National Republican., 1880-12-31
sEAsoNABLE SUGGESTIONS.
Some Advice 20 Ladies' who VIII Rccei,
Toilets nnr New Ycnr'a DIV.

hotictS tOr view hcnrs Duys
This pleasant custom Is so generally observed
that II would seem almost supcrnuous to makcnny
suggestions regarding the management ofsuch af
fairs. But so MANY trining Inconvenience arise
that might be remedied by little cerc and fore
thought that II may not be inopportunc to make
few suggestions on subject which Iustnow en-
crosses goodly share of the time and attention Of
society.
To gentlemen who have large visiting lis, every
moment Is valuable. They should not therefore,
be kept waiting, either at the outer door or In the
hall. Common courtesy demands attention to
their convenience In such matters, and ladies OF
tact and thoughtfllness will not neglect them.
First OF all, be ready TO receive ut an carly hour
Some ofthe most delightful visits of the day are
the informal calls OF the most intimate friends
who come in long before the grand rush begins
There Is disposition on the part of some ladies to
arrange for the calls of near friends and relations
before the regulation hour. This gives little
time for the interchange of greetings so pleasant
among those who call from motives of regard
rather than an arbitrary society duty. Never be
moment late better walt an hour than be thirty
seconds behind time. Have
CoMPETEST sRRvANTs
and plenty Of them. Station one Mt the street door
and let not his hand go out ofreach of the doorknob
as long as callers are expected. To keep q caller
standing shivcring on a doorstep, in full dress,
has often been sufficient to cause pr0tracted I'LL
ness, and at the present time, with our unusually
severe weather, would be disregard Of the guests
comfort quite objectionable. Half dozen rapid
steps from the carriage to the door may be taken
without great risk; but half moment OF standing
might, be exceedingly dangerous. The door
should open ns his foot touches the threshold.
second servant at the parlor door Is quite as
necessary, II the hostess has any regard for the
halls arc wen warmed, which Is rarely thc case in
Washington, the doors leading to the parlors can.
not be len open without serious discomfort to
the ladies indeed positive danger If they are In
anything like full dress. Constant attention TO the
fires and the doors would prevent many days and
weeks OF suffering, and possibly fatal consequences
boy at the curbstonc Is great convenience.
In making thirty to sixty calls, If gentleman is
compelled TO open and shut the carriage door from
sixty TO hundred and twenty times he needs n
box of gloves at hand in order to be presentable
during the latter part OF the day II consumes too
much time for the driver to get down for that pur
pose and this part Of the courtesy should not be
overlooked. Snow should be cleared away with
the greatest care OvcrshOcs and the ordinary
wrappngs are not permitted IN the parlors; and
even a few flakes of snow will dampen the boots,
which ore much thinner than usual. and chill and
discomfort mark the occasion, and increase rs the
hours go by,
THE cARDBAsKEr.
Provide suitable and capactous basket for
cards. II Is annoying to lay that shining, slip
perry by Of pastehoard upon, shallow Japanese
lnr proclivites and see II glide gently to the floor
II you pick 1t up your white gloves are smlrched
coming and going of many feet A deep basket is
most desirable, for the most attentive servant may
not be able TO attend to them all If there be- us Is
oilen the case dozen or more arrivals ut time.
Refreshments are not arbitrary, but customary,
and when properly managed add considerably TO
of use, and in many circles are abSndennd saito.
gethcr. Coffee should be prepared fresh ut least
once every hour, unless the house has ali con.
veniences In the way of French coffcc.pots, &c.
Stale, "cookcd-over" coffee Is an abomination'
Turkey and other cold meats should be cut into
small squares and an abundance of forks must be
provided. that no one need soil their gloves re.
qulre more then hand in the process ofsatisfng
the appetite, To attack with both hands and
Knife and fork the dainties of such an occasion is
too suggestive of" feeding,
Gentlemen are not above the noed of criticism on
their conduct upon such occasions. Don't stand
tho. room to get cold Give attention to your feet,
and see that the trains of the hostess and her
friends are neither soed nor torn by your careless.
pair, which Is well in case of accident at any
time; lfitis necessary to display handkerchief,
see that your last calls are moi marred by the cxh
bition of one redolcnt of liquors and chicken
salad.
Forget yourself, and try to make the day pleas.
lire 70 every one with whom you come in contact.
Eat but little and drink less and your reward shall
come In clear head and the respect Of your
associates.
GOOD SENSE PREVAILING.
II Is pleasure to see the good sense and good
taste fast DEVELOPING among our ladies. Formerly,
cate fabrics will be the exception. OF course they
ore still allowable, but are not considered in as
ROOu Keeping rs unrK, r1cn materials. Many gem
tlcman walk and there is, of necessity scraps of
snow or mud attached TO the feet which the warmth
of the carpet and its soft pile at once dctaches
| sweep 1t up, and an unsiyhtly spot is the conse-
quence. Aside from the ruin to such elegant
fabrics the wearers pleasure, If she be person Of
delicate instincts, cannot but be marrcd by such
stains, for the daintiness of the toilet Is gone.
Black velvet satin, satin de Lyon dark blue ofthe
| same materials, dark green, plum color, and dark
cardinal are the fvorite coors for this seasons New
Years receptions. More black will be worn than
lisse ruchings. and great clouds OF tulle for the
neck arc the favorite accessories Natural flowers
| are almost indispensable. Many of the dresses
are to be walking length, which IL decided i'm.
provcment For young ladies, short dresses are
altogether approved. The indications are that the
coming day will be rather quiet but particularly
ENJOYABLE