Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1896-10-06

ENTERTAINMENTS.
The GIPsY TEA.-This open-air
function Is attended with less labor and
more delicate and formal service than
lie predecessor, the old-time picnic. In
fact, IL Ia little else than an out-of-dOOr
sfive O'clock" which has become fad
in society circles. Preparations for the
affair are very simple--some pleasant
spot selected, swings and hammocks
suspended. rugs spread, crane for the
gypsy kettle and little table, improvised,
aud nature will complete the work.
Overlapping branches, with glimpses OF
heavens blue between, form the ceiling,
while green moss, scattered with the
gold and crimson Of falling leaves, serves
AS carpet for this royal drawing-room.
Landscapes, such rs brush Of artist never
created, are on every side, while tn
swelling threats Of song birds fill the air
with sweetest music. The table Is lsii 4,
and the kettle steams merrily from the
bundle Of fagots blazing underneath.
The fragrance Of tea aud coffee, AS the
hostess fills the pretty cups, is suggestive
Of hospitality and good cheer. The
menu usually includes a salad, or the
cold game pie Of Eng lish preference and
now a favorite In this country as well !;
sandwiches in variety, olives, pickles,
waters, together with Neufchatel or
Clubhouse cheese complete the deli
cscies Of this al III SEQ spread. The m,s
ambitious hostess In the direction Of en-
PERTAINING Can offer the courtesy of This
gypsy tea to her friends with the aid Of
one well-trained servant only, and with
perfect assurance that IL will be counted
a success-sn occasion Of real enjoyment
far exceeding that of social functions
given In toan. The invitation Is notice
ably appropriate and sriistic-,he note
sh, ct ana envelope flap decorated with a
bit Of landscape, wild bird, autumn leaf
OF tree br anch.
GAMES FOR CHiLpRES's PARTIES
There was never a juvenile party given
which did not include among Its guests
clever, representative children. One
child Of this sort Is more aid to good
time than all the written directions for
amusement ever given. Little folks are
shy In following programme arranged
for them, but, with the leadership Of a
merry companion, enter into the singing,
dancing and marching games, now so
much In vogue, with real spirit and fun.
The chief requisite OF child's party,
aside from the pretty supper, Is some
person 10 play the piano for these up-to-
date Smusements, which cannot, uu-
fortunately, be described with the pen In
4 manner 10 be available. A few pretty
games are here given, however, as favor
ties with children, some OF them COM
paratively new. Others played b, mother
and grandmother before them. We take
from Miss Whites delightful book
NEW BLiNpMAN's BuFF."-Thc
leader Is blindfolded and the other
children sit or stand about the room, and
as he touches each one they initiate the
noise made by some animal, and repeat
this three times, IL necessary. From the
sound, the child blindfolded must guess
the name Of the person, which is de-
termined by the voice, and not easy 10
decide. To make il more plain, one
child meows like cat, another grunts
like pig, third initiates COW, etc.
When the leader gives r correct guess,
the person named takes his place.
| BLOWING THE FEATHER. Is a
game Of noise and fun, and requires a
sheet and single goose-feather taken
| from pillow or cushion. All the players,
with one exception, take the sheet and
hold IL taut between them, and upon the
smooth surface the feather Is placed.
| They then blow the feather, keeping II
| In constant motion. while the player left
out Of the circle does his best To catch
il. IL he sccomplishes this on sleeve,
dress or In front Of child who fails 10
blow quickly enough, IL takes the place
Of catcher, the other going In the circle
Of blowers. This Is very old game,
and formerly known by children In the
country as thistle Down." but now re-
vised in the book mentioned rs BLOW
ing the Feather"
The SUGAR PLUM BAG.--Children en-
JOY this game very much, and for that
reason II is frequent feature OF Juvenile
entertainments. A paper sack is filled
] With candies and suspended in n door
/ way At height where the children can
| Just man age 10 reach IL with little wands
| provided for the purpose. The players
form In line snd march TO music back
and forth underneath II, striking At the
swinging bag as they pass. Ii Is made
of rather strong paper, and therefore
much fun usually prccedes the success
full blow that sends down the shower OF
sweets" The confectionery is fire.
quently wrapped and tied in little pack
ages as u protection 10 hands and toilet
Of the children.