The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-06-16
How Dinners Are Given
on Borrowed Plate.
How Receptions Are Held in Houses Fur.
nished by a Public Caterer.
HIGH LIFE AMONG TIE sE0DDY
The Appearance Of Wealth Maintained by
Occasional Spreads and Compensated
for by Months of Retrenchment.

AS minor result OF the spirit Of the day which
has encouraged some people in all classes OF
society to be what they are not, strange class Of
tradesmen has sprung into existence. II Is no
longer essential for ladies' man OF the 'shoddy''
order to own dress suit for, at few dollars ex
pense, he can borrow one at NJ. Deschamps', on
Grand street. From Mr.. Abednego Solomon he can
obtain the most dazzling diamonds" and watch
chain at trining expense. BY such persons, then
the old motto ITO be rather than to be seem'' ls
rendered, appear to be all you can" Not only do
such people trust to appearances bur base their
claims to the attentions Of society upon their "dls
tinguished exterior"
A handsome row OF brown stone dwellings,
stretching from one avenue to another, in. the
neighborhood OF Madison square, displays door
plate on which Ia modestly engraved, morris
Langley, public caterer" We call him by this
name at his own request. The pioneer in the pro-
fession, Morris has not only built mp an honorable
business, bat entertains bright prospects for his
son. who has lately become Q partner. While
there may be others who contest Norris claim OF
priority In the profession, it Is certain that
can dispute his success. He Is very clever sort
Of q fellow, and makes an exceedingly "presenta.
blen appearance in full dress at the weddings and
receptions committed to his charge, at is so
very convenient to have q man OF expe-
rience" reasons the amiable Mrs. Walling-
ford, OF Gramercy place, ''who can assume
entire charge Of q wedding and supply everything
except the bride and groom and the guests" Due
almost entirely to many hundred such remarks
uttered by Intelligent heads Of families to them
selves or to their friends is the success of Mr.
Morris Langley. Full justice is not, however be-
slowed upon this latter gentleman by the remark
for, in an indirect manner, he even supplies the
guests. Mr.. Morris requests list of the guests
He has his engravers and printers. The wedding
cards are drafted, engraved, printed and addressed
under his personal supervision. His turnout is Of
the very best, and, in charge Of trusty attache,
makes the grand round OF delivery. The gold and
silver mountings OF his harness are the cause for
envy by many coachmen; and Mr. Norris footmen
are the admired Of scullery maids Even the BRIDE
groom himself could not mount the steps with more
stately mien than does the trusty man.
PREPARATIONS FOR A DINNER AMONG THE sHoDDY.
While all this is going on, how does the chief Of
this great profession occupy his timer ALREADY,
like the broker in Wall street, he has contracted
for his fowl Ito he delivered fresh" such day
Already he has overhauled his diary and ascer-
tanned that on that selfsame Wednesday night he
is to 'give" eight other dinners. Arrangements
have been completed for securing additional help.
These prelminares over Morris orders out his
carriage, dons his kid gloves and drives to the -
mansion. The lady will see him at once" and he
is ushered from the reception room into the parors
II stranger to the house, he takes in the rooms at
glance, and at the same moment in which he
bows to the madam he decides to change the plano
to another corner. Alter a formal conversation,
lasting for a few moments, Mr.. Langley expresses
o desire to DO shown over the house, in order that
he may be the better able to fill the orders OF her
ladyship. He IS to provide carpets for the
rooms on the third floor, where they are at pres |
ent somewhat worn. Morris does not smile
when he finds these rooms devoid OF even the
sembance Of carpetng. No; he is used to such
surprises "Lace curtains Tor the second 1oor,ri a
writes Morris in his memorandum book. RI True,
these very lace curtains have been used In Mrs.
Bloodgood's, in the same block, yet no one viii
ever detect this fact or, detecting, comment upon
1t. DR.. Johnson said, when you have seen one
green field You have seen all green fields" 50
Norris, believing that lace curtains look very
much alike, dismisses the subject. He knows full
well that those who have used his merchandise
are not anxious to "give themselves away
Morris has "conncctons'' which enable him to
supply even such trining deficiencies as books
for the library, . grand piano and superb
chandeliers for the parlors. "Six pieces Of mu.
sicn Is the entry which Morris makes In that men,
orandum book, already better known among GER
tam families in fashionable locality than the
red book" Of Hoax Ames among Congressman,
All the little details of the reception arranged, Mr..
Langley bows himself out, enters his carriage and
drives to his next patron.
AN INTERVIEW WITH THE FOUNDER OF THE PRO-
FEssI0N.
Firmly convinced that Morris Langley and his
profession deserved to be better known to the
readers OF the HERALD, called upon this humble
servant OF the public, at his residence. Under the
pretence Of getting his estimates on dinner
purely imaginary to be given at an early day,
obtained much insight into the business.
The door was opened by o servant, and was
shown into the parlor where took a seat to await
the entrance OF Mr.. Langley. well formed man.
OF medium height, pleasing In appearance and ex.
ceedingy graceful in his manner, entered The
object Of the visit was stated and, as my subject
did not seem inclined to get away from the hard
facts OF business, began general conversation.
"You are, doubtless, very busy at present, Mr.
Eyes, sirn said the public caterer, as he over.
hauled large diary "and | md that am down
for Jour other dinners on your night Ibclieve you
said TWO weeks from this evening %
sas 9our as nsns We s say HSg
mo; Idesire you TO deliver them"
'Dinner for how many" as Morris mechanically
produced the memorandum book .-..l -
INJURED Morris to himself as he wrote the order
ANY silverr
"None worth mentioning said l. "No silvcrn |
escaped from Morris lips as he recorded THIS ]
began 10 get afraid Of that memorandum book ana |
TO think how many family skeletons 1t contained.
"Much chnar
Enough for about forty, Unanswered l, now men.
tally thankful that had been taught the Catechism
when young
''China for sixty" whisped Morris as usual
As he was figuring on the cost OF the dinner |
took occasion to remark, "Y0u must keep very |
large stock OF china and silver. Your property |
room must lie as curious as that OF large theatreW
"Well yes;, quietly remarked Morris, 1--WE do |
have to keep lew things" n
at may appear rather strange request, but
would you have any objections TO my seeing the |
plate and glass ware which are to be used at my !
dinner2'' modestly inquired the reporter.
mot In the least" said Norris rising and
moving towards the door. We assembled to the sec. |
ond door, he remarkinR, as he unlocked the door
of large back room, IAN the wines and tables
are kept at my cellars on Fourth avenue where
the creams, water ices and much OF the cooking is
DONE"
TnE PROPERTY ROOM.