Kansas City daily journal., 1897-01-31
A DEBUTASTE,s TEA.
How to Introduce a Daughter to So


One reads and hears so much of the
"Debutante Teas and "coming-out Re
ceptions" that unless one. has actually
given one herself, it is hard to understand
how they are managed.
To give an afternoon reception to intro
duce daughter into society is a very easy,
practical and sensible thing to do. 1t is
far better to give a reception than dance
and certainly less trouble. il is better be-
cause the older members of society come,
see you and see your daughter, and you
have the satisfaction of having some few
of the mothers and fathers at your house.
Whereas, at dance, all the older people
stay at home and only the young and dane
ing set go.
To begin with, therefore, make out your
list most carefully, taking especial pains
not to forget any distant family connec-
tions or relatives. and old friends, as it is
curious fact that, no matter how far
away people live, and now utterly impossi-
bic 1t Is for them to so to your tea yet
they will feel very much hurt and never
forgive you IL you leave them out. After
the list is complete, order your cards. not
too large, good quality, and have, simply
your name and your daughters engraved
on 1t.
Now turn your attention to the food, and
arrange what you will have on your din
ing table. Commence with pretty, table
|
| ence to candles, which need constant at
| tention. &c.,. re-.
The collation. generally at an afternoon
| reception, such as is described here. con-
| sists of bouiIlon at one end of the table,
served from an urn (Which can be hired
| from a caterer, and tea and chocolate at
| the other. AT some houses this winter,
| elaborate refreshments such as oysters.
| chicken croquets, salads, etc, have been
| given. but IL is not absolutely necessary
| to give so much. Chicken salad sandwiches.
| ices, cake and honbons, with lemonade and
! punch. are quite sufficient. You may go to
| any of the well known caterers or you may
| have everything made at home. and simply
engage two walters and q man to an
| nounce your guests as they arrive. He
| should call out distinctly each person's
| name. You should have maid in the
! dressing room for the women. A room
should be set apart for the men to take off
! their overcoats and leave their hats. other
| wise they will pile them up in the hall,
making it almost impossible TO pass them
Your daughter should ask several of her
| friends to come and receive with her and
| their duty is to look after the welfare of
| the guests. to move about the room asking
| them to take some refreshment cup of tea,
| etc. and make themselves generally useful
and agreeable.
The gowns worn by the hostess, her
| daughter and the receiving party are never
! decollete. says the New York Journal hut
are of some light shade of silk trimmed
with chiffon or lace The favorite color for
/ Il dcbutante'S gown is white this season
! relieved either by collar and belt of some
| becoming color. or else simply by the color
| of the flowers she carries.
Collect all your fine silver and glass hon
| bon and cake dishes, make the table as
| attractive as possible.
| The dehutante. unfortunately, mus. stand
beside her mother all the afternoon as no
| than they begin TO CO. and she must be at
| her post TO wish them goodbye.