Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-01-30
BENEATH THE B0UGH
MIsTLETOE BALL At THE TEMPLE
A BRILLIANT EVENT.
The DECORATIONS and SUPPER.
Complete In livery
DetafI-EIegant Costumes Worn'by
the Ladfes--List of Those Present.
The Reception Committee.

Jn1er the spreading branches OF a huge
mistletoe-bough was enacted last night
one Of the fairest spectacles which has
ever found place on the record of Rich
mond's great social successes. Rarely
can the mystic bough. with all the mar
vellous wealth of legend and the ro-
nance that clusters arount It, have
smiled down upon a prettier scene, or
upon more animated throng. Ii needed
not the ample folds Of the cloak of
charity to invite the attention and sup
port of the votaries Of fashion.
The mere announcement that the ball
was to be given under the auspices of
the Association for the Preservation Of
Virginia Antiquities ensured it's success.
proceeds would be devoted to the societys
Golfers. to aid it in the great and patriotic
work, in which it is engaged
WAS THE FIFTH EVENT.
The "Mistletoe Ball" of last night was
the fifth event of the kind given within
the last seven years under the auspices
of the association. Upon each occasion
it has been the object of its promoters to
introduce some unique feature and spe-
cial dance which should distinctly mark
the occasion. The stately minuet, the
courtley saraband and the quaint dance
of the Cotton Blooms" will long be
remembered for their picturesquenesS
and their grace, but the old-time Nir-
ginia quadrile, danced last night be-
meath the glistening berries of the mis-
tleroe, will be reckoned the pleasantest
memory of them all.
Every detail of the arrangements for
the ball had been carefully considered ana
planned. and in the hands of energetic
and capable committees was carried out
with the utmost smoothness and precision.
The ballroom, the foyer, and the sup
per-room were most tastefully decorated
by the ladies' of the society, assisted by
Harvey The foyer was crowded into a
tete-a-tete room by means of handsome
draperies and inviting divans lounges,
and easy chairs, and beneath the glow or
number OF delicately~shaded lamps,
amidst bowers of palms and trailing
plants, the dancers found surcease from
the pl8sureable exertions of the dance
THE DECORATIONS IN DETAIL.
The principal decorations, however. were
in the ballroom White and gold drape-
ries hung from the gallery of the hall;
wreaths of holly and mistletoe were dis
posed upon the walls. and the banners or
the society surrounding a dainty device
Of mistletoe and roses, embracing the ini-
tials of the society. formed a conspicuous
feature at the south end of the room.
The orchestra-stand was banked with
palms, azaleas, and other potted plants.
but the cynosure OF every eye was the
great mistletoe bOugh, tied with a green
and white satin bow, and surmounted by
Cupd's cross bow which hung in the
centre of the hall upon two huge garlands
of evergreen which stretched from side TO
side Of the hall. The glare of the electric
lights was deicately toned with colored
shades. and these. with tho holly berries,
contributed the color winch served to
heghten the beauty Of the scene.
Beneath the banners OF the society at
the south end Of the room. the ladies
of the Reception Committee wearing
their badges of white and green, formed
a pretty tableau, as they welcomed their
guests at the opening of the ball.
The reception lasted for three quarters
Of an hour, and IT was nearly half-past
10 when the opening strains Of the grand
march announced the Inauguration OF the
festivities. BY this time some 25O guestA
had congregated, representing the wealth
and fashion of the Old Dominion, and
the scene was an unusually brilliant one.
From that time on the guests arrived in
quick succession. and the ball was soon
at it's height From the gallery interested
on-lookers gazed on the scene, drinking
i'm all the multifarious details of that
feast for the eye.
CHARACTER OF THE DRESSES.
Next to the distinctive feature, the
mistletoe ball will be remembered for the
great number of magnificent toilets which
were seen at II. Superb confections Of
the dressmakers art made of the cost
liest materials. were worn with charming
grace by some of natures loveliest wo-
men There was. too. a great display Of
costly Jewels. and the whole scene. with
its decorative setting was like a gor-
geous kaleidoscope
Midnight had been set apart as the
supper hour. 1t was sumptuous col
lation, elegantly served For it Caterer
Zimmerman had exhausted all his
wealth of resource. The room was not
so elaborately decorated as the others,
but the tables were garnished with cut
flowers. ferns, and the omnipresent mis-
tletoe.
During the progress Of the supper the
orchestra played a composition Of Pro-
fessor Thilow's, entitled, Under the Mis-
etoe-Bough'
Immediately following the supper
dancing was resumed, and kept up until
an early hour this morning.
THE RECEPTION COMMITTEE.
The ladies OF the Reception Committee
present were:
Mrs. Alfred T. Harris chairman, who
wore an elegant gown Of cream-colored
brocade satin, with jewelled chiffon trim
mings and diamonds.
Mrs. James w. Allison, white satin,
duchess lace, and opals.
Mrs. Thomas n. Carter. pink satin, with
pink roses, and diamonds.
Mrs. William l.. Royal. cream satin,
real lace. diamonds, orchids.
Mrs. r. D. Christian, white and pink
brocade satin, chiffon bodice, pink roses.
Mrs. James Lyons, black velvet with
real lace and garniture of daisies.
Mrs. Francis Deane Williams, white
satin, embroidered with mousseline de
sole.
Mrs. W. James Walker, white and pink
silk. pearl ornaments.
Mrs Edward Buck, point d'esprit, corn
colored velvet.
Mrs. Allan Potts, pale green satin
magnificently jewelled.
Mrs. Levin Joynes, cream brocade satin,
corn-colored trimmings, and diamonds.
Mrs. Stephen Putney, white and green
satin, corsage of apple-green velvet, gold
ornaments, and mistletoe.
Mrs. Charles Boiling. white hernani,
duchess lace, and diamonds.
Mrs. w T. Robins. black satin with
yellow trimmings.
Mrs. william c. Bentley. black satin,
with chiffon and jet trimmings.
THE YOUNG LADIES PRESENT
Miss Annie Mcclure. blue silk. with
violet girdle.
Miss Calvin Bragg, white organdie.
with yiolets.