The Washington times., 1929-06-11

Many 3 party. which to US has
seemed perfectly executed, will fail
dismally in the minds of a group
of, say, seven.year.old on any one
OF number Of counts, such as per-
sonal entertainment, decorations or
refreshments.
Children are creatures Of con-
vention in such mat@rs as glean1-
ing candles. donkey's tails, and
above all ice cream, but no class
of humans is more responsive to
novelty than this youthful social
set.
Danger Of Overstuffing
Many a birthday party develops,
into rout where the little host or
hostess stands at the door with
hand outstretched, not In welcome,
but to receive gifts from each guest;
where entertainment and refresh.
ment~ have been given so little real
thought and care that children 20
home stuffed with sweets, over.
stimulated and nervously exhausted.
The problem is to preserve a gala
atmosphere throughout and yet
send the little folks home happy,
satisfied and normally tired, and
to do this without imposing "the
adult effect.n
too large party for a child under
10 or II. There is a mistaken idea
that birthday party involves
indiscriminately inviting everyone
you know. This habit is socially
a
why expose little girl or boy to
such q strain?
A Dozen Guests
Have two or three small parties
rather than one overcrowded one.
For the child Of 10 to 12, we would
suggest not more than a dozen
guests. Perhaps a safe rule to
adopt UP to the dancing age would
be q guest for each year old" In
small groups, games and favoring
do not become monotonous by too
much repetition and the problem of
serving attractive and sensible
menus is greatly simplified.
Table decorations should be sim.
pie and definite and not just a
mass of ruffled pink crepe paper.
Centralize the effect of any decora-
tive scheme. A few glowing Chi
| nese lanterns. or one or two lovely
bowls of flowers which the little
hostess has chosen, will appeal to A
child's eager sense of loveliness
more, than yards and festoons Of
| paper and confetti.
Simple But Festive
Menus for children's parties must
be simple but festive. Most chill
dren under IL have an early simple
meal at night, and for this reason ii
| seems wisest to let an afternoon
party end with a light supper. such
as clear broth of creafned soup with
croutonsT creamed chicken in rame.
kins, or eggs in some form, jelly or
honey sandwiches, cut in enticing
shapes or made in layers to look
| like cake and the inevitable ice
cream in moulds. or wrapped in
packages, with a light sponge cage
for the crowning glory.
COa0r schemes in party menus
| may be easily worked out with a
little thought and, where nature
fails, it is always possible to use
a little harmless coloring matter.
Consult Their Wishes
by all means go into executive
session with the small person who
is giving the party. Let him feel
that it is his privilege to entertain
his guests ana not be entertained
by them.
Let him suggest games, colorS,
favors, ETC., which he thinks they
will enjoy. Do not seem to insist
upon color scheme which salts
fies only your grown-up sense OF
color and symmetry. Have q few
surprises and fayors on tap your.
self, but do not monopolize the plan.
ning-guide it. Here is a. precious
opportunity to instill in your child
that first fine feeling for genuine
hospitality dispensed from his own
home and from the bottom Of his
generous little heart.