Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1893-06-01
GENUINE HOSPITALITY.
Hints TO Young Housekeepers About the
Art OF Entertaining.

Art OF Entertaining.
A great deal has been written about
the need OF young housekeepers hoard
ing their means, and the folly Of enter
tanning too many guests. II Is perfect
ly true that a great number Of visitors
may be a serious drain on the resources
Of family Of limited means II is also
equally true that those who do not en-
terrain their friends become narrow
and selfish In their ideas, and that there
is nothing that tends TO broaden the
heart and mind so much as genuine dis
interested friendship.
The husband who is Jealous OF the
attentions which his wife pays to her
| girl companions Is q despicable and
narrow-minded man. The woman who
Prudges her husband the companion
ship Of his friends, and who fails 10
receive them with cordially when
they are companions worthy Of
him, can not hope 10 enjoy
her husbands entire confidence. II
he does not bring his friends home II
Is likely that he will see them at the
club, or some place away from his
home. There are homes that are un-
worthy the name, mere hostelries on
life's journey, where the sunshine Of
true hospitality never comes.
Sometimes a spirit OF niggardless
prevents the family from receiving
their friends, but more often IL is q
spirit of mean pride, desire TO make q
more lavish display than our means
will permit. There is no hospitality
In display beyond our means. And
this deceives no one. least OF all our
friends, who are likely TO be acquainted
with our means, are likely also, II
sensible persons, TO be en- barrassed by
our extravaganza, rather than compli-
mented by. it. II we would be
true hosts we must live true lives
day by day, so that we shall not be
ashamed TO set a plate Mt our table at
any time for the passing guest. We
must, IN the homely old phrase that
has such n ring of true hospitality
about IL, make our friends at home"
In order to do this we need not set up
gorgeous table and deck out our
house in rivalry 10 their own, but re-
ceive them without formality or show,
and with that true hospitality OF the
heart which is appreciated by the
genuine and true. Even IL we have
only a dinner OF herbs TO offer to our
guest, II II be served in the spirit OF
true hospitality II will be better than a
stalled OK, where pride and envy Is, and
with them the spirit of contention.
The spirit of the true host is not gov
erned by his wealth. The truest hos
pitality may be found rs ofton in the
simple cottage as in the stately man
sion. II has naught TO do with ex-
ternal state. The genuine friend is al
ways the true host, be he poor or rich.
The false and pretcntious woman or
man is incapable OF true hospitality.
They may dwell in lordly halls and
welcome their friends with baronial
splendor, but the ring OF friendship |,
not in their voice. They are thinking
more Of dazzling their guest with their
own Importance than OF ministering tc
his welfare. The true hostess is for
getful of herself in the care OF heI
guests, though she never burdens them
with her care. She rather seeks to
minister to their needs In so quiet a
manner that they do not feel that they
are the cause of extra trouble.-N. Y.
Tribune.