Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1905-07-07
AN INDOOR PICNIC.
If Weather Bars the Outdoor Sort Try
the Substitute Described Below
by a Clever Adapter.

The hostess who wants to entertain
a few friends can do so in rather novel
fashion and with the least possible
amount of service if she will send out
invitations for an indoor picnic lunch
con.
The size Of the dining-room-the
number 1t can accommodate with COM
fort--must be the gauge for the num-
Der Of invitations issued. Possibly Is
can be seated here and there, but for
most houses II will be better num-
Der.
Having settled this question, that of
transforming the dining-room must
next be considered For the hostess
who lives in the country it will be
comparatively easy matter. Woods
and fields will furnish abundance of
material. In some localities the glossy
branches Of the bay laurel are avail
able; such growths as will keep fresh
for a day or two should be chosen first,
but branches of young maple leaves,
evergreens in general, or ropes OF the
ground pine, which abounds in many
localities, will be equally appropriate,
The city hostess will find it best to
rent a number of small growing ever
greens from her florist and supplement
them with such other cut green ma
terial as he is able to furnish at
reasonable price. The beautiful crepe
paper now so generally on sale will
add much to the attractiveness of the
decorations. Buy rolls of it in solid
green color, cut in long strips, and use
| it as you would ribbon, making large
bows with streamers for the punches
| of greenery hung on the walls, con-
Meeting these graceful paper festoons,
Drape the mantel, if there is one, with
the paper-either figured or plain of
the same shade-then bank it with
green's or MOSES and wild flowers.
Table cloths and napkins to match
may be had in paper or the same
plain green may be used in cutting it
in length and overlapping them on
| the table.
The table itself is not to be set in
the usual manner. 1t should be drawn
out to nearly or all of its full length,
spread with cloth or the green crepe
paper, and used as a sideboard, set
ting on it plates and provisions en-
masse as ono would do if out of doors
Plates, cups and saucers are in sep
arate piles, while knives forks and
spoons are in orderly heaps close by
them. 1t is quite in taste to have
the wooden or paper plates as used by
grocers. Every variety of sandwich
is piled on separate plate. Cakes are
cut ready for service; so are the colo
meats; the salad is heaped in bowl
coffee comes in a large pot, the freezer
filled with ice or cream is on box
or in a tub at one side of the room
There is no more attempt to serve ii
courses than there would be at an out
door. picnic. Because of her greater
familiarity with its workings, it i:
usually best for the hostess to dish ou
the ice cream; otherwise she is free tt
pass from one group to another ant
see that all of her guests are wei
served. The guests arrange theiI
chairs in groups to suit themselves ant
pass dishes from one to another ant
help themselves to such dishes as sui
their fancy, the maid not being in evi
dence at all unless it should be neces
sary to have her bring in the coffe
pot. When all is finished the table i
left in orderly confusion, the maid no
appearing until the room is vacated.
The menu itself should consist o
such articles as would be served at
regulation picnic-sandwiches, col
meats. pickles or other relishes, salads
cakes and coffee or some other no
drink. AS they do not undergo tn
t usual packing for transportation, it
( possible to add dainty touches withou
7 departing from the idealism If the oC
3 casion. The dishes of cold meat an
salad can be prettily garnished. Fac
plate of sandwiches may be designat
: ed as to kind by tiny flag or som
/. ornament. # the day proves chilly,
: chowder or thick hot soup might b
provided serving it in large coffe
cups,