The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1884-04-12
Tea Parties.

Tea parties as formal moal are only
given in the country, as the late dinner
takes their place. But "5-o'clock teas"
"a repast served between luncheon and
an 8 O'Clock dinner, i'll the city, are all
the rage, and have become favorite
mode OF entertaining ones friends,
both in England and the United States.
They are more informal meals than
Iuncheons, because the tea equlpage is
placed in the library or reception room
or back parlor, and one Of the young
ladies' OF the house serves "the bevcr-
age that cheers and not inebriates, "
while the lady OF the house receives
her guests, and gentlemen pass the
cups, but servant is always in attend
ance.
1t is, however, made the occasion OF
displaying rare china; and the hostess
takes special pains to procure very
highly favored Pekoe- orange tea, and
to have her silver tea Kettle boiled upon
the table and the tea made there.
Rare flowers are also exhibited and
rare tea gowns are worn by the ladies',
and everything is made as Extremely
esthetical and rarely poetical' as the
hostess can arrange affairs.
The highly favored cupful of tea,
with thin waters, sandwiches and cakes
Of several kinds, furnish all the refresh
ments, and ladies wear the same hats
and dresses as at reception or lunch
parties. But frequently music and
dancing are introduced as parts of the
entertainment, and the guests remain
longer than at luncheon parties.
at "the dansant." which is usually
inscribed upon the cards of invitation,
a suitable dress for dancing SHOULD be
worn, with or without nat, as the
wearer prefers. But the dress should
not be as elaborate as ball dress.
A ''high tea" is, to some extent, in
place of dinner, and savory cold
meats, salads, preserves, oysters, cakes
and ices of all descriptions can be
served. And the guests remain until 8
late hour, and cards, dancing and
music are en- regle for their amuse.
ment.
The tea table is often decorated with
baskets or dishes of flowers, and small
bouquets are laid at each plate, and sew.
eral courses are served, with white
grapes and a cordial glass of noyeau fol-
the last course.
A beautiful device for ornamenting a
lunch, dinner or tea table is amnror with
large glass globules around the outer
edge, and glass basket of similar de
sign, filed with fruits and flowers, is
placed in the centre of 1t, and around
it are grouped low cur-shaped glasses,
each holding a rare orchid or an ex-
quisite rosebud, with few ferns, and
after the repast the flowers are given ito
the guests. Ii is said that the time
wi / soon come when we Americans will
think less of entertaining our friends
with every delicacy of our country and
all the climes OF the earth, and will
derive mo repleasure in intellectual con-
versation, mingled with charming music
and the exhibition of rare sets Of en-
cravings, with which to interest our
guests. In short, mind Will predom1-
nate over the sensual appetltes, and
brains will assert their rule over stomach.
A 'big feed" involves great outlay of
money and time-and of what gam Is
itP Not the least; but rather much IN
jury is the result, and the sooner we
learn this lesson the better il will be
for ourselves.