The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-06-10
A Moonlight PICNIC.

The most charming hostess is the one
who can so pleasantly hold the attention
Of her guests that the flight of time is
unnoticed. But this Is not always a task
performed with as much ease as appears
10 the outsider, and for days the prospec-
tive entertainer will plan and prepare the
evenings enjoyment. which. in a few
hours. is only a pleasant memory left with
those present.
The following suggestion may be of help
20 those who like the refreshing flavor of
informality at their social functions, says
the Columbus Dispatch.
About a week before the event the fol-
lowing invitations. were issued:
On Tuesday eve, at half past eight,
Come tripping in al Browns front gate,
With pillow soft and basket too,
To picnic in the evening dew.
Each maiden fair shirtwaist wear.
The next request please note with care,
And do not stop TO wonder why,
But condescend TO take the time
To quickly send US your reply,
And write il every word in rhyme.
In the lower corner a little note was
added asking the recipient to bring some
specified requisite of picnic supper. This
was thought necessary to carry out the
picnic idea.
In preparation for the night the presi-
dent OF the electric light company was Wis
tied and permission gained to have wires
and incandescent lights put on the lawn.
Old wire was used and the expense
amounted merely TO the cost of the work.
The lights were interpreted with Japan
csc lanterns for effect. Hammocks were
borrowed and rugs spread, and as the hour
drew near the grounds presented a very at
tractive appearance.
AS the guests arrived they were met by
the hostess, who relieved them of their
pillows and told them where to deposit
their baskets.
Each one was presented with a little
bag OF beans which led 10 much specula-
ton in regard 10 their use. until auc-
uoneer, in the person Of the available
brother appeared with his red flag and
gong and called the sale.
The guests all followed TO side ve-
randa, where an auction took place. the
articles selling for beans. Objects valued
st not more than cents were wrapped IN
paper as a disguise and the bidding upon
something which seemed particularly
tempting ran high and caused much mer-
rIInent.
AS soon as the auction was over the
tables were set and water for the coffee
hung over a camp fire in the back yard
While waiting the slow process of the
boiling pot, the rhymes which had been
received in reply to the invitations were
read aloud and prize awarded to the one
which had been pronounced the best by
the judges chosen from some of the par
onts of the young people present.
BY the time these had been read and
laughed over the coffee was ready and rugs
and pillows were put around the cloths,
which were spread on the grass.
To the viands brought by the guests the
hostess had added coffee and ice cream,
and the picnic supper was enjoyed with the
usual relish.
After the table had been we'll cleared of
its load of goodies the picnickers gath
cred in group on the cushions and rugs,
and in the hammocks and sang for an
hour TO the accompaniment of various
stringed instruments which several OF the
guests had been asked TO bring