Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-01-04
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Tbs Is used when the number of guests by
reason of some special occasion, is greater than
can be accommodated at the spacious board in
its ordinary form. This arrangement is also
employed at the luncheons given by the pre-
siding lady when the number of guests exceeds
the ordinary seating capacity of the state din
ing table.
FLOWERS AND DAINTY vIANDs.
The preparation of state dinner is triumph
OF the kitchen and the conservatory. The
former belongs to the province of the steward
and the latter is the combined production of
the suggestions Of the ladies of the household
and the applied genius of the florist. The floral
designs have reference to the motive of the
dinner. The bouquets are also composed of
roses to suit the compilations of the ladies to
receive them. Light colored roses tied with a
satin ribbon are placed at the plates of ladies of
bruno compilations and dark roses for blondes.
The steward having the number of guests to
be at the dinner, first prepares the menu and
then procures the raw materials. which are
passed by the skill of the chef through the
various stages of manipulation and heat until
ready to please the palates of the distinguished
consumers.
The menu Of one of the historic state din
ners at the executive mansion may be given as
a specimen ct all: Observation-Disclosures
pettes brouchees, tiet de bass. flet de boeuf,
pains de volailles, cotolettes dagneau, aux
pe.ites pois, cimbales d'olives, garnes de filets
de pigeons, cerrlnes de fOies gras a la Lucullus,
punch au Kirch, faisaus piques garnis de
becasses aux cressons, salad de laitue, asperge
au branches-sauce a la creme, Romeo ums de
dljon au parmesan creme au marasqun, gelecs
dorange garnis de Praises, dessert coffee.
The subject of wines is one OF regulation by
the President.
THE TABLE ARRANGEMENTS.
The arrangement of the table is with floral
decoration on the plateau in the center with
CONNECTIONS and cakes and ornamental pieces.
At each place are the glasses for water and four
or five wines, three forks and knives and nap
kin and caraffe with iced water. Upon the
latter rests the plate card, upon which is
written the name of the person to occupy that
place at the state dining board.
The usual hour for state dinner is pm.
As the guests arrive, which should be fifteen
minutes before the hour set they are shown to
the rooms for the removal of wrappings and
descend by the private stairway to the grand cor
ridor and proceed direct to the east room where
the President and lady await them. Each gen.
tleman upon entering the room is handed by
an usher a small envelope containing card
inscribed with the plan of the table and bear
ing the name Of the lady he will escort. On
the diagram the number Of the seats he and his
lady will occupy are marked. After being re-
ceived by the President and lady he examines
the card and Immediately joins the lady whom
he will accompany to the state dining hall. His
own lady remains with him until her escort ap-
pears.
PROCEEDING TO THE DINING ROOM.
All the guests having arrived, at the ap-
pointed hour the steward announces that the
dinner is in readiness. The President, with the
first lady guest, leads the way to the state
dining room, followed by the remaining guests.
The presiding lady. escorted by the principal
gentleman, closes the line The Marine band,
meanwhile. OerfOrms a suitable march
In the dining room the guests find their
places and take the seats assigned to them by
the plate cards. which correspond in location
with the diagram handed them upon entering
the east ROOM
There are four services at all state dinners.
The dishes, in their order, are served on silver
platters by walters, the guests helping them
selves. The chief waiter serves the President
first and then proceeds toward the right, and
the second waiter toward the left. The same
course is observed on the opposite side of the
table, beginning with the presiding lady. No
one il ever served twice. The plates of one
course are removed as soon as each guest is
finished and the plate for the next is put in its
place.
AFTER THE DINNER.
At the close of the dinner, which lasts about
three hours, It has been the custom of late
years for the gentlemen to leave the table with
the ladies and not return. The custom during
the earlier administrations was for the ladies
to have their coffee served in the drawing
room and for the gentlemen to return to drink
a single glass Of wine to the health of the Presi-
dent. Gentlemen wishing to enjoy cigar
retire during the coffee to the corridor at the
foot Of the private stairway, but JOIN the
ladies when the presiding lady makes
the motion to retire. After one promenade
through the suite Of parlors the gentlemen
surrender their ladies to the gentlemen with
whom they came, and with their own ladies
take leave of the President and his lady. They
should receive their wrappings and leave the
the guests should have retired within thirty
minutes after leaving the table DER r X