Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1897-12-09
THE HOUSE PARTY.
One of the Nest Critical Tests OF a
Woman's Social Ability.

You know some unexpected guests
have arrived, and need your room"
is one of the greetings received by
many weary men these summer even
iIgs.
No form OF entertainment is more
charming than the house party. and
Just now these affairs are quite the
fad
Not only in cottages by the sea. on
the lakes or in the mountains, but in
country houses near the city.
To give q successful house party is
an art, was said recently, ANA the
hostess who can accomplish 1t is a
suIe eSs."
To make people feel at home is the
great secret, and not do too much Is
the first important factor,
The English understand this to per-
lection, and at q house party in Eng
land the guests take care of them
selves.
An old lady, who was very fastidious,
was pressed to remain to dinner the
other evening. Her hostess said;
DO stay, won't make company of
you"
But like to be made company OF, "
was the reply.
This is the success OF the house
party--to have everything lovely, but
to appear to make no effort.
In giving this kind of an entertain.
mcnt. II is nice to have the house
furnished in rs cool a manner rs pos
sihle.
Guests breathe freer when the
heavy curtains are drawn and the
dainty Swiss ruflled affairs that move
with each breath OF wind are refresh
ing.
1t is better to dispense with too
much form and ceremony.
Long dinners are not necessary,
and II everything is we'll cooked and
inviting every one will be happy.
At a recent house party the guests
attributed much of the pleasure Of the
week to the decoration on the dining
room table, In the center OF the table
was block of Ice. Rubber tubing
was connected with the large bowl on
which the ice rested. A tube under
the table received the water. Ferns
and blossoms almost hid the Ice.
| In the fireplace another block OF ice
was concealed by plants, and on the
| buffet smaller blocks cooled the at
mosphere. This is not expensive
wnen one considers all the cost OF en-
tertaining.
OF course some kinds of amusement
must be provided for guests OF house
party.
Either one must own horses or have
tennis courts, or golf links, or a river
near where something can be done.
| You see the place." host used to
say when a house party arrived, now
make the best Of 1t you can"
1t Is simple to lay out tennis
court, not expensive to arrange golf
links, and II near river n few boats
will make every possible difference.
Prettily arranged hooks and corners
In the grounds or about the house add
to the general good time. All the re-
cent magazines and newest books give
pleasure.
1t is well even In country house to
fix up the porch in case of rain.
To do this arrange boxes for plants
around the railing. Put in three
inches OF charcoal for drainage, then a
thin layer Of SOD with the grass side
down Bore four holes, two In each
end of the box, near the bottom To
avoid excessive moisture and plant
flowers.
Arrange easy chairs, a hammock a
liable or two, and some lanterns II de-
sired. The moon and stars are pre-
ferable.
Girls all love to find such places and
men, though they scoff, some way or
other, can often be traced there too.
One feels comfortable in sucb
places an awkward man exclaimed
the vine curtains DO not have TO be
cleaned. The ornaments cannot he
moved II broken. and when Won have
mad pleasant, comfortable evening
You don't have to draw the blinds or
blow out the lights. Invisible servants
40 It. They do not need to-. be told
they forget nothing and they ask mn
wages" Above all, In giving a house
party, one must never introduce any
personal worry or domestic trouble
a girl recently returned from a house
party, said Of her hostess:
4 guess she has, her troubles with
servants, but no one ever hears OF IL y
Am ] to sleep in real bed to
hightY" a little boy was heard TO ash
ms mother in a boys whisper and ali
the guests laughed. Then each ono
began TO think OF the apparently I'm.
conscious creature who seemed like
one OF the guests, and yet who held the
reins OF everything, and must think OF
every little detail.
IL one has horses and traps IL adds
70 house party 10 allow the guests to
order them as they please.
II ever guests should be chosen with
care 1t is for a house party. II IL I'M