The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-02-08
THE DEBUTANTE
By JULIA HOYT (Mrs, Lydig HOyD

color and material, but it should not be as low, or decollete, as for the evening. In the evening it should be of some diapnanous material like chiffon or lace. Some years ago the debutante almost universally dressed in white al her coming-out dance, but this custom is no longer fol- lowed. White or any delicate color may be worn.
 In the afternoon her gown may be any light pale shade-never red or electric blue. At an evening recep- tion the mother naturally dresses in evening costume, but in the after noon she wears an afternoon frock and no hat.
 Usually debutante asks several of her intimate friends to receive with her, but they are not expected to stand with her on line. They merely wear slightly more elaborate gowns than the other guests, with no hats at afternoon receptions, and look as decorative as they can. Of course. if the debutante wishes, she is perfectly at liberty to have her chosen friends stand and receive with her for short time. But this is gem erally done only with some young member of the family, who may also be making her debut that year.
 Another entertainment for the debutante is the small dance which can be given at home and only the daughters friends and a few intimate friends of the parents are invited.
 Changes in Debutante Parties
 This reminds me of an important and, to my mind, very excellent change that has occurred in debu- tante parties during the last few years. Strictly debutante parties practically are not given any longer. A number of years ago such a party meant merely being introduced to perhaps three or four couples, friends of the parents.
 Now ball given for a debutante includes a great many people of all ages, young dancing married people and older people. This has its ad- vantages. It immediately teaches the young girl to be charming to and interested in those of all ages and interests. After all, that is what coming out" really means, that one is ready to take her place in the world and no longer to be restricted to those of her own age.
 One of the prettiest parties I re- member going to was given in a pri- vate house on Christmas Eve. The mother and daughter received in the large hall on the first floor, facing the guests as they came up the stairs. At their back stood a very large Christmas tree, decorated with toys and colored electric bulbs. The entire tree was frosted over to look like ice. and the colored lights shin ing through the wonderfully delicate frosting was quite lovely.
 At one end of the ballroom stood two trees slightly smaller, but other wise the same as the one In the hall. Supper was served in the dining room downstairs on large table running to the middle of the room. On the table were three miniature replicas of the large Christmas tree. It was very lovely and the effect was quite original, though it really had to be seen to be appreciated.
 Then there is the tea without mu- sic, which may be given at home or at hotel. In fact, there are many other ways of planning a daughters s coming-out party, but space does not permit me to describe all of them However, l wish to say that if no en- tertainment Is given for a debutante, the mother then simply sends out her visiting card with her daugh- ter's name engraved underneath her own, which announces to those inter- ested that the daughter is eligible for invitations.
 How Debutante Receives
 At coming-out party the Gaugh- ter always receives with her mother. If 1t is ball or a dance, they stand near the entrance from 10 until 12 o'clock and even later if the guests are still arriving. In the afternoon the daughter takes her position ne..t to her mother at quarter of four and receives until five or five thi rty, and then she is permitted to dance for the rest of the time.
 As the mother introduces her daghter to friends the girl has never met before. she must make each of them feel that she is really glad to know them. Her hand-shake must be firm and her face smiling-in fact, she must be as charming and attractive as she can if she wishes to be success, since her success lies in being entertained by these same people.
 ms diSo iHeddlS, however, that with older people she should wait for them to take the initiative in conversation etc. Then, too, an ex- cess of manner and conscious boise in young girl is not attractive.
 It is customary to send flowers to debutante, and these should be banked around or near where she is receiving. However, she usually holds the bouquet her brother or father has sent her-unless. of course. she wishes to pay some man