New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-03-08
AFTERNOON TEA.
IT'S CHARMS IN TOWN AND COUNTRY.

GLOW can any one live in town. exclaimed a
woman OF society who would have been bored 10
death II she had TO remain In the country AFTER the
season had begun but who for the nonce honestly De-
hcved that the cOngenal party In delightful country
house constituted lust what was altogether desirable
no wondcr-for one OF the prettiest ana most at
tractve functions going Is a O'Clock tea In beauti
fll country home, when the snow covers everything
outside with It's vast mantle and the Interior oil The
house is delicious with the warmth and light OF hres
and the perfume OF flowers, aud genial with the kindly
hospitality OF the host and hostess.
In the hall the great logs burned merrily, throwing
n CHEEKY brightness over the white-bear rugs and
crimson stair carpet. And Mrs. Murray Hill gave Il
Sigh Of enjoyment she passed through the white
drawing .roOn sweet with the breath OF volets, and
the tapestred library beyond into the great Enclosed
veranda, where tea going on among luxurious-
looking divans, tall shaded lamps and masses OF
spring flowers, which gently perfumed the mia
tropical air. "Ycs, this Is just what enjoy she
continued as she sank down costly among the cnsll-
Ions and accepted cup OF tea which was Drought 10
her by her "bcst Young man." "Tbs Is Il truly con-
genial Iifc What II sud pity It Is that we must oil
Nv back TO hustlng, bustllng New.iork existence
tomorrow
Th, f. the season par excellence for afternoon teas
in town-n0t the elaborate functions which are heralded
BY cards Of invitation which oil the world and MS
wife arr hidden, but the intimate. cory, altogether
delightful reunions which are made possible by the
lengthening spring afternoons a,n the comparative
leisure Of the Lcnten season. The masculine element
too which was comparatively NIL In the winter comes
largely 10 the fore about this time. for many man
who could not be Induced TO attend regular "tea"
Iikcs 10 "drop In" AT friendly house where he
IN sure OF cordial welcome. comfortable seat and
half a dozen congsnial people TO talk TO. clever
woman should take great pains TO make this idle hour
attractive In every way log or two Of hickory to
Law OIL the coai-hre to send d cheerful. cracking
fame up the chimney. Illuminating the darkAning
room o few ng.stemmed spring flowers and q tiny
bunch OF absolutely fresh v0les to perfume the room
pretty tea.tahle and becoming toiet-al these udd
immensely to the attractions Of such gathering.
While the aesthetic sense Is gratifed the material
man must also be provided for, and happily the now
fashionable 9 O'Clock dinner makes q somewhat sub
stantIal O'Clock tea quite possible II Is rather
fad Just now to have speclalues. and Ideas for
this little feast Of the senses eagerly sought by
mlady who wishes 10 make her tea-table as "ehlc"
as possible ~ find as rule that men prefer sand
witches to cukc" said q successful hostess. "and
generally have several plates OF different kinds or
course II goes without saying that both bread md
butter should be OF the very best pates de foes gras
devlled chicken. cavare. minced and seasoned hard
boiled yolks OF eggs. mashed chestnuts and other
preparations all make excellent sandwiches and for
cake find nothing Is better liked than iced lemon
and chocolate biscuits, which always have made At
home. colorng the icing pink with cochineal brown
with chocolate. leaving II purely whte This makes
an appelxjng looking VARIETY. and the attractive ~