice most refreshing. 
 
 An Autumn Supper 
 
 This affair was really charming, inasmuch as the 
 hostess did not attempt the impossible in any way. The 
 gorgeous fall flowers and leaves were used everywhere 
 as decorations — feathery golden rod, asters, and a fine 
 white blossom that grows in profusion at this season. 
 The table centrepiece was a large basket filled with fruits 
 — grapes of all varieties, plums, peaches, pears, bananas 
 and apples. The supper delighted every one — fried 
 chicken, sweet potatoes, corn pudding, pickled peaches, 
 jelly, hot biscuits, stuffed tomatoes for a salad, and float- 
 ing island in tall slender glasses, capped by a Maraschino 
 
 125 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 cherry. There were old-fashioned peppermint wafers 
 and iced tea or hot, as one preferred. 
 
 The hour for serving was half after six and there were 
 individual candles at each place with the overhead light 
 turned low. The place cards had quaint sentiments on 
 them regarding the passing of summer. A chrysanthe- 
 mum was thrust through the corner of each card. 
 
 There was no tablecloth. The table was laid with 
 place doilies and a centrepiece. 
 
 For AUhallow Eve 
 
 Since the beginning of things there has been a belief 
 in the subtle power of mysterious spells and omens in 
 affairs of the heart. We find Othello, the Moor, winning 
 fair Desdemona by the aid of spells ; and medicines and 
 charms of all kinds were recognized assistants in deter- 
 mining who was to be the future partner in life. 
 
 In the present day Hallow Eve is the proper time for 
 all sorts of frolics, and here is the lemon test for the 
 girl who desires to know if she shall ever marry. Take 
 the rind of two lemons, carry in the pockets all day 
 (what if *'she" hasn't a pocket?) and at night rub the 
 rind on the four posts of the bed. In her dreams a man 
 will appear to her who will be the future husband. If 
 no man comes, the lemon test will doubtless be pro- 
 nounced a failure. If a choice must be made between 
 two lovers, take two apple seeds and stick one on each 
 cheek, the one sticking the longest will indicate the man 
 to choose. 
 
 The thing to be careful about is not to forget what 
 names are given each seed. 
 
 We all know the old trick in which the girl had to 
 take down her hair exactly at midnight and look steadily 
 into the mirror by the light of one candle. Before the 
 clock had finished striking twelve the future husband 
 
 126 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 was supposed to look over her shoulder into the glass. 
 
 An old gentleman told me that when he was a boy Hal- 
 lowe'en was often called "cabbage'' night, perhaps from 
 the fact that one of the ways of finding one's true love 
 is to go into a cabbage patch and pull ofif the heads, those 
 having long, straight roots signifying life partners of fine 
 character, with the course of true love running straight 
 and true ; but if a crooked root comes up the reverse is 
 to be expected. Fate decrees that only one cabbage may 
 tell the story of each one's future. 
 
 With the cabbage idea for a basis, a hostess may evolve 
 a unique party. Many possibilities lie within a cabbage 
 for decoration and the menu. Take great big heads, 
 carefully remove the inside, leaving a bowl made from 
 the outer leaves and tie around jardinieres and flower 
 pots, using one for a table centrepiece filled with 
 fruits and field berries like mountain ash, barberry and 
 cranberry. 
 
 Picture frames and doorways may be cleverly outlined 
 with cabbage leaves, and electric light shades may be 
 made from them. If there are overhead chandeliers 
 hanging from the middle of the ceiling, dangle the very 
 smallest cabbages head down. If possible use yellow 
 linen place doilies, as they look well with the cabbages. 
 Have tiny cabbage bonbon holders at each place made 
 from several shades of crepe paper, and have place cards 
 cut out cabbage-shaped, tinted with watercolors and the 
 names written in gold. 
 
 For the menu there may be cream of cabbage soup, 
 fried oysters, and cole slaw, and a salad made from 
 unsweetened lemon jelly in which shredded cabbage, 
 minced celery, pimentos, and olives are used with a good 
 stiff mayonnaise. Ice cream may be served in pretty 
 cabbage boxes. If a prize is needed for any game, "Mrs. 
 Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch" would be suitable. 
 
 127 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 A Cinderella Party for Hallowe'en 
 
 A YOUNG girl anxious to entertain twelve of her mates 
 in an unusual way asked them to a ''Cinderella party'' 
 by issuing cunning little pumpkin-shaped and pumpkin- 
 colored cards bidding them to her house. The six girls 
 were told to be there by seven-thirty, and each one firmly 
 declined any escort from the six lads. When all the 
 girls came they were told to select a hiding-place and 
 tell how to get there on a card which was furnished by 
 the hostess and taken by her and tied to a little yellow 
 pumpkin lantern. When the boys arrived they were told 
 to select a lantern, read the instructions upon the card 
 and find their Cinderella. Now just imagine the merry 
 time these ''princes" had before their lassies were dis- 
 covered, and alas — when found each was arrayed in a 
 cinder-gray domino and a white mask. 
 
 All went into the big living-room with its many sym- 
 bolic decorations; they roasted marshmallows and chest- 
 nuts, told stories and did such stunts as separating peas 
 from beans, with eyes blindfolded. A prize was given 
 the one who had the most beans in ten minutes. 
 
 Presently the fairy godmother entered with a large 
 black roasting-pan filled with ashes, in which hidden 
 treasures were to be found, all indicative of one's future. 
 There were two rings, two thimbles, two buttons, two 
 penholders, two small trunks, a heart, and a key. Just 
 before midnight the girls went upstairs, and each one 
 dropped a ribbon over the banister so it would reach 
 the floor below. To the end was attached a doll's slipper. 
 Each boy took one and wound up the ribbon till he 
 reached the end held by the girl, who threw off her dis- 
 guise just on the stroke of twelve. 
 
 The table centrepiece was Jack Horner pumpkin coach 
 pie drawn by six toy mice harnessed with red and yellow 
 ribbons. The favors were glass slippers filled with Hal- 
 
 128 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 lowe'en candies. Welsh rabbit on toast was served with 
 coffee and caviar sherbet. Salted nuts, popcorn, cider, 
 olives and raisins were in side dishes. 
 
 A Black Cat Party 
 
 The hostess assured her guests that this ''black cat" 
 party was not merely for spinsters. She sent out cards 
 in the shape of black cats, the writing being done in 
 red ink, and invited her friends to ''Come and find 
 something to 'mew' over." 
 
 First, there was a "cat" contest, in which the questions 
 were to be answered with words beginning with "cat"; 
 then all were invited to participate in a "Cheshire cat 
 smiling contest." A prize was given to the one whose 
 smile measured the largest, and there was an official 
 measurer, with his assistant, who took down the names 
 and measurements. 
 
 The table centrepiece was a witch's caldron, presided 
 over by a circle of witches and ghosts. "Cat-a-corner" 
 deviled sandwiches were served with "redhots" in chaf- 
 ing dish, with catsup. A cat and a mouse were at each 
 place and the candle shades were black cats laced together 
 with red and yellow ribbon. 
 
 After refreshments all joined a jolly game of "pussy 
 
 wants a corner." I forgot to say that the big black cat 
 
 ■ stuffed was on a stool in the middle of the walk, a huge 
 
 Jack o' Lantern hanging over it and a placard bearing 
 
 the following: 
 
 It is a sure sign of a quarrel if two persons pass on opposite 
 sides of an object unless they say "bread and butter." 
 
 A ladder was raised over the front porch so that the 
 guests would have to pass under it, and on the top round 
 was another cat with this sign : 
 
 Bad luck to pass under this ladder unless you whistle. 
 
 129 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 In the dressing-room a black cat perched over the 
 mirror bore a reminder like this : ''Two people looking 
 in a mirror must smile at each other to avoid bad luck/' 
 It is needless to say that this was a jolly party. 
 
 A Witch and Goblin Party 
 
 Children dearly love to dress up, and the party 
 described will delight them. Ask the girls to come as 
 witches in scarlet frocks or capes, with tall black hats, 
 and the boys as goblins. The beloved "brownies" will 
 serve as models for the boys' costumes. Just for this one 
 occasion set the hours from "nine to twelve,'' for it really 
 would not be a true Halloweve party if they could not 
 stay until the "clock in the steeple strikes twelve," that 
 witching hour when ghosts walk, when cold chills run 
 down one's back, and that delicious creepy sensation 
 comes when trying the charms that must be done pre- 
 cisely at the mysterious midnight hour. It may be a 
 little hard on mothers and chaperons, but they must all 
 smile and look happy on Hallowe'en night and do their 
 part to placate the evil spirits. A cotillion with appro- 
 priate favors is the best wind-up for this party ; and the 
 guests are supposed to be from twelve to sixteen years 
 of age. 
 
 Character Reading 
 
 The following brief resumes taken from the signs 
 of the Zodiac may be of assistance in planning for a 
 Hallowe'en party. There are twelve signs, each one pos- 
 sessing its peculiar characteristics, thus we have twelve 
 types of people. Each sign is supposed to cover a period 
 of about one month. 
 
 January 21 to February 21. 
 
 Aquarius. — Fond of the theater, gaiety ; good money- 
 makers. Loving, devoted natures, nervous temperaments. 
 
 130 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 February 21 to March 21. 
 
 Pisces. — Not confident, over-conscientious, interested 
 in physical culture; a fancy for history and mechanics. 
 Subject to headaches. 
 
 March 21 to April 20. 
 
 Executive ability, capable of great attainments. In- 
 clined to be obstinate. Devoted to music. Illness is 
 liable to affect the head. 
 
 April 20 to May 21. 
 
 A winner in all things, strong passions and appetites. 
 Self-willed and vindictive. Subject to throat trouble. 
 
 May 21 to June 21. 
 
 Should be a teacher, actor, or actress. Nervous and 
 fretful. Unjust in criticism. Artistic to a degree. Sub- 
 ject to heart and stomach trouble. 
 
 June 21 to July 22. 
 
 Sympathetic, affectionate, kind. Make excellent 
 mothers and fathers. Sensitive. Subject to stomach 
 trouble. 
 
 July 22 to August 22. 
 
 Idealizes new acquaintances, afterwards often suffers 
 disappointment in finding them untrue. Kind and affec- 
 tionate. Liable to indigestion. 
 
 August 22 to September 22. 
 
 Unusual foresight. Selfish. Determined to be the 
 ruler. Inclined to be speculative. Fond of home and 
 little details. 
 
 September 22 to October 23. 
 
 Good judges of horses. Wonderful foresight. Do- 
 mestic in habits. 'Liable to stomach trouble. 
 
 131 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 October 23 to November 21. 
 Strong of will. Excellent appetite. Silent and inclined 
 to be jealous and suspicious. Subject to heart trouble. 
 
 November 21 to December 21. 
 Fearless, bold, determined. A true friend. A fierce 
 enemy. Subject to rheumatism. 
 
 December 21 to January 21. 
 A leader in everything. Practical and of a loving 
 disposition. Extravagant in taste and ideas. Inclined 
 to nervous diseases. 
 
 The Yarn Charm to Find Partners 
 
 One of the oldest stunts for Hallowe'en was to find 
 one's future mate by the aid of a ball of yarn. A maiden 
 was to take a ball of yarn and toss it through an open 
 window and then hold the end in her hand and walk 
 away. If she was to marry within the year, the ball 
 would be picked up by the man inside, who began to 
 wind up the yarn and thus draw her back to him. A 
 young matron should use this method of finding part- 
 ners for her Hallowe'en supper, which is to be served at 
 eight-thirty. Knowing the preference of her guests, 
 she will have the right man for each maid concealed in 
 the garage. One at a time the girls will be given a ball 
 of yarn, there being one ball for each girl, and she is 
 to go alone through the yard, which is to be lighted only 
 with "jacks" in the trees. When the man winds up his 
 maiden, who is instructed not to drop her end no matter 
 what happens, they will go out a rear door of the garage 
 and into the house by a side entrance. Then the next 
 man is slipped into the hiding-place and another girl 
 started to meet her fate. There are to be ten couples, 
 so this will add much to the fun and mystery. If the 
 details as given here are not practicable, the same scheme 
 
 132 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 may be worked by throwing the ball over a transom or 
 over a bannister down stairs. 
 
 Ghosts We All Knov^ 
 
 A HOSTESS noted for her originality gave this party. 
 It is rather unusual, and was loads of fun. I give a copy 
 of the invitation : 
 
 Yc Witch of Hallowe'en 
 Has promised to convene 
 The Shades of many Notables 
 To meet you Monday e'en. 
 We'll look for you, you know, 
 To help to make things go, 
 And incidentally to meet 
 Some Ghosts you're sure to know. 
 
 There were only twenty guests, and over the tele- 
 phone the hostess explained that she wished each to come 
 dressed to represent some famous person now dead, pan- 
 tomime, words, gestures and costume being used in the 
 impersonation. Dressed as a witch, the hostess received 
 her *'ghosts" in a room draped all in white, even a 
 canvas covering the floor. Cathedral candles on mantel, 
 piano, and bookcase furnished the light. For a while 
 not a word was spoken ; then a little scarlet-dressed imp 
 passed slips of paper and white pencils on which the 
 ghosts wrote who was who. One ghost represented 
 Diogenes vainly looking for an honest man. He carried 
 a lantern made from a squash and sadly shook his head. 
 There was Cleopatra with an asp ; Shakespeare with a 
 huge ruff of white paper; Napoleon in a cocked hat, with 
 folded arms; Columbus with a map in his hand; Queen 
 Elizabeth and Sir Walter Raleigh in the famous coat and 
 pool of water act ; Milton and George Washington, Abra- 
 ham Lincoln, and others. The prize to the ghost who 
 recognized the greatest number of his fellow shades was 
 a handsomely bound copy of John Kendrick Bangs's 
 
 133 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 ''Ghosts I Have Mot/' A jolly supper, with ghost favors 
 at each plate, followed. 
 
 A Hallowe'en Table 
 
 The centre of attraction at most parties is the table, 
 and 1 have never seen anything carried out more in the 
 spirit of the occasion than this scheme, which was much 
 talked about as being the **bcst ever" by those who saw 
 it. The centrepiece was an enormous pumpkin with a 
 row of candles in the top, where it had been cut almost 
 in halves to form a basket with a cleverly cut handle, 
 which was twined with vines. It contained a bunch of 
 grapes for each person, to which was tied a favor sym- 
 bolic of the guest's future life, such as a coin for wealth, 
 a pen for a literary career, thimble for spinster, a button 
 for a bachelor, etc. 
 
 Over the table, mingled with ferns, leaves, and vines, 
 were spiders, toads, glittering silver snakes, owls, cats, 
 and quaint brownie figures. These objects were really 
 a great attraction as the candle light slione upon them. 
 Just try the decorative possibilities in squash, cucumbers, 
 gourds, carrots, and pumpkins. They make fine candle 
 sticks and lanterns. 
 
 When all were seated, the hostess passed small silk 
 bags containing white beans. These were laid out, and 
 fortunes told by the following nursery rhyme, using the 
 beans instead of buttons. Your fortune will be — 
 
 Rich man. poor man. boiXRarman, thief. 
 Doctor, lawyer, merchant, chief. 
 
 Or a 
 
 Rich girl, poor girl, beggar girl, crook. 
 School girl, cash girl, servant, cook. 
 
 For the wedding the time will be indicated by — 
 This year, next year, some time, no time. 
 
 134 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 And the house will be a — 
 
 Big house, little house, hotel, barn. 
 
 To the great surprise of the guests, the first course con- 
 sisted of green peas in little bowls, which were eaten 
 with butter, salt and pepper. In one bowl was a large 
 bean, signifying that the one finding it would be the 
 first to marry. This is an English custom and is called 
 *'scaddin the peas.'' It is a quaint doing still kept up in 
 the north of England. 
 
 Before leaving the table each one received five bay 
 leaves to be pinned on the four corners of the pillow 
 with one in the centre, each one to receive the name of 
 the opposite sex, the one dreamed of would of course 
 be the future mate through life. These bay leaves the 
 hostess had brought from Florida, pressing them in a 
 heavy book and keeping in a cool place. Next, every 
 one had to eat a round rosy snow apple and keep the 
 seeds, which were snapped between the thumb and fore 
 finger, the direction in which they flew being supposed 
 to tell in which direction one's true love lived. During 
 this test the following jingle was repeated: 
 
 Pippin, pippin, paradise, 
 
 Tell me where my true love lies, 
 
 East, west, north or south. 
 
 After leaving the table each guest took a candle and 
 placed it in an open window, first silently naming it. If 
 the flame flickers it denotes fickleness, but a clear, bright 
 flame augurs well, for love will be like it; if the flame 
 goes out all hope dies at the same time. 
 
 A Dear Hunt 
 
 Boys and girls are asked to come separately, the girls 
 half an hour earlier than the boys. Each girl was pro- 
 vided with a slip of paper or card on which her name 
 
 135 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 was written. They were then hidden all over the house, 
 in cellar and attic, and when the boys arrived there was 
 no sign of them. 
 
 The boys were met at the door by a ghost, who directed 
 them to the reception-room. When all had arrived the 
 scheme was explained to them and they were told to 
 hunt the ''dears.'' As each girl was found she gave up 
 the slip of paper to the boy who found her, and in the 
 end the boy who had the most slips was awarded the 
 prize. 
 
 Then games were played until supper time. The din- 
 ing-room was transformed into a forest, with branches 
 and leaves and hidden under the leaves were numerous 
 pumpkins, in each of which was supper for two. The 
 boys were told to find their pumpkins, and inside of each 
 was the name of their partner. Every one had to sit on 
 the floor to eat. Cider was served in gourds which had 
 been hollowed out. 
 
 After supper all were asked upstairs by the two 
 ^'ghosts." The attic had been transformed to a forest, 
 and in the centre was a pool surrounded by death's 
 heads, etc. The ''ghosts" presided over this pool. Each 
 couple had to go up to the attic alone, promise never 
 to reveal what happened, and agree to do as the "ghosts" 
 requested. The "ghosts" allowed you to look into the 
 pool, drink a mixture of salt and water, and after they 
 had muttered over the death's head allowed you to kiss 
 it and make a wish. Then each couple had to go down 
 the attic stairs backwards and keep still for five minutes, 
 during which time the charm worked. 
 
 Jingles for Hallowe'en Invitations 
 
 The witch cat wears its mystic ring, 
 The black bat spreads its gruesome wing, 
 Hobgoblins weirdly chant and sing 
 On Hallowe'en! 
 
 136 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 Come, help us break enchantment's spell, 
 Down by the fairies' wishing well, 
 Where elves our good-luck fortunes tell 
 On Hallowe'en! 
 
 Puck, the sprite, 
 Weaves to-night 
 Cobwebs bright. 
 Come and learn 
 Fate's concern 
 By the fern ! 
 
 Vampires and jack-o'-lanterns jolly 
 Bid you unto All-Hallow's folly ! 
 Hither come by dark o' moon ! 
 You cannot join the fun too soon. 
 
 On Tuesday night, 
 
 If the moon shines bright, 
 
 Join the ghostly band 
 
 From No Man's Land! 
 
 Feel no alarm ! 
 
 We've found a charm 
 
 To keep off harm ! 
 
 Hist! You are bid 
 
 By elf and sprite 
 To learn what's hid 
 On nutcrack night ! 
 Come when the town clock striketh nine, 
 And fun and frolic shall be thine ! 
 
 In a nutshell lies your fate. 
 Come and learn it ere too late ! 
 Come around on nutcrack night, 
 Dressed from top to toe in white. 
 
 Hallowe'en high jinks 
 At sign of 
 The Jolly Jack-o'-Lanterns ! 
 Hallowe'en at midnight 
 When the owl hoots. 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 The Chestnut Lad and the Chestnut Lass 
 Will give a roast on Hallowmass ! 
 Your fortune they will tell, alas ! 
 With applebobs and looking-glass. 
 So trip it lightly o'er our grass 
 Before the seventh hour shall pass! 
 
 "Hear ye, O hear ye!" 
 
 Jack the Herald cries. 
 "Come around on Hallowe'en 
 
 To the great surprise ! 
 There'll be fun and impish glee. 
 Haste, and join our company." 
 
 Mr. Jack-o'-Lantern 
 
 Requests the pleasure of 
 
 Miss Blank's 
 
 Company at a weird merry-making 
 
 On All-Hallow's Eve, 
 
 Tuesday, the thirty-first of October, 
 
 At half-past seven o'clock. 
 
 At the Old Haunted Barn in 
 
 Hobgoblin Hollow. 
 
 Hallowe'en Masquerade Menu 
 
 Cup of Destiny 
 
 (Bouillon, with spaghetti letters spelling "Wealth," 
 
 "Health," "Travel," "Long Life," etc.) 
 
 Sunken Treasures (Fried Oysters). 
 
 Mystic Mixture (Chicken Salad). 
 
 Oriental Offering (Olives). 
 
 Chills (Ice Cream), Witches' Brew (Coffee). 
 
 Silent Oracle (Hallowe'en cake, with ring, penny, etc.). 
 
 Pomona's Potion (Fruit Punch). 
 
 Fruits of the Forest (Nuts). 
 
 Twists and Turns (Pretzels). 
 
 Magic Circles (Cookies). 
 
 Goblin Gold (Yellow Buttercups). 
 
 Banshee Broth (Clam Bouillon). 
 Caldron Compound (Curry of Chicken). 
 
 138 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 Drifted Snow (Mashed Potatoes). 
 
 Garden Emeralds (Peas). 
 
 Orchard Offering (Apple Salad)'. 
 
 Mystic (Tutti Frutti) Jelly 
 
 Witches' Brew (Coffee). 
 
 A Superstitious Dinner 
 
 This scheme is good at any time, as it always makes 
 loads of fun, especially if one intends having dinner on 
 Hallowe'en. The centrepiece may be of any desired 
 flowers in a low bowl which may stand on a round mirror, 
 and it may be surrounded by a floral horseshoe. Have 
 the name cards in shape of four-leaved clovers, to which 
 attach bright new 'lucky pennies.'' Put vermicelli letters 
 in the clear bouillon for the first course, each cup having 
 "Good Luck" inscribed in tiny initials. With the dessert 
 the hostess reads the following jingles, the guests having 
 the answers: 
 
 I. 
 
 When foam appears on coffee cup 
 Why make haste to gather up; 
 
 (Money.) 
 
 II. 
 Why court the dream-god when in bed 
 With wedding cake beneath thy head? 
 
 (Dreams come true.) 
 
 III. 
 When thirteen sit at table spread 
 What awful happening do we dread? 
 
 (A death before the year is ended.) 
 
 IV. 
 When with household tasks overwhelming 
 
 One would frown on any more, 
 What the penalty for dropping 
 Dainty dishcloth on the floor? 
 
 (Unexpected company.) 
 
 139 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 V. 
 
 When salt is spilled alas! alack! 
 How may we avert the scrap? 
 
 (Throw salt over the left shoulder.) 
 
 VI. 
 
 When double knives are at one place 
 And double forks at t'other, 
 What doubting may we then look for 
 At one time or another? 
 
 (A wedding in the family.) 
 
 VII. 
 
 Why do maidens hesitate 
 
 To take the last piece from the plate ? 
 
 (Be an old maid.) 
 
 VIII. 
 
 When stem of leaf appears in tea 
 What good fortune may it be ? 
 
 (A welcome visitor is coming.) 
 
 IX. 
 
 If pack of cards and Bible lie 
 
 Beneath thy head at night, 
 What vision will appear in dreams 
 
 To thy astonished sight? 
 
 (Future life partner.) 
 
 X. 
 
 If you should sing before you break your fast 
 Why will you rue it ere the day is past? 
 
 (Cry before night.) 
 Each guest v^^as asked to relate her favorite supersti- 
 tion; also to tell any true mystery tale. 
 
 A Bete Noire Dance 
 
 Did you ever attend a Bete Noire party? Well, they 
 are great fun. Of course, every one know^s that ''bete 
 noire'' is the French for whatever a person detests or 
 cordially hates. So all the guests appeared wearing what 
 to them was their greatest horror. There were prizes 
 
 140 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 for the ones who portrayed their bete noire to the best 
 advantage. Here are a few of the objects represented, 
 and whoever gives an affair may enlarge upon the sug- 
 gestions here jotted down in my note book. A dainty 
 miss had snakes of all sizes wrapped around her arms, 
 her waist, and even in her hair and on her 
 slippers. They were of paper and purchased at the 
 Japanese counter of a department store. An unmarried 
 girl of uncertain age convulsed the crowd when she 
 appeared with a fringe of lemons around a green over- 
 skirt and passed lemons, which were candy boxes filled 
 with candy in exact imitation of lemon quarters. A 
 sedate man came wearing a wig of blonde hair and was 
 profusely rouged and powdered. One woman wore cigars 
 and cigarettes, and one wore mice dangling everywhere. 
 A man who created a hearty laugh appeared with small 
 sample whisky and beer bottles ; and another masculine 
 being noted for his extremely plain dressing had quan- 
 tities of paste jewelry, a huge diamond stud and ring. 
 After all the dislikes had been examined and discussed 
 the articles were removed and placed on a table, where 
 they were dispensed as favors in the impromptu cotillon 
 which closed the very unique entertainment. The ball- 
 room was decorated with lanterns and all sorts of weird 
 favors like mechanical spiders, owls, etc. I think such 
 an affair would be especially suitable for Hallowe'en. 
 
 A Ghost Party 
 
 This affair makes a most delightful party for the 
 thirty-first, full of enjoyment and fun if all the guests 
 enter into the spirit as all proper ghosts should do. Issue 
 the invitations on black cards with figures outlined on 
 them in black ink. In one corner write : "Bring a sheet 
 and pillow case." Provide pieces of white cotton cloth 
 from which to make masks and plenty of pins both 
 
 141 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 safety and otherwise. Then you must have a couple 
 of good assistants for both men and women. As the 
 guests arrive take one at a time into the dressing room, 
 drape the sheet, pin securely, tie with a tape around the 
 waist, put on the face mask, snipping the holes for eyes, 
 nose and mouth. Then take the pillow, fold it over the 
 forehead and pin behind, nun fashion. It only takes a 
 few moments to do all this. 
 
 Have your rooms hung with white draperies, use only 
 candlelight. Of course the object is to make out who 
 is who. Dance the old-fashioned Virginia reel, qua- 
 drilles and lancers. Then give each one paper and pencil 
 to see who can obtain the most autographs in ten minutes. 
 Each person tries to disguise the voice as much as pos- 
 sible. The one who gets the most names correctly is 
 given a prize. 
 
 After unmasking, fortune-telling may occupy an hour, 
 A good palmist may not be procured in a small town, 
 but there are so many books on the subject that almost 
 any one could study up for the occasion. Cutting a 
 mould of flour is always a pretty way of foretelling 
 future events. Prepare it by filling a large bowl of pastry 
 flour, then turning it out on a platter. In the mould have 
 concealed a ring, coin, thimble and a button. Each guest 
 is to cut a slice with a dinner knife; the ring signifies 
 marriage in a year; coin, means a fortune; the thimble 
 and money foretell an unwedded life. 
 
 A wheel of fortune is interesting also, and easily made. 
 Take a large piece of pasteboard, make a circle of black 
 and then at regular intervals like on a clock face, write 
 ''journey/' ''success,'' "true love," "early marriage," 
 "health," "happiness," etc. Fasten an indicator through 
 the cardboard, then by whirling this around the guest's 
 fortune is told by the word the indicator stops at or 
 nearest. Tea grounds and cards are always fascinating, 
 
 142 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 and it is well to ask one person to be "up'' on these lines, 
 for it adds much to the interest if these prognostications 
 are made impromptu. 
 
 A Hallowe'en Party 
 
 Hallowe'en is the important day in the social calen- 
 dar of our young people, and it surely is the day par 
 excellence on which to entertain. 
 
 Invitations written backward will be a novelty and 
 mystify the recipients besides giving them some work 
 to do before they formulate a reply. Here is a jingle 
 to write in this way: 
 
 Hallowe'en comes but once a year, 
 
 Over at my house you will find good cheer; 
 
 I shall certainly expect you at a quarter to eight; 
 
 Later than that ghosts will have fastened the gate. 
 
 Of course the outside envelopes must be properly 
 addressed, but inside ^'Miss Mary Brown*' will become 
 "Nworb Yram Ssim.'' 
 
 To begin the fun, have a real old-fashioned candy pull ; 
 in fact, use the kitchen instead of the drawing-room 
 for novelty is what the evening calls for. Then have a 
 tub full of water, which shall represent the ''sea of life" ; 
 on it launch boats made of English walnut shells, split 
 in halves, each bearing a little candle. If the light burns 
 brightly and the tiny craft steers away from the other 
 boats, has no mishaps from tidal waves, a happy life is 
 predicted for the owner; if two boats float side by side, 
 life interests will be mutual. If a boat clings to the side 
 of the tub, the owner will not go far from home, but if 
 it sails out on the sea, a long journey is predicted. Do 
 not try to float many boats at a time. 
 
 Get a large bag and in it put as many small bags as 
 there are girls present. Let each maiden drav/ one, and 
 the contents will determine the occupation of her future 
 
 143 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 husband. Here is a list of articles to put in the bag: 
 Small bottle, indicating a 'doctor or a druggist ; a tiny 
 roll of cloth, a tailor or merchant tailor; an anchor, a 
 naval officer; book or pen, indicates a journalist or an 
 author; a camera, a photographer, etc. Wind a ball of 
 gaily colored twine; in the winding put in a few small 
 articles; toss the ball to a person and tell him or her 
 that a story must be told while the string is being 
 unwound and continue until an article is reached; then 
 the ball is tossed to some one else, who must go on with 
 the narrative. By this time it will be near midnight and 
 time to serve refreshments. 
 
 144 
 
U p - t o - Date Hostess 
 
 CHAPTER XL-PASTIMES FOR 
 NOVEMBER 
 
 THANKSGIVING is generally believed to have com- 
 menced with the advent of the Pilgrim fathers, 
 and is, therefore, a legacy to us from New England. 
 But when the true facts in the case come to light we 
 find that Thanksgiving Day was first celebrated by Pop- 
 ham colonists at Monhegan, who joined in ''Gyving God 
 thanks" for their safe arrival and many blessings in the 
 ritual laid down in the Thanksgiving service of the 
 Church of England prayer book. It is known with what 
 antipathy the early Puritans regarded any and all of the 
 holy days of the English church, and the celebration of 
 such was sternly forbidden in New England. 
 
 How many of us know that days for giving thanks 
 were set apart in Europe long before the Reformation 
 and were observed by the Church of England many years 
 before the Pilgrims landed? 
 
 The first Thanksgiving in this country was not set 
 apart as a day of religious observance, but for recreation. 
 On the eleventh of December, 162 1, Edward Winslow 
 wrote home to England the following very quaint account 
 of the week's programme: 
 
 "Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men out 
 fowling so we might in a special manner rejoice together after 
 we had gathered in the fruits of our labors. The four killed so 
 much fowl that with a little help served the company about 
 a week. Among other recreations were exercises with our arms. 
 Many of the Indians came amongst us, and among them their 
 greatest king Massasoit with some ninety men, whom we for 
 
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Party Pastimes for the 
 
 three days feasted and entertained. They went out and killed 
 five deer, which they brought in and bestowed on our governor, 
 upon the captains and others." 
 
 So we get a good idea of the hospitality offered in 
 those days. We learn, too, from Governor Bradford, 
 that wild turkeys were plentiful, so we feel a reasonable 
 assurance that the turkey has a long and ancient lineage 
 and prestige not to be usurped by any other bird on our 
 Thanksgiving Day platter. 
 
 Only fifty-five English-speaking people sat down to the 
 first Thanksgiving feast, but the addition of the Indians 
 made a goodly company for whom the poor, lonely, and 
 homesick women prepared the dinner. There were only 
 four of them, with one servant **and a few young maide- 
 kins." There is no record to be found of any religious 
 worship during this week of feasting. 
 
 In 1628 the second Thanksgiving Day was ordered 
 and observed by the Pilgrim fathers. Early Thanks- 
 givings are not always celebrated in November nor upon 
 Thursday, and it is not until 1677 that we find the first 
 printed Thanksgiving proclamation, now owned by the 
 Massachusetts Historical Society. It is interesting to 
 note that since 1862 the President of the United States 
 has set the last Thursday in November to be observed 
 as a day of Thanksgiving. And harking back to Pilgrim 
 days, what a vast difference : Compare the harvest then 
 and the harvest now. Whether our forefathers were 
 ever actually reduced to the traditional five grains of 
 corn each, is a fact not decided by history, but it is true 
 that they returned thanks for the most meagre fare and 
 endured the most grinding hardships without a murmur. 
 Like our forebears, we make of the day a great time for 
 feasting and games and not so much of church going. 
 It is a day for family reunions and a day of abundant 
 opportunity for making a cause of Thanksgiving in the 
 ''other fellow's" heart. 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 Thanksgiving Centrepiece 
 
 Here is a new way of using a lovely yellow pumpkin. 
 Select one of rather long shape, cut in halves lengthwise 
 and hollow out to look like an old-time vessel (look at 
 a print of the Mayflower) ; put in gilded masts and, if 
 possible, make sails of a scrap of white silk. Do the 
 name ''Mayflower" in gilt, and load the pretty craft 
 with fruits — grapes, small red apples, etc. The effect is 
 good, especially if the boat is set on a small box or tin 
 and the base covered with autumn leaves and vines; or 
 a foundation of chrysanthemums would be appropriate, 
 as they are the November flower. Before putting the 
 fruits in the pumpkin, line it carefully with waxed paper. 
 
 A tablepiece that children love is made by having sev- 
 eral small Indian tepees with miniature Indians; sur- 
 round with alternate red and white ears of corn, making 
 the outline of a star. At toy shops small animals such 
 as deer, dogs, chickens, and turkeys may be found to 
 add to this scene, and figures of John Alden and Priscilla 
 could be added. 
 
 Thanksgiving Tea 
 
 A RECEPTION or tea on this festival day is distinguished 
 chiefly by appropriate decorations, costumes and refresh- 
 ments. The rooms may be completely transformed by 
 taking down all the portieres and other draperies and 
 replacing them with others made of cranberries strung on 
 a stout, red thread. Popcorn strung and alternating with 
 the berries makes a pleasing effect. Strings of cran- 
 berries are very pretty festooned over white window 
 curtains. 
 
 Cover lamps and all gas and electric lights with shades 
 made from red, white, and blue crepe tissue paper and for 
 stools and divans have large pumpkins; they are very 
 comfortable and are admirably adapted for the purpose. 
 
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Party Pastimes for the 
 
 The usual refreshments are served with the addition of 
 pumpkin chips and the bonbons in the national colors. 
 To make pumpkin chips, — which are quite a novelty — 
 select a deep-colored pumpkin, peel and slice very thin; 
 to each pound of chips add a pound of sugar and a gill 
 of lemon juice, with the grated lemon rind; stir well 
 and let them stand over night; cook very slowly until 
 tender ; then skim the chips out, let them stand two days 
 to get firm, then put them in a jar with just enough sirup 
 to keep them moist. These are often taken for an ex- 
 pensive imported preserve. No one recognizes the 
 plebeian pumpkin. Spices may be added if liked. 
 
 Hot spiced cider or a cider frappe may be served, and 
 cranberry ice cream is delicious in flavor and looks. The 
 sandwiches should be of minced turkey, and the flowers 
 red and white carnations with cornflowers or bachelors' 
 buttons, as they are blue. 
 
 If individual moulds are desired for the ice cream, 
 there are cunning little turkeys, and all sorts of vege- 
 tables. Sheafs of wheat tied with the national colors are 
 very decorative over arch and doorways. 
 
 A programme of music consisting of patriotic airs 
 would be a diversion suitable for the occasion. 
 
 It would be attractive to have six girls dressed in 
 colonial costumes to assist in receiving and to ''pour" 
 in the dining room, also to preside. at the frappe bowl. 
 
 Pastimes for Thanksday 
 
 After dinner try some of these schemes for amuse- 
 ment. Give each guest a clay pipe, some soft, workable 
 putty, blue, black and buff crepe paper with which to 
 fashion a Continental soldier; allow fifteen minutes, and 
 award a prize. Take squares of card-board and trace 
 with an unthreaded needle outlines of drums, flags, can- 
 non, and muskets for the children to work in red, white, 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 and blue cotton or worsted. They love this work, and it 
 keeps the busy little creatures still after the big dinner 
 and aids digestion. Offer a prize. Another stunt the 
 youngsters love is building forts from sandpaper and 
 blocks. Give them colonial names and get in a bit of 
 history in this way. Then let them have marbles or 
 golf-balls to roll and knock down the forts. If there 
 are enough children to divide into sides they will have 
 a fine time while the older members of the family "remi- 
 niscence." 
 
 Here is a game in which all may participate: Select 
 ten small articles, say nuts, corn kernels, wrapped bon- 
 bons; seat the players in two lines opposite each other; 
 at the head of the line and at th^ foot place a table or 
 taboret. The game is to pass the articles, one at a time, 
 to each player until all are on the table, the other side to 
 pass them back down the line. This must be done 
 rapidly, the side making the best time having the prize. 
 This is loads of fun and children love it. 
 
 For Thanksgiving Day 
 
 A YEARLY custom obscrvcd in the evening of each 
 Thanksgiving Day is so interesting I want to tell about 
 it. There are six families with their connections, all 
 relatives, either distant or close, who meet at the old- 
 fashioned home of one they call "great aunt." On these 
 occasions all the old heirlooms are brought forth, the 
 fireplace in the dining-room is festooned with dried apple 
 strings and red peppers. Apples, nuts, cider, and pop- 
 corn are served informally, and the first ceremony is 
 counting up the "mercies" of the year. Every one is 
 obliged to take part in this. There is no light save from 
 the logs in the fireplace and a few candles in brass sticks, 
 some having the tall glass shades one finds in New Or- 
 
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Party Pastimes for the 
 
 leans. After this a huge loving cup is passed, and all 
 join hands standing up, saying with bowed heads: 
 
 God bless you and God bless me, 
 God bless us every one. 
 
 A simple repast is served, with no servants in evidence, 
 as this is a time when the children are permitted to dress 
 in costumes representing the "Pilgrim fathers and 
 mothers," and they serve the feast. They first all stand 
 around the candle-lit table and eat their five kernels of 
 parched corn in memory of the time when all our fore- 
 fathers had for which to be thankful was the few grains 
 of seed corn, enough to allot only five grains to each 
 person. At the close of this supper a child is chdsen to 
 repeat Elbert Brewster's glorious admonition to the Pil- 
 grims when he bade them be true to their promise. I 
 quote it here, for it is worthy of being read by every 
 one on the coming festival day : 
 
 "Blessed will it be for us, blessed for this land, for 
 this vast continent. Nay, from generation to generation 
 will the blessings descend. Generations to come will 
 look back to this hour and these scenes of agonizing 
 trial, to this day of small things, and say: 'Here was 
 our beginning as a people. These were our forefathers. 
 Through their trials we inherit our blessings. Their 
 faith is our faith, their hope our hope, their God our 
 God.'" 
 
 Seems to me this is a splendid way of impressing 
 historical facts upon the minds of our young people, and 
 it does us older ones lots of good to turn our minds 
 and hearts backwards, remembering the times when this 
 fair land was not what it is to-day and to say a prayer 
 of thankfulness for those who laid the foundation on 
 such a sound basis that we may with grateful hearts 
 celebrate our Thanksgiving Day. 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 Saint Catherine's Day 
 
 If anyone happens to be entertaining on the twenty- 
 fifth of November, it might be well to remember that it 
 is Saint Catherine's day. This occasion has long been 
 a fete day in France, Italy, and England. This early 
 Christian woman was the patron saint of Venice and of 
 spinsters and belles lettres. In Paris this day is called 
 **01d Maids' day"; the young girls as well as maids of 
 uncertain age carry bouquets to the churches to be laid 
 on the altar for Saint Catherine and offer their prayers 
 for a good husband. In England, at Milton Abbey, this 
 is the prayer offered : 
 
 A husband Saint Catherine; 
 A handsome one, St. Catherine; 
 A rich one, Saint Catherine; 
 A nice one, St. Catherine; 
 And soon, St. Catherine. 
 
 The following requirements are the ones that Saint 
 Catherine is supposed to have formulated for the man 
 she could or would marry, but not finding this paragon 
 of virtue she was forced to remain single : 
 
 He must be nobly born; he must be great, handsome, and 
 benign. 
 
 Seems to me there is foundation in this suggestion for 
 a pretty addition to a feminine luncheon or afternoon; 
 the Italian colors might be used and spaghetti served in 
 ramekins with fruit, chocolate and cheese sandwiches. 
 If any of the readers do have a Saint Catherine party 
 I would be very glad to have a description for the depart- 
 ment. There are many interesting special days observed 
 across the water of which we busy, practical people are 
 in ignorance ; many of them would add a touch of novelty 
 to our ofttimes humdrum affairs. 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 Football Spread 
 
 The captain of a popular football team is going to 
 entertain his 'leven after the game, and here is the way 
 his doting mother has planned it. The team's colors, 
 orange and blue, are to predominate and will be in evi- 
 dence in huge tarlatan bows on the backs of the chairs, 
 alternating orange and blue. The centrepiece will be a 
 large football filled with yellow chrysanthemums, and 
 the individual favors will be small footballs. The place 
 cards will be of brown cardboard cut in shape of foot- 
 balls with this quotatiton: 
 
 I have prepared a feast. Lay on, MacDuff. And damned be 
 he that first cries "Hold, enough!" 
 
 On the inside, this menu, which she fortunately found 
 in an old magazine and adapted to her purpose: 
 
 Quick Down Shorts 
 
 (Oysters on the Shell) 
 
 Bleachers Soaked to O'Brien 
 
 (Celery) (Olives) 
 
 Don't Chew 
 
 (Consomme) 
 
 Good Catch Grounders 
 
 (Broiled Halibut) (Potato Croquettes) 
 
 Tame Game With Fudge Hitting 
 
 (Fillet of Beef, with Mushrooms) 
 
 Hot Shot 
 
 Done Brown 
 
 (Peas) 
 
 (Salsify Fritters) 
 
 
 Hit It Hard 
 
 
 (Lemon Sorbet) 
 
 
 A Fowl Tip 
 
 
 (Roast Squab) 
 
 
 A Cold Deal 
 
 
 (Bisque Ice) 
 
 
 Stand Up to the Plate 
 
 
 (Cake) 
 
 Tie Game 
 
 A Crummy Lot 
 
 (Cheese) 
 
 (Crackers) 
 
 
 Wet Grounds 
 
 
 (Coffee) 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 Ice cream was moulded in shape of footballs and then 
 rolled in ground nut and cocoa to look just like the real 
 thing. 
 
 A Chrysanthemum Party 
 
 A CARD is given to each guest with a chrysanthemum 
 attached, with the word "Chrysanthemum'' prettily let- 
 tered in gold. Instructions are given to make as many 
 words as possible from the letters. The prize is a 
 bunch of chrysanthemums or a potted plant. As they 
 are the November flower this pastime is especially fitting. 
 Serve ice cream in chrysanthemum tissue paper cases. 
 This scheme could follow a card party while the hostess 
 is preparing refreshments, or is suitable for a church 
 social. 
 
 Toasts and Sentiments for the Thanksday Feast 
 
 The American Eagle; 
 
 The Thanksgiving Turkey. 
 
 May one give us peace in all our States, 
 
 And the other a piece for all our plates. 
 
 — E. H. Holmes. 
 
 O, beautiful and grand, 
 My own Native Land, 
 
 Of thee I boast; 
 Great Empire of the West, 
 The dearest and best. 
 Made up of all the rest, 
 
 I love thee most. 
 
 — Abraham Coles — My Native Land. 
 
 My dear, my native soil ! 
 
 For whom my warmest wish to Heav'n is sent, 
 Long may thy hardy sons of rustic toil 
 
 Be blest with health and sweet content! 
 
 God grants liberty only to those who love it, and are always 
 ready to guard and defend it. — Daniel Webster, Speech, June 3, 
 1834. 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 A brave man's country is wherever he chooses his abode. — 
 
 QUINTIUS CURTIUS RUFUS. 
 
 Our country is that spot to which our heart is bound. — 
 Voltaire. 
 
 In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, 
 With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me; 
 As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free, 
 While God is marching on. 
 
 — Julia Ward Howe. 
 
 Lo! body and soul! — this land! 
 Mighty Manhattan, with spires, and 
 The sparkling and hurrying tides, 
 
 And the ships; 
 The varied and ample land — the south 
 And the north in the light — Ohio's shores. 
 
 And flashing Missouri, 
 And ever the far spreading prairies, 
 
 Covered with grass and corn. 
 
 — Walt Whitman. 
 
 When Freedom from her mountain height 
 
 Unfurled her standard to the air. 
 She tore the azure robe of night, 
 
 And set the stars of glory there. 
 
 — ^Joseph Rodman Drake. 
 
 Of all human things nothing is more honorable or more excel- 
 lent than to deserve well of one's country — Cicero. 
 
 America ! half brother of the world ! 
 
 With something good and bad of every land. 
 
 — Bailey. 
 
 America has furnished to the world the character of Wash- 
 ington ! And if our American institutions had done nothing 
 else, that alone would have entitled them to the respect of man- 
 kind. — Daniel Webster, Completion of Bunker Hill Monument, 
 June 17, 1843. 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 A Chrysanthemum Luncheon 
 
 This affair was gorgeously brilliant, the color scheme 
 being yellow; especially fitting for this month, as No- 
 vember claims the topaz and the chrysanthemum; in 
 this instance it was also the bride's birthday month as 
 well as her wedding day season. For a centrepiece there 
 was a mound of yellow **mums," kept in place by em- 
 bedding the stems in sand. At each place there was a 
 little yellow jardiniere containing one stiff, straight little 
 yellow **mum" to which the name card was attached 
 with a yellow ribbon. The grape fruit cock-tail had a 
 wee "mum'' in the centre of the fruit; around the stem 
 of the glass there was a fluffy bow of white tulle. The 
 plates on which the frappe glasses stood had a wreath 
 of yellow "mums" around them and the ice-cream was 
 in boxes concealed by petals of yellow crepe paper 
 "mums." The candle-sticks were of silver and had yel- 
 low shades. At each place were yellow slippers filled 
 with salted nuts 
 
 A Harvest Home Party 
 
 In Sweden they make a ceremony of bringing in the 
 last sheaf of wheat, signifying that the "summer is over 
 and the harvest ended." With this in mind, a hostess 
 who is noted for her originality issued invitations for a 
 "Harvest Home" party at her place in the country. It 
 is now quite the thing not to return to town until the 
 first of November, so the beautiful foliage and the glories 
 of autumn are enjoyed to the full. At this party, which 
 was given last year, too late to get in the department 
 owing to the fact that it must be made up several weeks 
 in advance, the house and spacious verandas were liter- 
 ally covered with gorgeous oak and maples leaves, as 
 was the lower floor of the great barn, where dancing 
 took place at eight o'clock. The hours were from five 
 
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Party Pastimes for the 
 
 to ten, which just permitted the making of trains to 
 and from the city. 
 
 A novel feature was the playing of the band composed 
 of the workmen on the place. They were mostly Ger- 
 mans, and as each department had its own foreman, with 
 helpers the organization was quite complete as well as 
 unique. They played for the dancing, and to a most 
 stirring march they led the gay party to the last sheaf 
 of wheat in the field. It was laid in the pony cart belong- 
 ing to the ten-year-old daughter of the house, who drove 
 the prettily decorated pony into the barn. The sheaf 
 was placed in the middle of the cleanly swept floor, and 
 the hostess paid a tribute to Ceres, a health being drunk 
 in mulled cider made on the place and served by the 
 hostess. After a supper of fried chicken, boiled ham, 
 hot muffins, rice, and tomatoes, cooked together with 
 shrimp (which the colored cook said was *7^"^balaya"), 
 tea, coffee, Macedoine of vegetable, salad, and pumpkin 
 pie, the dancing began. After a few informal dances 
 there was what the hostess called a Farmers' cotillon, 
 because all the figures pertained to work on the farm, 
 and the favors consisted of big straw hats, sunbonnets, 
 whips, milking stools, tin pails, spades, rakes, hoes, etc. 
 It was all very original and pretty. Cider frappe was 
 on hand for the dancers. 
 
 A November Leaf Party 
 
 An exceedingly novel party has just been brought 
 to my notice. In the country, where the leaves remain 
 much longer on the trees than in the city, a hostess, noted 
 for her original ideas, viewing her leaf-covered lawn, 
 was seized with this clever scheme. Why not make the 
 raking of the leaves into a frolic? 
 
 No sooner thought of than the telephone was called 
 into service and five couples, all good friends, had been 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 asked for the following Saturday afternoon. Old 
 clothing and warm gloves were the only conditions im- 
 posed. Partners were chosen by rakes, which were tied 
 with ribbons, two of each color. 
 
 Then work began, and after each couple had a big 
 pile the hostess asked that a specimen of each variety 
 of leaf be brought into the house. Then there was an 
 impromptu contest to see who could recognize the most 
 varieties. A picnic luncheon was served and bonfires 
 were built after dark. Then all gathered round a grate 
 fire and told stories, roasted chestnuts and apples, and 
 all asked to be included in another "leaf party'' the 
 next fall. 
 
 The place cards were in the shape of leaves, done in 
 wood browns with gold lettering. By the way, this 
 same hostess is giving little Norway pine trees in six- 
 inch pots for Christmas gifts. Capital idea. 
 
 A November Party 
 
 At a country place where the family remained until 
 the late fall days this charming party was given. On the 
 invitations was this appropriate line always associated 
 with this month: "The melancholy days are come, the 
 saddest of the year." The guests were asked to appear 
 in country costumes, so it was indeed a motley throng 
 that assembled; there were village belles, a typical old 
 maid, the village gossip, etc., and then there was the 
 country parson, the village storekeeper, the happy farmer 
 "Rube," and a large representation of his friends. Sup- 
 per was served at small tables in rooms decorated with 
 sheafs of wheat, corn stalks, pumpkins, squash, and ears 
 of corn. 
 
 Lanterns, lamps, and candles were used for lighting, 
 and a cotillion was danced in the big barn, which was 
 immaculately clean. The favors were large straw hats 
 
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Party Pastimes for the 
 
 for the men, sunbonnets for the girls, and all sorts of 
 farm implements. Cider frappe was in an immense tub 
 decorated with autumn leaves. At midnight a corn roast 
 wound up the festivities, after first shucking the corn to 
 see who would get the lucky red ear, which is supposed to 
 bring luck to the finder. The guests who lived in the 
 neighborhood were sent home in a big farm wagon drawn 
 by four horses, with liveried footman and driver in 
 attendance. Many of the young people remained all 
 night, and it was the j oiliest house party imaginable. 
 
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 CHAPTER XH.-PASTIMES FOR 
 DECEMBER 
 
 Christmas! merry Christmas! It's not so very long 
 
 Since other voices blended with the carol and the song. 
 
 If we could hut hear them singing as they are singing now, 
 
 If we could hut see the radiance of the crown on each dear brow, 
 
 There would he no sigh to smother, no hidden tear to How, 
 
 As we listen in the starlight to the bells across the snow, 
 
 — Frances Ridley Havergal. 
 
 FEELING sure that the above lines will be full of 
 comfort to many a reader, I place them where 
 they may be read first, so that those of us who 
 have known deep sorrow and have been with those whose 
 hearts are broken, torn, and bleeding as they see the 
 vacant chair and the link broken in the family circle, 
 will at least try to realize what a blessed message Christ- 
 mas brings to us. 
 
 We may all have the Christmas spirit that came with 
 the Christ child when he said: "It is more blessed to 
 give than to receive." Even now, this very day, we make 
 a merry Christmas for some child, for our families, and 
 for our friends, by forgetting ourselves and for the 
 one day thinking entirely of some one else. As the 
 noted musician, Mrs. H. H. A. Beach, said a long time 
 ago: "Let us have plenty of music at Christmas-time, 
 bright, joyous music for hearts that are full of happiness, 
 but also some tender, comforting, deeply sympathetic 
 strains for the brave souls who even on this glad day 
 are battling with sorrow." 
 
 At this season we are all more than keen regarding 
 
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Party Pastimes for the 
 
 holiday affairs. Whether we are old or young, there 
 is something in the very air that stirs us and makes us 
 want to do things. Agnes Greene Foster says: 
 
 Every day is a king's birthday 
 
 When Love is born. 
 And best of all along life's way 
 The King comes to rest and stay, 
 
 When Love is born. 
 
 This IS very true, but not many of us stop to think 
 and apply it. Now, with the Christmas spirit pervading 
 the atmosphere, we all are trying to celebrate the King's 
 birthday in one way or another. Where there are chil- 
 dren in the family it is impossible not to become imbued 
 with the joys which the coming of the Christ child brings. 
 We all want to play Santa Claus, to hang up our stock- 
 ings, to dress dolls, and make all sorts of delectable 
 goodies. 
 
 GAMES FOR CHRISTMAS DAY 
 
 Christmas Snowballs 
 
 Prepare as many snowballs as there are guests. Make 
 them by using a small toy or favor for the centre, wind 
 it with cotton until round in shape, then wrap in white 
 tissue paper, dip in mucilage or liquid glue, then in 
 diamond dust. These will dry over night and be ready 
 for use the next day. Decorate two market baskets with 
 holly and red ribbon and place on two chairs at the 
 end of the room. Divide the company into equal sides, 
 drop the balls in two long rows equally distant from 
 each other, and at the word "Go" the children start from 
 the chairs and get the farthest ball first. The side get- 
 ting all the balls back into the basket wins. It just makes 
 a jolly time and each child has a ball to keep. It makes 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 a little novelty in distributing the favors, and the chil- 
 dren dearly love to tear open the balls and find the 
 treasures inside. All the scraps of paper may be picked 
 up and put in the baskets. 
 
 The "Magic Bag" is something children just love. Take 
 red tissue paper, glue the sides together, fill with very 
 light favors like red snapping crackers, bonbons wrapped 
 in gilt and silver paper, wee baskets, etc., and suspend by 
 red and green ribbons from a centre light or doorway. 
 Blindfold a child, hand him a stout cane, turn the little 
 blind man around three times, get the other children out 
 of the way and tell him to strike three times. If he hits 
 and breaks the bag all well and good, if not some one 
 else tries. When the bag does break, the blind man 
 removes the bandage and scrambles, too. All must have 
 a share in the spoils. 
 
 How many have ever played the game of the Christmas 
 Candle? Try it and get all the grown people in it, 
 for it is so very funny. Of course, it goes without say- 
 ing that children will not attempt to play this without an 
 older person, for I do not want to be responsible for any 
 fires or burned fingers. This pastime comes to us from 
 our English cousins and was a favorite away back in 
 the time of Queen Elizabeth. 
 
 Get a nice, long, fat candle, such as we see on church 
 altars, light it and choose one child to be the candle- 
 bearer and another to be the "blower." Blindfold the 
 latter, turn her around three times, and then tell her to 
 blow out the candle. Just as likely as not she will start 
 off in the opposite direction, while all the others giggle. 
 If a long candle is not at hand take one of the little 
 artificial trees that come with several lights. They will 
 burn long enough for one trial. A little prize may be 
 offered to the successful blower. 
 
 i6i 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 For the Birds' Christmas 
 
 Do not forget our little feathered friends but give 
 them a Christmas tree. If you had not thought of it 
 before, plan for one just as soon as you read this. If 
 there are children in the household they will love the 
 idea; if not (more the pity), some of your grown-ups. 
 
 Take some suet and bones, some cracked nuts, some 
 bread crumbs, even raw oatmeal or any of the uncooked 
 breakfast foods, and scatter in the yard; tie bits of the 
 suet to trees with a red apple or two. Then go inside 
 and watch the delighted guests. In the North the 
 chickadees, woodpeckers, blue jays, and sparrows ought 
 to abound in grateful throngs. 
 
 Don't forget the squirrels; put out some nuts, even 
 though they have helped to destroy our gardens. They 
 often have a hard time to exist when the snow is deep. 
 At Christmas time we all should remember our dumb 
 friends. 
 
 Pretty Christmas Table 
 
 The arrangement of this table was quite unusual, 
 inasmuch as it was an old-fashioned square one, length- 
 ened to accommodate twelve children. It was pushed 
 back against the wall, and at the back was the largest 
 sized Yule log candy box resting on a bed of holly and 
 mistletoe. On top of the log was a doll dressed as a 
 jester, called the **Lord of Misrule," and attached to the 
 front end of the log by red ribbons were six dolls dressed 
 to represent the first six months of the year. Following 
 after the log were six more figures dressed like the last 
 six months. 
 
 At each plate was a holly paper-covered horn and a 
 wee tree lit with red wax tapers. The children were to 
 blow out the candles, making a wish for each one. If 
 they go out with the very first puff, the wish will come 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 true. A white and red Christmas ribbon goes to each 
 plate, fastened by a spray of holly, then each child looks 
 at the dolls and says which one he thinks represents the 
 month in which he was born. If there should be two in 
 the same month, the one who is the older gets the doll 
 for that month ; as there is one for each guest a satisfac- 
 tory adjustment is easily made. The Yule log also 
 contains small favors for each guest. 
 
 A Mistletoe Tea 
 
 How would you like to give a mistletoe tea when your 
 college girl friends are all home for vacation? Just use 
 Christmas greens with an abundance of mistletoe. Sus- 
 pend from every doorway, and exclusively white candles 
 with white hyacinths on the dining-room table. Serve 
 pineapple ice with white iced cakes, white bonbons, 
 chicken sandwiches, tea, and coffee. Have a wee maiden, 
 dressed as a little snow fairy, give each guest a spray of 
 mistletoe and be sure to ask all the boys you know to 
 drop in at five o'clock for a cup of tea, and I assure 
 you the affair will be a success. 
 
 A Peppermint Stick Table 
 
 Somehow candy canes and stick candy aiways seem 
 a part of Christmas. Try this for a novel table decora- 
 tion and game combined. Make a tripod of three good- 
 sized candy canes, from which suspend a basket filled 
 with smaller canes. Radiate canes from this centre to 
 each plate. Lay a stick of candy on a cutting table for 
 each guest, with a supply of dainty papers, stickers, 
 fancy cords, and narrow ribbon. Allow fifteen or twenty 
 minutes to dress these stick dolls, which may be called 
 "Minties" or "Aunt Minty." They make very good 
 dolls and are quite attractive to hang on the Christmas 
 tree. A lot might be made up to go in baskets to poor 
 children or be sent to asylums. 
 
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Party Pastimes for the 
 
 Christmas Frolics 
 
 After dinner, when the extreme novelty of the gifts 
 has worn off, there is an hour yet before the youngsters 
 go to bed, and for this very time, aptly called the ''wild- 
 cat'' hour by a young mother of three, I have been saving 
 these ideas to be worked out with the help of the elder 
 members of the family. Let no guilty mortal think he 
 can escape, for Christmas belongs to the children "till 
 six o'clock at night from any old hour in the morning." 
 
 In ancient times the day used to end with a wild, 
 rollicking ''hobby-horse dance." The company would 
 hastily rig up in improvised costumes — the funnier the 
 better — and every man had to ride a hobby horse made 
 from a broom, cane, or even a poker. In this manner all 
 participated in the Virginia reel, danced to a good, lively 
 tune. A post-card search was devised by the grand- 
 mother of the house as an ending to a long, happy day. 
 She hid cards in every conceivable place within reach of 
 the children. As they were all ardent collectors and the 
 spoils were to be individual property, there was no time 
 lost in getting the pretty cards from their hiding places. 
 The one who found the fewest was consoled with a red 
 apple candy-box filled with peppermint lozenges. 
 
 A Poinsettia Birthday Party 
 
 Of late the tropical poinsettia has been very much in 
 favor for decoration and gifts at the holiday time. In 
 way of variety a mother issued these invitations for a 
 little daughter's birthday that came close to Christmas. 
 The cards bearing the message were of white ornamented 
 with poinsettia seals, and the envelopes were closed with 
 them : 
 
 Come to my poinsettia party, don't forget the place and day; 
 As my invitation's hearty, kindly do not stay away. 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 The table was lovely with a centrepiece of scarlet poln- 
 settias in a round, gilded basket, glass candlesticks and 
 scarlet candles, a white iced individual cake at each child's 
 place, with a wee red taper resting on a poinsettia doily. 
 Crepe paper napkins ornamented with the same flower 
 were used. Across one end of the dining-room a red 
 cord was stretched, on which hung a red filled stocking 
 for each child, fastened on with a gilded clothespin. 
 Cherry ice was served instead of ice cream, and the bon- 
 bon box was gay with a big red poinsettia fastened to the 
 lid. The young hostess wore red slippers and a red hair 
 ribbon. They had great fun playing a game that went 
 like this : The first child said, *'I hung up my stocking,'' 
 and the second asked, "What did you find in it?" 
 "Nuts," was the reply. Then the second child asked the 
 next child what she found in her stocking, and she replied, 
 "Nuts," and added another article. Thus the game went 
 around, with the list unchanged. If a child forgot and 
 left out an article she dropped out and the next one 
 continued until the stocking was well filled. 
 
 Christmas Games for Children 
 
 When the children have tired of even their new pos- 
 sessions and it is still too early for the sand man, try this 
 simple amusement: Suspend a wreath of holly or greens 
 from a doorway and provide each child with the same 
 quantity of nuts, paper-wrapped bonbons, or favors that 
 will stand handling, and see who can throw the most 
 articles through the wreath into a basket placed to catch 
 them. Give some simple reward to add zest to the play. 
 
 In the same manner the game of "toss" is conducted. 
 Take a large napkin or piece of stout paper, place a lot 
 of nuts or hard candies in the centre, let a child take hold 
 of each corner, and give three vigorous tosses, singing: 
 
 165 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 Goodies, goodies, dance, my Christmas goodies. 
 
 Up thej go ; down they go ; dance, my Christmas goodies. 
 
 Then there will be a lively scrimmage to see who can 
 recover the most. These little devices will make a jolly 
 ending to the happiest day in the year for the children. 
 Put them to bed with this little song ringing in their 
 ears : 
 
 Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas to-night! 
 Christmas where snow peaks stand solemn and white, 
 Christmas where corn-fields lie sunny and bright ! 
 Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas to-night I 
 
 Verselet to Go With a Pair of Gloves 
 
 Merely two gloves, yet the hands they encase 
 Are the hands that oft rule the world; 
 
 Hands that are dainty, tender, and kind, 
 The first that man's power unfurled ; 
 
 Hands that are found where good deeds must be done, 
 Hands whose caress is divine. 
 
 May they always be strong to uphold the right 
 
 And raise mortals to holiest shrine ; 
 Hands that in physical prowess are weak. 
 
 But in moral persuasion most strong; 
 Hands that will succor the needy and ill, 
 
 And sever the right from the wrong. 
 May those hands be ever steadfast and true 
 
 To the one they vow to love ; 
 May they ever find warmth in a loyal heart, 
 
 As they find in this wee little glove. 
 
 Christmas-Tree Decorations 
 
 Make long strings of raisins, alternating with various 
 nut meats, popcorn, and cranberries, also chains of pink 
 and white popcorn. When it comes to dismantling the 
 tree, these toothsome things will be eagerly devoured. 
 Small, red apples polished to a high degree are very orna- 
 mental and always found on the trees at Christmas-time 
 in Germany. 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 Baskets made from oranges, the halves Hned with 
 waxed paper and filled with bonbons, are lovely on the 
 green tree branches. Even the children of kindergarten 
 age may assist in dressing the glorious tree by making 
 the dainty paper chains for festooning the branches. 
 Their little fingers can also fashion cornucopias, of which 
 there can never be too many. 
 
 A mother seeking novelties decorated her tree with 
 oranges, lemons, apples, bananas, pears, etc. They were 
 all candy boxes which the guests took home as favors 
 when the tree was dismantled. 
 
 Novel Distribution of Gifts 
 
 An original method of distributing Christmas gifts was 
 from an immense ''horn of plenty,'' which was made from 
 pasteboard and wire, covered with scarlet crepe paper, 
 and suspended between two large windows with scarlet 
 ribbon. The souvenirs it contained were small articles. 
 
 One hostess at a Christmas party had her presents done 
 up in such a fashion as to mislead as to the contents of 
 the package, then she allowed each guest a guess as to 
 what the parcel contained. This caused much merri- 
 ment. A letter opener of silver was packed in a large 
 wooden box and a linen doily was folded into an in- 
 credibly small space. This scheme could be carried out 
 in an ''auction party" by using grains of popcorn or 
 cranberries for money with which to bid. 
 
 At a house party the hostess placed a large new clothes 
 basket in the front hall. It was bountifully trimmed with 
 ribbon and holly and was quite ornamental. It remained 
 from early morn on Christmas eve and all packages were 
 dropped into it. On Christmas morning the two young 
 sons carried it into the dining-room, where, after a most 
 delicious breakfast, with eggnogg made by the young 
 
 167 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 women in the party, the presents were distributed and 
 opened. 
 
 At a dinner party have a small Christmas tree for a 
 centrepiece ; or the idea may be utilized at the breakfast 
 table. Have fastened to the tree, among the ornaments, 
 gilded walnut shells, one for each guest; inside the nut, 
 on tightly rolled paper have instructions to be followed 
 to find a gift. For instance : *'Go upstairs and look in a 
 work basket on the hall table.'' The young woman who 
 follows these directions will find a gold thimble. The 
 boy whose nut says: "Go up to the attic and see what 
 you'll find," will be made happy by finding gymnasium 
 apparatus for which he had been longing. These ex- 
 amples show how the idea may be worked out, and will 
 prolong the Christmas fun. 
 
 A Star Party for Children 
 
 The invitations were red stars, the writing in white 
 and gilt. On arriving each child was given a crown with 
 a gilt star in front. Then there was a hunt for gilt stars 
 scattered through the rooms and a prize of a box of 
 candy in a star-shaped box. Next there were puzzles 
 made by cutting large stars into bits, first pasting on thin 
 w^ood, then cutting out. A quiet time was thus insured 
 for fifteen minutes. 
 
 The dining-room was decorated with hundreds of gilt 
 stars suspended by invisible threads of black from the 
 ceiling and there were stars of greens around the room, 
 with beautiful stars done in tiny electric lights over the 
 table. Ice cream was in star-shaped moulds, and the 
 cakes small in shape, each with a tiny lighted taper. 
 
 When all were seated the mother in a few brief words 
 told the reason of using the star and asked the children 
 to remember why the star shone in the East so many, 
 many years ago. 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 Legend of the Christmas Stacking 
 
 An ancient legend tells us that the hanging of the 
 Christmas stocking over the Yule log comes to us from 
 Scandinavia. It happened in this manner: A young 
 woman sat by the fireplace on the night before Christmas, 
 wishing for enough fine cloth to fashion her a wedding 
 gown. Suddenly a forest sprite appeared down the chim- 
 ney. Standing on the log all ready for lighting on the 
 morrow, he softly whispered : 
 
 Wishing, Wishing, in the Yule log's name — 
 
 Keep wishing thy stockings full. 
 Answer will come o'er the Yule log's flame — 
 
 Keep wishing thy stockings full. 
 
 The girl listened intently and tried to get closer to the 
 charming sprite, who vanished at once up the chimney 
 as silently and softly as he had come. In great excite- 
 ment she hastily withdrew her stockings from both feet 
 and fastened them to the chimney, then fled to her room, 
 wondering whether she should find material for the wed- 
 ding gown on the morrow. Sure enough, early Christ- 
 mas morning when the shy maiden stole in the early 
 dawn to the chimney she beheld her stockings filled with 
 a silken fabric, plenty to make the bridal gown. 
 
 Now we hang only one stocking for the ^'wishing 
 full." We find that this tradition makes the giving of 
 stockings perfectly proper, just as correct as the giving 
 of gloves or handkerchiefs. Even babies may be given 
 lovely pairs of pink, blue and white silk ones, for they 
 come in the very smallest sizes. 
 
 Right here I want to tell of the Christmas stocking 
 charity as carried out by a number of people I know. 
 Pairs of warm stockings are purchased, one of the pair 
 to be rolled up tight and put in the toe of the outer stock- 
 ing, which is filled with small gifts and toys, apples and 
 
 169 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 oranges. Then these filled stockings are sent to homes 
 that Santa Claus might possibly overlook. 
 
 The filled stockings are all sent to one house, from 
 which they are distributed, many people offering their au- 
 tomobiles for the purpose. Sometimes they go to ''homes'' 
 or institutions, to be hung on the Christmas tree. The 
 children not only have the joy of unloading the stocking, 
 but in the end have a nice warm, whole pair to put on. 
 These stockings need not be confined to children, for 
 inmates of homes for old people enjoy them quite as 
 much. 
 
 At the Sign of the Holly 
 
 A MOTHER issued these invitations last year, written on 
 holly-decorated paper; the envelopes were tied around 
 with silvery cord, through which a spray of holly was 
 thrust. The seals were decorated with holly : 
 
 At the sign of the holly, my friends, Til await. 
 I think 'twill be jolly, so don't you be late. 
 
 As each guest arrived a spray of holly and a long pin 
 were handed out by an attendant in the dressing-room. 
 The first thing all were ushered into a room which was 
 called the "Christmas Garden." Here on a long table 
 was a small artificial tree -for each child and a paper- 
 wrapped box which, when opened, was found to contain 
 very small tree ornaments, colored papers, paste (tubes) 
 and a pair of scissors. 
 
 Fifteen minutes was allowed in which to decorate these 
 miniature trees. At the expiration of the time a prize 
 was awarded for the best trimmed tree. Then all made 
 a trip to the "postoffice," where a big, fat Santa Claus 
 distributed Christmas postals to each one, on which in- 
 structions were given where to look for a parcel. Then 
 such merriment ! The packages had been cleverly hidden, 
 each marked with the child's name. 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 The refreshment table had a tree in the center with red 
 ribbons running to each plate where there was a gilded 
 basket in which to take home the goodies. A white iced 
 angel-food cake had "Merry Christmas'' in red candles. 
 The ice cream was in the shape of snowballs, on top of 
 which a wee Santa stood. 
 
 List of Good Christmas Stories 
 
 This list has been carefully compiled. The books all 
 pertain to Christmas, and are excellent, being choice 
 examples of our very best writers. It is a fine idea to 
 keep the spirit of the Christmastide in the books we select 
 to give at this season : 
 
 Thackeray*s "Round the Christmas Tree." 
 
 Dickens's "A Christmas Carol." 
 
 Dickens's "The Chimes." 
 
 Kate Douglas Wiggins's "The Birds' Christmas Carol." 
 
 Ruth McEnery Stuart's "Christmas at the Trimbles." 
 
 Ruth McEnery Stuart's "Apollo Belvidere." 
 
 T. B. Aldrich's "A Christmas Fantasy." 
 
 Henry Van Dyke's "The First Christmas Tree." 
 
 F. Hopkinson Smith's "Colonel Carter's Christmas." 
 
 Bret Harte's "How Santa Came to Simpson's Bar." 
 
 John Fox's "Christmas Eve on Lonesome." 
 
 Frank Stockton's "Christmas Wreck." 
 
 Lew Wallace's "Boyhood of Christ" in "Ben Hur." 
 
 Programme for a Christmas Musicale 
 
 Song— "Noel" Gounod 
 
 Reading from Dickens's "Scrooge's Christmas." 
 
 Paper or talk on "Curious Christmas Customs" (in England, 
 
 Germany, Sweden, etc.). 
 
 Song — "When From the East the Wise Men Came" Bullard 
 
 Reading from "Sonny" Ruth McEnery Stuart 
 
 Reading from Howell's "Christmas Every Day." 
 
 "The Virgin's Lullaby" Dudley Buck 
 
 Reading — "George Washington Jones, a Christmas Gift That 
 
 Went a-Begging" Ruth McEnery Stuart 
 
 Song— "Over the Hills of Bethlehem" Niedlinger 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 Christmas Sentiments 
 
 Counting the days till Christmas, 
 
 Sweet days of tender care 
 That loved ones may on the blessed mom, 
 
 Find longed-for treasures fair. 
 Thus dreaming, hoping, and waiting 
 
 That holiday draws near. 
 When "Peace on earth, good will to men," 
 
 Ring out the joy bells clear. 
 
 It is a good thing to observe Christmas Day. The 
 mere markings of times and seasons when men agree to 
 stop work and make merry together is a wise and whole- 
 some custom. It helps one to feel the supremacy of the 
 common life over the individual life. It reminds a man 
 to set his own little watch, now and then, by the great 
 clock of humanity. — Henry van Dyke. 
 
 Cheerful looks and words are very 
 Sure to make Christmas merry. 
 
 It was always said of him that he knew how to keep 
 Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowl- 
 edge. May that be truly said of us, and of all of us. 
 And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless us, every one. 
 — Dickens. 
 
 But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas 
 time when it has come around — apart from the venera- 
 tion due to its sacred name and origin, if anything 
 belonging to it can be apart from that — as a good time, 
 a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time. — Dickens. 
 
 Without the door let sorrow lie; 
 And if for cold it hap to die. 
 We'll bury't in a Christmas pie, 
 And ever more be merry. 
 
 — G. Wither. 
 
 But they didn't devote the whole evening to music. 
 After a while they played forfeits; for it is good to be 
 children sometimes and never better than at Christmas, 
 when its mighty founder was a child himself. — ^Dickens. 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 I wish you health and love and mirth, 
 As fits the holy Christmas birth. 
 England was merry England, when 
 Old Christmas brought his sports again. 
 *Twas Christmas broached the mightiest ale, 
 Twas Christmas told the merriest tale, 
 A Christmas gambol oft could cheer 
 The poor man's heart through half the year. 
 
 — Scott. 
 Come, bring with a noise. 
 My merry, merry boys, 
 The Christmas log to the firing; 
 Why my good dame she 
 Bids ye all be free 
 And drink to your heart's desiring. 
 
 — Robert Herrick. 
 
 Neighbors shaking hands and greeting. 
 
 No one sorrowing, no one sad. 
 Children, loving parents meeting. 
 
 Young and old alike are glad. — Anonymous. 
 
 Bits of Christmas Verse 
 
 Children love the holiday season, and they all love 
 to speak pieces; so I am very glad to print these three, 
 which are most charming and will add to the surprise of 
 "father'' if they are said on Christmas morning at the 
 breakfast table: 
 
 I SAW three ships 
 
 I saw three ships come sailing in, 
 On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; 
 
 I saw three ships come sailing in. 
 On Christmas Day in the morning. 
 
 Pray, whither sailed those ships all three 
 On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day? 
 
 Pray, whither sailed those ships all three 
 On Christmas Day in the morning. 
 
 Oh, they sailed into Bethlehem 
 On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; 
 
 Oh, they sailed into Bethlehem 
 On Christmas Day in the morning. 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 And all the bells on earth shall ring 
 On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; 
 
 And all the bells on earth shall ring 
 On Christmas Day in the morning. 
 
 And all the angels in heaven shall sing 
 On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; 
 
 And all the angels in heaven shall sing 
 On Christmas Day in the morning. 
 
 And all the souls on earth shall sing 
 On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day; 
 
 And all the souls on earth shall sing 
 On Christmas Day in the morning. 
 
 — Old Carol. 
 
 CHRISTMAS SONG 
 
 Why do the bells for Christmas ring? 
 Why do little children sing? 
 
 Once a lovely shining star, 
 Seen by shepherds from afar. 
 Gently moved until its light 
 Made a manger-cradle bright. 
 
 There a darling baby lay 
 Pillowed soft upon the hay. 
 And His mother sang and smiled, 
 "This is Christ, the Holy Child." 
 
 So the bells for Christmas ring. 
 So the little children sing. 
 
 — Lydia Avery Coonley Ward. 
 
 CRADLE HYMN 
 
 Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, 
 The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet little head. 
 The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay- 
 The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes, 
 
 But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes. 
 
 I love Thee, Lord Jesus ! look down from the sky, 
 
 And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh. 
 
 — Martin Luther. 
 
 December Prophecies 
 If born in this snowy month, you should wear a tur- 
 quoise and memorize this verselet: 
 
 If cold December gave you birth. 
 The month of snow and ice and mirth, 
 Place on your hand a turquoise blue, 
 Success will bless whate'er you do. 
 
 Holly belongs to December and means domestic hap- 
 piness and foresight. Those contemplating matrimony 
 will be glad to know this couplet: 
 
 Married in days of December's cheer, 
 
 Love's star burns brighter from year to year. 
 
 Here is weather prediction for the month and one 
 concerning Christmas that will interest us: 
 
 A snow year, a rich year. 
 
 If Christmas Day on Monday be, 
 A great winter that year you will see. 
 And full of winds both loud and shrill. 
 
 If that Christmas Day fall 
 Upon Friday, know all 
 That winter season shall be easy. 
 Save great winds aloft shall fly; 
 The summer also shall be dry, 
 What child that day is born, 
 Great and rich shall be of com. 
 
 A Snowball Party 
 
 A LOVELY party given for children was carried out 
 thus: There was a tree covered with white decorations 
 and loads of snowballs. These balls were filled with 
 bonbons. 
 
 175 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 One at a time, each child was allowed to take a pair 
 of scissors and clip a snowball from the tree. The dining- 
 room table was a dream. It was round, with a pyramid 
 of balls in the centre; they were oranges covered with 
 cotton and sprinkled with diamond dust. This rested on 
 a mat of holly and mistletoe. Over the table there was 
 a canopy of greens hung with glass icicles. The greens 
 were flecked with cotton and coarse salt, which sparkled 
 beautifully. 
 
 There were four tall, white candles with snowball 
 shades. Around the base of each were mounds of holly. 
 The snowball idea appeared in the ice cream and in the 
 cakes and candies, which were home-made. At the finish 
 each child was given one of the snowball oranges to take 
 home. 
 
 On Whittier's Birthday 
 
 The seventeenth is the birthday of the beloved Quaker 
 poet Whittier, so quotations from his writings would be 
 in order. 
 
 In fact, an evening's entertainment could be planned 
 with a short account of the preacher-poet's life, and the 
 reading of selections from his works. The ladies might 
 dress in quaint Quaker costumes of gray, with kerchiefs 
 and caps. All the guests might be expected to use "thee" 
 and ''thou." Observe the greatest simplicity in serving 
 refreshments. A real New England menu would be 
 appropriate, individual pots of baked beans, brown bread, 
 doughnuts, coffee and cider, with nuts and apples. 
 
 For amusement use this contest; all the answers are 
 names of poems : 
 
 1. Guess the name of the poem shut in by the storm. Snow 
 bound. 
 
 2. The poem where volumes abound. The Library. 
 
 3. The poem devoid both of shoes and stockings. The Bare- 
 foot Boy. 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 4. The poem that flows from the ground. The Fountain. 
 
 5. The poem whose mother in Salem was hanged. The 
 Witch's Daughter. 
 
 6. The poem of sunshine and rain. April. 
 
 7. The poem which gathered the hay in the field. Maud 
 Muller. 
 
 8. The poem thafs hard to explain. A Mystery. 
 
 9. The poem which shared in the games of my youth. My 
 Playmate. 
 
 10. The poem when lessons were learned. In School Days. 
 
 11. The poem which guarded the flag from disgrace. Barbara 
 Frietchie. 
 
 12. The poem in fireplace burned. Burning Driftwood. 
 
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Party Pastimes for the 
 
 CHAPTER XIII.—PARTY PASTIMES FOR 
 ALL OCCASIONS 
 
 A Unique Lemon Party 
 
 SOUNDS refreshing, doesn't it? The invitations 
 were cut out of slightly rough yellow stiff paper, 
 tied with a little bow of lemon-colored satin ribbon. 
 When all the guests arrived they went onto the porch and 
 were given lemon-shaped cards through the top of which 
 there hung a spray of fragrant lemon verbena. On the 
 table there was a pile of lemons; each guest drew one, 
 cut it open with a silver fruit-knife and counted the seeds, 
 writing down the number on her lemon card, also writ- 
 ing her name. The lemons were then taken to the pantry 
 and soon reappeared in the shape of lemonade. The 
 seeds were collected and placed in a glass fruit jar, 
 where every one could see them, and guesses were taken 
 as to the total number, the number guessed being also 
 recorded on the card. Then refreshments were served, 
 consisting of lemon aspic salad, sardine sandwiches, 
 lemon sherbet and cakes iced with lemon frosting. Candy 
 boxes in shape of lemons were passed for favors, each 
 one containing perfect little lemon quarters in the shape 
 of candy. A prize for the nearest guess on the lemon 
 seeds was awarded. It was a straw garden hat trimmed 
 with lemon-colored tarlatan and a bunch of artificial 
 lemons. The consolation prize was a half-dozen lemons 
 and a china lemon-squeezer. 
 
 Old Time Charades 
 
 The very newest fads, so-called, are but revivals from 
 olden days. Among the amusements popular right now 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 are charades, which are enjoyed by both old and young. 
 I found this dinner menu in charade form which appears 
 most interesting; if not needed now, put it away until 
 Thanksgiving or Christmas to use after dinner : 
 
 Soup: Tomato (Tow-ma-tow). 
 Meat: (Tur Key). 
 Giblet gravy: (Jib-let Gray V). 
 Vegetables: Potato (Pot-eight-0). 
 Cauliflower: (Call-I-Flower). 
 Jelly: Currant (Cur-rant). 
 Dessert: Plum Pudding (Plumb). 
 Beverage: Coffee (Cough-fee). 
 
 Merely the syllables may be acted, or the entire word 
 may make one scene ; this to be decided upon by the 
 leader. 
 
 For Boy's Twenty-First Birthday 
 
 A FOND mother devised and carried out this clever stag 
 party in honor of her only son's coming of age : 
 
 The favors were toy watches, and little canes had the 
 place cards tied to the handles. Red carnations, the 
 favorite flower of nearly every man, were used in the 
 centre of the table, and one was laid at each plate. The 
 candles were red and had very simple shades. 
 
 This very plain menu was served, but each dish was a 
 special favorite of this mother's lad: Vegetable soup, 
 bread sticks, beefsteak with mushrooms, baked potatoes 
 on the half shell — which means scooping out the potatoes 
 after cutting in halves, mixing with cream, butter, and 
 sometimes the yolk of an egg, replacing and browning in 
 the oven — spaghetti, and tomatoes. No salad, but for 
 dessert there were individual apple pies, a la mode — 
 which is a big spoonful of ice cream on top — olives, nuts, 
 cheese, and coffee. There were cigars, ginger ale, and a 
 big bowl filled with all kinds of fruit. A birthday cake 
 
 179 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 with twenty-one red candles was brought in after the 
 dessert and served with the coffee. 
 
 Souvenir Postcard Luncheon 
 
 A GIRL of sixteen planned and carried out this affair, 
 which was really delightful. The scheme is adaptable to 
 church societies and club functions. In the invitations, 
 which were issued on postals, the guests were requested 
 to bring six of their most interesting cards and be pre- 
 pared to tell about them. 
 
 The table centrepiece was a ball of ferns, in which 
 were stuck wee silk flags of all nations. Each girl was 
 given a foreign postcard and told to pick out the flag of 
 the country from which it came and take her place 
 nearest to that flag. The girl who had a card from 
 Berlin took the German colors from the ball, etc. 
 
 Bonbon or nut-holders were made by pasting paper 
 cups on the corners of postcards; the guest's name was 
 also written across the card. The ice cream was white 
 with a stamp on one corner; the guest's initials being 
 done with small candies. 
 
 Afterwards postal card stories were told and the fine 
 collection of the hostess was thoroughly enjoyed. 
 
 An Indian Party 
 
 On cards cut to represent Indian arrows the invita- 
 tions were written and attached to little willow branches 
 by a thong of buckskin. Below the day, date, and hour 
 this couplet from '"Hiawatha" was written : 
 
 She has sent through all the village 
 Messengers with wands of willow, 
 As a sign of invitation, 
 As a token of the feasting. 
 
 The porch and lawn were arranged as "Indiany'* as 
 possible with blankets, rugs, baskets, stacks of corn and 
 pottery collected on a western trip. 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 Cards were played for an hour. The score was kept 
 on bands of gray satin ribbon tied around the heads of 
 guests, feathers being stuck in for each game won. 
 These quills were chicken feathers dyed vivid colors. 
 
 After the cards there was a stringing contest with 
 coarse needles and wooden kindergarten beads. 
 
 To choose partners for refreshments there were bows 
 of various sizes, to which bits of cords were fastened, 
 there being a cord just to fit each bow. 
 
 For a party at which men are to be included this 
 quotation from ''Hiawatha'' might be written on the 
 cards to which the bows are attached: 
 
 As unto the bow the cord is, 
 
 So unto the man is woman; 
 Though she bends him, she obeys him. 
 Though she draws him, yet she follows: 
 
 Useless each without the other. 
 
 Supper was served on the lawn, the guests following 
 a ''blazed trail" to a fire built of branches over which a 
 black kettle swung. The hostess ladled out delicious 
 soup into stunning yellow earthenware bowls, which 
 were given as souvenirs. Other good things were 
 brought by servants from the house, and then all sat 
 around the campfire and told stories. 
 
 A Character Party 
 
 A HOSTESS noted for her originality issued invitations 
 for a "character party.'' The guests were limited to 
 twenty-four, and each was requested to wear some ar- 
 ticle indicative of a country or city, or to come costumed 
 to represent some characteristic of town or country. 
 
 For instance, the hostess represented "Columbia," and 
 wore a skirt of white, a bodice of blue with a scarlet 
 girdle, a tiara of gilt stars on a filet of blue, with a tiny 
 silk flag on the side. Her husband's costume was typi- 
 
 i8i 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 cal of "Uncle Sam/' so familiar that it needs no descrip- 
 tion. A lady of Cuba went as a Spanish girl in lace 
 mantilla, high comb and red roses. 
 
 One man created a sensation arrayed in a bright red 
 sweater and feather dusters fastened in every place they 
 would hold on. He expected to be recognized as an 
 aborigine "from most any old place.'' A man from Bos- 
 ton wore one blue stocking, carried a huge volume and 
 wore spectacles. The "lady from Philadelphia'' wore 
 her "family tree" in her hair, while a maiden in a fault- 
 less up-to-date ball gown was recognized as "Paris." 
 One woman created much merriment by wearing her 
 husband's shoes. Every one said at once "Chicago." 
 
 Programmes were passed on which the guests wrote 
 who was who. A correct list of the characters was read 
 and a grand march followed. International colors were 
 used in the decorations. 
 
 Giving a Stork Party 
 
 From patent food and other pictorial advertisements 
 cut as many storks as there will be guests. From other 
 ads. cut pretty baby figures or heads. Begin the invita- 
 tion as follows: "You are cordially invited to a stork 
 party," but instead of the word "stork" paste on the 
 picture of one. Finish with the name of the one to be 
 honored, the place and date, and add one of the little 
 baby heads to the page in the lower left-hand corner. 
 
 Have in the centre of the room a large stork, or a 
 stuffed crane will answer. Usually high schools or 
 some public collections have one of these birds which 
 they will loan for the occasion. Suspend a basket from 
 the bill filled with gifts or with a doll baby. He may 
 also have a pretty basket fastened to his wings for small 
 gifts. Serve light refreshments. A chilled malted milk 
 flavored with chocolate is delicious, with fancy crackers. 
 
 182 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 Looking Backwards 
 This is in reality an old-time party. To add to the 
 interest, the guests may be asked to come in colonial cos- 
 tumes. Little booklets, the title being **Booke of Ye 
 Good Old Times/' to be handed each guest. The inner 
 pages having these significant titles : 
 
 I. 
 
 Winding Bee. 
 
 II. 
 
 Spelling Match. 
 
 III. 
 
 Quilting Bee. 
 
 IV. 
 
 Apple-paring Bee. 
 
 V. 
 
 Singing Bee. 
 
 The books are to be filled as for a dance programme, 
 so there will be partners for each contest. For the 
 "Winding Bee/' the girls to hold skeins of zephyr for 
 the boys to wind into balls. The one making the best 
 ball in shortest time to have a prize. All know how to 
 conduct a spelling match. For the "Quilting Bee" have 
 a real frame with cheese-cloth comforter in, the boys 
 being obliged to "tie" once across, with no help from 
 the girls. Of course, they must be shown how, but not 
 really helped. For the apple paring, the one making the 
 longest peeling to have a reward. The singing school 
 is to be conducted by a leader dressed in old-fashioned 
 clothes. The possibilities of such an aflfair are great, for 
 every one has a chance to take part; this fact alone 
 promises success. 
 
 Paper Costume Party 
 
 A GIRL noted for her clever parties issued this 
 
 invitation : 
 
 A Paper Gown, 
 Red, white, or blue, 
 Or any shade 
 Preferred by you, 
 We ask you to wear 
 Next Thursday night, 
 
 183 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 And be present to witness 
 
 A pretty sight. 
 
 Judges will reign in majesty 
 
 And award the prizes 
 
 Of which there are three. 
 
 First, beauty we seek, 
 
 Originality, too. 
 
 Or, if the most comical. 
 
 We'll give to you 
 
 A dainty little gift 
 
 That you'd love to win — 
 
 Now please don't be late 
 
 For at eight we begin. 
 
 So wear your paper gown 
 
 And bring a heart full of cheer, 
 
 And I'm certain this party 
 
 Will be remembered all the year. 
 
 Crepe papers are so beautiful that the judges had a 
 difficult time rendering their decisions. Tarlatan may be 
 used as a foundation for the dresses. 
 
 One especially amusing costume was made from Fels- 
 Naptha soap v^rappers; the girl called herself "Aunty 
 Drudge.*' "Aunt Jemima's Pancake Flour" was also 
 represented, and one girl made a decided hit as the 
 "Local News," her costume being entirely of newspapers. 
 
 Novel Potato Party 
 
 The hostess passed to each lady a well-washed potato 
 of rather long slender shape. Then each one was given 
 four small wire hairpins, four small black tacks, two 
 fancy paper napkins with gayly colored borders, and a 
 supply of pins. There were scissors and tubes of li- 
 brary paste. 
 
 The order was to construct a doll. With prizes to be 
 awarded for the best and poorest specimens the ladies 
 worked with amazing zeal. This going back to child- 
 hood days was thoroughly enjoyed, and while none had 
 manufactured potato dolls before, nearly everyone con- 
 fessed to the clothespin variety, and it was surprising 
 
 184 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 the array of attractive little figures that emerged from 
 the hands of these erstwhile creative artists. 
 
 The hairpins were used for arms and legs, the tacks 
 made eyes, nose and mouth, and it was astonishing the 
 variety of facial expressions achieved. All sorts of gar- 
 ments were made from the napkins, which were pinned 
 and pasted into shape. There were babies, children, 
 Japs in kimonos, sunbonnet toddlers, ladies of high and 
 low degree, all acknowledging a common potato for their 
 origin. 
 
 The prizes were in keeping with the novelty of the 
 pastime. The first one was a large sweet-potato pie 
 piled high with fluffy meringue; the consolation offer- 
 ing was several quarts of new potatoes in a most charm- 
 ing green basket. 
 
 Bohemian Party 
 
 A JOLLY crowd of about a dozen young people formed 
 themselves into a "Bohemian" club with the end and 
 aim of each hostess to have her party just as different 
 as possible from what the last one had. An indoor moon- 
 light picnic was a great success. I am glad to give 
 details, as far as I have them, which any one will be 
 able to enlarge upon. 
 
 The lights were all veiled with very pale blue and 
 green under white, which gave a very good moonlight 
 effect. Quantities of foliage plants were used through- 
 out the rooms; the variegated leaves were exquisite un- 
 der the lights. Of course, the guests all worp summer 
 picnic costumes. A fish pond was arranged in one cor- 
 ner and the centre of the large living-room had a merry- 
 go-round, the chairs being placed in a circle, and a 
 graphophone played lively tunes. At nine the dining- 
 room doors were opened, revealing a tablecloth spread 
 on the floor with a cushion for each one to sit on; there 
 
 185 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 was a pretty basket for each couple containing two kinds 
 of sandwiches, oHves, individual baked beans and salad 
 was passed. Paper plates and napkins were used, coffee 
 passed on trays, with cake and molasses bonbons. There 
 were snapping crackers with grotesques for each. Dur- 
 ing the spread, the guests had to tell their most vivid 
 recollections of a picnic, and many were the funny tales 
 related. By ten thirty the supper was over and the 
 floor cleared for an informal little dance. This club 
 has had straw rides, boating parties, a circus, an old- 
 fashioned candy pull, chafing dish parties, and a supper 
 which the men prepared and served. 
 
 A Bon Voyage Party 
 
 For sending the invitations make little steamer rugs 
 from felt or plaid flannel, cutting the pieces about 3 
 by 12 inches. Fringe the two long ends with a pair 
 of sharp scissors, place the note of invitation inside and 
 roll up with straps cut from an old pair of kid gloves. 
 Attach a card bearing the guest's name and address, with 
 "Please unpack and answer at once.'' Nothing is more 
 appropriate for a centrepiece than a toy steamship or 
 one made of flowers. Ship funnels made of cardboard 
 are good at the four corners of the table filled with 
 blooming **smoke" tree. The name of the ship should 
 be on it and the proper lines on the funnel. These, with 
 ropes twisted about the ship caught at intervals with 
 gilded anchors and "compass" place cards will com- 
 plete a very attractive table. The gifts may be pre- 
 sented in a travelling bag brought in by a small boy 
 dressed as a porter with the name of the steamship 
 company on his cap. The shops are filled with articles 
 suitable for the traveller by land or sea; and it is quite 
 the custom to honor a departing friend with a fare- 
 well party, 
 
 186 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 A Hobby Luncheon 
 
 A COLLEGE girl described this affair to me, and I saw 
 its possibiHties even for those not in the heyday of 
 youth, for who of us hasn't some hobby to ride, either 
 fast or slow, and in some instances "it" rides us. 
 
 The guests were eight girls, all students at the same 
 university, and all acquainted with each other's whims 
 and fancies. The centrepiece was a small hobbyhorse 
 ridden by a dolly dressed in cap and gown. At each 
 place were small hobbyhorses with the name cards at- 
 tached by ribbons in the class colors. 
 
 No names were written, but all found their places by 
 the clever drawing in pen and ink on the cards. For 
 instance, the girl with musical ambitions found herself 
 "ten years hence with a hand organ and a monkey grind- 
 ing out 'Home, Sweet Home.'" The stout girl (she 
 called herself plump) was represented rolling down hill 
 with the words, "I have lost one-eighth of a pound." 
 The maiden who was to be a teacher (in her own mind) 
 was depicted as a fashionable society woman playing 
 bridge, and the golf girl found herself with Cupid peer- 
 ing out of her bag and the words, "A clever stroke" 
 underneath. 
 
 When all were seated the hostess asked each to ex- 
 plain why her hobby was commendable, and she told 
 them to look under their place plates, and there they 
 found quaintly worded invitations asking them to meet 
 her ten years from date and see how the hobbyhorses had 
 been ridden. If impossible to be present letters were to 
 be sent to be read aloud. 
 
 A Luncheon for Nurses 
 
 A DAUGHTER of a prominent family in her home town, 
 tired of the pomps and vanities of this wicked world, 
 determined to take a course in nursing. Much to the 
 
 187 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 surprise of herself, friends, and family, she continued 
 to the end and graduated with honor. This surprise 
 luncheon was arranged by an elder sister. The table 
 was covered with blue chambray, exactly like the hos- 
 pital uniform, the centrepiece and plate doilies were of 
 white linen, each having a red cross embroidered in the 
 corner; the opposite corner had the guest's monogram. 
 The centrepiece was a tall glass used for measuring in 
 the diet kitchen and laboratories, and was filled with 
 marguerites. The candles were white, in glass holders, 
 with red cross decorations on the shades. Tiny white 
 mortars held olives and nuts, and water was poured 
 from large medicine bottles. Wee bonbons in shape of 
 pellets were in pill boxes labeled with directions for tak- 
 ing. These were very funny and the girls, all in uni- 
 forms, caps, and aprons, entered heartily into the fun. 
 On regular hospital report sheets each nurse found her 
 name with laughable remarks as to her condition; a 
 small skeleton (found) at the favorite counter, stood on 
 top, supposed to be the ghost of a "first case'' come back 
 to haunt its stern persecutor. A delicious menu was 
 served with all the accessories that money, thought, and 
 love could produce. Needless to say, the memory of this 
 happy day will while away many a trying hour in the 
 days to come, when these splendid girls are on real duty 
 with their first cases long in the past. 
 
 Amusing Pastime 
 
 At an evening party where the guests were not well 
 acquainted, the hostess did not have any especial feature, 
 so she passed to each guest a card bearing ope of these 
 various verselets, being careful to give each card to one 
 she knew could do the stunt well. The first guest had 
 this on hers: 
 
 Though riddles do our minds distress. 
 We'd like two good ones now to guess. 
 
 i88 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 And there were two good conundrums immediately 
 forthcoming. 
 
 Each guest read her card aloud before complying with 
 its request. The following are good suggestions : 
 
 We*d like to hear you tell to-day 
 Some funny things that children say. 
 
 Describe some woman in the town, 
 Her nose and hair, her dress and gown; 
 But do not give us her address, 
 Nor tell her name, and we will guess. 
 
 We'd like a story full of fun ; . 
 
 You're gifted, Lyman, tell us one. 
 
 Misery likes company, they say; 
 We'd like to hear you tell to-day 
 (Don't hesitate, but now begin) 
 Of the worst scrape you e'er were in. 
 
 Your talent gives us much delight; 
 We wish that you would please recite. 
 
 Your part in this programme to help us along 
 Will give us much pleasure; please sing us a song. 
 
 If music hath charms, we wish that to-day 
 
 You'd prove it, and something quite charming would play. 
 
 Tell some joke on yourself, your wife, or your friend, 
 But we hope that you'll have it pleasantly end. 
 
 Describe some trip you've taken far, 
 To Mexico, Europe, or Zanzibar. 
 
 Give a tale of old time when settlers were few, 
 Of what they had then and what they did do. 
 
 Describe some famous picture, 
 
 Whether dark or fair. 
 Please tell us all about it. 
 
 And the artist rare. 
 
 189 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 Without a bit of gossip sweet, 
 This programme would not be complete. 
 Be sure that while the seasons roll, 
 This crowd will never tell a soul. 
 
 A Stork Party 
 
 This charming luncheon was not embarrassing to the 
 guest of honor and was altogether a unique affair. The 
 place cards were sealed envelopes, bearing the guests' 
 names. The hostess asked them not to open them until 
 the dessert course, then to begin at her left, each one to 
 read the verse her envelope contained; the last to read 
 was the lady on the right of the hostess and her verse 
 told the story. 
 
 This is the poem complete. It is called "The Song of 
 the Red-Legged Stork,'' by Pauline C. Bowie. If a lunch- 
 eon is not given, the story may be read, and the guests 
 asked to determine whom the stork has honored, or the 
 hostess may say : '*Mr. So-and-So is the fortunate one." 
 
 Over the mists of the darkening wold, 
 
 Where the skies are pale and the winds blow cold, 
 
 Down where the gates of life, unfurled. 
 
 Let the souls pass through the throbbing world. 
 
 Flew the red-legged stork, 
 
 And he flew and flew 
 For ten score days and seventy more, 
 Till he reached the house of the open door. 
 Where the angel of gifts stood waiting near, 
 With dimples and smiles and a glittering tear. 
 
 Over white wastes of gleaming snow. 
 Over fair meadows where buttercups grow. 
 And fields where the red poppies sleepily nod 
 To the songs of the robins, sung to God, 
 
 Flew the red-legged stork, 
 
 And he sang as he flew : 
 "Winds do not hinder me — Time is fleet; 
 Sun, do not burn me ; withhold your heat ; 
 I carry a link love's chain to complete. 
 And my burden is precious — a baby sweet 
 
 190 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 "Frost, do not blight me in my flight ; 
 Rain, do not spoil my feathers white; 
 For the way is long and Time is fleet, 
 And my burden is precious — a baby sweet." 
 
 Down under arches of shimmering blue. 
 
 Where the south wind lives and the sun sifts thro'— 
 
 Over still places, where moonbeams sleep, 
 
 And the stars climb over the cloud-stair steep. 
 
 Flew the red-legged stork, 
 
 And he sang as he flew: 
 "Blue of the heavens, color her eyes ; 
 Kiss her soft feet, ye rose-flushed skies; 
 1 carry God's message, men's love to meet, 
 And my burden is precious — a baby sweet." 
 
 A Bottle Party 
 
 "Bring a bottle (empty), any size and shape, and come 
 to my house Tuesday night." So said Polly's charac- 
 teristic Httle note. Polly was always startling, always 
 original; so, armed with our bottles, we presented our- 
 selves at the time appointed. It was really very droll 
 when the bottles all, great and small, were lined up on 
 the table. Upon another table there were odds and 
 ends of laces, ribbons, crepe papers, corks, cotton bat- 
 ting, watercolor paints, needles, thread, and library paste, 
 with numerous scissors arranged in piles. 
 
 Then Polly explained that a bottle was to be trans- 
 formed into a doll in a half-hour's time. Judges were 
 appointed to criticise the finished creations and award 
 the prizes. This stunt accomplished, we were led into a 
 room, each one blindfolded in turn and handed a bottle 
 containing one flower, which was to be guessed by its 
 odor. There was an aster, a sunflower, heliotrope, mi- 
 gnonette, rose, lemon, verbena, clematis, violet, etc. The 
 flowers were all put in one bouquet as a prize for the 
 one who guessed the most. Delicious cakes and ginger 
 ale, as being "out of a bottle," were served about half 
 
 191 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 after nine. At eleven o'clock tiny sandwiches, demi- 
 tasses of cofifee, olives, and salted nuts were passed. 
 The favors were small bottles of perfumery. 
 
 An Afternoon in Spain 
 
 A CLUB of young ladies who had been studying Spain 
 and Portugal gave a very pretty closing day. They dec- 
 orated the large living-room with red and yellow, using 
 quantities of red and yellow tulips for their flowers. They 
 bought a number of the Perry pictures illustrating paint- 
 ings of Murillo and Velasquez, pinning them around the 
 room. A large picture of King Alphonso was draped 
 with the Spanish flag. Chili-con-carne was served by 
 maids in Spanish costumes, consisting of short black 
 skirts, red, white, or yellow waists, low shoes, stockings 
 of black, red, or yellow, short black shawl, black lace 
 mantillas, and plenty of bead necklaces. Spanish songs 
 were sung and the national anthems of both countries, 
 also some Spanish dances given by several young girls 
 who had been taught the steps by a teacher of fancy 
 dancing. Coffee, salted Valencia almonds, and peanuts 
 were passed with Chili sandwiches. 
 
 A Gridiron Party 
 
 In return for a chafing dish party a half dozen young 
 fellows sent out invitations for a Gridiron party at the 
 home of a chap who was lucky enough to have a mother 
 to prepare for him and then slip behind the scenes. 
 Each girl was given an apron, and each man a white 
 cap and an apron. 
 
 The men grilled the lamb chops and the girls prepared 
 the peas and made potatoes au gratin, and coffee. They 
 had cheese, crackers and fruit for dessert, and it was a 
 jolly little spread just at seven o'clock on a Saturday 
 night. 
 
 192 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 A Detestation Party 
 
 The hostess said in her message, which was given 
 over the telephone: "Please come, wearing an article 
 which will express your greatest dislike." As men were 
 included in the invitations we were prepared for some- 
 thing very unusual and were not disappointed. There 
 were twenty guests and here are a few examples of what 
 happened: A sedate matron came completely covered 
 with realistic little wiggly snakes, most of them pur- 
 chased at a Japanese store; others were of the vivid 
 green variety so much in favor for St. Patrick's day; a 
 beau of the town appeared with his head adorned with 
 a curious collection of false hair, braids, puffs, rats, 
 varying from golden to jet black, which plainly showed 
 his dislike for false hair. A young girl wore a necklace 
 made from tiny imitation but realistic cigars, with cigars 
 of larger size in her hair ; a young matron had a number 
 of toy and candy mice adorning her white frock; one 
 girl wore an enormous quantity of paste jewelry, strings 
 of beads, etc., and another had her dress ornamented 
 with advertisements of whisky and champagne. It was 
 really a very clever affair and created much merriment. 
 
 A Novel Paper Party 
 
 This party had an unusual degree of novelty, and the 
 guests had a royally good time. First on the programme 
 was a paper race conducted as follows : Have as many 
 ten-yard strips of paper (such as come around bolts of 
 ribbon) as there are guests, also several pairs of blunt 
 scissors. Choose three or four as jockeys, placing paper 
 jockey caps on their heads. To each of the others give 
 twenty paper gun-wads. 
 
 Line up the jockeys with a number pinned on the sleeve 
 of each. The others begin to bet on them with their 
 gun-wad money. Stretch the rolls of paper ribbon across 
 
 193 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 the room, each one held at the opposite end by a per- 
 son selected from the guests. The jockeys have their 
 end and a pair of scissors, and at the word "Go'' they 
 start to cut the ribbon straight down the middle, going 
 as fast as possible. If they run off they are disqualified 
 and have to drop out. The one who reaches the other 
 side with both bits of ribbon intact is the winner. This 
 act may be repeated until all have tried or as long as 
 the hostess deems best. First, second and third prizes 
 may be awarded, and bets are to be settled at the end 
 of every race. 
 
 Next, the hostess presented each guest with a clothes- 
 pin and a roll of colored tissue paper, some twine, pins, 
 needle, and coarse thread, and said: ''See who can 
 make the best doll in fifteen minutes." The results were 
 laughable and very creditable in some instances. All 
 the decorations throughout the house were of paper, and 
 paper napkins and dishes were used when refreshments 
 were served. Paper chains could be made for another 
 contest, also a prize for the best articles cut from paper, 
 like the hand-in-hand dolls we used to make in our 
 childhood days. Caps are quickly made of paper and 
 also very good-looking hats. 
 
 • A Novelty Luncheon 
 
 Six matrons who meet monthly for luncheon had a 
 surprise at a recent gathering. The hostess said : ''Let's 
 go back to our childhood days and play 'magic music' " 
 To the tones of the piano, now loud, now soft, each one 
 found and opened her parcel, which contained two col- 
 ored bandanna handkerchiefs, with several yards of rib- 
 bon. The hostess then passed her work basket, with 
 thread, needles, thimbles, and scissors, and told her guests 
 to fashion for themselves caps and aprons. After they 
 were finished, which was in a short time, the hostess 
 
 194 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 informed them that her maid had given them notice 
 and departed that morning, so they were all to help in 
 cooking and serving the repast. 
 
 This added to the merriment, and nearly everything 
 was cooked on the table. They had creamed oysters in 
 the chafing dish, the toast was made on an electric 
 toaster, the coflfee bubbled in a percolater, hot rolls were 
 brought in from a near by store, potatoes were quickly 
 French fried by the hostess, who brought them in and 
 kept them piping hot on one corner of the toaster ; pine- 
 apple salad was on the side table, and the gelatin dessert 
 already in tall glasses on a tray in the refrigerator. 
 
 It was a great success, and the little hostess proved 
 that sometimes disasters may be made into good times. 
 With the many contrivances for lightening labor, 
 Bridget's sudden giving notice is not so much to be 
 dreaded. 
 
 A New Word-Making Game 
 
 A HOSTESS entertaining in honor of a visiting guest 
 passed cards bearing the last name of her friend. The 
 company was told to make as many words from the let- 
 ters composing the name as they could in twenty minutes. 
 A prize was awarded for the longest and shortest lists. 
 This proved a very pleasant introduction and served as 
 an ice-breaker, as the people were almost all entire 
 strangers. This scheme is a good one for church socials, 
 which are apt to be stiff if not conducted along the same 
 lines as a private party. 
 
 A Backward Party 
 
 A "Backward'^ party will give an evening of rare 
 fun, But ask only about twenty thoroughly congenial 
 people. In the invitations state that masks of the plain- 
 est possible description should be worn over the face, 
 just to allow seeing and breathing, and a very much 
 
 195 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 made-up face be put on the back of the head. The 
 clothes are to be put on so as to make the back in front, 
 etc. 
 
 The invitation must be written on the back page of 
 note paper and finished on the first page. When the 
 guests arrive they will be greeted by a large placard 
 requesting them to go to the back door. They will go 
 up the back stairs and be received by the hostess in the 
 kitchen. The girls will wear their dress-skirts wrong 
 side out and the men their coats in the same ludicrous 
 fashion. Ladies will ask the men to supper and to dance. 
 The menu will begin with the dessert and end with soup, 
 thus the whole affair will be as backward as it is possible 
 to make it, and each guest is to be requested to '*look 
 backward'' and relate some interesting reminiscence. The 
 house should be lighted with lamps and candles. 
 
 A Coiffure Party 
 
 This is just the funniest kind of a party. Ask the 
 guests to come in regular conventional evening attire 
 with the exception of their heads ; both men and women 
 must change the style of hair dressing. Either a pic- 
 turesque or grotesque mode may be chosen. For in- 
 stance, imagine a man in perfectly correct evening dress 
 with his head representing an Indian chief in full war 
 bonnet; or a matron well settled, as my colored maid 
 describes a quite elderly person, with her hair in braids 
 down her back. A most complete transformation takes 
 place in the maid of pompadour fame when she appears 
 with her hair parted and plastered down as slick as a 
 newly peeled onion. Choose partners for refreshments 
 by pairing off the very tallest men with the shortest girls ; 
 have a man with ruler, pencil and paper to take the meas- 
 urements. Award prize for the most changed person 
 after having the company parade in a grand march be- 
 
 196 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 fore the committee who are asked to judge. Just try 
 this scheme the next time some one asks you what to do 
 to have some fun. 
 
 An Evening in Holland 
 
 The invitations said, 'The Travel club will be pleased 
 to have you spend an evening in Holland, at the resi- 
 dence of Mrs. Brown, January twelfth, at eight o'clock/' 
 
 The house was transformed completely with the flag 
 of Holland — red, white, and blue — at all doors and win- 
 dows; then there were pictures of Queen Wilhelmina 
 and reproductions of famous Dutch artists, such as 
 Rembrandt, Potter, Hals, and others. There were storks 
 and windmills on the dining-table, with a pair of wee 
 wooden shoes at each place. Lacking real tulips and 
 hyacinths, there were artificial ones, and members had 
 sent any bits of delft they possessed or could borrow, 
 as well as many post cards from Holland, which were 
 all displayed upon a table. 
 
 There were twelve members in this club, and they were 
 asked to come in costume, which I describe rather 
 minutely. 
 
 The men wore dark jackets over bright vests, knee 
 pants, low heavy shoes, with blue woollen stockings, 
 broad soft hats, with rather pointed crowns. The Dutch 
 fisherboy wore wooden shoes, very full trousers, coarse 
 knitted stockings, a striped waist or blouse, red tie, and 
 a visor cap. 
 
 The girls wore full skirts of blue flannel, short- 
 sleeved waists, laced over a w^hite shirt with short, full 
 sleeves. A large white or colored kerchief was crossed 
 over the breast and fastened at the waist. Fancy or 
 white aprons, red stocks, wooden shoes completed a 
 costume. The hair was parted and braided with a cap 
 of white muslin or gay silk worn on the head. There are 
 more elaborate headpieces of brass, with lace caps. The 
 
 197 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 Dutch women are also very fond of wearing coral beads. 
 The fact that Holland leads the world in making cheese 
 furnished the subject for a very interesting paper. The 
 hostess served potato salad, piping hot sausage grilled 
 in the chafing dish, Dutch herring made into appetizing 
 sandwiches, pickles, and cheese, and offered a choice of 
 coffee, cocoa, or beer, with pretzels. 
 
 A Novel Good Luck Party 
 
 To a departing guest this charming party was given 
 by two of her girl friends. It certainly was an original 
 and delightful affair. Everywhere good luck emblems 
 prevailed and were quite unusual, as there were large 
 gilded horseshoes over the doors, also gilded wishbones, 
 and hidden in nooks and corners throughout the rooms 
 were lots of new, bright pennies. A little silk bag was 
 given each guest, and the hunt for lucky cents began. A 
 very dainty wishbone scarf pin was awarded the lucky 
 finder of the most. 
 
 For refreshments partners were found in this way. 
 There were gilded horseshoes made of cardboard, then 
 cut in two in various ways, so that when put together 
 a perfect shoe was formed, the pieces had to fit exactly. 
 This made a jolly time. The table centrepiece was a huge 
 gold horseshoe encircling the candelabra, which had white 
 candles and white shades upon which horseshoes and 
 four-leaf clovers were the decoration. Ice cream was 
 frozen in horseshoe moulds, and the cakes were iced 
 with a gilt wishbone on the top. 
 
 An Old-Fashioned Party 
 
 "That Reminds Me'' on an invitation added a spice 
 of novelty to the afternoon. Each guest told a story 
 reminiscent or otherwise, and as they were all old friends 
 a most delightful time was enjoyed. This is a capital 
 
 198 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 idea for a grandmothers' party. Use all the old-fash- 
 ioned things obtainable, have a nosegay of pansies (for 
 thoughts) at each place and serve this deliciously old- 
 fashioned supper. 
 
 Cold ham and chicken, creamed potatoes, tiny baking- 
 powder biscuit, tomato pickles, brandied peaches, baked 
 cup custard, rolled jelly cake, tea with cream and sugar. 
 Have an old-fashioned bouquet of garden flowers, butter 
 plates, a castor in centre of the table, and pour the tea 
 at the table. 
 
 Pass buttermilk in the afternoon, icy cold, in thin tum- 
 blers or — better still — goblets. 
 
 An Experience Party 
 
 The invitations for this novel affair were given over 
 the telephone — without which how did we ever live, 
 move and have our being? The hostess asked each of 
 her twelve guests to come prepared to tell in five min- 
 utes some incident of their summer. Most of them had 
 been on various vacation trips. In this way an hour's 
 entertainment was delightfully furnished. Then there 
 was a reading that lasted twenty minutes given by a 
 friend who was good enough to share some of her un- 
 published stories. The place cards laid on the tables 
 spread on the porch were all foreign scenes collected by 
 the hostess. Delicious sandwich rolls were served, iced 
 coffee, olives, salted nuts, and bonbons. 
 
 Menu from the Bible 
 
 Each article on the bill of fare may be accompanied 
 by a quotation, if it is desired to add a bit of novelty to a 
 church supper, or it would be an enjoyable pastime for 
 Sunday afternoon to look up the references: 
 
 199 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 PREPARING FOR THE TABLE 
 
 And Upon the table of shewbread they shall spread a cloth of 
 blue, and put thereon the dishes and the spoons, and the bowls 
 and covers to cover withal; and the continual bread shall be 
 thereon. — Numbers iv, 7. 
 
 Eat it with the bread that is in the basket. — Leviticus viii, 31. 
 
 And salt without prescribing how much. — Ezra vii, 22. 
 
 And a little oil in a cruse. — I. Kings, xvii, 12. 
 
 The bright shining of a candle doth give thee light. — Luke 
 xi, 36. 
 
 Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my 
 dinner, and all things are ready. — Matthew xxii, 4. 
 
 Let us eat and be merry. — Luke xv, 23. 
 
 A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry. — Eccle^ 
 siastes x, 19, 
 
 Ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, 
 dulcimer, and all kinds of music. — Daniel iii, 5. 
 
 Give us this day our daily bread. — Matthew vi, 11. 
 
 Two hundred loaves of bread. — IL Samuel xvi, i. 
 
 SOUP 
 
 Pour out the broth. — Judges vi, 20. 
 
 Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage. — Genesis 
 XXV, 30. 
 
 Eat this roll. — Ezekiel iii, i. 
 
 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's 
 sake. — L Timothy v, 23, 
 
 FISH 
 
 We remember the fish which we did eat. — Numbers xi, 5. 
 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish. — Luke xxiv, 42. 
 Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. — John xxi, 10. 
 Eat thy bread with joy. — Ecclesiastes ix, 7. 
 Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine. — John 
 ii, 10. 
 
 ENTREMETS 
 
 Olives. — Micah vi, 15. 
 And the hare. — Leviticus xi, 6. 
 Chickens. — Matthew xxiii, 37. 
 Harts . . . and fatted fowl. — L Kings iv, 23. 
 Give me, I pray thee, a little water to drink, for I am thirsty. 
 — Judges iv, 19. 
 
 There is a cup, and the wine is red. — Psalm LXXV, 8. 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 ROASTS 
 
 As of the roebuck, and as of the hart. — Deuteronomy xii, 15. 
 
 A lamb. — Leviticus v, 7. 
 
 All clean fowls you may eat. — Deuteronomy xiv, 20. 
 
 VEGETABLES 
 
 Take thou also unto thee wheat, and barley, and beans, and 
 lentils, and millet. — Ezekiel iv. 9. 
 
 We remember . . . the cucumbers, . . . and the leeks, 
 and the onions, and the garlic. — Numbers xi, 5. 
 
 After that the full corn in the ear. — Mark iv, 28. 
 
 The manna was as coriander seed. — Numbers xi, 7. 
 
 GAME 
 And he brought quails. — Psalm CV, 40. 
 Two young pigeons. — Leviticus v, 7. 
 The partridge. — ^Jeremiah xviij 11. 
 There is a crying for wine. — Isaiah xxlv, 11. 
 
 DESSERT 
 
 Carry these ten cheeses unto the captain. — L Samuel xvii, 18. 
 
 Behold, a basket of summer fruit. — Amos viii, i. 
 
 One cluster of grapes, and they brought of the pomegranates, 
 and of the figs. — Numbers xiii, 23. 
 
 One basket had very good figs. — Jeremiah xxiv, 2. 
 
 Thou mayest eat grapes thy fill at thine own pleasure. — 
 Deuteronomy xxiii, 24. 
 
 We remember . . . the melons. — Numbers xi, 5. 
 
 They brought . . . bunches of raisins, and wine. — L Chron- 
 icles xii, 40. 
 
 And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, . . . and 
 royal wine in abundance. — Esther i, 7. 
 
 Drink thy wine with a merry heart. — Ecclesiastes ix, 7. 
 
 A Farewell Party 
 
 A YOUNG woman v^ho is going to Europe for an ex- 
 tended trip was the guest of honor at this really unique 
 party. It was a luncheon, and the centrepiece was a toy 
 dray piled high with miniature trunks (purchased in the 
 toy department), and the place cards were suitcases, 
 with the guest's name written on real labels and pasted 
 on the side. A silver travelling cup in a russet leather 
 case was at the traveller's place. 
 
 201 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 After the luncheon had been served the maid brought 
 in a pile of steamer letters, one from each guest present, 
 to be read en voyage. After the dessert was on the table, 
 a telegram from each one present was deHvered which 
 were opened and read. 
 
 Before leaving the table the little dray which had horses 
 attached was helped around the board and unloaded, the 
 trunks were filled with mints, and the suitcases with 
 salted nuts. The dray was borrowed from a small boy's 
 nursery for the occasion. 
 
 After going into the drawing-room the hostess passed 
 envelopes, each one containing a souvenir postal card, 
 cut into odd bits puzzle-fashion. To the guest who suc- 
 ceeded in putting the pieces together a prize was awarded 
 of a fine foreign postal plainly mounted. 
 
 A Farewell Gift 
 
 A YOUNG woman who was going to Europe was the 
 recipient of many parting gifts. This one she describes 
 as affording her much amusement. The friend who sent 
 it was fond of a joke and given to putting her thoughts 
 in rhyme, as is shown below. The package was neatly 
 wrapped, and on opening revealed a yard of inch-wide 
 red ribbon to which were attached five daintily wrapped 
 tissue paper packages; all seemed to be exactly the same 
 size. The outside bore the date they were to be opened. 
 This is what they contained and the jingle with them: 
 
 A handkerchief to wave adieu, 
 
 A lemon for use when you're feeling blue, 
 
 A paper of pins to keep you tight, 
 
 Some soda mints to hope you'll write. 
 
 Fun in Acting Proverbs 
 
 A COTERIE of young men and women found much 
 amusement in acting proverbs. It was entirely im- 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 promptu and each one acted out in pantomime any pro- 
 verb that happened to come into his mind, the rest of 
 the company being the admiring audience while he or she 
 performed. Sometimes two or more were required to 
 act the parts. 
 
 At the end of the evening the hostess gave the person 
 who had acted the most a little prize. 
 
 Here are a few of the proverbs acted: 
 
 "There's many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip/' 
 "Every dog has his day," "Birds of a feather flock to- 
 gether/' "While the cat's away, the mice will play," "All 
 is not gold that glitters/' "Two's company, three's a 
 crowd/' "A fool and his money are soon parted/' 
 
 Two Merry Games 
 
 Anyone under thirty enjoys these games. The first 
 IS called "Pass It." At each end of the drawing room 
 have an empty clothes basket and another basket filled 
 with articles of all sorts, such as books, balls, pens, pen- 
 cils, shoehorn, bell, old hats, clothes brush, nail brush, 
 old doll — in fact, anything that can be collected around 
 the house. Choose by lot or ballot two captains, who 
 then choose sides and place their players in line so that 
 they face each other. A full basket is placed on the right 
 of each captain and an empty one at the left of the 
 players at the end of each line. At a signal from the 
 one in charge each captain selects an article from his 
 basket "and hands it to the next person, who immediately 
 passes it as quickly as possible to the person at his side. 
 In this manner the articles are picked up and rapidly 
 passed on. If an article is dropped it has to go back to 
 the captain and be started over again. The side which 
 first lands everything in the basket at the other end wins. 
 The prizes should be good things among the articles 
 passed, such as boxes of chocolate cigarettes, wee favors 
 
 203 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 like pencils, key rings, etc. It may add to the interest of 
 the game to offer a prize to the player who can remember 
 the names of the articles passed and write them down 
 on a slip of paper ten minutes after the game has been 
 played and the objects removed from sight. The hostess, 
 of course, must have a correct list and check off the ar- 
 ticles. This makes quite a memory test. 
 
 The next game is so old that it was new to me. It is 
 called *'Hop Over.'' The players are asked to form a 
 circle about two feet apart from each other. The leader 
 stands in the middle, holding a long, stout string to the 
 end of which is tied a small book wrapped in paper. The 
 person in the middle whirls the book around the circle 
 on the floor, holding it by the string, and each time 
 coming nearer the feet of the players who form the ring. 
 As the book comes nearer and nearer the feet the play- 
 ers must jump over it. As the book is whirled very 
 rapidly the jumping becomes more lively and makes loads 
 of fun. If the book touches the foot of anyone that 
 person must take a turn in the middle and try to touch 
 the foot of some one who will take his turn. Just try 
 this and see how amusing it is. 
 
 A Pioneer Picnic 
 
 At a reunion of about a dozen old settlers, who 
 gathered once a year to talk over old times, the hostess 
 (one of the daughters of the oldest guest) thought it 
 would be some great fun to ask all the younger members 
 of the families to come attired as pioneers; the men to 
 wear negligee shirts, unblacked boots; the girls calico 
 frocks and sunbonnets. Kerosene lamps were resur- 
 rected and with candles furnished the lights. Tin cups 
 and dippers were in evidence, and bacon was broiled over 
 the fireplace logs. The decorations were branches of 
 trees and wild flowers. All the elderly guests were ex- 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 pected to give stories of their early days. The only 
 modern thing was the invitations sent over the telephone ; 
 whereas in the olden days such messages were carried 
 by word of mouth, so all the neighbors were finally 
 notified of the ''gathering" to be held. 
 
 Novel Souvenirs for a Progressive Party 
 
 At a recent bridge party, the hostess gave each guest 
 a very pretty basket. For games won, the players re- 
 ceived articles for a work basket; there were bodkins, 
 dainty thimbles, small embroidery scissors, wee pin-cush- 
 ions, tape needles, tape measures, needle books, emeries, 
 papers of needles, cards of hooks and eyes, ribbon run- 
 ners, etc. There were no other prizes given. The idea 
 is a good one. All the things were of fine quality; the 
 thimbles had been picked up in Italy for a mere trifle, 
 being of silver gilt set with various semi-precious stones. 
 At another party this same hostess gave small one-play 
 books of Shakespeare bound in soft red leather. Once 
 she had a beautiful bag for each player, regardless of 
 who won or lost. 
 
 Concerning a Cotillion 
 
 A COTILLION (oftentimes spelled "cotillon," which is 
 the French) is conducted in this way: There are a cer- 
 tain number of couples, with a leader; if it is a large 
 party of, say, fifty or sixty people, there should be two 
 leaders. 
 
 One couple, called "the head couple," may lead, or a 
 man may lead alone. The latter is generally done. He 
 signals by means of small castanets or a whistle when 
 to begin to dance, when to stop, for couples to separate 
 and choose other partners. His control is absolute. 
 
 At the beginning of each figure it is the leader's duty 
 to announce how many couples shall lead out — not more 
 than ten as a usual thing. They dance together ; then at 
 
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Party Pastimes for the 
 
 the signal separate and select other partners. Favors 
 are given to them before they go for their partners. 
 
 The girls are given favors for men, the men take 
 favors for girls, and they in turn favor whomsoever they 
 please. After this the two dance until the signal sepa- 
 rates them and the young women are returned by their 
 partners to their seats. Then a second ten couples lead 
 out, and so on until the figure is ended. 
 
 There are all sorts of clever figures for the cotillion; 
 some do not have favors. 
 
 This is a description of some figures, which were 
 danced at a holiday cotillion. College lads and lassies 
 were the guests, and the affair took place on the third 
 floor ballroom of a home noted for its hospitality. 
 
 For the ''snow man" figure the boys were covered 
 with white paper bags with round holes cut for eyes. 
 The girls had small snow-men figures with paper caps 
 in colors pinned on their gowns. Each man danced with 
 the girl whose cap matched the colored button placed in 
 his buttonhole. Another figure was a large Japanese 
 lantern filled with tiny toys, two of a kind; as the lan- 
 tern was tossed about the toys fell out, and those match- 
 ing toys danced together. 
 
 The fife and drum figure was great. The men had 
 whistles and the girls drums, each drum and each whistle 
 being tagged with duplicate numbers and distributed 
 among those who were to participate in the first waltz. 
 The leader formed them in military array to the tune of 
 "Mulligan Guards," and at the proper signal all danced. 
 
 The last figure savored of Japan. All the girls were 
 given lanterns and all the men a box of wax taper 
 matches. When the signal was given the men. lit the 
 lanterns and held them over the girls. The electric 
 lights were turned out for a time, but turned on as the 
 clock struck twelve, and *'Home, Sweet Home" sounded. 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 A Birthday Dinner 
 
 A YOUNG matron celebrated her husband's birthday in 
 this most charming and original manner: Five couples 
 were asked, all congenial, intimate friends. Each one 
 was asked to bring a joke gift representing his or her 
 calling in life. The men represented their occupations 
 and most of the women took articles representing what 
 would have been their occupation had they remained un- 
 appropriated blessings. 
 
 The result was something like this: The two physi- 
 cians in the party brought bottles of pills with laughable 
 inscriptions, a doll-size hot-water bag and a medicine 
 glass were typical of the girls who would have been 
 trained nurses. The lawyer sent a can of '^lye'' as typi- 
 cal of his profession. It was wrapped in tissue paper 
 and sent in a box of flowers. The president of a clean 
 towel supply company brought a pair of diminutive 
 towels with a cake of soap to match in size. A toy thea- 
 tre was sent by one wife as indicative of what she "might 
 have been." 
 
 All these gifts were given at the table with the dessert 
 course. Just before leaving the dining-room the maid 
 brought in a bunch of American Beauty roses, each one 
 tied with a ribbon and a card bearing a wish for the 
 happy occasion. 
 
 There was a candle-lighted cake and the birthday man 
 said it was *'most as much fun as being a boy again," 
 **that birthdays were not half bad celebrated in this man- 
 ner." The guests all said it was the j oiliest time imag- 
 inable. The moral is : Just because you are no longer 
 twenty-one do not let the birthdays pass unrecognized. 
 Learn to grow old gracefully. 
 
 A Unique Card Party 
 
 Any game of cards may be played at this party that 
 the hostess prefers or that is popular in the town. Re- 
 
 207 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 quest the guests to dress in costumes representing either 
 the face or suit cards. For instance, have two five of 
 diamonds, one a lady and one a man, so that when all 
 have arrived partners may be chosen for the first game. 
 
 The prizes may be a handsome deck of cards in a 
 case, a book on card games, ferns growing in a pretty 
 jar, a bit of brass, or a piece of pottery. The score cards 
 may be cut out of cardboard in the shape of diamonds, 
 hearts, clubs, and spades; the markers may be of these 
 same figures, cut out of thin colored paper and gummed 
 a few days before they are used, so they will be dry. 
 
 Serve hot bouillon, oyster patties, sweetbread salad, 
 orange sherbet, small cakes, cofifee, nuts, bonbons. If 
 ice cream is preferred, use the brick, cut in thin slices, 
 ornamented with tiny hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades 
 cut from citron and candied cherries. 
 
 For the New House 
 
 Home: not merely four square walls, 
 Though with pictures hung and gilded; 
 
 Home is where affection calls — 
 Home is where the heart has builded. 
 
 The men of earth build houses 
 
 Of brick and wood and stone, 
 The women of earth — God knows, 
 
 The women build the homes. 
 
 All old fashions are becoming new fashions and a 
 custom that is surely worthy of revival is the hearth 
 motto and the house-warming. William Dean Howells 
 has an especially peaceful sentiment over a fireplace in 
 his hospitable home, which reads: "Home-Keeping 
 Hearts Are the Happiest.'' Henry James in his English 
 house has this worthy saying, which, by the way, is from 
 the Japanese : **Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil." 
 This certainly ought to revolutionize society, if read 
 often enough and remembered. 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 A prime favorite for the nursery is Robert Louis 
 Stevenson's ever popular: 
 
 The world is so full of a number of things ; 
 I am sure we should all be as happy as kings. 
 
 Dickens has said so much for us to live by, and what 
 could be more inspiring for a living-room than ''Reflect 
 upon your present blessings — of which every man has 
 many — not on your past misfortunes, of which all men 
 have some''? 
 
 It is a very pretty custom to have the new house con- 
 secrated by the family clergyman, each room having a 
 simple ceremonial. 
 
 The following is a charming toast for a house-warm- 
 ing, and might be read in the entrance hall : 
 
 Peace to this house where we shall enter in, 
 Here let the world's hoarse din 
 Against the panels dash itself in vain, 
 Like gusts of autumn rain; 
 
 Here, knowing no man's sway, 
 In the brief pauses of the fight, 
 Let music sound, and love and laughter light 
 
 Refresh us for the day. 
 
 A Japanese Tea Party 
 
 Japanese aflfairs are always effective and pleasing to 
 one's guests. To make the rooms as realistic as possible 
 much of the furniture should be removed, partitioning 
 off spaces where necessary with Japanese paper screens. 
 Use flowering shrubs, almond blossoms (artificial), 
 chrysanthemums and butterflies suspended by invisible 
 black threads. The hostess must bow very low three 
 times, saying "Konichiwa" when the guests arrive and 
 *'Sayonara" when they leave. Tea should be served with 
 no cream ; use cups without handles. Sponge cakes may 
 be served if rice cakes are not obtainable, also preserved 
 
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Party Pastimes for the 
 
 ginger. If something cold is wished have cherry ice. 
 Those who assist should wear kimonos. 
 
 Have some young girls in Japanese costumes play 
 '*bag bair' (dama). Have a number of bright-colored 
 bags filled with dried beans. Each girl tries to keep as 
 many bags going as possible without dropping them. 
 Another amusing game is played by means of a long 
 silk scarf, in the centre of which is a loose knot or loop, 
 held midway between the two players who hold the 
 scarf on the floor. On one side of the loop a player sits. 
 On the other side is a small object, a flower, a bean bag, 
 even a thimble. The player who sits by the loop tries to 
 slip her hand through, grab the small article and take 
 her hand back again before those holding the loop can 
 draw it tight and make her hand prisoner, 
 
 Japanese Fan-Tan 
 
 At a Japanese affair this delectable concoction was 
 served. I give the recipe as it came to me feeling sure 
 it will be very welcome. 
 
 To make fan-tan, cook a half-cupful of well-washed 
 rice in a pint of milk until very soft. Stir in a heaping 
 tablespoonful of sugar and one well-beaten egg and re- 
 move at once from the fire. Mix in a half-cupful of 
 assorted candied fruits, cherries, apricots, and pineapple, 
 and turn into a shallow, well-buttered pan to cool. When 
 firm, cut into strips about an inch and a half wide and 
 three inches long ; dip in egg and breadcrumbs and brown 
 delicately on both sides in butter. Drain, dust with 
 powdered sugar, and serve hot. 
 
 For a Japanese Party 
 
 Write the invitations as the natives do— up and down, 
 instead of across, using the regular Japanese stationery, 
 which comes in rolls, or use paper napkins. Sometimes 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 I have seen little notes enclosed in tiny lanterns or tightly- 
 clasped in the arms of small Japanese dolls; if either 
 are used, of course the invitations are delivered by 
 messengers. 
 
 There is scarcely any limit to the decorations, as there 
 are so many articles to use, screens, fans, parasols, bead 
 portieres, bamboo tables and chairs, with a profusion of 
 pink tissue paper cherry-blossoms. Burn Japanese in- 
 cense; if cards are pla>ed, lovely ones are obtainable with 
 Japanese scenes on the backs. Instead of a bell use a 
 gong for starting the games, and for keeping score use 
 small Japanese favors, of which there is a great variety. 
 For finding partners it is a pretty idea to match fans. 
 Any number of Oriental articles are obtainable from 
 which to select prizes, such as doilies, lacquered boxes, 
 bronzes, carved ivories, handleless cups in Canton china. 
 Serve ice-tea punch during the game, then a Japanese 
 salad composed of a number of vegetables served in 
 chrysanthemum paper cases, cherry ice, rice cakes, 
 Chinese nuts ; and, for fun, chop sticks could be passed 
 tied with yellow ribbon for souvenirs. Use on this occa- 
 sion a good quality of tissue paper napkins. While there 
 is nothing very new in the Japanese scheme, it is always 
 effective and people never seem to tire of it. 
 
 An Airship Dinner 
 
 Every one is more or less interested in the great ex- 
 periments being made in aviation, so with this in mind 
 a hostess used a lovely miniature airship gotten at the 
 toy department, over her table at a dinner given for eight 
 guests. The favors were diminutive airships and the 
 place cards were painted with balloons and airships float- 
 ing over the surface of the card. Each guest was asked 
 to express his or her opinion upon the success of the 
 aeroplanes; as several of the guests had had actual ex- 
 
 211 
 
Party P astimes for the 
 
 perience this was a most interesting feature of the affair. 
 One of the women had been ''up'' and another was about 
 to accept an invitation, so it was all very exciting. Per- 
 haps the time is not far distant when "sky" pilots will 
 be as necessary as pilots on the sea. 
 
 A Successful Progressive Dinner 
 
 This progressive dinner was given to six couples, but 
 the idea may be carried out with a larger or smaller num- 
 ber. The ladies changed at each course instead of the 
 gentlemen, and after the dessert course each man was 
 asked to describe the gown of his first partner. Below 
 are given appropriate quotations for the place cards; 
 each lady takes hers with her when she progresses, the 
 men retain theirs. A menu is also given with just six 
 courses, for the benefit of the hostess, who may like to 
 enliven a dinner party with this scheme. 
 
 For the ladies' cards: 
 
 Happy have we met, happy have we been, 
 Happy may we part and happy meet agam. 
 
 What fates impose 
 
 The men must needs abide. 
 
 I have no parting sigh to give 
 So take my parting smile. 
 
 Press nobly on. 
 
 I will abide on thy left (right) side 
 And hold the bridge with thee. 
 
 Another move in the right direction. 
 
 For the men: 
 
 A clock serves to point out the hours, and a woman to make 
 us forget them. 
 
 She's gone; I am abused. 
 
 212 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 Thus pleasures fade away. 
 
 So fare thee well! and may the indulgent gods grant thee 
 every wish! 
 
 An hour like this is worth a thousand passed in pomp or ease. 
 
 Pleasure that comes unlooked for is thrice welcome. 
 
 The menu is as follows : 
 
 Oysters on the Half- Shell. 
 
 Olives, Almonds, Celery, Jelly. 
 
 Chicken Gumbo Soup, Breadsticks. 
 
 Bluefish, Sliced Cucumbers. 
 
 Broiled Sweetbreads, Peas. 
 
 Roast Beef, Brussels Sprouts, Potato Croquettes. 
 
 Yorkshire Pudding, Lemon Sherbet. 
 
 Chocolate Ice Cream. 
 
 Coffee, Cheese, Nuts, Cake. 
 
 A ''Commerce" Party 
 
 A HOSTESS noted for her nev^- and clever ideas amused 
 her guests at a recent affair v^ith w^hat she called a 
 '^commerce" party. She had a number of inexpensive 
 articles done up in parcels, allotting three to each guest. 
 The trifles w^rapped up v^ere found at the five and ten 
 cent store, and there v^ere vegetables, fruit and funny 
 joke things. Under the cord of each package there was 
 slipped an ordinary playing card, the mate to the card 
 is taken from another pack ; these cards are shufifited and 
 dealt to each player, who has besides the cards a small 
 silk bag containing twenty-five beans. Then the number 
 of the card on one of the parcels is called oflf, for ex- 
 ample, the eight of diamonds ; the one holding the cor- 
 responding eight of diamonds receives the parcel, and so 
 on until all are allotted. Each guest now secretly opens 
 his or her package. If the contents are to their Hking, 
 nothing more is done, otherwise they tie the article up so 
 
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Party Pastimes for the 
 
 as not to divulge the shape and they endeavor to sell it 
 to some one for so many beans. This is a jolly stunt if 
 all enter into the spirit with zest, and if the hostess has 
 chosen a lot of ridiculous articles for the bundles. 
 
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Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 CHAPTER XIV.— PARTY PASTIMES FOR 
 
 CHILDREN'S BIRTHDAYS AND 
 
 COMMON DAYS 
 
 T 
 
 New Geography Party 
 
 HIS party was arranged and carried out by a fond 
 aunt for her Httle niece, aged ten. There were 
 twenty guests, and the invitations read thus : 
 
 Miss Dorothy Brown requests the pleasure of Miss Mary 
 Collinses company at a geography party on Tuesday from four to 
 seven, April 21, at 3425 Spring street. Costumes. 
 
 The invitations were sent out a good two weeks in 
 advance to give the mothers time to talk it over and plan 
 the costumes. In many instances, what the children 
 already possessed determined the character they repre- 
 sented. For example: The little boy who had a com- 
 plete Indian outfit went as *The first American"; a lad 
 who rejoiced in a good big, fat plaster pig went as an 
 Irishman with a clay pipe and a high hat, a vivid green 
 necktie, and a quaint little black swallow-tail coat worn 
 over brilliant green knee breeches. The young hostess 
 represented "Miss Geography.'' Her dress was of pale 
 blue silk, with a band of maps around the bottom put 
 on with library paste ; a wide girdle was the equator. It 
 was of black velvet and the shoulders had a series of 
 graduated capes of grayish silk, marked "Cape Horn," 
 "Cape Hatteras." Her neck was circled by the isthmus 
 of Panama. On her head she wore a cunningly devised 
 
 215 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 cap of papier mache made from a globe. In her hand 
 she carried a wand, from which blue and white ribbons 
 streamed, bearing the names North and South Poles. 
 
 One of the amusements was a jolly game called *'Mail 
 Bags.'' The guests sat on chairs in a semicircle and 
 when the leader called out "The mail is going from Ire- 
 land to Mexico/' the two children representing these 
 places ran and changed chairs as quickly as possible. 
 When the leader called ''General Delivery" then every 
 one changed places, a chair being taken out quickly by 
 the leader and the one who was left became the leader 
 when the next mail went out. Another game proved a 
 great success. A large map of Europe was hung on the 
 wall and each child was given a bit of paper marked 
 "Dan" (I must explain that Dan was about to go to 
 Europe for the summer) ; the game was to study the map 
 first to find the location of Paris ; then each child in turn 
 was blindfolded and tried to see how near he could come 
 to putting "Dan" in Paris. Each slip of paper was left 
 just where placed on the map until all had tried. Then 
 it was great fun to see where "Dan" found himself. 
 Only one came any place near Paris. 
 
 The last amusement of all was the most fun. The 
 guests were told to form in line and go into the next 
 room to buy their tickets for the country or place they 
 represented. They found a real ticket office, with an 
 accommodating father as the business-like agent. As 
 the applicant presented himself the question was : "What 
 country are you ?" The answer, we'll say, was "France." 
 "Well, here is a ticket for Paris." When the Indian 
 reached the office, the agent said : "Of course you want 
 to see Uncle Sam, so here's a ticket for Washington." 
 The Irishman bought a ticket for Cork, and when all 
 twenty passengers were ready to start they went back 
 to the living-room and found a train of twenty chairs 
 
 216 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 waiting to begin the journey. A conductor and engineer 
 were on handle with whistle and punch, and as the tickets 
 were punched, each child got off the train and found his 
 or her city or place of destination on a large map of the 
 world hanging on the wall. There was a pointer so all 
 could see the place when found. From each destination 
 there was suspended a ribbon attached to a small parcel 
 which the traveller took for his own and returned to the 
 train. When all had their parcels the journey was ended. 
 The favors were small bandboxes, trunks, and suitcases, 
 filled with bonbons. 
 
 A Tradesman's Carnival 
 
 A MOTHER of three lovely children confided to me that 
 her great success in entertaining children was due to her 
 aim to have each little guest equally interested. 
 
 With this idea in mind she gave this novel and really 
 fascinating party. She called it "The Tradesman's Car- 
 nival.'' The very name excited the curiosity of the chil- 
 dren as well as their mothers. The hours were from 
 three to five thirty on a Saturday afternoon. The ages 
 of the guests were from eight to twelve. 
 
 The tradesmen she had represented were a tailor, dress- 
 maker, potter, jeweller, fiower-maker, sign-painter, artist, 
 basket-maker, upholsterer and carpenter. Two or per- 
 haps three worked at the same trade. When the guests 
 arrived they were given cards with the name of the 
 trade they were to represent. Then the little craftsmen 
 went to a table, where their materials were prepared 
 ready for them, and one or two assistants to show how 
 they were to work. One hour was the time allotted to 
 make the finished products; then a bell was rung and 
 the articles collected and placed on exhibition. The 
 children were allowed to vote as to the first, second and 
 third best piece and then the prizes were awarded. Each 
 
 217 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 child took home the object made and each received a 
 souvenir, so felt satisfied. 
 
 The Game of Bird-Catcher 
 
 To play the game choose by lot, or "counting out,'' v^ho 
 is to be the bird-catcher ; he or she then gives each one the 
 name of a bird, barring the owl, as it is forbidden. All 
 sit in a circle with hands on the knees, except the bird- 
 catcher, who stands in the centre and tells a story about 
 birds, mentioning the ones that have been selected. When 
 the name of the bird that a person has selected is men- 
 tioned that person rises and imitates the call of that bird 
 as well as he can, but when the bird-catcher mentions the 
 owl all hands are immediately placed behind the chairs 
 and remain there until the name of a bird is mentioned. 
 When the bird-catcher says *'A11 the birds" at any time 
 during the story the players all give their calls. If a 
 player fails to give his call when the name is mentioned, 
 or forgets to put his hands behind the chair, he has to at 
 once take the place of the bird-catcher and continue the 
 story or pay a forfeit. 
 
 Tongue Twister 
 
 I OVERHEARD a buuch of youugsters giving each other 
 what they were pleased to call '^Tongue Twisters'' ; it 
 reminded me of "Pickled Peppers," etc., of our childhood 
 days, so I jotted down this one, which was new to me. 
 Now, try it, all you youthful readers. 
 
 A bitter biting bittern 
 
 Bit a better brother-bittern ; 
 And the bitten better bittern bit the bitter biter back. 
 
 And the bitter bittern, bitten 
 
 By the better bitten bittern, 
 Said, "Fm a bitter bittern-bitter bit, alack I" 
 
 2l8 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 A Fairy Gift Bag 
 
 A FAIRY gift bag is somewhat newer than the Jack 
 Horner pie. It is a pretty way of dispensing souvenirs 
 to the children, and adds an element of mystery that 
 youngsters love. They may be just as expensive or 
 cheap as the hostess wishes. First select the requisite 
 number of toys or favors, wrap neatly in tissue paper of 
 two colors, one for boys and one for girls ; tie very se- 
 curely with colored cord or ribbon. Pale green and pink 
 or red and white make good combination of colors. Get 
 a large brown paper sack from the grocer, one that will 
 hold all the parcels without crowding. Now cover this 
 bag with a dainty crepe paper and make two bows of 
 ribbon ; fasten on either side of the bag quite low down. 
 Attach a ribbon to each parcel (very narrow) three-quar- 
 ters of a yard long. These ribbons fall over the top of 
 the bag when it is tied up, and look very pretty. Next 
 blindfold each child, one at a time, and let them walk to 
 the bag and select a ribbon, standing perfectly still ; then 
 when all have ribbons they are pulled good and hard, the 
 bag bursts and each one has a favor. Sometimes the 
 children are given a stout cane and each allowed a strike 
 at the bag until it bursts. A hostess may choose her own 
 method. For very small children a little tale may be 
 told of how a good fairy has filled the bag for the party, 
 and interest will rise to fever heat by the time the bag is 
 opened. 
 
 Progressive Puzzle Party 
 
 The requirements for this party are children to make 
 four at a table, as many tally cards and pencils as guests, 
 a box of seals for marks or a punch — and a couple of 
 prizes; the hostess may have more of the latter if she 
 deems best. It may be possible to borrow enough puzzles 
 or cheap ones may be purchased. For very young chil- 
 
 219 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 dren, sliced animals and sliced birds will be popular. 
 There should be a puzzle for each guest. Sometimes the 
 puzzles are given as prizes, each child taking his home. 
 All these details must be decided by each individual 
 hostess. The tally cards may be made at home in the 
 shape of an interrogation point cut from colored card- 
 board. Number each one at the top, then place cor- 
 responding numbers on the puzzles. For instance, the 
 players who have Nos. i, 2, 3, 4 will take puzzles marked 
 I J 2, 3, 4, and go to the head table, which will be marked 
 No. I. Those who draw 5, 6, 7, 8 will take puzzles 
 marked the same and go to table No. 2. When a player 
 finishes at the head table a bell is rung, and each child 
 moves a number ahead ; then every player who has solved 
 the puzzle has a punch in the tally card or a seal affixed. 
 The hostess must use her own judgment how long the 
 progressions shall last, as the secret of success in any 
 party is not to let the guests become weary; stop while 
 eager to go on. This party scheme is best adapted to 
 children from eight to ten years of age. Serve chicken 
 sandwiches, cocoa with marshmallows in the cups, ice 
 cream in fancy moulds, and small cakes. Individual 
 cakes are much better for children's parties than layer 
 ones. 
 
 Games for Outdoor Parties 
 
 Outdoor affairs are very popular, and in consequence 
 we are on the lookout for pastimes suitable for the lawn, 
 the shore, and the porch. One called '*stagarino'' is 
 played by having two bases opposite each other, say at 
 either end of the grounds; the players are on either side 
 with **It'' in the middle (the latter being chosen by draw- 
 ing lots or the old-time method of ^'counting out''). The 
 game is to run from one goal to the other without being 
 caught. When once touched he or she joins in trying to 
 catch the others. 
 
 220 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 "Fire buckets'' is another jolly game, so called from 
 the old way of passing buckets of water from hand to 
 hand in the volunteer fire companies. The players are 
 formed in two long lines opposite each other with cap- 
 tains at the head who have a basket or box filled with all 
 sorts of hastily collected articles — handkerchiefs, balls, 
 hats, hair ribbons, pocket knives, etc., which are to be 
 passed on one at a time until the end of the line is 
 reached; the last player, depositing the objects on the 
 ground beside him, begins at once to pass them back. 
 The line first accomplishing the task wins. 
 
 Here is a new version of Blind Man's Buff: Divide 
 the players into sides ; all on one side are blindfolded and 
 the other side are given little bells. No running is 
 allowed and only a certain space allowed to play in. 
 When caught the bell is surrendered and the captive is 
 blindfolded. A most laughable stunt is to seat two per- 
 sons opposite each other on the ground, blindfold them, 
 and see who can feed the other a small saucer of rolled 
 cracker crumbs first. This is a popular game with the 
 birds, for they are assured a most luxurious meal after 
 the merry picnickers are gone. For grown-up young 
 people the game of "Mystic Thoughts" is a good one, 
 and if cleverly done is really quite exciting. Two per- 
 sons work together and arrange their method beforehand. 
 They tell the company that much of their success depends 
 upon their concentration. One of the two then disap- 
 pears out of sight and hearing, the one remaining asks 
 the circle to definitely settle on a trade and think of that 
 one thing so steadily that the right thought may be trans- 
 mitted to the absent one, who is then asked to come back. 
 The co-worker asks a number of questions such as "Is it 
 a painter?" "No." "Is it a minister?" "No." "Is it 
 a blacksmith?" "Yes." The trick is to mention a pro- 
 fession just before the trade agreed upon is mentioned. 
 
 221 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 Another mystic stunt is called ''Black Art/' An object 
 is decided upon and the questioner asks his co-worker all 
 sorts of articles, mentioning a black object just before the 
 right one. It often takes some time to discover these 
 tricks and sometimes the company remain mystified, 
 which is so much the better, as they are good for another 
 party. 
 
 Some New, Old Games 
 
 Try this innovation on the old way of playing Blind 
 Man's Buff. Count out to see who will be the blind man, 
 then tell him to imagine himself in a barnyard. Let each 
 one in the ring choose silently what animal he will be. 
 Hand the blind man a wand or cane, and any person he 
 touches with it must take hold of it and imitate some 
 barnyard creature ; of course disguising the voice as much 
 as possible. If guessed correctly, the child takes the 
 place of the blind man. Sometimes two trials of guess- 
 ing are allowed, this to be decided before the game is 
 commenced. The game of Bag and Wand is always wel- 
 come. Suspend a good-sized paper sack from the centre 
 of the room. Fill the sack with paper-wrapped candies, 
 snapping mottoes, English walnuts wrapped in gold and 
 silver paper, and any other small articles that will be un- 
 harmed by falling. Blindfold each child in turn, hand 
 the striker a stout cane with which to make three strikes 
 in an attempt to break the bag. When the bag is broken 
 all the rest of the children scramble for the goodies as 
 they fall. Advertising Pictures is a new rendering of 
 the old and beloved ''Bird, Beast, Animal.'' A child 
 stands in the centre of a circle with a soft sofa pillow 
 which he throws at one of the party, who must reply with 
 an advertising picture before the one in centre can count 
 ten. The fun of this game is that advertisements cannot 
 be named twice. This makes the players keep their wits, 
 and adds interest to the game. It is best fitted for 
 
 222 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 youngsters of from twelve to sixteen. Even grown-up 
 people enjoy this pastime. In fact grown-ups should be 
 a factor where it is possible in all children's plays, espe- 
 cially at parties. 
 
 Backyard Party 
 
 An innovation in children's parties was started by a 
 mother of three, whose babies dearly loved company. 
 She sent cards illustrated with sunbonnet babies asking 
 a dozen children to come in their ''rompers'' from three 
 to five. On a bright Saturday afternoon the merry 
 throng appeared to find a load of delightfully clean sand ; 
 a set of sand toys for each child and a pail and shovel. 
 There was a low table, a tub of water with which to mix 
 the sand to the right consistency for pies ; spoons, cake 
 tins and shakers to sprinkle ''sugar" and "salt." Oh, 
 joy ! there was a dish of flour for icing. 
 
 It was the jolliest, happiest party imaginable. Sand- 
 wiches, ice cream, cake (angel food) and lemonade were 
 served, and each child took home the sand toys for 
 souvenirs, including the shovel and pail. 
 
 A neighborhood carpenter made a long low table from 
 which the eatables were passed, the children sitting on 
 long benches hastily constructed by the same obliging 
 man. A white paper tablecloth, napkins, and doilies were 
 used, with little pasteboard plates. 
 
 Children's Buttercup Party 
 
 Somehow children and buttercups always seem to go 
 together; so, in a locality (and there are many) where 
 buttercups grow, try this pretty party. Use this merry 
 little jingle for the invitation, which may be written in 
 gold ink on a white card : 
 
 My dear friend, 
 
 A welcome most hearty 
 To you I extend 
 
 To my buttercup party. 
 
 223 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 If skilful with water colors do a row of tiny figures 
 across the card with buttercup caps and buttercup wands 
 in the hand. Decorate with the showy blossoms com- 
 bined with feathery grasses. 
 
 The first diversion may be a "buttercup" contest, man- 
 aged like the time-honored donkey party, only instead of 
 the stubborn little beast minus the tail have a large yellow 
 buttercup pinned on the sheet, made from cambric or 
 drawn with yellow crayons, minus the stem. Blindfold 
 each child in turn, and see who comes the nearest in pin- 
 ning on the pasteboard or cloth stem. Award a prize. 
 
 In the next stunt, provided the children can spell, pass 
 cards with the word ''Buttercup'' at the top, and see how 
 many words may be made in ten minutes, no letter to be 
 used more times than it appears in the word. The best 
 fun is the last, when little baskets of yellow, tied with a 
 yellow ribbon on the handle, are given to each with 
 orders to find all the ''buttercups" (candy) possible. Of 
 course these have all previously been hidden, and if the 
 weather is very hot, each buttercup should be wrapped in 
 waxed paper. 
 
 These candies come in colors, so additional interest 
 may be added by having so many of a color counting so 
 much in way of points for the prize ; besides, each child 
 is to keep all that he finds. 
 
 On the table have a mound of buttercups combined 
 with ferns ; at each plate, if obtainable, get the small doll- 
 3ize jardinieres, put a wee cluster of buttercups in each 
 one for favors to take home. Serve chicken and lettuce 
 sandwiches, lemonade, orange cake, and cream. 
 
 If a small maiden is to be the hostess at such a party 
 she could wear a frock with a yellow sash and hair bow. 
 
 A Mechanical Toy Party 
 
 The invitation said : "Bring your favorite mechanical 
 toy to my house on Saturday afternoon." This party was 
 
 224 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 wonderful, the motley array of toys assembled with their 
 owners on the broad porch of a suburban home, one day 
 last week. 
 
 There were spiders, beetles, bugs, both large and small, 
 kicking mules, a train of cars, boats that made records 
 across the tub ocean, a fort that blew up at exactly the 
 right moment, soldiers who went through the manual of 
 arms, and, of course, automobiles that went and also 
 stopped and refused to go, quite like the real machines. 
 One young hopeful had borrowed his sister's Paris doll 
 that lisped her name and said "papa" and "mamma'' as 
 a well-bred child should. 
 
 After the merits of the respective toys had been dis- 
 cussed and put through their paces, the good home-maker 
 appeared with a repast that delighted the boys. There 
 were hard-boiled eggs, a fruit salad, sandwiches, fancy 
 crackers and a big bowl of pink lemonade to which free 
 access was given. 
 
 A party like this is absolutely no trouble, you see, as 
 far as the entertaining is concerned, for each youthful 
 guest furnished not only his own amusement, but some 
 for all the others. Just go to the toy department of a 
 great store and revel in the wonders there ; it's a revela- 
 tion. 
 
 A Paper Doll Party 
 
 There were twelve little maids, literally from school, 
 who were asked by the twelfth little maid's mother to 
 come to spend the afternoon and bring their scissors. 
 There were two colored fashion sheets for each to choose 
 the lady they liked best ; then they made complete ward- 
 robes for this doll and had a perfectly lovely time. The 
 dolls were taken home as souvenirs. Lemonade in tall 
 glasses with small cakes was served, with ice-cream snow- 
 balls, which were vanilla cream balls dipped in grated 
 cocoanut. 
 
 225 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 An Indian Party 
 
 Now that so many children have Indian suits, try this 
 for a party : Put up one or two wigwams and send the 
 invitations on paper arrows through which a feather is 
 thrust. Have them delivered by the little Indian who is 
 to be the host. Girls may be dressed as squaws. 
 
 There are Indian postcards, which would make very 
 good place cards for souvenirs. For refreshments serve : 
 
 Corn Meal Mush With Milk. 
 
 Fish or Some Kind of Game. 
 
 Corn Muffins. 
 
 Indian Meal Pudding. 
 
 made in individual ramekins. 
 
 Make a contest of stringing beads and have a game of 
 archery. 
 
 New Idea for a Birthday Party 
 
 At a party given in honor of a twelve-year-old daugh- 
 ter's natal day, a clever mother planned this surprise: 
 The name of the birthday girl was Rose, so she pro- 
 cured a roll of lovely pink crepe paper and a dozen little 
 pasteboard plates such as bakers use. These she covered 
 neatly with the paper, placed a white iced patty cake upon 
 it with a pink rose candle-holder and pink candle in the 
 centre. When the big birthday cake was lighted each 
 guest was given a wax taper and told to light her own 
 wee candle. The effect was lovely and the children de- 
 lighted; each one took home the plate and some saved 
 the cake to "show mother.*' 
 
 Half the fun in going to a party is taking home the 
 spoils. A mother realizing this provided each small guest 
 with a tiny gilded market basket to which the name card 
 was attached with a bow of ribbon and in this receptacle 
 the children took home bits of candy, their favors, etc. 
 
 226 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 New Blind Man's Buff 
 
 For a new game of Blind Man's Buff form a large 
 circle and number each person in rotation, as many num- 
 bers as there are players. Count out to ascertain who 
 will be the first blind man, then place him in the centre 
 of the circle. He must then call two numbers quite 
 widely separated, like two and ten, and the ones having 
 those numbers must take each other's place. If one can 
 be caught, he is '*it." If the blind man fails to catch 
 anyone for some time he has the privilege of calling 
 ICO, when every one changes places, making it easy for 
 someone to get within his reach. This is a good, jolly 
 game, and children love it. 
 
 Novel Birthday Party 
 
 At a birthday party given for a ten-year-old girl the 
 guests were asked to come wearing an object to represent 
 a Mother Goose character. To illustrate: Little Boy 
 Blue tooted a horn and carried a wee woolly sheep. Miss 
 Muffet was adorned by a huge spider which did not seem 
 to frighten her in the least, although it was very close 
 beside her. The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe car- 
 ried an armful of dolls which caused her a great deal of 
 trouble. When all had arrived, cards were passed and 
 small pencils; the names of the boys and girls present 
 were written on the cards, and each child was to write 
 opposite the name the character he thought was repre- 
 sented. *'Big Sister" kindly looked over all the lists and 
 determined who had the most correct and awarded the 
 prize, which consisted of a lovely Jack Horner pie from 
 which sugar plums for every one were drawn, the winner 
 keeping the pretty gilt basket in which the pie was made ; 
 the top was covered with crepe tissue paper, and a pink 
 ribbon came through for each guest. Delicious tarts 
 
 227 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 were a feature of the refreshments, supposed to have been 
 made by the Queen of Hearts- 
 Birthday Party for Eight-Year-Old 
 
 Each child was given a wooden plate and a paper nap- 
 kin. Then over the grounds were interesting booths, 
 shaded by large green and white umbrellas. They were 
 also placarded No. i, No. 2, etc. There was a grown 
 person to lead at the head of the procession. The first 
 stop was No. I, which proved to be *1emonade," with a 
 big porcelain cup for each child. No. 2 was sandwiches, 
 cold meats, potato salad and olives. Here the guests sat 
 in a semicircle on a big rug. Then they progressed to 
 No. 3, and had ice cream ; then to No. 4, where the booth 
 had bonbons and fruit. No. 5 had piles of little bags, 
 and was the starting point for a peanut hunt ; some were 
 gilded, some silvered, and some tied with blue ribbon. 
 The gold nuts scored 20, silver 10 and blue ribbons were 
 5. The one who had the highest score won a pie, the 
 next highest and the lowest also had rewards. 
 
 Animal Blind Man's Buff 
 
 I FIND many versions of old-time games ; for instance, 
 this way of playing our old favorite. Blind Man's Buff : 
 Seat the children in a circle, or they may stand. The 
 leader is chosen by the time-honored custom known as 
 "counting out," blindfolded and placed in the middle. 
 He is given a cane ; he then walks around the circle, stops 
 and points the cane. The one it touches or comes closest 
 to must repeat in a disguised tone the noise made by 
 either a cat, dog, cow or horse. He may repeat the 
 sound three times. K the blind man cannot guess he 
 must try some one else ; if he names the right child, that 
 one takes the place of the leader. 
 
 228 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 A Grandmother Party 
 
 The invitations, which portrayed a dear old lady in a 
 pen and ink sketch, read as follows : 
 
 If you're quite fond of your cup of tea, 
 
 Do come and have one or two with me. 
 
 Please dress yourself as your grandmother dressed. 
 
 In her everyday clothes, or in her best. 
 
 Grandma Brown at home will be 
 
 On January third, precisely at three. 
 
 And the quaint grandmothers who responded ! 
 
 And quainter still were the dear little mannerisms of 
 each delightful old lady. The costuming would have 
 afforded amusement enough, but there were provided 
 little slips of paper on which were written questions about 
 each grandma present; the tea she used or didn't use. 
 The first question was : 
 
 Of what tea is Grandma Graham fond? Answer: Honesty. 
 Another question was : 
 
 Of what tea did Grandma Holmes drink too freely in her 
 youth? Answer: Naughty. 
 
 Other questions were: 
 
 What brand of tea do Grandma Hall's guests drink often? 
 Answer : Hospitality. 
 
 What tea does Grandma Gray dislike? Answer: Partiality. 
 
 What tea does Grandma Biddle drink too often? Answer: 
 Frivolity. 
 
 And so on through as many brands of tea as there were 
 grandmas present. The answers were given as charades 
 which added to the fun. The refreshments were old- 
 fashioned, and tea was indulged in by those charming 
 little grandmothers in a manner which proved the art was 
 by no means a lost one. 
 
 For a Birthday Child 
 
 These charming verses by Alice Corbin were written 
 on a card, the initial letter of each line being done in 
 gold shaded with pink : 
 
 229 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 FOR A BIRTHDAY CHILD 
 
 What shall we give to the birthday child? 
 A blessing, a kiss or a golden ring? 
 A kiss lasts only a second or two, 
 The ring is lost ere the year is through. 
 But the blessing of God is a precious thing, 
 So the blessing of God is the gift we bring 
 To the child that is gentle and sweet and mild, 
 To the dear little, good little birthday child ! 
 
 — Alice Corbin. 
 
 A Knickerbocker Party 
 
 A MOTHER who was about to put her small son into his 
 first trousers conceived the clever idea of holding a party 
 in his honor on the eventful day. On her card she 
 wrote: "Come to meet our Httle man Jack at three on 
 Saturday, September lo/' 
 
 The first game is for the amusement of the children 
 and is called ''menagerie." A picture of an animal is 
 pinned on the coat or dress of each as they pass in line. 
 The leader should be a ten-year-old boy, who will be able 
 to manage better than a younger child. He says he 
 wishes to catch a menagerie to go with a circus, and then 
 the children scatter over the house and grounds, making 
 the noise of the animal they are supposed to represent 
 All the animals must be caught, and if they are especially 
 wary, the hunter may employ those already caught to 
 help get the others. When all are caged (placed in a 
 corner designated) he forms them in line, two by two, 
 and they march around to the owner of the circus, who 
 removes the animals. 
 
 This is a lively game, keenly enjoyed by all children. 
 For favors have little clowns and serve pink lemonade, 
 ice cream in shape of animals, and animal cookies. Of 
 course have the snapping motto caps which all children 
 love. 
 
 230 
 
U p - t o - D ate Hostess 
 
 A Bean Bag Party 
 
 This affair may be carried out on the lawn if the 
 weather permits. Make bean bags out of denim of 
 various shades, fill not too solidly, as they throw better 
 when loosely filled, and use the small white navy beans. 
 Cover a small hoop with turkey red, or any colored cam- 
 bric, winding a two-inch strip around the hoop; at the 
 join leave a loop to hang it up with. Hang a bell in the 
 bow and suspend it just an easy height for the children 
 to throw through. The great fun is to make the bell ring 
 when the bags go through. A score may be arranged. 
 Then take a board and cut three holes (square) in it of 
 different size; stand the board slanting on end so the 
 bags may be thrown into the holes, each one counting so 
 much. Even grown people have been known to enjoy 
 ''bean bags." 
 
 Two Good Games 
 
 Here are some very old games, but I am sure they will 
 be brand new to many of our young readers. The first 
 is called ''Catching the Snake's TaiF' and comes to us 
 from Japan, where it is a great favorite. The children 
 form in line, each with hands resting upon the shoulders 
 of the player in front. The one who is to act as "catcher" 
 is left out. The first child in the line is called the "head" 
 and the last one the "tail." The "catcher" is placed about 
 fifteen feet from the "head," and at a signal he tries to 
 catch the "tail," or the last child in the "snake" without 
 touching anyone else. The others may defend the "tail" 
 by moving about, keeping the line unbroken, for if the line 
 should be broken it is equal to the "tail" being caught, 
 and that unlucky person must become the catcher while 
 the last named goes to the head of the line. 
 
 Now for the second game, called "Feather Play." It 
 is very amusing, although it sounds so simple. AH the 
 
 231 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 players are seated on the floor, having first counted ''out" 
 to see who will be ''it." A hollow square is formed with 
 a sheet held close up to the chins of the players on the 
 floor. A feather is produced, a little downy thing, and 
 blown back and forth by the players. The child who is 
 *'it" is to try to catch the feather on one of the children 
 or directly in front of a child when that one becomes "it." 
 The feather must not be touched by the hands of the 
 children on the floor, nor must they rise from the floor ; 
 their hands must be kept under the sheet, all manipula- 
 tions of the feather being done by blowing. 
 
 A Grown-Up Party for Children 
 
 Children's parties for grown-ups have been very 
 popular, and now the youngsters from six to eight years 
 of age are having loads of fun by giving imitations of 
 mother's afternoon teas. Real grown-up names are 
 chosen, written on cards which are presented to the 
 youthful butler, and all the youthful guests are dressed 
 in long skirts, hair done up and have all the accessories 
 of the grand dames who go to "teas" and "bridges." If 
 desired, some of the guests may be asked to bring their 
 children (dolls). Arrange a tea table, a small one, of 
 course, with doll china, and have the little hostess's 
 friends assist in "pourin." Dainty sandwiches, cambric 
 tea, peppermint bonbons, vanilla ice-cream and angel food 
 cake will make a satisfactory menu. A visit to the toy 
 department will reveal some very interesting card games 
 within the comprehension of the guests, and prizes may 
 be given, If this feature is not practicable, the children 
 will have a grand time in just being permitted to dress up 
 and go to a party. 
 
 A Jolly Out-Door Party 
 This was a decided success, for the children were so 
 enthusiastic. The affair took place in the country, but I 
 
 232 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 do not think a city backyard or a park would fall short of 
 the requirements. Of course, all depends upon the 
 weather, for this party requires snow and a frozen pond, 
 if possible. 
 
 The hours were from five to eight, and it was quite 
 dark when the gay youngsters assembled. The mothers 
 had been instructed to dress the little guests, who were 
 from ten to fourteen, very warmly with sweaters and 
 mittens. Japanese lanterns were strung all over the 
 lawn and twinkled brightly in the darkness; then there 
 were huge bonfires built along the edge of the pond with 
 caretakers to watch for sparks. There were skating 
 races, running races, tobogganing and a merry game of 
 Hare and Hounds, with red confetti for scent. The last 
 stunt was storming a snow fort, the children being di- 
 vided into two sides, white men and Indians. After this 
 excitement they were called in to a supper consisting of 
 piping hot oyster soup, hot buttered crackers, olives, tur- 
 key sandwiches, then ice cream in shape of snow balls 
 with a little flag in the top of each ball ; the cakes were 
 balls, too, rolled in cocoanut form and then in sweet 
 chocolate grated. A big sleigh took all the children 
 home, each with a tin horn which was tied with scarlet 
 ribbon. The horns were presented when good-byes were 
 said. 
 
 Mother Goose Come to Life 
 
 We all know how children delight in dressing up and 
 pretending. With this in mind a young matron added a 
 charming bit to a church fair by drilling the young chil- 
 dren of the parish in enacting simple nursery rhymes. 
 None of those taking part was over eight years old. A 
 small stage with a curtain was shut ofif from the main 
 room, and ten cents admission charged. It was called 
 "Mother Goose Come to Life," and the performance took 
 ten minutes. It was repeated as soon as the room was 
 
 233 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 refilled, after the manner of running a moving picture 
 show. Some of the scenes were ''Old Mother Hubbard/' 
 "The Queen of Hearts/' "Little Miss Muffet/' "Little 
 Bo-Peep/' "Sing a Song of Six Pence/' "Little Boy 
 Blue/' etc. As the rhyme was enacted a concealed 
 chorus of children not taking part in that particular pic- 
 ture sang the merry jingle to a softly played accompani- 
 ment. It was all very clever and really not at all difficult 
 to arrange, for children are satisfactory to work with. 
 
 The "Sand Piper" Game 
 
 Did you ever watch a dozen youngsters on the beach 
 in their bathing suits playing "sandpiper ?" Here are the 
 rules of the game: The children, excepting two, turn 
 themselves into a flock of sandpipers, hopping up and 
 down the beach. Two are "hunters," who try to catch 
 the birds, crying: 
 
 Sandpiper, sandpiper, hopping on the sand, 
 Come, let us catch you, and join our band ! 
 
 The hunters catch the "birds," who are at once turned 
 into hunters. The only way a sandpiper can escape is 
 to stand on one foot or hop on one leg; so long as he 
 remains thus, the hunters cannot take him. The children 
 love this game, and they look very happy trotting around 
 in their little flannel bathing suits. 
 
 Music for Children 
 
 The following delightful programmes will be most 
 helpful to those casting about for something musical of 
 interest to little people : 
 
 children's matinee song recital 
 
 This programme of songs and ballads is designed especially 
 for the little folks, for whom it is a unique as well as valuable 
 and delightful form of entertainment. 
 
 This programme can also be given in connection with a chil- 
 dren's descriptive piano recital, in which each number is accom- 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 panied b}'' a brief description, within the comprehension of chil- 
 dren, of the music sung or played and incidents of interest con- 
 nected with the lives of the different composers. 
 
 1. The Walking Bell Schumann 
 
 2. There, Little Girl, Don't Cry Campion 
 
 3. Why Don't You Sleep, My Baby Rosabel 
 
 4. The Sandman Schumann 
 
 5. Cherry Ripe C. E. Horn 
 
 6. This Little Pig Went to Market Gustave Kerker 
 
 7. Little Boy Blue F. H. Brackett 
 
 8. The Elf's Trip Gounod 
 
 TO PLAY FOR CHILDREN 
 
 A musical story of fairy frolic Mendelssohn 
 
 Rondo Capricioso 
 
 A glimpse of sorrow and gladness Schumann 
 
 The Little Orphan — The Happy Farmer 
 
 Wayside Sketches Volkman 
 
 By the Brook — Sunset 
 
 Moments of Pleasure Gurlitt 
 
 German Dance — Spring Song 
 
 Hush-a-Bye Baby Barili 
 
 Cradle Song 
 
 Pleasant Recreation Kullak 
 
 The Little Rope Dancer — Skating Song 
 
 An Unpleasant Failing. Wolff 
 
 The Tattler 
 
 The Result Wolff 
 
 The Complaint 
 
 A Delightful Time Westerhout 
 
 The Children's Ball 
 
 A Fortunate Little Boy Low 
 
 Happy Johnnie — Festival March 
 
 The Bird's Song Cerito 
 
 Nightingale Polka 
 
 The Mischief Maker Reinecke 
 
 The Little Gossip 
 
 The Rebuke Reinecke 
 
 Grandmother's Story 
 
 235 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 Human Nine Pins 
 
 The boys are set up just like nine pins at the end of the 
 room or on the lawn; they stand on one foot (left one), 
 with the right one placed behind the left knee, arms 
 folded. The girls roll the ball, taking turns. When the 
 ball is rolled they may hop aside to escape being touched ; 
 but if the ball touches them or they put down the other 
 foot they are supposed to be knocked down and out. 
 This continues just like the real game, a score being kept 
 and prizes awarded. 
 
 New Bean Bag Game 
 
 Young children love this game: Take barrel hoops 
 and wind them with gay ribbons or crepe paper, suspend 
 a small bell in the centre. Hang the hoop up and give 
 each guest a small bean bag the same color as the hoop. 
 The aim is to ring the bell when thrown through the 
 hoop. Five trials are allowed; the one who rings the 
 most out of the five is given a reward. 
 
 Game of Royalty 
 A LITTLE game called ''Royalty'' needs an equal number 
 of girls and boys. One boy is chosen king and a girl as 
 queen. Then they sit in two rows facing each other. 
 Each follower is numbered. At the same moment the 
 king and queen call a number, the two players bearing 
 the numbers get up and run around the circle, the queen 
 after the king's follower. If she catches him before he 
 completes the circle he pays forfeit; if she does not the 
 king's subject collects a tribute from her. When all the 
 numbers have been called the game is finished. 
 
 An Airship Party 
 
 This affair was given by a mother whose pocketbook 
 does not have to be consulted when she does social stunts, 
 and her parties for her ten-year-old son are notable events 
 
 236 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 in the community. One good thing is that she is most 
 democratic in her invitations, and is bringing up her son 
 in a fine, broad-minded way. On this occasion all the 
 children in his room at school were included in the invi- 
 tation, and I assure you the youngsters were keenly alert 
 as to what the party was to be. 
 
 I am delighted to be able to tell all about it. First, 
 they played '^airship" just exactly as stage coach is played, 
 only the children were the gasoline, propellers, oar, rope, 
 stars, moon, wind, etc., and what an exciting story was 
 built by the clever man who was induced to be the 
 "driver/' and when the airship met with an accident how 
 all the boys and girls got up and spun around. Then 
 there was a balloon contest, the company being divided 
 into sides, each one given a paper Japanese balloon, which 
 they were to inflate and blow over a line made by put- 
 ting up a rope across the living room, the balloons being 
 kept in motion by blowing and fanning with palm-leaf 
 fans. The game for each side was to get as many balls 
 over the line onto their side as possible. After ten or 
 fifteen minutes the spoils were counted and a kite was 
 given as a prize, which went to the winning captain. 
 Over the dining-room table was suspended a large flying 
 machine made into a "J^ck Horner" pie. The colors 
 were red and white, and there were ribbons from the car 
 to the table, one for every child. In the car were doll 
 passengers, dressed to represent different nationalities. 
 This creation was really wonderful and the children went 
 into ecstacies. At each place there was a cunning little 
 kite of red and white, with the child's name attached to 
 the tail. At a given signal the ribbons were pulled and 
 the doll passengers tumbled down with a dainty red and 
 white snapping motto cap tied to each one. All the 
 favors and the airship "pie'' were furnished by a big 
 department store, but I fancy the whole scheme could be 
 carried out by clever fingers at home. 
 
 237 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 CHAPTER XV -CHOOSING PARTNERS - 
 AFTER-DINNER TRICKS 
 
 Novel Ways to Choose Partners 
 
 A JOLLY crowd of a dozen girls had a cooking club. 
 Once a year they asked their men friends to a 
 ''spread/' At the last they had this way of select- 
 ing partners for supper : Cards were passed to both men 
 and women bearing the mysterious terms of ''Straw- 
 berries/' "Cream/' "Lamb/' "Mint Sauce," etc. The 
 hostess explained that "Pork" found "Apple Sauce/' and 
 "Fillet of Beef" found "Mushrooms/' that partners 
 would be found and all go into the dining room. This 
 made loads of fun and the result was a grand mix-up. 
 Then afterwards slips of paper were passed to the men 
 and they had to prepare what they considered to be a good 
 menu. All these were to be kept by the girls for future 
 reference. In arranging this repast each girl had con- 
 tributed something of her own cooking. 
 
 Way to Choose Partners 
 
 At an evening party which was given to announce the 
 engagement of a young woman, the partners for refresh- 
 ments were chosen in this way: The hostess gave to 
 each girl a picture representing Love in some form. The 
 selections had been made from a collection of penny pic- 
 tures and some were postcards. To the men the same 
 pictures were given, but cut into several pieces and pasted 
 on a card. Of course they had to hunt for the girl who 
 
 238 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 had the duplicate of their puzzle picture. This caused 
 much merriment and consumed considerable time ; it was 
 a most effectual method of mixing the company and broke 
 up all intimate gatherings of those who w^ere the best 
 acquainted. 
 
 To Find Partners 
 
 At a large party where many of the guests were 
 strangers, the hostess used this method of finding part- 
 ners, and I assure you the ice was soon broken and did 
 not form again during the evening. Each girl was given 
 a card on which was written the description of the man 
 with whom she w^as to eat refreshments. Here is a list 
 that may help some one out in thinking of descriptions. 
 To add to the fun have a good jolly man to take measure- 
 ments of height and a scales for weighing. A glove and 
 a rubber overshoe may assist in making measurements 
 for those who hold "5" and "6": 
 
 1. The tallest man. 
 
 2. The shortest man. 
 
 3. The stoutest man. 
 
 4. The thinnest man. 
 
 5. The man with the largest foot. 
 
 6. The man with the largest hand. 
 
 7. The most popular man. 
 
 8. The wittiest man. 
 
 9. The oldest man. 
 
 10. The youngest man. 
 
 11. The wealthiest man. 
 
 12. The handsomest man. 
 
 Famous Lovers for Partners 
 
 Romeo— Juliet. Adam— Eve. 
 
 Dante— Beatrice. Jacob— Rachel. 
 
 Petrarch — Laura. Abelard— Heloise. 
 
 Pericles — Aspasia. Tristan— Isolde. 
 
 Antony — Cleopatra. Cupid — Psyche. 
 
 Samson — Delilah. Benedict — Beatrice. 
 
 Napoleon— Josephine. Ulysses — Penelope. 
 
 239 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 Place Cards for Engagement Announcement 
 
 A YOUNG woman used these very clever cards at the 
 luncheon her mother gave to a few favored friends to 
 make known her engagement. A web of delicate silver 
 cord (like what we use for holiday parcels) was sewed 
 upon a pink heart-shaped card, a wee silver heart being 
 seemingly caught in its meshes. The monogram of the 
 happy pair was done in silver underneath the web. After 
 the dessert was served, stiff white cards seven inches 
 square were passed with pink pencils and each guest was 
 asked to plan an ideal house for the couple; these the 
 bride kept for ''future reference.'* A silver loving cup 
 was passed filled with claret lemonade and each girl drank 
 a toast to the new home and its charming mistress. 
 
 Pretty Engagement Place Cards 
 
 At a luncheon to be given near Valentine's day to an- 
 nounce an engagement, the place cards are to be heart- 
 shaped picture frames containing a picture of the bride- 
 elect. At her place the frame will contain the picture 
 of the happy man. It is in this way the news will be 
 made known. The centrepiece is to be a huge true-lover's 
 knot of blue ribbon with a crystal vase of pink bride 
 roses. Heart-shaped wreaths of pink carnations are to 
 be round each service plate. The combining of two 
 flowers is quite a feature this season. 
 
 Ice Breakers for Large Parties 
 
 An up-to-date hostess had her guests find partners this 
 way at a rather large informal evening party. She 
 wished to mingle the crowd as much as possible and pre- 
 vent those who were acquainted from forming into 
 cliques, which is so often thoughtlessly done. On enter- 
 ing, each man was handed a paper and pencil and at once 
 
 240 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 introduced to a lady with whom he was to converse for 
 five minutes and then retire and write a minute descrip- 
 tion of her appearance, detail of gown, etc. After ten 
 minutes the papers were collected. At refreshment time 
 these slips were distributed promiscuously among the 
 men, and they were instructed to find the lady whose de- 
 scription they had. This entailed no end of fun, and it 
 was some time before all found partners. 
 
 For choosing partners try matching animal crackers, 
 which are hidden throughout the rooms. Matching flow- 
 ers is another pretty way when the company is not too 
 large to have enough varieties of flowers. Have two 
 blossoms alike; carnations of all shades, roses, violets, 
 pansies, lilies, etc. 
 
 Another way is to put the initials or the first name of 
 the girls in envelopes and pass them to the men; the 
 cracker alphabet letters to be obtained from the large 
 grocery stores may be used. Of course, this method is 
 only of use in a crowd well known to each other. A jolly 
 way to pair off is to play the old-fashioned game of silent 
 Blind Man's Buff. Make a circle, blindfold one at a 
 time, place in the centre with a cane, then the one the 
 blind man touches is the partner. Of course, it is ar- 
 ranged so that a *'boy'' points to a "girl'' and vice versa. 
 
 Dress a number of penny dolls, two alike ; for instance, 
 two little Japs, two little darkeys, two babies, etc. ; match- 
 ing them is great fun. 
 
 Selecting Partners at a Card Party or a Cotillion 
 
 To choose partners for a card party or a cotillion have 
 small cakes baked in what are called *'patty" cake tins 
 and ice with pink for the unmarried girls, with yellow for 
 the men in the same state of single blessedness, white for 
 the married women and green for the married men. In 
 these cakes put such tiny^ favors as thimbles, duplicate 
 
 241 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 mottoes, hooks and eyes, keys, rings, etc. Then the 
 man who gets a key finds the person having a ring, and 
 they are mated ; the girl with a hook finds the man with 
 an eye, etc. This is great fun and is adaptable to any 
 game where a choice of partners is necessary. 
 
 Another pretty way to find one's mate is to provide a 
 Japanese cap and mask of paper for each one. Divide 
 the company until all are disguised, giving each a sheet or 
 covering of some kind; then as two persons recognize 
 each other they remove the masks. 
 
 New Way of Finding Partners 
 
 A HOSTESS noted for her clever schemes devised this 
 method for choosing partners at a card party: She cut 
 out thin cardboard animals, four of a kind, as many sets 
 as there were tables — four cats, four bunnies, four bears, 
 four dogs and four donkeys. The latter had cords 
 attached to be put around the neck and were large 
 enough to keep the score. The drawings were made from 
 illustration and were then cut out. A few skilful touches 
 with a water-color brush did the rest. 
 
 Unique "Place Cards" 
 
 A HOSTESS noted for her clever schemes had these 
 novel place cards at a dance party given for six intimate 
 friends. 
 
 She obtained pictures of the guests, taken when they 
 were babies or children. None over ten years of age. 
 These she laid on white cards, tying with scarlet ribbon, 
 and put one at each plate, telling her friends that they 
 could find their own places. 
 
 A merry time ensued before the railway magnate dis- 
 covered himself in the lad with his velocipede, and the 
 white-haired matron was found in the demure maiden 
 
 242 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 hugging a doll baby. A round, chubby-faced youngster 
 of six was claimed by the judge, while the fair debutante 
 was revealed in a tiny baby clutching a stick of candy in 
 one hand and an orange in the other. The ice was broken 
 at once, and the dinner was pronounced a success from 
 start to finish. 
 
 After Dinner Tricks 
 
 It is now quite the thing to have a number of clever 
 tricks ''up one's sleeve," as it were, with which to beguile 
 a few moments after dinner, or to work in at an oppor- 
 tune moment when there comes a lull in the conversation. 
 Jugglery is the oldest of the sciences ; and every one, old 
 or young, is interested in strange or seemingly wonderful 
 feats. 
 
 A very simple trick is called "The Balanced Coin." 
 Take a bottle, cork it, and in the cork place a needle. 
 Cut a slit in another cork so that the edge of a silver 
 dollar will fit into it; then put two forks into the upper 
 cork. Place the edge of the coin, which holds the upper 
 cork and forks, on the point of the needle, and it will 
 revolve without falling. This will amuse children, espe- 
 cially a child who may be a prisoner from illness, or on a 
 rainy day. 
 
 To make a revolving figure is interesting. Cut a wee 
 man out of a thin bit of wood, make him end in one leg 
 instead of two; make a pair of long arms shaped like 
 oars or paddles. Then place him on top of your finger 
 and blow hard. The little man will go round and round. 
 Another clever feat is the Spanish dancer. Cut a figure 
 from pasteboard ; gum one foot on the inverted side of a 
 watch crystal, then place it on a clean plate. Hold the 
 plate slanting and it will slide down; but drop a little 
 water on the plate; instead of the glass sliding, it will 
 begin to revolve, and continue to revolve with increased 
 
 243 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 velocity as the person chooses. This is in consequence 
 of the cohesion of water to the two surfaces, by which a 
 new force is produced. 
 
 A stunt which is new and amusing and never fails 
 to make fun is a trick in balancing. Have the one who 
 tries the thing measure exactly three times the length of 
 his own foot out from the wall of the room, then stand 
 with heels together, facing the wall, then stoop forward 
 until the top of his head touches the wall. Then place a 
 light stool or taboret, about twenty inches in height, be- 
 tween him and the wall. The trick is to hold the taboret 
 off the floor and at the same time lift the head from the 
 wall. A w^oman generally succeeds in doing this with 
 comparative ease, but for some reason the trick is not so 
 easy for a man. So ask a woman to do it first, then it is 
 very funny to see the man fail. 
 
 To Choose Valentine Partners 
 
 This unique method of finding valentine partners 
 proved highly successful at a valentine party. A sheet 
 was stretched between folding doors upon which red 
 hearts were pinned. They were about four inches across. 
 The name of a man present was written on each heart. 
 As the guests entered the room each lady was given an 
 arrow made from red paper which had a number on it. 
 
 When all had arrived, the ladies, one by one, were 
 blindfolded and each one tried to pin her arrow upon a 
 heart on the sheet. If the arrow was not exactly on the 
 heart the one nearest to it was the man allotted her for 
 a partner for refreshments. This stunt is a good one to 
 have while the hostess makes her final preparations for 
 serving. 
 
 244 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 CHAPTER XVL— SUGGESTIONS FOR 
 BAZARS AND CHURCH SOCIALS 
 
 A Forefathers' Festival 
 
 HERE is an idea for a bazar or fair to be held just 
 before Thanksgiving. It should be held in a 
 large room or hall to get the best effect. 
 A splendid thing about this festival is the number of 
 people it will interest in making ready for it. In the 
 first place, enlist the boys to build several wigwams along 
 one side of the room ; make them by tacking three poles 
 together, leaving the ends outside the burlap, which is to 
 be fastened around. Around the outside have corn stalks, 
 pumpkins (for sale), borrow fur rugs to spread around 
 and tie small skin rugs on the outside (rag rugs will 
 answer the purpose). Dress small boys and girls a$ 
 Indians and let them have charge of this section. Sell 
 baskets and all sorts of bead work. The grown person 
 to have charge of the children should be dressed as a 
 squaw with a doll pappoose strapped on her back. For- 
 tune telling could go on in one of the tepees. All leather 
 goods could be sold here, and birch bark novelties. If 
 grab bags are to be an attraction (and children love 
 them) let a couple of little Indians preside over a huge 
 grab-bag kettle hung over a tripod of forked sticks, the 
 grabs to be fished out with a pole or forked stick. On 
 the other side of the room opposite the Indians have the 
 Pilgrims, the women in plain grays and browns, with 
 kerchiefs and caps, the men garbed as in the pictures of 
 John Alden and other men of the period. Have a loan 
 
 245 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 collection of old things, like candlesticks, china, snuffers, 
 samplers, etc. If any are for sale, put up a sign like 
 this : 
 
 Great Sale of Household Effects! 
 
 Furniture, China, Brasses ! 
 
 All Goods Guaranteed to be Brought 
 
 From Home 
 
 In the Good Ship the ''Mayflower !" 
 
 On tables display goods supposed to be made by the 
 settlers' wives, such as rag rugs, towels, wash cloths, 
 dusters and aprons. Then have a table of home-made 
 eatables — pies, mincemeat and jellies. Take orders for 
 popcorn and candies and all sorts of things that house- 
 wives will need for Thanksgiving. Build the front of a 
 log cabin as an entrance to the dining room, where a 
 New England dinner will be served ; have the waitresses 
 in colonial costumes. If possible use all blue dishes; 
 light with candles and have a hostess for each table 
 dressed in costume. This will give a personal touch, and 
 people will feel much more at home with some one to 
 look after their personal comfort. In fact, all our church 
 aft'airs would be much more successful if we conducted 
 them more as private parties. 
 
 Here is a recipe for a cake which is just the thing to 
 have served; it is said to have been handed down from 
 George Washington's family. Half the rule will serve 
 twelve persons. This yellow loaf cake is good with 
 afternoon tea : 
 
 Old Colonial Cake — One cupful of butter, two and one- 
 half cupfuls of granulated sugar, six eggs, one cupful of 
 rich milk, one even teaspoonful of soda, two of cream 
 of tartar, four cupfuls of pastry flour and one cupful of 
 seeded raisins. Cream the butter and sugar, then stir in 
 the yolks of the eggs. Add the cream of tartar to the 
 flour, and sift them together several times. Add the soda 
 to the milk and stir the mixture into the butter, sugar, 
 
 246 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 and yolks. Then beat the whole into the flour and cream 
 of tartar. When smooth add the raisins, and finally fold 
 in the whites of the eggs, whipped to a very stiff froth. 
 Do not stir the cake after the whites are added. Butter 
 a large tube pan and fill it half full of the batter. After 
 the cake has baked and become cold, ice it with a heavy 
 yellow icing. 
 
 For an Umbrella Bazar 
 
 This is a scheme adaptable to an out-door fete or is 
 equally good for the booths at a winter fair. Take huge 
 umbrellas and have a circular counter built around them. 
 The effect is very pretty. 
 
 The Japanese table would have an enormous parasol 
 with tiny ones attached to each rib, or in place of the little 
 lanterns use Jap dolls. Under this the attendants would 
 serve tea and sell Japanese novelties, of which there is an 
 endless variety. 
 
 Umbrellas covered with white cotton plentifully 
 sprinkled with diamond dust and hung with glass icicles 
 would be "winter" for the sale of ice cream or ices. 
 
 Turkey could be represented by an umbrella covered 
 with turkey feathers for the sale of dusters, sweeping 
 caps, and Thanksgiving table favors. ''China," ''Sum- 
 mer," "America," etc., may be arranged to be easy of 
 recognition and the whole effect will be well worth the 
 trouble of preparation. 
 
 The Seven Ages of Woman 
 
 This bazar scheme was carried out with great success, 
 and was no more difficult than just having plain booths 
 in the ordinary way. The posters said: "Come and 
 See the Seven Ages of Woman." At the first table the 
 "First Age" was cleverly represented by having all the 
 articles pertaining to babies, even baby books, which a 
 book store sent on commission. The attendants were 
 
 247 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 dressed as infants and were most fetching, I assure you. 
 The second table illustrated ^'Childhood'' and had dolls 
 and toys galore, with those behind the booth dressed as 
 children aged from five to ten. The ^'Sweethearts' 
 Table'' came next, with all sorts of dainty articles for en- 
 gagement presents, heart and slipper-shaped place cards, 
 candy, and all sorts of goodies packed attractively to go as 
 gifts to college girls and sweethearts. As it happened 
 two engaged couples had charge of this department and 
 it created loads of fun. The fourth was the "Bride's 
 Table," done in pure white, with artificial orange blos- 
 soms and white roses for decorations. Those in charge 
 were two brides. Orders were taken for marking linen. 
 The ^'Mother's Table" came as the 'Tifth Age" and was 
 presided over by matrons. Cakes and pies were for sale, 
 also darning and laundry bags, broom bags, etc. The 
 ''Spinster's Table" was conducted by a merry bunch of 
 unappropriated blessings. They had the tea table and 
 had a beautiful Angora cat with her kittens; the latter 
 were for sale. Needless to say, they went like hot cakes. 
 The "Grandmother's Table" made the seventh, and was 
 attended by three dear old ladies of the parish who had 
 truly grown old gracefully. They had woollen shawls, 
 bedroom slippers, spectacle cases and chamois eyeglass 
 wipers, covers for hot-water bags, and many other 
 comforts. 
 
 A Bean Social 
 
 This novel way of handling a church social was a 
 great success. The invitations said: Have you ever 
 bean to a bean party? If not, come on Thursday night 
 to the parlors of the Market Street Presbyterian church 
 at eight. You will enjoy 
 
 Bean porridge hot, 
 Bean porridge cold, 
 Bean porridge in the pot. 
 Nine days old. 
 
 248 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 The refreshments consisted of baked beans, baked-bean 
 sandwiches, bean soup, brown bread and butter, pickles, 
 tea, doughnuts, peanuts, and molasses candy. 
 
 After the supper there were bean bags for those who 
 wished to play. It was quite exciting, as sides were 
 chosen and a match game played. 
 
 Individual brown ramekins for baked beans were sold. 
 
 A Fakir's Fair 
 
 This name may be new, but the idea is old, inasmuch 
 as it is much Hke 'The Peddlers' Parade" or the "County 
 Fair"; however, it may be carried out in a highly suc- 
 cessful manner if an up-to-date committee work hard. 
 Decorate the room entirely with advertisements of the 
 wares to be sold, then dress the fakirs to represent the 
 advertisement of the article ; merchants will donate things 
 or allow goods to be sold on commission and home-made 
 articles m.ay b^ sold by grotesque figures. The novelty 
 is that no elaborate booths have to be made, as the articles 
 are sold by the fakirs from trays, baskets and pushcarts. 
 For instance, there must be the old broom fakir, who 
 may carry home-made dish mops as well as a motley as- 
 sortment of brooms, dusters, etc. The electric iron man 
 who carries and demonstrates an electric toaster besides ; 
 the pop-corn and peanut man with a real push-cart. In 
 fact the possibilities are many, as the children can take 
 part and there is a fine chance for the young ^men to be 
 ''barkers, " for the girls to sell flowers and bonbons, and 
 all sorts of dainty home-made cakes, cookies, and rolls. 
 
 Around-the- World Tea 
 
 A YOUNG ladies' mission band got up the following 
 very successful tea. A house represented each of these 
 eight countries and several automobiles conveyed the 
 guests to and fro — Greece, Italy, Germany, Russia, Eng- 
 land, America, France and Japan. 
 
 249 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 A five-minute paper about each country, with music, 
 furnished amusement, and the attendants were in cos- 
 tume. Flags of the country made the decoration with 
 whatever characteristic article obtainable. A very small 
 admission fee was collected by the courier as guests en- 
 tered the auto and small fees were charged for refresh- 
 ments, which were peculiar to the country, as the menu 
 shows: Greece, olives; Italy, spaghetti; Germany, kafe 
 kuchen; Japan, meshi (rice); France, vin rouge (red 
 punch) ; Russia, caviar canapes; England, plum pudding; 
 America, pie. 
 
 With good committees this scheme may be enlarged. 
 
 A Red-Hot Social 
 
 Try this the first real cold day when you are wondering 
 how to warm up a church social which promises to be 
 an icy affair. Issue posters on scarlet cardboard, deco- 
 rate with red cheese cloth, red shades, and train a good 
 lusty chorus to sing, "A Hot Time." Dress the recep- 
 tion committee and waiters in red and make the price of 
 admission "5 red cents.'' Serve *'red hots" (wienerwurst) 
 encased in hot rolls, pickles and coffee with doughnuts 
 for sweets. 
 
 A Mother Goose Market 
 
 A CLUB of young people organized for charity gave this 
 quaint affair that realized a goodly sum for their winter's 
 work : It was given on the grounds surrounding a large 
 country place, the booths being artistically arranged under 
 the trees and on the porches. Invitations were issued in 
 the name of ''Mother Goose," who was represented in 
 pen-and-ink sketches and also on large posters that were 
 placed in conspicuous places throughout the town and 
 nearby suburbs. The charming old lady was hostess, 
 meeting people at the entrance to the grounds and di- 
 recting them to the various booths. All those in attend- 
 
 250 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 ance were in costume. Old Mother Hubbard had a huge 
 cupboard that was not at all bare, as there were a num- 
 ber of fine puppy dogs for sale placed there by the owner 
 of a famous kennel, who allowed a generous commission 
 on all sales made. ''Little Lucy Locket" had leather 
 purses, card cases, bead bags, shopping bags, etc., and 
 Mistress Mary had flowers of all kinds, potted, even 
 orders taken for shrubs, vines and plants, to be filled by 
 a florist. She was not at all "contrary," but most 
 gracious as she wandered among her cockle shells and 
 ''silver" bells. The old woman who swept the cobwebs 
 down from the sky had all sorts of brooms, dusters, 
 sweeping caps and broom bags. "Curley Locks" was not 
 sewing her "fine seam," but she had several sewing tables 
 filled with useful and pretty articles ; she took orders for 
 hand embroidery and also sold stamped pieces with the 
 material for working. The "Old Woman Who Lived in 
 a Shoe" did a thriving business with the children, as she 
 sold grabs through a patch which opened and shut in the 
 most fascinating manner. "Cinderella," arrayed in her 
 ball gown, sold slippers of all kinds and sizes and did 
 a most profitable business. "Jack Horner" sold pies and 
 was the most popular man about the place, as he was a 
 gay college chap who entered heartily into the spirit of 
 the thing. "Jack and Jill" sold lemonade and soft drinks 
 from huge tin pails. "Cross Patch" and "Polly Put the 
 Kettle On" served tea, and "Old King Cole" sold all 
 sorts of bowls, and his fiddlers three played dance music, 
 and the "Queen of Hearts" presided at the supper table, 
 at which an old-fashioned chicken dinner was served. It 
 was altogether a delightful affair. 
 
 The "Story'' Tent 
 
 At a lawn fete one of the most popular attractions was 
 a small tent that would hold a dozen children seated at 
 one time, in which a charming young woman told stories 
 
 251 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 lasting fifteen minutes. The admission was ten cents. 
 When the story was finished the audience left the tent 
 and another bunch was admitted. A gypsy '"barker" 
 stood outside, and another gypsy strolled through the 
 grounds selling tickets. Any child could go in a second 
 time if another ticket was purchased. This was a most 
 easy way to add clear profit to the affair. There was 
 absolutely no expense in preparation, as the tent was 
 loaned and those in charge happened to have their gypsy 
 costumes. 
 
 A Potato Supper 
 
 Church suppers have been and probably always will 
 be a commercial asset in raising money. A ladies' aid 
 society issued these catchy invitations, which were 
 printed in red on common brown wrapping paper and 
 scattered broadcast in the hotels and boarding houses of 
 the seashore resort, where summer visitors helped out 
 largely in furnishing the wherewithal to run the little 
 church during the long nine months of winter. I give 
 the invitation so that our readers may cut it out for 
 future use, as the scheme is adaptable for any time or 
 place : 
 
 A sociable next Friday night! 
 
 Look down below, first left, then right, 
 
 And you will see the "Bill-of-Fare" 
 
 In English language written there : 
 
 POTATOES HOT, POTATOES COLD, 
 
 POTATOES NEW, POTATOES OLD. 
 
 Some we will boil, and some we'll bake, 
 
 And some serve in a hot loaf-cake ; 
 
 Potatoes also we'll prepare 
 
 In brown croquettes as light as air, 
 
 And some make up in griddle-cakes 
 
 As nice as any French cook makes. 
 
 And then dessert — for those who wish 
 
 We will prepare some dainty dish, 
 
 *Tit for the gods," you'll think, we know, 
 
 Though mostly made of potato. 
 
 252 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 This sociable is to be g^ven 
 
 Between the hours of four and seven. 
 
 At Hall next Friday night, 
 
 And one and all we here invite ; 
 
 Be sure to come; don't be afraid, 
 
 Your presence will— THE LADIES AID. 
 
 An Old-Time Concert 
 
 To raise money for a church or club, local talent is 
 always most successful, so for this affair ask no profes- 
 sionals. It is often astonishing to find what resources 
 there are *'within the gates/' as it were. Every one loves 
 old-time songs and customs, as there is a glamour over 
 the past and in things that used to be that is fascinating 
 to both old and young. It will not be difficult to arrange 
 a chorus of twenty-five or thirty voices with four or five 
 fair solo voices. The chorus should dress in old-time 
 costumes, stitting in two semicircles on the stage or plat- 
 form. The minuet may be danced for one number, using 
 colonial costumes. People will attend a performance of 
 this kind who would not think of going anywhere else. 
 Have the invitations or announcements worded in quaint 
 old English spelling, and the first names of those partici- 
 pating should be ^^Delight,'' ^Tatience," '^Hezekiah," 
 '^Makepeace," '^Josiah,'' etc. 
 
 The following numbers are merely suggestions, as 
 being favorites : 
 
 Curtain-Raiser — Chorus — "Auld Lang Syne." 
 Chorus— "Old Black Joe." 
 Solo— "Kathleen Mavourneen." 
 
 Instrumental Solo — "Listen to the Mocking-Bird," with vari- 
 ations. 
 Male Quartet--"Tenting To-Night/' 
 Solo— "Silver Threads Among the Gold." 
 Ladies* Quartet — "Sweet and Low." 
 Chorus. 
 
 Bass Solo— "Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep." 
 Solo— "Ben Bolt" 
 
 253 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 Male Quartet— ''My Old Kentucky Home"— Chorus Humming 
 the Chorus. 
 
 Solo — "Twickenham Ferry." 
 
 Chorus — "Massa's in the Cold, Cold Ground." 
 
 Orchestra — ''Star Spangled Banner." 
 
 A Church Shower 
 
 The following jingle, while faulty in line and metre, 
 tells the story of how a ladies' aid society replenished its 
 kitchen and dining-room utensils. Here is a list of the 
 articles ''showered'': Table-cloths, salt and peppers, 
 spoons, knives, forks, dishes of all kinds, soap, towels, 
 ammonia, scrubbing powder, a broom, dusters, several 
 vases, boxes of matches, a cork-screw and a can-opener. 
 A grocer sent bottles of olives, pickles, and loaf sugar. 
 This is the verse: 
 
 Of all new pleasures under the sun. 
 Since ever the cycle of time begun, 
 A chance to do good, and have some fun, 
 Is surely at a church shower. 
 
 The Ladies' Aid — 
 
 Of nothing on earth are they afraid — 
 This delightfully happy plan have made. 
 Of holding a church shower. 
 
 So many things we need, you see, 
 
 That quite a heavy expense would be, 
 
 So we'll give you a chance to help a wee, 
 
 By coming to our church shower. 
 
 Then come with your presents, large or small, 
 
 Tea and welcome await you all ; 
 
 Or give us your number ; we'll gladly call, 
 
 For the good of our church shower. 
 
 Light refreshments may be served for a small sum, and 
 thus a little ready cash may be added to the treasury. 
 
 Sunday Dinner Market 
 
 This seems such a capital idea for making money that 
 I give the outline, hoping some ladies' aid or guild will 
 
 254 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 be benefited thereby. The scheme was carried out in a 
 suburb and the sales lasted every Saturday during the 
 month of August. Booths were erected upon the lawn, 
 and the committees were formed by taking the names 
 alphabetically. Salads, cold meats, rolls, bread, cakes, 
 cookies, jams and jellies, mayonnaise, candies, and cheese 
 crackers were always made and orders taken for anything 
 in the home cooking line. Young housekeepers found the 
 sales a great help, and strangers at nearby boarding- 
 houses and hotels patronized them for a cup of tea and 
 a sandwich or a dish of home-made sherbet. There 
 were young girls to serve, and the arrangements were 
 so perfected that the burden was not heavy upon any 
 one. A goodly sum was added to the treasury, all made 
 by a little extra effort during the summer. 
 
 A Tree Bazar 
 
 All the ladies' aids and guilds are keen after ideas to 
 add money to the treasury. I think the scheme outlined 
 a delightful one. It calls for eight trees, which may be 
 dead ones or live ones, as the case may be. Decorate 
 entirely with large potted plants and autumn leaves, with 
 wild grape-vine and woodbine if obtainable. The crepe 
 papers that come in leaf design will work in beautifully 
 with this decoration and an entire arbor or lattice may be 
 made by cutting out paper leaves and pinning on the 
 trellis. Oleanders and rubber plants help out too. 
 
 Tables may be placed in front of the trees, making 
 booths, the top, front, and sides being covered with 
 cheesecloth on which paper leaves are pasted or pinned. 
 If a grape arbor can be constructed, tea and other bev- 
 erages or light refreshments may be served from small 
 tables underneath the enclosure thus made. Electric 
 lights placed among the leaves add to the effect if the 
 affair is held over into the evening. At the end of the 
 
 255 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 arbor, have grape juice, grape jelly and raisins for sale. 
 
 Here is the list of trees which may be arranged around 
 the room as best suits the committees : "The Pair Tree'' 
 — On its boughs hang everything that comes in pairs, like 
 scissors (tied with ribbons), slippers (knitted or crochet, 
 or ribbon or leather), mittens, gloves, cups and saucers, 
 twin bottles of perfume, combs and iDrushes, cuff links, 
 etc.; on the table have spiced pears, pear marmalade, 
 canned pears, pear-shaped candy boxes. 
 
 The Peach Tree — Decorate with real peaches, which 
 may be tied to the branches if a real bearing tree is not 
 obtainable. On the table serve peach ice cream, peach 
 shortcake, marmalade, spiced peaches, etc. 
 
 The Palm Tree has real palms donated by a florist, to 
 be sold on commission, and back of the palms have a 
 fortune teller. 
 
 The Orange Tree is literally covered with orange- 
 colored paper fruit, each containing an article worth five 
 or ten cents; this takes the place of the grab bag found 
 at most church affairs. It may be presided over by quite 
 a young girl and should prove a lucrative attraction, as its 
 ''fruit" will beall clear profit. The table next this should 
 contain orange marmalade, candied orange peel, orange- 
 colored bonbons, and orange cake. Orange ice may be 
 served, also orangeade. 
 
 For the Banana Tree have bunches of real bananas; 
 in cities banana-shaped candy boxes are obtainable. 
 
 The Date Tree will have all sorts of calendars, engage- 
 ment tablets, note books, telephone lists, diaries, in fact, 
 everything with which to make or keep a date. Sell 
 stuflfed dates, plain dates, date cake, etc., on the table in 
 front of the tree. Suspend small articles from its 
 branches. 
 
 The Sugar Plum Tree will have candy canes hung on 
 its branches, bags of candy, and all sorts of lollipops and 
 sweetmeats for sale. 
 
 256 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 A Lemon Tree may be added, or any others at the 
 discretion of those in charge. 
 
 Sock Party 
 
 This party was the cHmax of the following invitations 
 which were issued by a ladies' aid society : 
 
 SOCK SOCIABLE 
 
 This little sock we give to you 
 
 Is not for you to wear ; 
 Please multiply your size by two 
 
 And place therein with care, 
 In pennies or in cents. 
 
 Just twice the number that you wear, 
 (We hope it is immense). 
 
 So if you wear a number lo 
 You owe us 20, see? 
 
 Which, dropped into our little sock. 
 Will fill our hearts with glee. 
 
 'Tis all we ask; it isn't much, 
 And hardly any trouble. 
 
 But if you only have one foot, 
 We'll surely charge you double. 
 
 Now, if you have a friend quite dear, 
 You'd like to bring with you, . 
 
 Or if you know some one who'd come. 
 We'll gladly give you two. 
 
 So don't forget the place and date — 
 We'll answer when you knock, 
 
 And welcome you with open arms. 
 But DON'T FORGET YOUR SOCK. 
 
 The rhyme was sent with a tiny silk sock made from a 
 scrap of gay silk. At the party the socks were emptied 
 into a large basket that stood in the entrance hall. 
 
 The Feast of Seven Tables 
 
 "The poor always ye have with you.*' 
 The bazar which I wish to describe was called "The 
 Feast of Seven Tables." It netted a goodly sum for the 
 
 257 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 church under whose auspices it was given. There were 
 seven tables, each presided over by a hostess, who, with 
 her waiters, was attired to match the table color. The 
 afifair was held in spacious church parlors, and the first 
 table to greet the eye was all in white. White china, 
 white roses, a centrepiece of white. The hostess and her 
 maids wore pure white, and white roses in their hair; 
 the hostess poured milk from a tall glass pitcher — ^butter- 
 milk; plain white bread-and-butter sandwiches, cottage 
 cheese, several kinds of crackers, hot baking-powder bis- 
 cuit, white frosted cakes, and white peppermint candies 
 were in evidence. 
 
 The next table was done in green with green band 
 china, and the tumblers used for lemonade and water 
 were of green glass; lettuce sandwiches, olives, midget 
 pickles, green frosted cakes, pistachio ice cream and green 
 candies were served, and the centrepiece was a beautiful 
 fern. The hostess and her attendants were especially 
 charming in white frocks over green slips, with chaplets 
 of green ivy leaves. The brown table was very attractive, 
 with crepe paper autumn leaves and twists of brown 
 paper wound with artificial brown leaves. The costumes 
 were of all shades of brown, with quaint little head ar- 
 rangements of brown leaves. Chrysanthemums of a 
 peculiar brownish tint were used, and every one was de- 
 lighted with the brown color scheme as worked out. The 
 eatables were substantial, consisting of brown bread, 
 baked beans, hot veal loaf with brown gravy, browned 
 potatoes, spiced cake, devil's food and chocolate ice 
 cream. Coffee and chocolate were the beverages. 
 
 The red table was a beauty, with red candies and 
 shades, red roses, beet and potato salad together so the 
 red color predominated, salmon salad, sandwiches, rasp- 
 berry ice and red frosted cakes. The attendants were 
 gowned in ankle-length, full-skirted gowns of red tarla- 
 tan. The yellow table was gorgeous, with big golden 
 
 258 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 *'mums/' yellow or gold band china, candied orange-peel, 
 orange ice, orange cake, orangeade, and sunshine cake 
 were served. At the pink table there were pink carna- 
 tions in vases and scattered over the white cloth, which 
 was banded with broad bands of pink ribbon. Pink con- 
 fections, candied rose leaves, pink frosted cakes, cold 
 pressed salmon loaf with plain sandwiches were served. 
 The maids wore the daintiest of pink frocks and were all 
 unmarried. The lavender table was decorated with 
 violets, pansies, and purple asters. There were lavender 
 flowers, and on commission there were a number of 
 copies of "Lavender and Old Lace'' for sale. The table 
 was presided over by an elderly woman dressed in laven- 
 der and old lace. 
 
 A Novel Bazar 
 
 A CHURCH member who was just completing a large 
 new home turned it over to the Ladies' Aid Society for 
 a bazar, which was a great success. Each room was de- 
 voted to some special attraction ; for instance, one for the 
 supper, one for the entertainment, one for fortune telling, 
 one for children especially, and the attic floor was given 
 up to dancing. The decorations were flags and lanterns, 
 and the carpenters kindly put up benches for seats and 
 turned their saw horses and nice clean boards into tables. 
 The lights and water were in, and the gas range. 
 
 A Country Fair 
 
 This description of a country fair held on the grounds 
 of a large estate will be helpful to many, for the ideas 
 could be carried out at an indoor bazar during the winter. 
 
 Committees with efficient chairmen were appointed 
 for advertising, decorations, booths, and entertainments. 
 Then judges on the various articles were appointed, and 
 the most prominent persons in the vicinity acted as 
 patronesses. 
 
 259 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 Stacks of corn, sheaves of wheat, goldenrod and wild 
 sunflowers with quantities of pumpkins, squash, and jack- 
 o'-lanterns made most effective and appropriate decora- 
 tions. A brown and yellow color scheme prevailed, which 
 blended beautifully with huge boughs of autumn leaves. 
 
 The ladies and young girls in charge wore wash frocks 
 with dainty sunbonnets; and the men who assisted wore 
 light flannel suits with soft shirts and silk ties of pale 
 blue. All wore yellow flowers in their buttonholes, a sun- 
 flower having the preference. They also wore large 
 straw hats such as farmers or fishermen wear, with blue 
 bands around them. 
 
 Orders were taken for needlework, and home-made 
 delicacies of all kinds were on sale, and those which took 
 white, blue or red ribbons commanded a high price. The 
 young men had popcorn and peanut push carts, hot waffle 
 wagons and ice-cream cones, and the young girls had pink 
 lemonade and ginger ale; also home-made candy tables. 
 There was a New England kitchen where luncheon and 
 dinner were served, as the fair ran two days, and there 
 was a tea garden. 
 
 The fancy work booth displayed a large loan collec- 
 tion of interesting quilts and samples which framed a 
 background for the more modern work. It adjoined the 
 rug section, where all sorts of rag rugs were for sale 
 and orders taken. This booth was arranged like an old- 
 fashioned parlor with rag carpet on the floor ; cupboards 
 displayed tin, pewter and brass utensils highly polished, 
 and buttermilk was served with hot corn muffins. 
 
 In the fruit and vegetable department all the resi- 
 dents for miles around contributed specimens of their 
 best growings, and these were for sale after five o'clock 
 and after the judges had passed upon their merits. The 
 flower stall was most attractive, and maidens went out 
 over the grounds with baskets of choice blossoms for 
 sale. 
 
 260 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 The corner devoted to animals was the delight of the 
 children as well as grown-ups. Puppies and kittens were 
 for sale and some baby lambs, wee chickens, a young calf 
 and a Welsh pony. The last mentioned was raffled off on 
 the last day. Then there was a silhouette gallery, fortune- 
 telling, and a cat-shooting gallery, where a dozen stuffed 
 cats were shot at, with tickets for sale at ten cents a 
 shot. This was in charge of a band of boy scouts. The 
 shots were made with tennis balls at a distance of 20 feet 
 and anyone who knocked over three cats in succession 
 got two more shots. Prizes of candy boxes were given 
 for those who hit six cats. This was great fun for the 
 youngsters. This entertainment was a great success 
 socially as well as financially, as the whole countryside 
 was interested. 
 
 A Cradle Roll Party 
 
 In most Sunday schools there is a department called 
 the cradle roll. Every baby that comes into a church 
 family is a member. The head of the primary class con- 
 ceived the idea that it would be a lovely thing to have 
 a baby party, so she sent this clever little rhyme, addressed 
 the envelopes to the wee guests, and it goes without say- 
 ing that the response was most hearty. Of course many 
 of the babies could not partake of refreshments except 
 the bottles provided by mothers and nurses. The favors 
 were rattles of celluloid. 
 
 We are going to have a party! 
 
 Will you come? 
 Our welcome will be hearty; 
 
 Will you come? 
 Just coax mama to bring you ; 
 Some pretty songs we'll sing you ; 
 Close to our hearts we'll swing you ; 
 
 Say you'll come ! 
 
 261 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 You will see some other babies 
 
 When you come; 
 So now no ''ifs" nor "maybes." 
 
 You must come ! 
 We're longing to caress you, 
 To our loving hearts we'll press you, 
 And we'll ask the Lord to bless you. 
 
 'Course you'll come ! 
 
 A Novel Thimble Party 
 
 A YOUTHFUL president of a young people's church so- 
 ciety determined to break the monotony of the first meet- 
 ing in this way: She asked each girl to bring several 
 bright scraps of silk sufficient to make a necktie, and she 
 asked each man to bring a thimble costing not over lo 
 cents. All the silk pieces were placed in a large basket 
 and passed, from which the girls selected a bit to make 
 a tie ; the men produced the thimbles and threaded all the 
 needles. Envelopes were passed to the men containing 
 samples of the silk, and then they found a partner by 
 matching the sample with the pieces of silk selected by 
 the girls when the basket was passed. After the neck- 
 ties were finished each man put on the one made by his 
 partner, and she kept the thimble. Serve a supper, or 
 merely Hght refreshments as is thought best. If a man 
 fails to thread a needle he pays a forfeit. 
 
 A Rainbow Tea 
 
 There were seven tables, beginning with red, then 
 orange, yellow, indigo, green, violet and blue. The wait- 
 ers for each table were dressed accordingly, and there 
 was an arrangement of draperies bringing in all the 
 colors that transformed the room into a bower of beauty. 
 Below is the menu for each table : 
 
 RED TABLE 
 
 Ham. Tongue. 
 
 Sausage. Dried Beef. Beets. Radishes. 
 
 Cranberries. Cherries. Red Jellies. 
 
 Bread and Butter. 
 
 262 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 GREEN TABLE 
 
 Olives. Lettuce Salad. Green Apples. 
 
 Stuffed Green Peppers. Watercress. Cheese Wafers. 
 
 Lettuce Sandwiches. 
 
 ORANGE TABLE 
 
 Orange Cake. Sliced Oranges. 
 
 Plain Oranges. Orange Salad. Orange Ice. 
 
 Cheese. Coffee. 
 
 YELLOW TABLE 
 
 Bananas. Pears. Pineapple. 
 Canned Peaches. Sponge Cake. 
 
 VIOLET TABLE 
 
 Violet Sherbet, decorated with candied violets. 
 
 Lady Fingers tied with violet ribbons. 
 
 Violets for sale. 
 
 INDIGO BLUE TABLE 
 
 This table was decorated v^ith blue candies and a 
 young v^oman handed out blue tickets that entitled the 
 holder to a dish of ice cream or a slice of mince pie, both 
 of which were served on blue plates. If a guest wished 
 to take the entire course the charge was 50 cents. One 
 article could be ordered for 7 cents. 
 
 Fortune's Wheel 
 
 This fortune wheel furnishes an abundant supply of 
 fun for children at a party or at a church bazar, where it 
 will be a means of adding at least pennies to the coffers. 
 
 There should be a small tent made of a sheet and three 
 sticks, or one loaned for the occasion. Then dress up a 
 dummy gypsy in gay colors with a hand made by stuffing 
 an old glove, fasten a stick in the fingers. Seat the old 
 crone at the tent entrance, and then have an axle and 
 wheel from oflf an old baby carriage, or any kind of a 
 small wheel will answer. A strip of white paper an inch 
 
 263 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 wide must be pasted upon the outside of the tire; then 
 mark on a row of numbers at regular intervals. 
 
 The stick in the gypsy's hand must rest on the paper 
 in such a manner that when the wheel revolves this stick 
 will touch the numbers that pass beneath it. Fortunes 
 good and plenty must be written on slips of paper 
 doubled over and each one numbered to correspond with 
 the ones on the wheel. These may be tacked on a board 
 in front of the wheel. A cent, or whatever sum is de- 
 cided upon, is paid by the youthful aspirant to fortune; 
 the wheel is revolved, and when it stops the stick points 
 to a number, the number on the fortune slip is pulled 
 off and the purchaser of fame or wealth reads his destiny 
 amid great laughter if the fortune writer was clever. 
 
 Quilting Supper 
 
 The president of a ladies' aid arranged this interest- 
 ing meeting at her country home. The society had a large 
 order for comforters, so they combined work with pleas- 
 ure. Invitations were issued for a ^'tufting bee,'' the 
 frames were set out and everything was ready for work 
 on the large piazza when the guests arrived. The hours 
 were from "three to seven." At **early candle light'' a 
 supper was served. The table centrepiece was a log 
 cabin made of twigs, and there were bread sticks, cheese 
 straws, candy sticks arranged in log-cabin style at the 
 corners of the table. Lights were not necessary, but there 
 were quaint brass candlesticks on the table in which the 
 hostess lit candles. She had potato salad, hot baking 
 powder biscuit, ginger bread, delicious apple sauce 
 chilled, iced tea and coffee, old-fashioned sponge cake 
 and home-made candy. 
 
 A City Supper 
 Instead of having viands typical of countries, a ladies' 
 aid society gave a variation of this idea by announcing 
 
 264 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 a supper the food to be typical of certain cities. Those 
 represented were: Baltimore, by oysters; Boston, by 
 baked beans and brown bread ; Philadelphia, by scrapple ; 
 Chicago, by cold ham ; Savannah, by corn pone and beaten 
 biscuit; Atlanta, by fried chicken; New Orleans, by 
 chicken pilou (chicken stew with rice) ; and San Fran- 
 cisco, by oranges or Chinese dishes. 
 
 A Handkerchief Bazar 
 
 This jingle sent to all the friends of the members of a 
 church guild brought generous results ; the handkerchiefs 
 were sold, tea and wafers were served : 
 
 To all our friends, though far or near, 
 
 We crave your kind attention ; 
 So please to lend us now your ear 
 
 While we a subject mention. 
 
 The union will hold 
 
 On a day not distant far, 
 If we have been correctly told, 
 
 A handkerchief bazar. 
 
 So this, then, is our plea in brief : 
 
 To help our enterprise, 
 You each shall send a handkerchief, 
 
 Of any kind or size. 
 
 To be without a handkerchief 
 
 You know is quite distressing ; 
 From every friend let one be sent — 
 
 'Twill surely be a blessing. 
 
 If a handkerchief you can make, 
 That^ handkerchief we will surely take ; 
 But if you can't, then buy one — 
 We'll thank you till your race is run. 
 
 Please send not later than 
 
 To 
 
 265 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 CHAPTER XVII.— PASTIMES FOR SHOW- 
 ERS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS 
 
 For the Bride-Elect 
 
 SHOWERS are perfectly lovely if conducted right, 
 just the right people asked, and just the right things 
 given. Only those near and dear to the honored 
 guest should be bidden, and care should be taken that 
 pocketbooks are not overtaxed. Let me tell you what a 
 bunch of girls did who were close to the happy maiden 
 and knew that she was going right to housekeeping. 
 They took her into their confidence and told her to get 
 the materials for all her curtains (she wisely bought a 
 bolt so that all windows would be alike). Then the 
 hostess sent out cards on which were written : 
 
 Said So-and-So 
 to So-and-So : 
 *'Let's sit a while 
 and sew." 
 
 In the lower left-hand corner she wrote 'Tor Gertrude 
 Brown,'' with day, date, and hour. Such a merry, happy 
 time, and as a surprise all the special boys had been asked 
 to drop in for a cup of tea at five o'clock. They caught 
 the enthusiasm and volunteered to come round and help 
 Bob put up the fixtures, so another jolly time was planned 
 after the happy event. 
 
 Spoon Shower 
 
 This aflfair was given by the girls of the bridal party 
 at the home of the maid of honor. The table was round, 
 covered with a lace cloth over green ; as green and white 
 
 266 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 were the bridal colors. White roses and ferns made the 
 centrepiece, with white green-banded china, glass candle- 
 sticks with lace shades over green. The place cards were 
 cut out white roses tied with a bow of green, and the 
 bride-elect's chair was tied with a huge fluffy bow of 
 green and white tulle. White and green horseshoe-shaped 
 candy boxes held the green and white bonbons and a 
 green and white Jack Horner pie was passed with dessert, 
 from which the guests drew pretty green and white snap- 
 ping crackers. Each parcel had the donor's card on 
 which was written an appropriate sentiment. The spoons 
 were all the same pattern, and as there were six it made 
 a very nice set. The men of the wedding party, knowing 
 about this, gave a half-dozen forks and the same number 
 of tablespoons of the same pattern, 
 
 A Housekeeping Shower 
 
 The hostess and guests were all young matrons, and 
 the girl to be married was the last of the set to re- 
 nounce single blessedness. Harking back to their old 
 sorority days, when the guest of honor arrived she was 
 ushered with great solemnity into the den, where the 
 hostess informed her she was to be initiated into the 
 mysteries of the Housewife's Union, and accordingly 
 blindfolded her. Then she was led into the living-room, 
 where the worthy matrons sat each with a cap of some 
 denomination upon her head; bandanna, turban, two 
 sweeping caps, boudoir cap, and hair perfume cap, and 
 sunbonnet were represented. Each had on an apron of 
 some kind. She was halted before each in turn and 
 made to identify the kitchen utensil which was held out 
 to her. Every correct answer was greeted with cries of 
 **Worthy," and mistakes were proclaimed most vocifer- 
 ously "Unworthy." After counting up the "worthy" 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 guesses she was declared eligible and made to swear to 
 the following: 
 
 "I, Mary Jane Snow, soon to be Johnson, do of my own free 
 will and accord solemnly promise that I will reveal any and all 
 of the secrets of this club to anyone desiring to receive the same ; 
 that I will make a never-ending war against germs, dust, and 
 poor cooking, and that I will to the utmost of my ability master 
 the intricacies of the kitchen range, the maid's temper, and my 
 husband's appetite. I furthermore promise that I will not allow 
 myself to become disheartened through failures, nor worried 
 through trifles; that I will cherish a cheerful face, a cordial 
 manner, and repose of spirit beyond any other qualifications of 
 my home. To all of which I pledge my sacred word of honor as 
 a housekeeper!" 
 
 Then the blindfold was removed, and how the honored 
 guest laughed when she saw the array of worthy 
 matrons; I forgot to say that each wore a badge of of- 
 fice pinned on her left breast right over the heart. These 
 were cooking and household articles, some in doll size and 
 some only pictures out of magazine advertisements. 
 Next she was conducted to each matron in turn, first to 
 the one who wore the sweeping cap and long-sleeved 
 apron; she was asked the most approved method of 
 sweeping and, being pronounced worthy, was presented 
 with the cap and apron; then to the Culinary Mistress, 
 who questioned her and gave her a model kitchen apron ; 
 on to the Mistress of the Tubs, who gave her a clothes- 
 pin apron and laundry gloves for winter wear in hanging 
 out the washing. The Lady of the Wardrobe told her to 
 commit and recite the following: 
 
 A biased bias gathers no plaits. 
 
 Never look a pinked tuck in the seams. 
 
 One shirr in the mull is worth three in the scrim. 
 
 A basque is known by the stitches it keeps. 
 
 You may lead a woman to the machine, but you cannot make 
 her hem. 
 
 Better is a slashed gore with bangles than a gusset of tulle 
 and Honiton therewith. 
 
 Frilled tatting fulls deep. 
 
 268 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 Whereupon she presented a charming apron with pock- 
 ets to which were attached scissors, needle book, thimble 
 and emery. The last stunt was to usher the happy maiden 
 down to the laundry, where she was told to put on her 
 clothespin apron and proceed to take down her first 
 washing, and this was several dozen dish towels and 
 dusters. The last ceremony was investing her with a 
 badge representing a bride above and a pretty cook be- 
 low ; then she was declared a full-fledged member of the 
 Union. 
 
 Rose Shower for a June Bride 
 
 A CHARMING young woman, who was married in this 
 month was the recipient of this unusual shower. Her 
 name was Rose, and she had planned a rose wedding. 
 Knowing this, the hostess decorated entirely with roses, 
 and each guest (only six of the honored guests, most 
 intimate friends) brought a rose in a pot, the latter 
 wrapped in pink crepe paper. One of the following quo- 
 tations written on a pink heart was on each rosebush, 
 attached by pink ribbon: 
 
 When we should live together in a cozy little cot, 
 Hid in a nest of roses, with a fairy garden spot. 
 Where the vines were ever fruited and this weather ever fine 
 And the birds were ever singing for that old sweetheart of mine. 
 
 — Riley. 
 
 What glory then for me, 
 
 In such a company? 
 
 Roses plenty, roses plenty, 
 
 And one nightingale for twenty. 
 
 — Elizabeth Browning. 
 
 Jasmine is sweet and has many loves, 
 And the broom's betrothed to the bee; 
 
 But I will plight with the dainty rose, 
 For fairest of all is she. 
 
 -Hood. 
 
 269 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 'Tis said, as Cupid danced among 
 The gods, he down the nectar flung. 
 
 Which on the white rose being shed 
 
 Made it ever after red. 
 
 — Herrick. 
 
 For there the rose, o*er crag and vale. 
 
 Sultana of the nightingale. 
 The maid for whom his melody, 
 His thousand songs are heard on high, 
 
 Blooms, blushing, to her lover's tale. 
 
 — Byron. 
 
 Flowers of all hues, and without thorn the rose. 
 
 — Milton. 
 
 A luncheon was served, the centrepiece of pink roses, 
 pink petals scattered over the table, pink candles and pink 
 silk rose-petal shades. The dessert was pink ice cream 
 served in little flower pots in which a pink rosebud was 
 planted ; the guests wore pink or white over pink, a pink 
 rose was at each place. 
 
 The Dower Chest 
 
 In olden days when a girl was born the mother at once 
 started her dower chest, in which fine linen made on the 
 estate was placed from year to year against the time 
 when the wee maiden would need it as a bride. This was 
 especially the custom in European countries. Nowadays 
 very few have dower chests, such as those wonderful 
 oak chests often carved with armorial bearings or the 
 girl's own name ; but the twentieth-century maiden may 
 buy a trunk and in it place articles that she sees from 
 time to time will be needed for the nest to which she 
 expects to go *'some day." I know a girl who is to be 
 married in a year, and she says she never lets a week 
 pass without adding something to her **hope'' box, as 
 she prettily calls it. Perhaps it may be a real bargain in 
 towels, or table linen, perhaps a bit of underwear or a 
 
 270 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 pair of silk hose. She hasn't much money, but it is aston- 
 ishing how things accumulate when one has a steady 
 purpose, and as she shyly said: "A bit of self-denial 
 makes the things all the more precious ; and after all, is 
 a girl ever quite so happy as when planning for her 
 'prince charming's' coming?'' 
 
 A Farewell Shower 
 
 This month brings numerous farewells, along with 
 its gayeties; for commencements and weddings usually 
 mean partings. A favorite teacher going abroad for her 
 vacation was the recipient of such a novel shower that I 
 am eager to tell my readers all about it. 
 
 Of course, on short vacation journeys baggage is to be 
 considered, and her friends did not wish to cause incon- 
 venience by their kindly attentions; so one of the girls 
 said: 'Tet's give her a Europe shower," and they did. 
 There were envelopes, great and small; some contained 
 safety pins ; some, hair pins ; a wee one held court plaster ; 
 another, a layer of absorbent cotton; one, clippings of 
 jokes ; several were steamer letters. One bulky affair had 
 chewing gum and fruit tablets, the latter wrapped in 
 waxed paper like caramels. Oh, yes; one neatly tied 
 envelope had needles, and various threads wound on card- 
 board, with a card containing various sized buttons. The 
 envelopes were all placed in a denim bag to hang on her 
 steamer chair. 
 
 A Bridal Birthday Shower 
 
 Have you ever heard of a birthday shower for a bride? 
 
 Try it the next time a bride-elect is to be honored. 
 This is the way one is managed. The guests are re- 
 quested to bring something suitable for her birthday 
 month; for instance, say the natal day is in February; 
 a heart-shaped pincushion, an amethyst pin, or one of 
 Dickens's books, as his birthday is in that month. A 
 
 271 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 handsome calendar may do for January, or a thermometer 
 to tell how cold it is. An umbrella, or even a pair of 
 rubbers, for April ; a fan for July, a broom for Septem- 
 ber (Labor Day), etc. You may readily see how amus- 
 ing such an aflfair could be made and how interesting it 
 would be during the time the parcels were unwrapped. 
 
 Having funny things always adds to the merriment, 
 and having a rhyme with each package makes enough 
 entertainment, so that no other scheme is necessary. The 
 gifts might be brought in a clothes basket or hamper and 
 all sent to the bride's home after the party. 
 
 I have heard of similar affairs being given under the 
 name of "calendar'' showers; that is, when there are just 
 twelve guests and each one brings a gift suitable for the 
 month which the hostess designates in the invitation. 
 Every one, of course, selects something acceptable and 
 appropriate for the bride and her new home. 
 
 A luncheon may or may not precede the shower. 
 
 A Unique Gingham Apron Shower 
 
 A GIRL who had lived in her home town all her life and 
 consequently had many friends, was the recipient of this 
 acceptable and enjoyable shower. The girls (six in 
 number) were asked to bring a gingham apron. They 
 consulted, so there would be no two alike. Of the 
 material each girl made a necktie which was placed in an 
 envelope. The aprons were all finished except the hems, 
 which furnished needlework for an hour. At six o'clock 
 a man for each girl appeared, the envelopes were passed, 
 and the men found their supper partners by matching the 
 neckties with the aprons, each girl putting on one and 
 the boys wearing the tie that matched. At the close of 
 the repast the aprons were all tied about the little bride- 
 elect. It was a merry time, and twice as nice because the 
 poor neglected bridegroom and ushers were included in 
 the fun. 
 
 2^2 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 A Pillow Shower 
 
 This was not given for a bride, but for two girls who 
 were going away to school. To furnish their joint sit- 
 ting room was the idea of the home girls who gave it. 
 The result was a fine collection of useful and ornamental 
 pillows or cushions, from those for the couch to dainty 
 confections of dotted swiss and ribbon for the dressing- 
 table. There were also cushions filled with pins of all 
 sizes and with needles. There were denim cushions large 
 enough to sit on when placed on the floor, and what 
 girl does not adore sitting on the floor in front of the 
 fire and dreaming long, happy dreams of the days that 
 are yet to come? A bride-elect who heard of the affair 
 said she thought such a downpour would be very ac- 
 ceptable. 
 
 The Practical Shower 
 
 A YOUNG woman much beloved in her neighborhood 
 was to be married, and this delightful shower was ar- 
 ranged : She had grown up from babyhood on the same 
 street, and one of her mother's friends suggested that 
 the neighbors contribute the price of a dozen napkins 
 and a tablecloth. Then they had a thimble party and the 
 linen was hemmed and monogrammed. The bride was 
 perfectly delighted. Try this when planning a linen 
 shower. It was no more costly than for each guest to 
 give a separate bit of linen. The same idea has been car- 
 ried out in sheets and pillow cases, also towels. By the 
 way, at afternoon affairs ginger lemonade is quite the 
 thing, with tiny fancy crackers or biscuit, as our English 
 cousins call them. 
 
 A Progressive Needle Party 
 
 This affair was the amusement offered by a hostess 
 at a linen shower given for a recent bride : There were 
 twelve guests and four tables. At each table there was a 
 
 273 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 bowl containing fifty needles of all sizes, and thread; the 
 game was to see which couple could thread the most 
 needles in three minutes, the contest beginning and end- 
 ing with the tap of a bell. The two having the largest 
 score progressed to the next table, each player having 
 a dainty pincushion in which pins were stuck to mark the 
 progressions. These pins had colored heads. A daintily 
 equipped sewing-bag was the head prize, and a little work 
 basket of odd design was the second ; embroidery scissors 
 in a case made an acceptable consolation prize. Every 
 one had the j oiliest kind of a time and it was a most 
 easy party to prepare. 
 
 Jelly and Pickle Shower 
 
 The guests each brought either a glass of jelly or a 
 jar of some kind of pickles or relish ; the recipe for each 
 accompanied the gift, and the hostess presented an alum- 
 inum preserving kettle with a spoon of the same material. 
 Hot buttered toast, orange marmalade, and tea were 
 served, with candied ginger and peppermints. The room 
 was decorated with nasturtiums. 
 
 Bath and Laundry Shower 
 
 A MUCH feted bride had had seemingly every kind of 
 a shower ; finally a clever young matron proposed a "bath 
 and laundry" affair, and it was a great success. 
 
 The twenty guests consulted beforehand, so there were 
 no duplicates. Here is a partial list of the gifts : Clothes- 
 line ; 7 dozen clothespins ; a bag for same made of denim, 
 the name neatly outlined in red; all kinds of starch; a 
 hamper for soiled linen; laundry and bath soap; bath 
 towels; a dozen wash cloths; a bath brush; an ironing 
 board and white felt to cover it ; several laundry bags for 
 handkerchiefs and collars and cuffs. These were made of 
 white pique, the monogram being worked in colors. An 
 
 274 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 electric iron would be a fine addition if the expense is 
 not too much; also a good sized clothes basket, and an 
 apron of waterproof material. Oh, yes, I forgot; both 
 ball and bottle bluing, ironing holders, irons, rest, and 
 wax. 
 
 Idea for a Kitchen Shower 
 
 At a kitchen shower a recipe was brought with the 
 article contributed, if it was a utensil requiring a rule. 
 For instance, a set of gem pans had directions for making 
 the favorite muffins in a household noted for its fine 
 cooking. A mixing bowl had a cake recipe attached, and 
 some scales were sent with a rule for old-fashioned 
 pound-cake. The hostess enclosed a paper for the recipes 
 with her invitation, so all were uniform, with the request 
 not to fold them; then she had a tooled leather cover 
 for them and all were presented to the bride-elect. As 
 the lucky man was to take her "way out West'' we can 
 imagine how much pleasure this little book will be in the 
 days to come. 
 
 A Tree Shower 
 
 A HOSTESS with a large lawn devised this original and 
 pretty shower for a summer bride-elect. She had the 
 lawn gayly decorated with lanterns and rugs spread 
 in cozy spots surrounded by shrubbery, with camp chairs 
 and little tables where tea was served. 
 
 The guests were asked to bring articles for a miscel- 
 laneous shower. After they arrived there was a short 
 musical programme of love songs. The packages were 
 tied to a beautiful evergreen, a real little Christmas tree. 
 It certainly was a loaded tree, for the hostess had added 
 a lot of tin things like cooky cutters, graters, etc., that 
 sparkled in a most bewitching manner. 
 
 Each parcel was accompanied by a rhyme or sentiment, 
 which was read aloud. The bride-elect was handed a pair 
 
 275 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 of scissors and clipped the ribbons, opening each parcel 
 as she took it down. This with serving of refreshments 
 furnished entertainment for time specified on the invi- 
 tations, from ''three to five." Every one was dehghted 
 with the novelty and pronounced the affair a charming 
 success. 
 
 For Pre-Nuptial Luncheons 
 
 The slipper, bell rose, heart, true-lovers* knot, and 
 circle (ring) are all appropriate symbols for place cards 
 at a bride-elect's luncheon or dinner party. They may 
 be easily made at home. First cut the design out of paper 
 until it is satisfactory, then use as a pattern on heavy 
 dull paper or cardboard that comes for just such pur- 
 poses. 
 
 A very slight knowledge of water colors will serve to 
 decorate them with orange blossoms, forget-me-nots, 
 heads of pretty girls with coronets of tiny roses, and the 
 bride wuth a filmy veil. 
 
 Entire figure place cards are effective with a standard 
 to hold them upright at each plate. At one dinner for a 
 bridal party the place cards were little photographs of the 
 bride and groom in frames of gilt, with mats made from 
 the bridal gown. 
 
 A coterie of college girls had these unique souvenirs, 
 which also served as place cards. Books were made of 
 white satin, with the words ''Our Wedding Cards'' done 
 in gold. They were to preserve the wedding cards of the 
 girls as they came out, and there were spaces for news- 
 paper clippings descriptive of the event; also places for 
 a few written notes. 
 
 I think photographs of the bride and groom should be 
 added to make this record complete. The name of each 
 girl was done in gold on the outside cover, and thus it 
 made the place card. 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 Announcing An Engagement 
 
 The hostess asked eight girls to luncheon, and no one 
 expected the interesting news that was announced in 
 this fashion : The centrepiece was a low mound-shaped 
 form of white roses known as ''bride/' and there was 
 a delicate fringe around them of maiden-hair ferns and 
 mignonette. Over this from the chandelier swung a 
 cluster of white wedding-bells ; they were tied with fluffy 
 tulle streamers. The place cards were little standing 
 cards of a bride and bridegroom cut out, and it did not 
 take long to discover that the faces were photographs 
 of the young woman, who was soon discovered to be 
 the honored guest, and the lucky man, who it was dis- 
 covered, was to lead her to the altar. This menu was 
 served : Chilled cantaloupe, cream of spinach soup, fillets 
 of fresh fish fried in olive oil, with sauce tartare ; creamed 
 sweetbreads, green peas in timbales, finger rolls, fruit 
 salad, with cheese and bar-le-duc; pineapple sherbet, 
 small cakes, coffee. 
 
 A Box Shower 
 
 A JOLLY crowd wishing to shower one of their number 
 who was about to get married conceived the idea of giv- 
 ing a box shower. The boys were in on it, too, and they 
 had loads of fun. All the gifts were in boxes, which 
 in turn were put in a huge dry goods box covered with 
 white paper cambric on which hearts of red, large and 
 small, were pasted. When all had arrived the bell rang 
 and the village expressman appeared and said he had a 
 
 small parcel for Miss B ; and imagine the surprise 
 
 when he entered, with the assistance of several of the 
 masculine guests, bearing the immense box. The hon- 
 ored couple were told they could unpack, but each pack- 
 age was to be shown, the card read and speech made be- 
 fore the next box was opened. 
 
 ^77 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 Among the articles were boxes of paper, boxes of 
 matches, boxes of tacks, boxes of soap, of thread, of 
 pins, work box, glove and handkerchief box, stamp box, 
 tool box and a nest of boxes ending with a wee pill box 
 which contained a collar button, box of tin kitchen 
 utensils, box of paper napkins, box of labels, etc. When 
 it came to serving refreshments the hostess had a dainty 
 luncheon put up in pasteboard boxes covered with rose 
 wall paper, a box for each couple; coffee and ice cream 
 completed the repast. There were salted almonds and 
 bonbons in pretty heart-shaped boxes bearing the mono- 
 gram of the bride and groom-elect, which the guests re- 
 tained as souvenirs. 
 
 Giving a Towel Shower 
 
 A TOWEL shower is both practical and acceptable. There 
 were twelve intimate friends, so the hostess purchased 
 a dozen towels of the same pattern and the large papier 
 mache letters, with cotton for marking. On the afternoon 
 for the shower all assembled with thimbles, and each 
 embroidered a letter on a towel; so when refreshments 
 were served one dozen beautiful pieces of linen were 
 placed before the bride. 
 
 Just a word as to the wearing qualities of these papier 
 mache letters, concerning which there seems to be a 
 divided opinion. Personally, I have found them most 
 satisfactory. If carefully and closely worked they will 
 outwear the towel, and that is all that is necessary. 
 
 Salmon salad, tomato canapes, iced coffee and Greek 
 bread were served on the screened porch, on three small 
 tables. 
 
 At a Pre-Nuptial Luncheon 
 
 Besides the usual love symbols of hearts, true-lovers' 
 knots, slippers, etc., at a luncheon given for a bride-elect, 
 the hostess had a surprise in the ices, which when brought 
 
 278 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 on proved to be relative to some personal occasion in the 
 guest's life. For instance, that for the bride represented 
 an engagement ring ; it was a circle of rich yellow cream 
 with a huge solitaire diamond made from lemon ice. A 
 young girl known to be much interested in a soldier re- 
 ceived a perfect little miniature officer with a sword. An- 
 other maiden, who it was suspected had turned down a 
 prominent society chap, had a cold white heart of lemon 
 ice. Every one caught the significance, and there was 
 a merry time. 
 
 A Sensible Shower 
 
 This description of a party given by twenty-four girls 
 for a bride-elect is certainly just the thing that many a 
 girl would rejoice in. 
 
 There is nothing especially new, but it was all carried 
 out so beautifully. 
 
 The girls knew that Dolly's room in the new house 
 was to be in pink; so what do you think this was? A 
 furnishing bee. They didn't know what else to call it. 
 The hostess took the bride-elect shopping with her and 
 adroitly selected lovely rose-cretonne apparently for her- 
 self. When the girls came, each brought a pink rose for 
 Dolly, then the hostess said she had work for all, as she 
 needed help in what had proved to her too great an 
 undertaking for one person. 
 
 As if by magic everyone set to work; pins, scissors, 
 thimbles, paste, tacks, and boxes all were on hand and 
 the bride-elect remarked all unsuspecting that when she 
 went to housekeeping she thought she would have just 
 that kind of a party and get her room furnished. Two 
 sewing-machines were at hand and the hostess's mother 
 offered her services at stitching long seams. 
 
 At five o'clock the maid appeared with glasses of rose 
 punch, with a short-stemmed pink rose on each plate, 
 
 279 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 which the girls at once put in their hair ; the cakes were 
 iced with pink, and sprinkled with pink rose petals 
 candied. They were really too pretty to eat. 
 
 Now here is the result of the afternoon's work — ^bed- 
 spread with- valance, set of boxes, bureau and chiffonier 
 covers, two chair cushions, waste-paper basket, and a 
 hat box. "Many hands make quick work,'' was never 
 better exemplified. 
 
 At six o'clock in a graceful little speech the hostess, 
 in behalf of the guests, presented the gifts to Dolly, who 
 was completely taken by surprise. 
 
 I think I never heard of a nicer shower ; each girl con- 
 tributed a stated sum, 50 cents, I think, and the hostess 
 had all in readiness. Each girl brought what she needed 
 to help make the pieces she was best fitted to do, and the 
 boxes to be covered were all ready to work on. 
 
 For the Bride 
 
 Many years ago this sentiment appeared in a household 
 magazine, and a woman confesses that from reading it 
 she formulated a rule she adopted early in her married 
 life. It is such excellent advice, I put it here for all 
 brides and for those of us who are old housekeepers, too. 
 I think the little quotation is by N. P. Willis. Be that as 
 it may, the sentiment is one we should all adopt. Let us 
 all try to give not only our husbands, but our children 
 and friends ''an unclouded welcome." 
 
 The world well tried, the sweetest thing in life 
 Is the unclouded welcome of a wife. 
 
 Novel Bridal Shower 
 
 This was such an unusual way of showering the gifts 
 that I am delighted to tell my readers about it, for the 
 guests had the jolliest kind of a time. In the big living 
 room picture ads (with names carefully concealed) were 
 
 280 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 pinned and placed about the room. The guests were 
 given cards on which to write down the articles adver- 
 tised. The cards and pictures bore duplicate numbers. 
 Then all went into another room, where the answers were 
 found each in the form of a package done up in white 
 tissue paper, tied with ribbon (being the articles the ads 
 displayed). All the parcels were one by one put into a 
 large white-ribboned clothes basket and given to the 
 bride-elect, who proceeded to open them amid showers 
 of laughter, as the contents revealed how far short many 
 guesses were. 
 
 Fried oysters, coleslaw and coffee were served. 
 
 Progressive **Hearts" 
 
 This is a variation of the ordinary game of ''hearts'' 
 and may be played at an engagement announcement party 
 or for any pastime at either a daytime or evening party. 
 On each table have six cubes ; on each cube have the let- 
 ters ''H E A R T S," one letter on each of six sides. 
 Shake these and turn onto the table, certain letters count- 
 ing so inuch for game ; the number to be decided by the 
 hostess. The ones who played thought the game amusing 
 and very enjoyable. Heart-shaped aprons were given to 
 the guests before they began to play, and the score was 
 kept with candy hearts. Heart-shaped ice cream and 
 cakes furnished the refreshments. The cakes were iced 
 with white with the initials of bride and groom-elect 
 traced upon them ; and that is the way the news was made 
 known. 
 
 For the Bride-Elect 
 
 The maid of honor gave this pretty luncheon to the 
 bride. Only the three maids and two other near friends 
 were the guests, making just seven at table. The decora- 
 tions were white roses in a tall crystal vase ; an individual 
 
 281 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 vase at each place held a single white rose, and between 
 the doors entering the dining room a white wedding-bell 
 was suspended. From the bottom of the bell four white 
 satin ribbons floated, which were pulled by the four at- 
 tendants, revealing four dainty parcels containing "some- 
 thing old, something new, something borrowed, and some- 
 thing blue'' to be worn by the little bride on her wed- 
 ding day. Tiny white satin slippers held white heart- 
 shaped bonbons, and the cake contained a ring, thimble, 
 and coin. It was altogether a merry, sweet girlish affair, 
 full of charms and happy confidences such as only girls 
 of a certain age indulge in when the geese are all swans, 
 the bloom still on the peach, and the world viewed 
 through rose-colored glasses. Would that the spell lasted 
 always ! 
 
 Table for Bridal Luncheon 
 
 The guests were the attendants at the wedding which 
 took place the week this luncheon was given by the matron 
 of honor. All the appointments were apropos of the 
 event to follow. For the centrepiece there was a circular 
 path of rice, the edges defined by small trees found in 
 the toy department. In the centre of this was a little 
 automobile with the dearest of doll bride and groom, a 
 tiny trunk, hatbox, and suit case, all marked with the 
 initials of the bride- and groom-elect. Around the path 
 a procession of bridal attendants marched, even to the 
 "bride" and her "father," the ring-bearer, and the flower 
 girls. 
 
 The places were outlined with wreaths of myrtle ; and 
 pink sweet-peas and pink slippers held candied puffed 
 rice at each place. From a beautiful gilded circular 
 basket suspended over the table by pink tulle a pink 
 ribbon radiated at each place ; these streamers were pulled 
 at the close of the repast and brought forth a pink kid 
 jeweller's box for each containing the bride's souvenirs 
 
 282 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 for her maids which were little finger rings containing 
 the initials and date on two golden hearts. They were 
 especially made and very pretty. 
 
 To Announce an Engagement 
 
 At a luncheon given for a dozen girls the guests were 
 astonished to find a dainty little blue satin bag at each 
 place, the silk cord drawing the top tightly together. Of 
 course all were curious to see inside and found a wee toy 
 pussy cat with a tiny card tied by narrow blue ribbon 
 around its neck, saying ''Marian James, Jack Jones, En- 
 gaged." 
 
 Thus the cat was let out of the bag and congratulations 
 followed. Oh, yes, I forgot to say that a little wedding 
 bell was tied to the ribbon around kitty's neck with the 
 cards. 
 
 At a card party some of the guests noticed that the 
 ace of hearts in each pack had initials in gilt on it and it 
 took some time to make out that these initials were those 
 of the hostess and a young man whom they had all been 
 questioning about. So here are two new ways of mak- 
 ing the glad tidings known. 
 
 Distributing Wedding Favors 
 
 At a bridal party at which only young people were the 
 guests the prophetic symbols were allotted in this pretty 
 manner: A huge white frosted cake, baked in a funnel 
 pan, was the centrepiece. The bride tied a silver tur- 
 quoise set ring (it was to be a December wedding and 
 turquoise is the stone) to a length of white satin ribbon, 
 a solid silver turquoise set thimble to another, a quaint 
 Chinese coin to one, a beautiful silver turquoise-studded 
 hand-made button to a fourth and a silver heart and 
 silver key to the others. These she dropped into the 
 centre of the cake in the opening; the ends ran outward 
 
 283 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 around the table, where each ended with a white card- 
 board heart, on which the monogram of bride and bride- 
 groom was done in gold. After dessert all drew ribbons, 
 and those lucky enough to draw the tokens applied the 
 prophecy to themselves. The white ribbons and heart 
 monograms made pleasing souvenirs for the others. 
 
 Another bride had her shower bouquet made in as 
 many parts as she had favors. As she went up the stairs 
 she untied the binding streamers of tulle and threw the 
 parts over the railing, where they were caught by the 
 bridal party. 
 
 To Go With Work Basket 
 
 The members of a little sewing club equipped a dainty 
 work basket for one of their members who was to be 
 married and go over the seas as the wife of a young mis- 
 sionary. Some of the gifts were accompanied with de- 
 scriptive rhymes which added to the enjoyment of the 
 occasion. I give three of the best : 
 
 No ancient knight has borne me 
 
 Aloft on the battlefield, 
 Yet dames and maidens countless 
 
 Still use me as a shield. 
 
 A sharp and deadly weapon 
 Or a harmless little drill, 
 
 For boring holes in dainty stuffs. 
 At my lady's own sweet will. 
 
 -Thimble 
 
 —Stiletto. 
 
 'Tis never too late to mend, 
 
 Is the message with which I'm sent, 
 
 And though the houses I can't repair, 
 I often collect the rent. 
 
 — Darning Needles and Cotton. 
 
 Engagement Announcements 
 
 The announcement of an engagement marks a joyous 
 period in a girl's life, and the news should be made known 
 
 284 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 amid the happiest of surroundings. Here is the way one 
 young woman told the glad tidings: Invitations for 
 luncheon were sent to eight of her chosen companions, 
 who were the ones she first wished to tell. The centre- 
 piece was a low vase filled with tall stalks of larkspur ; at 
 each place was a small sponge-cake lady-finger encircled 
 by a paste diamond ring purchased at the 5-and-io-cent 
 store, while the bride-elect had her own engagement ring 
 on hers with a spray of artificial orange blossoms tied to 
 it All the others had knots of blue ribbon, her chosen 
 color. 
 
 Another simple but effective way of announcing the 
 news is to have a ribbon running to each place from the 
 centre with a heart attached with just one letter on it; 
 the whole spelling ^^CONGRATULATIONS.'' This 
 scheme of course requires as many guests as there are 
 letters ; the one holding letter C should be seated next to 
 the bride-elect, and if the lucky man is present, the one 
 having the last letter should be placed next to him. Of 
 course every one immediately showers him with congratu- 
 lations. Sometimes the letters spell ''Congratulate us" 
 or "Congratulate us two," according to how many are 
 being entertained. 
 
 One girl created lots of fun by giving a luncheon at 
 which a lantern filled with scarlet geraniums was the 
 centrepiece. At each place was a red candle in a small 
 brass holder — (cost ten cents), and a roll of paper tied 
 with gilt and red cord sealed with red. The name of the 
 guest was attached written on a small card. The hostess 
 said these were documents containing valuable informa- 
 tion and a prize would be given to the one who first made 
 out the record contained and told it to the others. Every- 
 one got busy and carefully opened the mysterious docu- 
 ment, which on close examination appeared perfectly 
 blank. The hostess then suggested that the candles be 
 lighted (the maid appeared with wax matches) and the 
 
 285 . 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 "parchment'' held over the flames; whereupon the writ- 
 ing, done in invisible ink, began to appear and the an- 
 nouncement made from "Cupid's Court'' of the engage- 
 ment of Marie George and Homer White. 
 
 Excitement ran to high pitch, as the announcement was 
 a complete surprise, and the smiling hostess was over- 
 whelmed not only with good wishes, but upon the way she 
 had kept her secret and the novel way in which she told it. 
 
 This is the way a girl who was betrothed to a young 
 architect made known her engagement. Her mother gave 
 a dinner party, the centrepiece was a cunning doll-house 
 over which hung this sentiment printed as a sign board : 
 "Home Keeping Hearts are Happiest.'' The hostess ex- 
 plained that the key at each plate would give the answer 
 to the situation, as one of them would unlock the pad- 
 lock on the front door and reveal the owner. Every one 
 tried except the daughter of the house. As all gave up, 
 she said perhaps the very tiny key at her place would do 
 it ; it did, and the man in the question was announced as 
 the architect. It was all very amusing as the light began 
 to dawn. 
 
 Last of all the schemes that have come to my notice 
 lately is that by which the announcement was made by 
 birds. The hostess had a "pie" made and there were just 
 "twenty-four" guests. It was an afternoon party, and the 
 "pie" was brought in with refreshments. Each guest 
 pulled a ribbon, on the end of which was a little toy black- 
 bird bearing a card with some bit of gossip such as "One 
 little bird said. There is something in the air' " ; another 
 said, "It's time for billing and cooing" ; another said, "The 
 bride-to-be is not far away" ; one said, "He is coming to 
 town this week," etc., until the day, date, and hour are 
 told by the birds. This, of course, will have to be ar- 
 ranged by each individual hostess, but the scheme is a 
 very good one and makes much merriment. 
 
 286 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 An Announcement Luncheon 
 
 A YOUNG woman whose engagement had been kept a 
 profound secret, owing to the fact that the happy man 
 was in a distant country, wished to announce her news 
 and at the same time select her bridal party. She asked 
 the would-be matron of honor and the five maids to a 
 luncheon. There was nothing unusual in this, for they 
 were all good friends. On entering the dining-room they 
 found a pink and white rose table. A low bowl held 
 several dozen bride and bridesmaids' roses. At the 
 matron's plate there was a white and pink rose tied with 
 pink and white gauze ribbon ; at the others a single brides- 
 maid rose tied with white gauze. From the mass of roses 
 to each plate pink and white satin ribbons alternately 
 radiated, ending with a gilt arrow on one and a gilt heart 
 on the next. Every one exclaimed, but the hostess gave 
 no explanation until all were seated, then she asked each 
 girl to pull her ribbon carefully, and lovely wee dolls 
 exquisitely dressed as bride, matron and maids came 
 from the roses where they had been concealed by ferns 
 and vines. In this way the story was told and the re- 
 quests made. 
 
 An Announcement Party 
 
 There was nothing unusual about the invitations to this 
 party, which was an affair for about thirty young people 
 who were in the same social set. When the dancing com- 
 menced some one observed that the young hostess seemed 
 especially taken with a young man who had recently come 
 to town. Presently some one noticed that the wedding 
 march was being played by the harp which furnished the 
 music. This was followed by these melodies : ''Mendels- 
 sohn's Wedding March," the "Bridal Chorus" from "Lo- 
 hengrin," "Hearts and Flowers," "My Heart at Thy 
 Sweet Voice," "The Voice That Breathed O'er Eden," 
 
 287 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 "Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms/' 
 "The Sweetest Story Ever Told/' "Beloved it is Morn/' 
 "Oh Promise Me." 
 
 The songs were rendered by a vocalist behind a screen. 
 When the program was finished the host and hostess 
 asked all to come to the dining-room, where a large loving 
 cup was passed, and all were asked to drink to the health 
 of the happy pair who stood side by side while the toasts 
 were being offered. Then all went back for a merry, in- 
 formal dance amid showers of congratulations. 
 
 An Announcement Party 
 
 This was given in the evening, and both men and 
 women were asked. There were about twenty guests, 
 all good friends, so the affair was not at all stiff. The 
 hostess passed cards tied with true-lover's knots of blue 
 with little blueprints (snapshots) of the happy pair at 
 the top. Below, the word "Matrimony" was printed in 
 blue and gold letters. The game was to see how many 
 words (proper names barred) could be made in a half- 
 hour. 
 
 Every one was surprised at the announcement, which 
 was told without any other explanation, and the couple 
 were overwhelmed with congratulations. 
 
 At the conclusion of the word contest a basket was 
 passed containing tiny bells, wee slippers, two rings, two 
 hearts, envelopes containing a love message, etc. Thus 
 partners were found by matching these love tokens. Then, 
 to the music of Lohengrin's wedding march, they went to 
 the dining-room, where this dainty repast was served: 
 Creamed chicken in heart-shaped patties ; hot biscuit, also 
 heart-shaped ; ambrosia and pink-iced heart cakes. "Lov- 
 er's delight" nectar was served in tall glasses. This was 
 merely grape juice with plenty of cracked ice. 
 
 288 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 A Hosiery Shower 
 
 Covers were laid for ten ; the hostess seated the hon- 
 ored guest opposite her at the foot of the long table ; the 
 chair was decorated with a large bow of white tulle ; the 
 centrepiece was bride' roses in a low-cut glass bowl, over 
 which a dear little Cupid was suspended. Across the room 
 there was a narrow white satin ribbon in lieu of a clothes- 
 line, from which hung ten pairs of silk hose, fastened oil 
 with gilded clothes pins. They were arranged just to 
 hang over the space occupied by the long table. From 
 the toe of each pair the donor's card was attached by 
 ribbon, and on each card a sentiment or jingle was writ- 
 ten. 
 
 A Garden Shower 
 
 This is the very latest in ''showers," but it is not ap- 
 propriate except for the girl who is to go to housekeep- 
 ing where there is a yard. Would that every bridegroom 
 could endow his bride with a good old-fashioned garden. 
 This affair is especially appropriate for a lawn or porch 
 party, with the guests expected to wear tub suits; each 
 one to bring a potted plant, vine, slip, bush, shrub or even 
 flower seeds. The refreshments are to be characteristic, 
 with ice cream in flower pots, tiny watering cans for 
 souvenirs, garden tools as a joint gift to the bride from 
 those present. Each one should give instructions as to the 
 care of the particular floral offering that she brings. This 
 may be made a most unique affair, quite out of the ordi- 
 nary. 
 
 An Announcement Dinner 
 
 In years gone by, when a girl was to be married she 
 had a wedding either large or small according to her 
 pocketbook and her own individual wishes. Now 
 when there is to be a wedding the engagement is an- 
 nounced with due pomp and ceremony entailing often- 
 
 289 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 times a large social affair. Then all the aunts and cousins 
 on both sides of the house plan an array of parties. Just 
 before the wedding there are showers galore. And then 
 the wedding day. 
 
 After the honeymoon all the people who entertained 
 for the bride-elect feel in duty bound to invite the bride 
 and groom to a round of parties until, as one newly-made 
 benedict expressed it, he felt as if out of self -protection 
 he and his wife would have to flee to the tall timbers in 
 order to become acquainted with each other and avoid 
 being constantly on parade. 
 
 This is a description of a most charming announce- 
 ment dinner given to the young people to be included in a 
 bridal party. The centrepiece was a gorgeous heart of 
 pink carnations, and the place cards were tied to dainty 
 pink bows and arrows. The following menu was written 
 in gold on heart-shaped cards : "Cream of Love Apples,'* 
 which was tomato soup; ''Chickens that have lost their 
 hearts," chicken breasts made into cutlets ; "Turtle Dove'* 
 salad, made from squabs served in heart-shaped cases. 
 The ice cream was in true-lover's knots and the cakes 
 were "kisses.*' The bonbon boxes at each plate were pink 
 satin hearts with the initials of the couple done in gold 
 letters. 
 
 With the dessert the maid brought in a beautiful Jack 
 Horner pie in the shape of a wedding bell ; the pink rib- 
 bons were drawn by the girls, the blue by the men in the 
 party. On the end of each was a card bearing the two 
 names and such messages as "Will you be our maid of 
 honor ?" "Will you serve as our best man ?" etc. 
 
 Every one was wildly excited, of course, and more so 
 when, with the coffee in the drawing-room, the bride and 
 groom-elect gave the attendants presents, which for the 
 girls were carved ivory parasol handles and for the men 
 stunning umbrella handles. They were all requested to 
 say what color they wished the respective covers to be 
 
 290 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 and were invited to a dinner after the wedding to be given 
 in the new home at which the parasols and umbrellas were 
 to be ready for use. This certainly was an innovation in 
 bridal gifts, and a very practical one. 
 
 Announcement Luncheon 
 
 Rice and slippers, slippers and rice, 
 Quaint old symbols of all that's nice 
 And a world made up of sugar and spice, 
 
 With a honeymoon always shining; 
 A world where the birds keep house by twos, 
 And the ringdove calls and the stockdove coos, 
 And maids are many and men may choose, 
 
 And never shall love go pining. 
 
 Thise pretty quotation was written on the heart-shaped 
 place card which each maid found at her place at a lily- 
 of-jthe- valley luncheon (if these dainty flowers are not in 
 season, use white roses or whatever is easily obtainable, 
 according to the locality). There were little slippers, the 
 bag top being filled with rice ; tiny white tapers in wee 
 glass holders at each place; and the girl's candle that 
 burned clearest, without sputtering or smoking, was sup- 
 posed to be the next bride. The symbols told the story, 
 and the huge bow of white tulle on the bride-elect's chair 
 told who was the honored maid. 
 
 Toasts and Sentiments 
 
 For Sweethearts and Brides 
 
 Here's to man, God's first thought. 
 
 Here's to woman, God's second thought. 
 
 As second thoughts are best. 
 
 Here's to woman. 
 
 He that hath wife and children hath given hostages fortune. 
 
 No jealousy their dawn of love o'ercast, 
 Nor blasted were their wedding days with strife ; 
 Each season looked delightful as it passed 
 To the fond husband and the faithful wife. 
 
 291 
 
Party Pastimes forthe 
 
 God, the best maker of all marriages, 
 Combine your hearts in one. 
 
 One cannot be fully happy until after his sixtieth year. 
 
 What hath this day preserved? What hath it done, 
 That it in golden letters should be set 
 Among the high tides in the calendar? 
 
 Our day of marriage shall be yours — 
 
 One feast, one house, one mutual happiness. 
 
 This night I hold an old accustomed feast. 
 Whereto I have invited many a guest, 
 Such as I love ; and you among the store. 
 
 They eat and drink, and in communion sweet 
 . Quafif immortality and joy. 
 
 May every joy attend you. 
 And heaven daily send you 
 
 Blessings in heart and home, 
 A faithful knight to tend you. 
 And gallantly defend you. 
 
 Wherever you may roam. 
 
 She is beautiful, therefore may be wooed, 
 She is a woman, therefore may be won. 
 
 Oh ! there's nothing half so sweet in life 
 As Love's young dream. 
 
 For love is heaven and heaven is love. 
 
 'Tis better to have loved and lost 
 Than never to have loved at all. 
 
 There's beggary in the love that can be reckoned. 
 
 Then come the wild weather, 
 
 Come sleet or come snow, 
 We will stick by each other. 
 
 However it blow. 
 
 292 
 
Up-to-Date Hoste s s 
 
 To the housewife — May her coffee and the slanders 
 against her alike ever be without grounds. 
 
 Recipe for Happiness 
 
 To make it — Take a hall dimly lit, 
 A pair of stairs where two may sit, 
 Of music soft, a bar or so. 
 Two pairs of — just two pairs, you kno\ 
 A waist the size to be embraced; 
 And two ripe lips, rosebud, to taste, 
 And if the lips are soft and sweet, 
 You'll find your happiness complete. 
 
 Shower for a Bridegroom 
 
 A CERTAIN bride-to-be had been the recipient of show- 
 ers innumerable, so a dozen young bachelors carried out 
 this scheme. They invited a dozen girls to a "den'' and 
 "shop'' shower. All the bridegroom's intimate friends 
 knew his fad for using tools and his dream of a shop of 
 his own. The affair was given at night, and a right merry 
 time resulted. The girls arranged to bring articles espe- 
 cially suitable for the den and the men came bearing a 
 good-sized chest for the tools, with many acceptable in- 
 struments. There were no invitations out for this wed- 
 ding, as it was to be an entirely private ceremony, so the 
 friends were glad to make an opportunity for bestowing 
 some tokens of esteem. A Dutch supper was served at 
 ten o'clock, consisting of potato salad, rye bread sand- 
 wiches, herring, pickles, coffee, beer, with crackers, cheese 
 and apple tarts. 
 
 An Engagement Announcement 
 How shall I tell the girls of my engagement? was the 
 question confronting a pretty senior at college who wished 
 to break the news before the girls separated for the sum- 
 mer. This is the way she did it. 
 
 There were just twelve girls, so she purchased twelve 
 imitation diamond rings for a trifling sum (about 20 
 
 293 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 cents each), placed them in ring boxes bearing the name 
 of the most reliable jeweler in the town and put them 
 on the place cards beside each plate. Her own blazing 
 solitaire she put in the box beside her plate. 
 
 Of course, the first thing the girls did was to open the 
 boxes, and it did not take two minutes to distinguish the 
 real significance of the occasion, and hearty congratula- 
 tions followed. 
 
 Announcing an Engagement 
 
 How to announce Polly's engagement was the question 
 before the house. **I will tell you what we'll do," said 
 the never-failing clever woman, 'Til do it all." She took 
 cream-colored correspondence cards and with her type- 
 writer wrote little incidents in the engaged girl's life, and 
 these cards, when placed in chronological order, revealed 
 the news. The cards were passed with the dessert course, 
 and the subjects covered were her first day at school, the 
 graduation, her debut, her trip abroad, her most eventful 
 episode, and then the denoument. After all had read the 
 cards, a huge silver loving-cup filled with claret punch 
 was passed, each girl making a wish for the honored 
 guest. The nut-holders and cake were heart-shaped, and 
 the flowers were pink roses and forget-me-nots. After 
 luncheon the hostess produced a dozen pretty cross-bar 
 tea towels, which were hemmed with tongues and fingers 
 new. Altogether, Polly said that it had been the "hap- 
 piest time ever." 
 
 Guessing Who Is Engaged 
 
 A YOUNG woman who had been away from her home 
 town on a prolonged trip returned and announced her 
 engagement in this way. She had managed to keep her 
 secret, and so when eight of her girl friends were bidden 
 to a luncheon they did not suspect the denouement that 
 was to be made. When they went to the dining-room the 
 
 294 
 
Up-to-Date Hostess 
 
 decorations and cards set them to thinking, for the cen- 
 trepiece was a glass plateau on which was placed a boat 
 under sail. There were suit-case favors at each place 
 with a card, which read: "The man in the case"; also 
 wee satin bags out of which a cat's face came with a wee 
 card around its neck saying, *'The cat's out of the bag." 
 The hostess explained that the centrepiece represented the 
 *'Sea of Matrimony," and told the guests they were to 
 guess who was about to embark upon it. The suit cases 
 were opened and revealed the photograph of the *'man in 
 the case," but no one knew him. By adroit questioning 
 the hostess was found out, and congratulations followed. 
 
 Carnival of Merry Lovers 
 
 A YOUNG woman who wished to announce her engage- 
 ment in a unique manner issued invitations for a fancy 
 dress party in which the guests were requested to come 
 dressed as ''famous lovers." Husbands and wives, broth- 
 ers and sisters, maids and their favorite swains came 
 together and great was the fun trying to guess who was 
 who. There were John Alden and Priscilla, Hiawatha 
 and Minnehaha, Paul and Virginia, Queen Elizabeth and 
 Essex, Dante and Beatrice, Napoleon and Josephine, etc. 
 All characters were kept secret and the host asked the 
 following questions: 
 
 Are you fact or fiction? 
 
 Are you living or dead? (If left alive in the story they are 
 supposed to be living.) 
 
 Did your love lead to marriage? 
 Either. What prevented? 
 
 Or, Did you live happy ever after : 
 
 What influence had the man's love on the woman? 
 What influence had the woman's love on the man ? 
 What was the most stirring event of your history? 
 
 The young hostess was dressed in a becoming evening 
 gown, and her brother, who acted as host, was not dis- 
 
 ^95 
 
Party Pastimes for the 
 
 guised. There was one man whom no one could guess, 
 
 as he wore a masque and black domino. After a lively 
 
 time guessing, and when nearly every one was discovered, 
 
 the mysterious stranger was found beside the hostess ; 
 
 and her brother in the following words broke the news to 
 
 the merry lovers : 
 
 As you, dear friends, are fact and not fiction, living and not 
 dead; as your love led to marriage, and you have lived happy 
 ever after, we wish to-night to offer our congratulations and our 
 good wishes for the future to our hostess and her fiance, Mr. 
 John Blank. 
 
 It is needless to say that hearty congratulations were 
 in order and a jolly dance followed. The refreshments 
 were simply ice cream in the shape of double hearts, one 
 pink, one white, and small heart cakes. A fruit frappe 
 was served from a bowl surrounded by a wreath of pink 
 roses, and each guest was given a rose as a souvenir. 
 
 The End. 
 
 296 
 
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