The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-04-26

There Is one soEt OF entertainment which
~ favorite everywhere and very conven-
mt; It is the afternoon reception, or party
~ daylight.
The gas is lighted, the day excluded, the
hostess and the guests are in beautiful toll
~, their friends come in street dresses
I'D bonnets. their male friends in frock
epats This is one of the anomalies Of
llshion. These entertainments are very
hfge. and . splendid collation. Is served.
The form Of invitation is simply:
MRS. BRovxroN
AT HOME THURSDAY,
from to 8. +:
:
nd unless an r. s. v. P. is appended,
20 reply is expected. These receptions
1rs favorites with housekeepers, as they
osvc the servants from staying up at night.
The drawback to the reception il that in
our busy world of America very few gentle
men can spare the time to call xn the day
time, SO the attendance is largely feminine.
On entering, the guest places card on
the table, or if she cannot be present at
the reception she should send card in an
envelope.
After these entertainments, which are
parties, . lady should call. It is differ
ent thing entirely from afternoon tea,
after which no call is expected. If the re-
ception is given to some distinguished
person, the lady stands beside her guest
to present all the company to him, or her.
If on the card the word Music Is added
the en- the guests should be punctual, As
doubtless they are to be seated, and that
takes time.
No lady who gives musicale should in
vite more than she can seat comfortably.
and she should have her rooms cool and
her lights soft and shaded.
People with weak eyes suffer dreadfully
hon glare Of gas, and when music is GO
ine on they cannot move to relieve them
sstyes. The hostess should think of all
this.
Who can endure the mingled misery of
. hot room, an uncomfortable seat, glare
of gas and pianoforte solo.
very sensible reformation is now in
prugress in regard to the sending of invi-
tations and the answering of the same.
The post is now used as q safe and con-
venient medium, and no one feels offended
IN invitation arrives with 2-cent stamp
On the envelope. There is no floss of
caste" in sending an invitation by post.
Then comes the ball, or, as they always
say in Europe. 1.-THE dance" which is the
sayest of all things for the debutante. The
popular form for an invitation to an even-
ing party is to request the pleasure Of"
MRS. HAMMOND
Requests the pleasure of
Company on Tuesday evening, December q, I.
Bsseing. R.SYP
The card of the debutante (if the ball is
given for one) is enclosed.
II these invitations are sent to a new ac-
luaintance, or to strangers in town, the
card of the gentleman is inclosed to the
gentleman. that of both husband and wife
70 other ladies and gentlemen.
II . hostess gives her ball at some public
place, like Delmonico's, she has but little
trouble. The compliment is not the same
- If she gives it in her own house, how
ever.
Hthere is room ball in q private house
= much more agreeable and of greater
honor to the guest. The ballroom should
Be brilliantly lighted, well ventilated and
not too hot
Gentlemen who have not an acquatnt-
ance should be presented to the "young
dancing set" first, of course, to the cha
perone.
AZ, however, the hostess cannot leave
her post while receiving, she should have
NO or three friends to help her. And
great care should be taken that there be
no waii-howers, no neglected girls. A
great drawback to balls in the United
MATES is that there is lack of convent
snce Tor those who wish TO remain seated.
AZ Europe, where the elderly are first con-
s'dered, seats are placed around the room,
omewhat high, for the chaperones, and at
sneir feet SIT the debutantes. These COW
sfcd sofas in three tiers run round the
oaii-rooms in palaces. and are let out as
We hire small chairs for musicales. Ihave
yten wondered why they do not become
NE fashion in our cities. They not only
soo To the comfort of the sitter, but they
se very becoming to the room, the chap
eione making distinguished background.
h, Saapper Is served in two ways, either .
ounef kept open all the evening, with
Events behind the table, or at small
saoses. The hostess enters first with the
most distinguished guest. Hot oysters,
ooned turkey. salmon salad. game patties,
Mes leiies, fruits and champagne, punch
sna liquors. are offered
a young lady should never be careless
70 her ballroom engagements; she
should not refuse one partner and take
Msner. such things give more lasting
sAense than one cares To give. youug
man Is bound by all the traditions of gentle
seding to remember his engagements.
All those gratutious attentions TO look
round round and see if anyone has been me-
s'scted, any lady not taken down to sup
All that is q part OF his duty to his
me hrst person asked 10 dance should
- .ue daughters of the house; to them and
- sneir immediate relatives and friends
rss ass tne nrst attention be paid by gentle
"sn who are invited.
.,s IS moi wise for young ladies to ioin in
S,r:s aance, nor should young chaperone
sauce leaving her pro,ege sitting.
A. mother should try TO attend her
sNsnters 70 every ball aud stay as long as
vss.sa ao. But many mothers are not in
oss ., as they take up too much room, and
q, souhg cnaperone is asked TO do duty
is,r many. This is great mistake. Let q
ros,s, Eve TWO or three balls if she has not
linz =. ,os the mother; if it be necessary TO
& ~ she invitations, let the whole family
S;.na ~. ont An American hostess. if She
I sh.,..Iiss % improve the art of entertaining.
en- ~ oe true 10 the idea of the best soci-
= ~ ~ course il is sometimes iinpossible
s'se ball in ones own house. as il