New-York tribune., 1909-10-03
The bridesmaids Luncheon

What event in the life Of a girl is happier or
more exultant than her engagement 10 the man
OF her choice? once il is announced, she becomes
theNcentre OF social activity and around her re-
voive Adinners luncheons theatre parties and re-
ceptions After this round OF pleasure and inspec-
ton is over and she has time TO form some plans
for her wedding she asks some Of her frienos and
one or TWO Of her fances relatives 10 be brides
maids cher maid or honor. Of course. has been II
the secret since the romance began)-
II she is worldly she selects these attendants
with an eye 10 what they VIII DO for her In the
present line. or how the influence Of some member
Of their respective families connections will af-
feet her position her intended husbands aI1alrs
after the wedding. In that case the list Wl lncude
only the names OF heiresses and the wedding pro-
cession viii represent millions Frequently she is
an heiress herself Then she does not need to strive
for future aid socially in the business field.
This girl, like the one who is unWorldly and
sweet in nature, gets by far the best time out OF
the days prior to her wedding. livery glrl VINO
can afford it has a luncheon for her bridesmaids
at which time each guest finds beside her place a
little Jewel case inclosing pin that she wears on
the wedding day; or il may be a pendant or a
5eWelled bracelet, but always If is costly ulnket,
with the date and initials Of the bride and bride
groom tucked away IN some corner At recent
luncheon an exquisite ring was concealed in the
heart OF a rose al each plate the diamonds gsten-
sne Ike dewdrops amid the fragrant petals. At
another, small orange trees. with blossoms and
fruit. hae hung amid the ripe oranges some arti-
ncial ones which held the sparkling baubles.
The luncheon is given q day or so before the
marriage takes place-usually the day before-so
that the favored ones can have view Of all the
presents sent, and take hand IN arranging
them. Il is occasion when those present" in
clude only the bride-to-be, the maid Of honor and
the bridesmaids and later in the day, at afternoon
tea. the ushers and few other friends come in TO
. have their view Of the presents.
N The luncheon table IS decorated with flowers of
the color Of the bridesmaids dresses. with the
nancees favorite flowers, and is made as gorgeous
with silver, glass and fine china such an occa-
sion demands
Frequently the ''centrepiece" is chosen with a
spirit OF sentiment One that carried out the
Lohengrin idea had huge silver swan. filled with
roses Of a delicious creamy pink. From the swans
bill pink ribbon extended 10 each place, where 1t
was attached 10 a small silver swan holding a
rosebud TO the stem Of which was fastened q pink
topaz pendant
The same idea prevailed throughout when possi-
be, and ramikins were used for the entree,
the Ices were in form and the family cook
had with much ingenuity moulded a swan OF
mashed potatoes, which feature intend
ed in the original menu. In the drawing room
mild cocktails were served first and then the din
ing room entered. Daylight was excluded
and numerous pink candles with rose petal shades,
sn silver candeabra, shed soft glow. The electric
lights were also covered with pink silk, and some
Of these were used when the candles burned low.
In a grapefruit glass at each place grapefruit
pulp cut up with grapes, Strawberries and peach
shavngs the syrup made Topy with sugar and
piQuant with apricot brandy. After this came clam
bouillon with whipped cream and then cold lob
ster made into swans with the aid OF papier mache
necks and heads, the claw ends being used as
wings. Each swan" sailed on a little pale gold
lake OF thick mayonnaise- Boned chicken took
the shape. Only the white meat was used
and white Of egg in the mould represented the
wings and head Of the swan. the Jelly being stiff
enough 10 support the head. With this were served
artichoke hearts. the unexpected potato saah and
stuffed peppers. Then came swan ramikins with
a delicious filling OF sweetbreads and mushrooms