Evening star., 1938-12-17
White House
Reception
Formal
The Most Elaborate
Gowns Worn on
This Occasion
BY FRANCESCA MCKINNEY

The White House receptions have
started. Possibly you will be invited
to one of those still to come, ano
it would be wise to start planning
now what you will wear.
Remember, this function is an
extremely formal one and yoy
should dress to suit the occasion
Women should wear their most elab-
orate evening gowns and one thai
is decollete. White gloves, or those
in whatever color goes best with
your gown, should be worn.
The length of the gloves may
vary, from the longest, which fiji
over the elbow extending halfway
to the shoulder, or the shorter glove
that stops halfway between the
wrist and elbow. Never wear these
gloves pulled out to their limit; they
should be crushed and soft looking
as they cover the arm. Gloves are
not absolutely necessary, but they
do add to the formality of your en-
semble.
Wear jeWelry that is suitable for
the gown and if you should be one
OF those rare persons who owns a
diamond tiara that you have been
longing to wear, this is your chance!
Any of the present-day hair
ornaments may be worn if you de-
sire, but not If they resemble a
hat or turban in any way.
Men should wear full evening
dress with white kid gloves. These
gloves are worn and not carried, as
they are part of his dress. Nor
does he take them off to shake
hands or make any apologies about
them as a man does with street
gloves.
A warning to the men: Don't
forget the handkerchief in the
breast pocket; you may need it.
IT you should have to use a hand
kerchief, don't reach for the serv-
iceable one in the hip pocket as my
father once did, or you will have
a secret service man by your side
requesting you to please keep your
hands out of your pockets! No
insult; after all, he is there for
the Presidents protection and can't
possibly know personally every one
of the thousand and more people
invited!
II you have never been to q White
House reception before, don't make
the mistake that many do-that is,
shaking hands with the military
aide on duty announcing names. He
Is not a member of the receiving
line except as an announcer. So
just give him your name in a clear
and distinct voice and he in turn
will announce it.
One of the most frequent ques-
tions asked me is, What do I say?"
All you will have time for is, How
do-you-do, Mr.. President" and
then, "How-do-you-do, Mrs. Roose-
velt."
If you partake of any cookies or
candies from the buffet, remember
food is never handled with gloves
on, 50 remove the hand Of your
glove and turn it back in at the
wrist. OF course, If you are only
going to take a glass of punch,
then it is not necessary, unless you
wish, to do so.
The reception given for the
various governmental departments,
needless to say, is not quite 30
"dressy." If you are q member of
this group, wear your prettiest
frock; If it is a dinner gown, it is
perfectly correct on this occasion,
but don't wear . hat. Wear gloves
that stop halfway to the elbow to
add formality to your gown.
The men, If they have "tsils and
white tie" should by all means
wear them; If not, q dinner coat,
tuxedo" will do.
The invitations give the time as
9 o'clock. Be prompt, for once the
line starts to move, 1t doesn't take
long for every one to be presented,
and Immediately it is ended the
President and Mrs. Roosevelt leave.
They do not wait for late arrivals.
After you have had some refresh
ments, chatted with friends and had
dance in the famous east room
Of the White House, make your de-
parture: you were not asked for q
late evening affair!