The Washington times., 1905-10-23
THE SEASON FOR fORMAL
TENS NOW CLOSE AT HAND
Pleasant Way of Bringing Friends Together at First
OF Wlnter--lnformal Meetings Delightful.

one or the easiest ways OF eute-tain-
ing ones friends is by giving an after
noon reception, or, even easier, a tea.
the difference between the two being
slight. For the former cards are en-
graved which read:
Mrs. James Brown.
Tuesday afternoon, December Tenth,
from FOUR until seven o'clock
Nine thousand seven hundred
Fifth Avenue
The cards are sent out ten DAYS or
two weeks ahead. and the refreshments
are more elaborate. Except for that, il
is In no way different from a tea. The
latter is extremely inexpensive.
Invitations for It are sent out by writ
ing on ones visiting card only the day
and hour. In former seasons il was
necessary to write the words AT home, -
but they are now omitted. On the lower
left hand corner now Is put Thursday.
February II. from five TO seven," or
'frcm four to seven" II. as is frequent
" the case. the tea is being given for
guest staying IN the house the others
are asked to meet her, and then across
the top OF the card is written ITO meet
Miss Smith, When that is done all
callers leave a separate card for Miss
Smith, who, of course, receives with the
hostess.
Refreshments for a reception may in
clude salads, ices: for a tea there are
only sandwiches always very small ones
and cakes, with salted nuts, of course.
and sweets. For either form of enter
tainment the dining room table is laid
with centerpiece and doileys Under the
fancy dishes. and tea and usually choc-
olate as well are served These at a
tea are dispensed by one or more friends
4afI oil a Invitation,
being considered a special honor. and
the tea and chocolate service is in front
Of each. AT least one maid should be
in the room to see that soiled cups and
plates are removed and replaced by
fresh ones. and * many guests are pres
ent IL is well 10 have another maid In
the room TO assist In passing the tea
Guests are expected TO dc this for
themselves, however, to a very great
extent. The dinine room is aiwavs light
ed artihciaIly, preferably by candles on
the table and by lamps, although either
gas or electricity is possible. Daylight.
however. is never used. The table is TO
be prettily decorated with flowers as the
taste or purse can afford. and one color
scheme is ALWAYS carried out
In the dra wing room or reception room
artificial light alone is used. and there
are flowers II one can afford them. SUI !
perfiuous furniture Is removed IL many |
guests are expected. for none Is TO sit, |
standing being the order of the after |
noon. The hostess. dressed in light /
high neck gown. stands near the door, |
where she can receive her guests as soon /
as they enter. and If she is assisted. as !
Is frequently done. che presents the ar
rivals to the others with her.
General introductions at a tea, how
ever. are rarely made IL hostess can
move about and see that none is left /
friendless her afternoon will be far more
successful
The guests send no acknowledgement
OF their card of invitation, but ~ they
are unable 10 be present they post q /
visiting card. with one of the husbands
II the woman invited is married so that
y will be received in the afternoon wf.tle
ths tea or reception Is on. II she Is abba