29 minute read
Two hundred forms of amusement or entertainment for social gatherings of all kinds: large or small parties, clubs, sociables, church entertainments, etc.; with special suggestions for birthdays, wedding anniversaries, Hallowe'en, All Fools' Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and other holidays. By MRS. HERBERT B. LINSCOTT PHILADELPHIA GEORGE W. JACOBS & CO. PUBLISHERS Copyright, 1905, by Mrs. Herbert B. Linscott Published July, 1905 Thirty articles appearing in this book have been taken from "The Ladies' Home Journal," to which the author gratefully acknowledges permission to reprint them. Bright Ideas for Entertaining...
1 minute read
In this game the company may be divided into actors and spectators. The actors are each given a proverb, which they are to act alone in pantomime. The first player may come into the room where the spectators are waiting, with a sprinkler in one hand and a cup in the other. He begins sprinkling the flowers, then he pours water over them, acting the proverb, "It never rains but it pours." The second actor also brings a cup of water. He repeatedly attempts to drink from the cup, which keeps slipping from his fingers as he brings it near his mouth. "There's many a slip between the cup and the lip." The third brings in a purse containing brass buttons, which he takes out and counts over deliberately. Then he looks at them closely, and with seeming distrust, finally flinging them from him in a rage. "All is not...
52 minute read
Cut out pictures from advertisements; for instance, from "Quaker Oats," cut out the Quaker, but nothing that will tell what it represents. Have a number of them and paste on plain white paper. Number each ad, and keep a "key" to them yourself. Furnish paper and pencil to each guest and have them guess what each picture represents. The one who guesses the most receives a prize. Also request every one to write an advertisement on some article. Still another form of the game is for each person to choose his theme for an advertisement, and write it without naming the article. He will read his advertisement, and the company must guess what article he is advertising. A variation of this game is to distribute papers, allowing a few minutes for examining them, and then let each player describe some article as nearly as possible in the language of its...
26 minute read
This game will furnish amusement at an evening entertainment, but may also be played after a ladies' luncheon. The questions, on sheets of paper with spaces allowed for the answers, are distributed, and fifteen minutes given for answering them. Each answer is composed of one word ending with the letters c-a-t-e; for instance: Kate is a good pleader (advo-cate). When fifteen minutes have elapsed each player signs her name and passes her paper to the person on her right. The answers are then read, and the player having the most correct answers wins a prize. Questions—...
55 minute read
Cards are sent out with the following: Come to the Apple Social and see who gets the B—A—P L—A—P N—A—P Social given under the auspices of the East End Connett Y. W. C. T. U., Monday evening, Sept. 10, 1905 Have cards printed with a letter on each one, forming the names of various apples; for instance, B-A-L-D-W-I-N and G-R-E-E-N-I-N-G. Have as many letters of one color made as there are letters in the name of the apple, and have each group of letters a separate color. These are passed to the guests, after which each one proceeds to find the rest of the letters colored like the one he holds, and when the group is complete, the holders of the letters proceed to spell out the name of their apple. Each group then composes an original poem on its apple. The poems are read to the audience, then the...
1 minute read
The dinner I shall serve will be plain and substantial, but it may be as elaborate as one chooses. Following is the menu: When the dinner is all ready to serve the fun will begin. Imagine the surprise of the guests when they sit down to the table, to find the soup served in teacups, the pickles shining forth from the sugar-bowl and the crackers in a covered vegetable dish. The roast beef will be cut in slices and arranged on a silver cake dish, the mashed potatoes in a dainty glass berry dish, and the gravy in small individual sauce dishes. The stewed peas will be served from the water-pitcher in glass tumblers, the celery on the bread-plate, bread in the salad bowl, butter on the celery tray, and the tea in soup bowls. The jelly will be placed on the largest meat platter and served with the carving-knife,...
1 minute read
Invitations may be copied after a dance card of a "Comus" ball at New Orleans, which represents a large-sized gilt folly bell with ribbons attached. On arriving, each guest is given a favor, which may serve also as a score marker. These are follies' heads, capped and ruffled and fastened to a stick, which has ribbons wrapped around it. The colors of these ribbons, not more than two being alike, determine partners. An attached tiny square of pasteboard, bearing a painted number, directs to the tables. Instead of playing one game only, a variety of games are introduced. At the head, or "Hearts," table is a large-sized tally-ho horn, tied with a profusion of motley colors. At the conclusion of the game, the defeated ones blow the horn and the winners at all the tables are given little brass bells to tie upon the folly sticks or baubles. The prizes,...
4 minute read
Questions to be answered by giving in each case the name of a well-known author:...
11 minute read
The answers to the above questions are: Give the most successful contestant a nicely bound copy of the latest popular book, and the least successful one a gaily colored copy of a child's primer, or a gaudy poster picture....
48 minute read
This is an interesting and instructive game. The players seat themselves so as to form a ring. An umpire and a score-keeper are appointed, and each player in turn rises and announces the name of a well-known book. The one who first calls out the name of the author of the book scores a point; the one who has the largest score when the game ceases is the victor, and may be given a prize. This game may be varied by the naming of well-known authors, leaving the titles of books, by these authors, to be supplied. And it may be played in yet another way. Give each player a pencil and paper, and instead of calling aloud the title of a book, as each author is announced, ask the players to write on a slip of paper the name of the author, the title of a book by that...
28 minute read
Be sure to come to the home of Brother Linscott next Monday eve, Because we will insure you a good time By the enjoyment of our "B" social. Busy Bees. Busy Bees' bill o' fare: This can be changed to suit any other letter and the invitations may be worded as desired. Have tiny boxes, barrels, bags, and baskets filled with candy, fruit, or nuts, for souvenirs. If it is desired to make money, a price may be placed upon each article of food, and the souvenirs may be offered for sale....
1 minute read
Miss Gertrude S. Derr requests the pleasure of your company at a Barn Party, Monday evening, August 12, 1905, on Water Road, Shortsville, New York Arranging for the Party To insure the success of such a party, a moonlight night should be selected. The barn chosen should be large, the floor space ample, and the decorations lavish. They may consist of green boughs, vines and goldenrod, and a number of American flags. The two large opposite doors should be thrown wide open for free circulation of air. The floor should then be cleared, swept and washed. High up over one door a large flag may be draped, and wires stretched across from beam to beam, away from direct draughts, upon which Japanese lanterns may be hung, care being taken that none are allowed to come into contact with the bunting in case of one's taking fire. Chairs should also be...
1 minute read
A novel party was recently given by a mother to celebrate the sixteenth birthday of her only son. She had been rather envious of her friends in their happiness of planning many luncheons and other pretty affairs for their girls, consequently she entered heart and soul into this party for her boy, sparing neither expense nor trouble to make it a success. It was announced as "A Baseball Party," and by enlisting the services of a niece, who was very enthusiastic over the national game, she was able to carry out the idea. Eight of her son's friends were invited, who, with the boy himself, made the required "nine." Luncheon was first served. Before going into the dining-room each boy was assigned a place on the "team," and found his place at the table accordingly. In place of name-cards were tiny "fans" bearing the words "catcher," "pitcher," etc., and, of...
51 minute read
Make twelve or fifteen bags, six inches square, of bed-ticking, and loosely fill them with beans which have been washed and dried to remove all dust. Appoint two leaders, who choose sides, arranging the sides in lines facing each other, with a small table at each end of each line. The bean bags being equally divided, each leader deposits his share upon the table nearest him. Then, at a given signal, seizing one bag at a time with one hand, with the other he starts it down the line, each player passing it to the next until all the bags reach the last, who drops them upon the table at his end of the line. When all the bags have reached this table, the last player, seizing each in turn, sends them back up the line to the leader, who drops them upon his table. Whichever side first succeeds in...
25 minute read
Have you ever "bean" to a "bean" sociable? If not come to the one the Connett Y. W. C. T. U. are having Monday evening, September 1st. If you have never "bean" to one you will enjoy the "Bean porridge hot, Bean porridge cold, Bean porridge in the pot, Nine days old." Supper should consist of baked beans, cold and hot, bean porridge or soup, brown bread and butter, and pickles, tea and gingerbread. Bean bags to go with this sociable....
32 minute read
The game of Bible Contest cards can be played very profitably and is very instructive. It can be found in any book store in large cities or can be had of the United Society of Christian Endeavor, Boston, Mass. The cost is very little. Or the cards may be written out as follows: Name. No. No. Have the cards distributed; then on a given signal have the answers written out; as fast as finished have them handed in to be examined by the committee who afterward returns them. The first blank for number is for the order in which the cards are handed in, and the second for the order of correctness of the answers....
12 minute read
Here is a well-known alphabet of Scripture proper names, which may be utilized at a social by ranking the members on two sides, and reading these lines one at a time, in the same way that a spelling-bee is carried on:...
21 minute read
Choose sides as in a spelling match, and let the leader of the first side give the first syllable of the name of some Bible character. The leader of the opposite side will then complete the name, if he can. Failing this, his side loses a member, selected by the leader of the opposite side. And so the contest goes on down the line, first one side and then the other proposing the first syllable of some name....
14 minute read
A good way to promote study of the Bible is a "Bible oratorical contest," in which four or five contestants recite, or give as readings, selections from the Bible. If well done, it will prove most entertaining, and many people will go home surprised that the Bible is such an interesting book....
2 minute read
The invitations to the carnival had various kinds of birds painted upon them, and each guest was requested to come representing the kind of bird designated on his or her invitation. There were two invitations of each kind, one sent to a lady and one to a gentleman, that there might be a "pair" of each variety of bird. As the guests arrived, each was labeled with the name of the bird he or she represented, and in this way it was easy for them to find their "mates" for refreshments. The house was profusely trimmed with flowers, vines, and leaves (many of them artificial, borrowed from a near-by store); every available space was covered, the banisters, the mantel posts, the door- and window-frames, the archways, etc., and even the walls of the dining-room were hung with the trailing vines, so that the place looked like a veritable woodland dell....
5 minute read
1. A flash of sky on wing.—( Bluebird. ) 2. Oh, shall I call thee bird, Or but a wandering voice? Thy note from household clocks is heard, And children's ears rejoice.—( Cuckoo. ) 3. King of the water, as the air, He dives and finds his prey.—( Kingfisher. ) 4. Thy plaintive cry announces punishment, And warns the luckless boy for whom 'tis sent.—( Whippoorwill. ) 5. You introduce yourself throughout your song, And tell the world your brief, old-fashioned name.—( Phœbe. ) 6. "Bob White!" you call Along the marshy coast. Speak not so loud Or you will be on toast.—( Quail. ) 7. Cooing 'neath barn rafters, Pouting, sometimes, too, Rippling like child laughter All the winter through.—( Pigeon. ) 8. An English emigrant, bird of the street, So common that some like thee not at all. Yet in the Holy Bible we are told The Father...
1 minute read
We herewith extend a most kind invitation To you and your friends or any relation To come to a party. This little silk sack Is intended to furnish a good place to pack As many pennies as you are years old. We promise the secret shall never be told. If Methuselah's age would be the right sum Of the years to which you already have come, If objections to exposing your age should arise, One hundred would be a splendid disguise. A musical program of very rare merit Will be given to those who will just come and hear it. We'll give you good cheer for the weak inner man And a gallery of pictures unique to well scan; We'll meet young and old with greetings most hearty As you come, one and all, to your own Birthday Party. A musical program of very rare merit Will be given to...
44 minute read
A most eccentric yet interesting man was Bishop Brooks of Brookville; although not a large or strong man, wherever he went, night or day, he was always either accompanied by or carrying: Two playful animals—calves. A number of small animals of a less tame breed—hares (hairs). A member of the deer family—hart (heart). A number of whips without handles—lashes (eyelashes). Some weapons of warfare—arms. The steps of a hotel—inn steps (insteps). The House of Representatives when a vote is taken—ayes and noes (eyes and nose). Some Spanish grandees to wait upon him—ten dons (tendons). Two places of worship—temples. Two scholars—pupils. What Napoleon wished to leave his son—crown. Two coverings of kettles—lids (eyelids). Two musical instruments—drums. Two established measures—feet and hands. Two coverings for the head—caps (kneecaps). Several articles that a carpenter cannot do without—nails. A couple of fish—soles. A number of shell-fish—mussels (muscles). Two lofty trees—palms. Two kinds of flowers—tulips...
33 minute read
A box party can be made very enjoyable if every one enters into the contest. Each lady should pack a box with lunch for two and at the party the boxes can be auctioneered off to the highest bidder. Or, if there is any objection to that, the ladies' names can be placed on slips of paper and the papers put into a hat and passed to the gentlemen; the slip each draws contains the name of the one with whom he is to eat refreshments. If this party is to make money for some society the wisest way will be to sell the boxes. The same plan may also be followed for a Sunday-school or other picnic....
2 minute read
Probably the description of a cake sale that was held for the benefit of a library fund may not come amiss to show just how attractive and successful such an affair can be made. The principal feature of this sale was the cake contest—a game, with cake prizes. This game was devised to take the place of raffling, which was voted out of date. It was played by groups of ten, who on paying a fee were given printed lists of questions to be answered. Each list had to be signed with the player's name and put in the "post-office" by a certain time in the evening, and later the names of the prize-winners in each group were announced. To promote sociability and fun, a lady's and a gentleman's first prize, and a lady's and a gentleman's booby were given in each group. The prizes were cakes, iced and fancifully...
1 minute read
I hope this will not shock any of my readers, and I don't think it will after it is read. It can be held in a church or Sunday school room without any qualms of conscience on any one's part. Have each one come to represent a cake. For instance, sponge cake can be represented by having sponges all over the body; batter cake, by young man wearing baseball suit of clothes and carrying bat; cup cake, by wearing cups around the neck and waist; fruit cake, by carrying baskets of different kinds of small fruits; angel cake, by wearing pictures of angels on the dress and hair; one, two, three, four cake, by wearing the figures 1, 2, 3, 4 pinned on dress or coat; cooky, by wearing chef's cap and apron and a large letter E making that person cook-e; plain cake, by dressing very plainly; orange cake,...
1 minute read
The society who gave it had the oddly written announcement given below published in the local papers a week in advance. They also used it as a handbill: Calico Carnival "Consider yourself cordially invited to be present at the correctly constructed and considerately combined calico carnival to be held at —— Hall, Friday night, February —, 1905, admission fifteen cents. "Conspicuous courses served in confused compactness: One conglomerated compound circle; one cup communicative cordial (containing no chickory), or one cup of Chinese cheer, or one cup of choice churned cream; one cider cured cucumber; and one cup of cold comfort. "Rules and regulations: All ladies to wear calico gowns, also requested to bring half a pound of carefully cut carpet rags each. All gentlemen to wear calico ties and requested to bring thimbles. "Fines will be imposed for the following: Any lady who fails to wear a calico gown, ten...
3 minute read
The words to be guessed all begin with CAN —the definitions of the whole words being here given. Booklets with tiny pencils attached, and containing the verses, may be distributed among the guests and, after the contest is decided, returned as souvenirs of the occasion. 1. Though this can is a can, you all will agree, The can is termed thus because it holds tea. 2. This long, narrow can holds so precious a stock, That oft you will find it has more than one lock. 3. The most wick-éd can, tho' safe from police, Should you search for its heart you will find it in grease. 4. This can is a can that delights you and me, It always is "open" and likewise is "free." 5. Where breezes blow and surges roll, With swelling form and manner proud, This can in triumph rides the waves, The sailor's living and...
1 minute read
First procure a good quantity of chestnuts. Plain and roasted chestnuts may be sold at one table. They should be measured into pint and half-pint paper bags, ready for customers. A second table will be needed for bonbons. An excellent taffy is made by stirring chopped chestnuts into plain molasses candy when ready to take from the fire. Caramels are improved by adding chopped chestnuts. Chopped chestnuts and figs added to crisp sugar candy make a good sweet-meat. Shelled chestnuts are glazed by dipping in hot sugar candy. A variety of candies can be made from this receipt: One pound of confectioners' sugar, well beaten white of one egg, one tablespoonful of cold water, one teaspoonful of vanilla. Mix well together and mould on a board. Mix it with chopped chestnuts and cut into cubes. Small balls of the cream can be rolled between the hands, and a whole chestnut...
27 minute read
Each month has a flower or plant appropriated to it, and to each a meaning is attached. The list is as follows: The snowdrop means consolation; the primrose, the freshness of early youth; the violet, modesty; the daisy, innocence; the hawthorn, hope; the wild rose, simplicity; the lily, purity; the poppy, the consolation of sleep; the morning-glory, contentment; hops, joy; the chrysanthemum, cheerfulness; the holly, foresight and protection. The morning-glory is such a perishable flower that it is almost useless for the purpose of decoration, consequently it will be wise to substitute goldenrod, symbolizing stateliness, in its stead....
2 minute read
A birthday is an important event in a child's life, and should not pass unnoticed. A small party for little children is usually more enjoyable and more easily managed than a large one. With many mothers it is the custom to invite as many little guests as correspond to the number of years of the child whose birthday is celebrated. Make the table look as attractive as possible with flowers. A pretty arrangement for a fifth birthday is to have a round table, with vines, or a rope of wild flowers or leaves, arranged over it to represent a five-pointed star. The sandwiches, confectionery, etc., may be placed within the star, the birthday cake in the centre, and the five guests seated between the points of decoration. For a sixth birthday, a pretty arrangement would be a six-pointed star, the points to be made with the long fronds of the...
1 minute read
There in the library stood the most perfect snow-man. He wore a fur cap and long white whiskers, and on the floor behind him lay his pack, which had just slipped off his back. He held a doll on one arm, and over the other was hung a line of tiny sleigh-bells. This snow Santa Claus was made of cotton batting, but he looked exactly like the snow-man in the yard, and the children greeted him with cries of delight. Two sticks, wrapped in many thicknesses of cotton to form the legs, had been nailed to a block of wood to make a foundation for this snow-man; the other parts of the body were made like snowballs and sewed in their proper places. Each child was allowed to throw a soft rubber ball twice in attempting to hit the string of bells which Santa held. Those who were successful were...
3 minute read
Build a cave-shaped box on a raised platform, drape inside and out with white muslin, fasten evergreen boughs about the entrance and at the back, draping all of these with loose tufts of cotton like new-fallen snow, and sprinkling them with mica. Sprays of red berries can be introduced with splendid effect. White covered steps must lead up to the cave, about the mouth of which may be spread white fur rugs. Let the candles be fastened plentifully around the cave, but have the rest of the room very dimly lighted. In the cave arrange the gifts, wrapped and properly marked, being careful to have one for each person present. Dress a pretty, golden-haired little girl as a fairy, with wings and spangles to enter the cave and bring out the gifts, and a couple of little boys as imps or brownies to deliver them. Low music should be played...
3 minute read
The little guests when they arrive will be made happy by giving them small baskets to hunt for the eggs which the mother has a few days before blown and colored and hidden all over the house. In a room where there is a hardwood floor have little yellow chicks arranged as tenpins at one end and give the children each an egg and let them roll the eggs and see how many chicks they can knock down. While they are doing this take some of the eggs they have found, run ribbon through them and suspend in different lengths from a chandelier. Among these suspended "eggshells" have Easter eggs filled with good things. You can buy the eggs, and fill some of them with candy and some with peanuts; put tiny dolls in some and small toys in others, so that no two eggs will be filled alike. Then...
1 minute read
Souvenirs at a children's party should be very inexpensive. Candy put up in some pretty form is the most suitable thing that can be given. The dainty Japanese confections that may be purchased at any large store where Oriental goods are sold are novelties, and always please the little people. It is always a great pleasure to children to have something to take home with them from a party, and very inexpensive souvenirs will give happiness quite out of proportion to their value. Japanese trifles make pretty gifts, little boxes, bags or baskets filled with candy. Tiny kites are appropriate for boys, and fans for girls. Japanese dolls may be dressed with the lower part of the skirt prolonged into a bag and filled with candy. Only candy of the simplest kind should be used. Candy boxes in various fanciful forms, as banjos, drums, tambourines, watering-pots, pails, caps, helmets, fish,...
1 minute read
The invitations to this tea read like this: Prepare yourself for a Sweet Pea Tea, The 'bus will call for you at three. July 19th. In one corner of the card a sweet pea was painted in water colors. These cards were sent by mail. Of course, the recipients of these invitations had no idea where the party was to be, and waited in great expectation for the appointed day. Two 'bus men were engaged and furnished with a list of the invited, and at three o'clock, or as nearly that hour as possible, called for the guests, and after a short and misleading drive arrived at last at their destination. After being received by the hostess, the guests were given cards and pencils and ranged around a long table in the centre of the room, on which were strewn leaves of many kinds of plants. Five minutes were...
1 minute read
For a children's party try the following device: Place four chairs in one end of the room and throw over them a large blanket or shawl to cover them completely down to the floor. Have some one double up his hands into fists, and on the back of the hands, with a piece of charcoal, paint eyes, nose and mouth, and on one of them paint a moustache. Put dolls' dresses on the arms, reaching down to the elbows. Put hoods or caps on the hands. Let the person thus prepared crawl in between the chairs, and resting the elbows on the floor, hold his forearms perpendicular, so that the backs of the hands will be facing the audience. All the rest of the person's body should be concealed, of course, under the shawl. Call these two little people Tom Thumb and his wife. Have some one for their manager,...
2 minute read
From sheets of pink and creamy tinted paper, cut the requisite number of hearts—two for each invitation—and form into envelopes by pasting a pink heart and a creamy tinted one together along the edges, except at the large end, which must be left open to hold the written invitation. On a slightly smaller heart of thinner paper, write the following doggerel: "From half-past six to half-past nine, I pray you to be guest of mine. With Valentine, their patron Saint, Sure all good lovers are acquaint; So in his honor kindly spend A pleasant evening with a friend." Slip this in the envelope formed by the two hearts, having first glued to the indentation at the larger end of the small heart a loop of baby ribbon by which to pull it out. On the white side of the envelope write the name and address; on the pink side, an...
1 minute read
Invitations should read as follows: Come to the Chinese Tea Party and help eat Rice and Rats Prepared and Served by Chinese Girls at —— Church Monday Evening, Jan. 4th. You can stimulate interest in the heathen wonderfully by inviting them to come, with all their bag and baggage, and pay your society a visit. Have booths in the room representing the countries in which the church is doing missionary work. Let the attendants be costumed like the natives, and all the appointments of the booths suggest the life of the countries represented. When curiosity is thus piqued, information about these mission lands may be circulated by the help of questions on cards to be passed around. Write the questions in black ink, and underneath, in red ink, the answer to one of the other questions. It will require a pretty lively interchange of cards for each one to find...
1 minute read
The invitations for a Christmas party of this sort should be enclosed in white envelopes decorated with holly and should read as follows: Master ——, as "Winter," and Miss ——, as "Christmas," will be glad to receive the "Months" on Thursday evening, December the twenty-fourth. In the lower left-hand corner of each, above the address, should be indicated the character which the little guest is to represent, as, for instance: "Please represent July." Have the little host and hostess represent "Winter" and "Christmas." When the children arrive let them find a throne built of dry-goods boxes, covered with Canton flannel with the fuzzy side out, well sprinkled with diamond dust and tufts of cotton, and above the throne a canopy made of evergreen boughs. Dip some of the boughs first in a weak solution of gum-arabic and then in flour, and sprinkle them with diamond dust; hang others in alum...
48 minute read
Select for your color scheme red and green. Set the dining-table in the centre of the room directly under the chandelier. To the latter fasten a large bunch of holly with plenty of red berries, and make garlands of evergreen to reach from the chandelier to the four corners of the table, fastening each one to the tablecloth with a bow of red ribbon. Have plenty of holly berries in the garlands of evergreen. If holly is dipped in a strong solution of alum water and dried in the sun, it will have the effect of being frosted. Have a red carnation with a sprig of green laid at each plate. Red and green paper napkins should be used. Have pretty side dishes of red and green things, such as red apples, red and green grapes, and all kinds of red and green bonbons. The first column of the menu...
1 minute read
Take a large umbrella—an old one will do—wind the handle with bright yellow ribbon and line the body with red percaline as near the color of holly berries as possible. Be sure to shape the lining so that it will not sag. Cover the outside with green percaline and finish the top with sprigs of holly and a bow of red and green ribbon. Trim the edge of the umbrella with a row of tiny bells and wind the ribs with crepe or tissue paper the same color as the lining; do this the last thing so that it will not come undone. Select small appropriate gifts for the young guests; conceal them within dainty wrappings and tie them with ribbon to the ribs of the umbrella. When ready for the game let the children form a circle and choose one of their number to stand in the centre and...
2 minute read
For an Orange Grove. —Evergreen trees should be procured and placed about the hall to make it resemble a grove. The oranges may be made of a wad of cotton, inclosing a trinket, covered with orange-colored tissue paper. Hang them on the trees and let each purchaser select the one he wants, paying a nominal sum for it. Other attractions may be a booth where real oranges may be bought; a well from which orangeade is dispensed; a booth for articles of fancy-work made in shades of orange, and one for orange-flavored cakes and candies. The booths should, of course, be draped in orange color, relieved by touches of white, the attendants' costumes being of the same shade. Orange blossoms, made of tissue paper, will add daintiness to the decorations. An unoccupied house is a most convenient place to hold a fair. Each room may be devoted to some special...
51 minute read
First, wind strings all over the house before the arrival of the company. Suspend a rope diagonally across one corner of the room, over which the ends of the strings can hang, each one numbered: Numbers are to be given each one of the guests, and each is to hunt the string that has his number on it. A sheet can be hung across this end of the room hiding everything from view until time for winding. Have some games ready to play for the amusement of guests until all have arrived. As soon as all the company gathers, the sheet can be removed and all commence hunting their numbers at once. They are told to go wherever the string leads, but they may not succeed as the strings should be through keyholes, under beds, out of doors, around the house, in at the windows, and every place where they...
12 minute read
Extras Note. —Each society can use their own judgment about the price to be charged. A certain amount may be charged for the entire supper, or each article may have a price affixed, such as two cents, four cents, three cents, and so forth....
1 minute read
Every lady in the church was asked to make, from sheets of brown wrapping paper, ten paper books of uniform size, four and one-half by six inches, sewing them to confine the leaves. The paper was two cents a sheet, and five sheets would make the ten books. In each book, clear and explicit written directions for ten of the best miscellaneous recipes that she used in cooking were to be contributed by each one, the same recipes to be in the ten books furnished, and signed by the one contributing them. The ten recipes included one soup, one salad, one made-over dish, one cake recipe, one cooky recipe, two muffin or gem recipes, and three dessert recipes. One week was allowed for this work, then the books were sent where the sale was to take place. There were five hundred books in all, fifty ladies having responded to the...
35 minute read
Cut paper into pieces the shape and size of a cooky. Write a proverb on each one, then cut each paper cooky into two parts, each in a different manner, so that no two cookies will be cut alike. One set of halves is to be given to the ladies, and the other to the gentlemen. Each person present then proceeds to match the half cooky he has; when found, the proverb should read correctly. The couple who match halves eat refreshments together. It is very nice to have some one play a march on the piano while the matched partners form in line two by two and march to the supper-room. For refreshments serve all kinds, shapes, and sizes of cookies with coffee or lemonade....
1 minute read
Late in October, when the corn has matured and been stacked in the barn, the following informal invitations may be sent out to all the neighboring young people: You are cordially invited to a Corn Husking to be held in Martin Mattice's Barn On the evening of October the thirty-first at eight o'clock. Previous to the evening mentioned the ears of corn are stripped from the stalks and formed into two huge piles upon the barn floor. Lanterns should be hung here and there upon the beams to give the necessary light, and stools provided for the workers. The company, on arrival, is divided equally, one half being assigned to one pile, the other half to pile number two, and the contest begins, each division striving to finish its pile first. The husks must be entirely removed from each ear, and whoever first discloses to view a red ear is...
36 minute read
For decorations: Holland's national colors, blue and red; Dutch flags; tulips; crepe paper in Delft designs, etc. Instead of tally cards each guest may be furnished a little wooden shoe on a Delft-blue ribbon. Tiny pretzels are slipped on the ribbon for games won, the shoe keeping them from slipping off at the other end. Large wooden shoes may be used for bonbons and nuts at the tables. For prizes: handsome steins and pipes, a pair of burnt wood Holland shoes, Delft plaques, Dutch pictures, novelties decorated with quaint Dutch figures, a poster of Queen Wilhelmina, etc. The supper table may have for its centrepiece a large blue stein with red tulips tumbling out of it. Delft china and paper napkins are appropriate, and a menu of Dutch dishes:...
34 minute read
An Easter egg hunt will furnish plenty of amusement for an Easter party. The nests are made of paper moss. In them are placed eggs of different varieties, some genuine hard boiled eggs, some of china or wood and some of candy. The wooden eggs should contain tiny ducks or chickens. The nests are hidden in every nook and corner of the house. The guests are then bidden to go nest hunting, and a half hour is given for the hunt. Each guest is given a little fancy basket in which to gather his eggs. The one securing the greatest number of eggs is given a prize of a large fancy egg. The baskets and eggs may be retained as souvenirs....
2 minute read
Of course, silver and glassware must be sparkling, and the white cloth spotless, or, if one wishes, luncheon scarfs and mats or doilies are equally popular, and a highly polished table is a bit less formal than the regular dinner cloth. A centrepiece of gold cloth or of any yellow silken material is effective—the edges may be quickly overcast by heavy rope silk in long and short stitch. A bunch of Easter lily sprays in a bowl or gold and white vase crown the whole. If one can arrange to have the china gold and white it is very pretty; but every hostess must consult her own china store and plan accordingly. Napkins stiffly folded at each place can hold an artificial lily, which carries in its heart a tiny candy box. These lilies can be bought at some caterer's or made at home very easily. Stiff wire—yet not so...
1 minute read
Have printed programs sent out with the following announcement (any name can be substituted for the East End Connett Y): An eggs-ellent plan has been adopted by the East End Connett Y, to eggs-haust the eggs-pence of sending a delegate to the State Convention. We shall hold an Egg Social . The eggs-pence of admission is eggs-actly ten cents. We mean to have an eggs-ellent time. You are urged to eggs-ert yourself to come and eggs-amine for yourself. You can eggs-pect to have lots of fun at small eggs-pence. An eggs-ellent committee will wait upon you. Plenty of eggs will be served. Eggs-it at your pleasure. N. B.—Plenty of Easter Egg novelties will be sold. A fruit-stand covered with moss and twigs, and arranged to represent a nest filled with eggs and placed upon a bed of moss should form the central decoration for the table. Around the nest four...
2 minute read
A clever scheme for a church fair is the "Fairies' Garden," which is nothing more than the old grab-bag in a new dress. One seen recently was set up near a booth trimmed with evergreens, with a fence made of "cat-tails," planted about four inches apart, enclosing it in front. To this the people who were present flocked, and were free, on the payment of a small sum, to pull a flower or vegetable as they should see fit. Within and at the back of the inclosure was a trellis made of wire netting with the largest holes procurable, covered with vines, among which nestled pink paper roses. In each rose a small present was hidden from view. Then there was a "pond," made of a tin boiler banked with stones and moss, and filled with water, on which floated water lilies and leaves. To each lily was tied a...
1 minute read
This feast if well planned and carried out is most pleasing in its results. There are seven tables. These tables are set in white, with centrepieces and other decorations to carry out the color scheme. Have first table near the door, and others arranged according to the menu, which can be changed to suit the seasons. It is necessary to have two sets of waiters, the first to clear away, and the second to furnish fresh supplies. All must dress to harmonize with the colors of their tables. Serve food in small quantities and in small dishes. At the ringing of a bell seven guests are seated at the first table. At the expiration of seven minutes, the bell again rings, and those at the first table pass to the second table, and seven other guests are permitted to enter the room, and to be seated at the first table....
3 minute read
The following is a description of a church supper which was recently given with great success: The Japanese table was decorated with chrysanthemums. At each place was a Japanese tray on which a Japanese napkin was folded in a fanciful manner. Little dishes of rice, hard-boiled eggs, cabbage chopped fine, and small cups of tea comprised the first course. The second course was a turkey dinner. The waiters were in Japanese costume. The favors were small Japanese umbrellas tied with the Japanese colors, red and white. At the Chinese table the first course was rice prepared with curry, followed by chicken pie with the usual accompaniments. Chopsticks were in evidence, though the guests were not compelled to use them. The waiters were in Chinese dress. The table was adorned with curios, and the favors were ancestral tablets in tiny boxes, tied with yellow, the national color of China. The Hindustani...
1 minute read
A rustic bridge was built out from one side of the platform forming a square space in one corner of the room that was used for a fish pond. Rocks and ferns were grouped along the edge of the platform, the floor was covered with green carpet, and a pretty meadow scene painted on coarse cotton was hung at the back, making a very picturesque setting for the pond. Steps led up to the bridge, and at the foot was a rustic lodge where, on payment of a fee, the prospective fisher was given a pole and a circle of cardboard, upon which was marked the number of times he was entitled to fish. Thus equipped, he went up on the bridge and fished in the pond. Additional fishing tickets were sold by the bridgekeepers. Articles of all description and varying values were fished forth from the pond, which made...
1 minute read
Secure as many cards as there are to be guests, and paint or paste on each of them some five or six small flags of different nations, numbering each flag. Sometimes one can obtain small buttons with these flags on them, and these answer quite as well. It is better to have each card different, and to assort the flags, so that every card may contain some not very generally known. The United States flag might be omitted, as every one would be familiar with that; but the flag of Liberia could be used on several cards, as its resemblance to our flag would be apt to deceive many. Plates showing the various national flags in colors may be found in the front of almost any unabridged dictionary. Hand a card and a pencil to each guest. The pencil may be made quite attractive by covering it with a strip...
1 minute read
Six booths, if properly planned, will mean a small but picturesque bazaar. Five of these booths may represent flowers, and many of the articles sold from them may be made at home by members of the society which the sale is designed to aid. Drape the Lily booth in white, decorate it with Easter lilies and light it with fairy lamps with white shades. Little novelties for Easter gifts may be sold here—the pretty trifles which are easily made. The Violet booth may be almost self-decorative if Easter cards and dainty booklets bearing the flower are displayed. Many choice bits of verse and short paragraphs of uplifting thought may be found in the religious publications of to-day, and if these are carefully mounted on white cards and tied with violet ribbon to a bunch of the fresh flowers they will make the most cheering of Easter messages. Provision should be...
4 minute read
Daisy Luncheon. —Just before luncheon the hostess may crown each guest with a wreath, which she has prepared by tying the blossoms on circles of fine wire. In the centre of the luncheon-table have a large bunch of blossoms and also a few scattered carelessly over the table. Trim the edge of the table with a chain of daisies, looped up here and there. At each corner have a large bow of ribbon, either white or of three colors, yellow, green and white. Serve only light refreshments. Yellow and white ices served together would be pretty. By all means have your cakes cooked in patty-pans. Ice the little cakes with chocolate, and on top of each have a life-size daisy. Any amateur can make this decoration successfully. Boil your icing thick and squeeze it through a small funnel made of thick writing-paper in order to make the long, narrow, white...
2 minute read
When the guests have assembled, each one is given a tiny flower-pot. These are easily made out of red paper—a long strip and a round, with the aid of the mucilage pot. In these tiny pots the following list of flowers to be guessed is tucked away: Make These Hidden Flowers Sprout The list of answers is of course kept in hand by the hostess. When the first part of the game has been played and the answers verified, a continuation of the fun is a contest of all as to who can write the best verse containing in any way whatever all the above flowers. Judges must be appointed, and, of course, prizes awarded for the verse contest as well as for the guessing game. This last contest may be omitted, if wished, but it adds fun and calls forth much ingenuity and cleverness. The prizes might be little...
1 minute read
They are illustrated in this way: 1. A cup of butter. 2. The picture of a book, cut from a magazine, having the title blotted out, and showing only the words, "by Charlotte M. Yonge" (the author of "The Daisy Chain"). 3. A colored illustration of the solar spectrum. 4. A tin trumpet. 5. A picture of a valley. 6. A card upon which is printed "6 A. M. " 7. A picture of a book upon which is written, "by Julia Magruder" (author of "The Violet"). 8. The picture of a lion, to which has been added, with pen and ink, a silk hat, collar and cane. 9. A pair of slippers. 10. A variety of buttons, poorly sewed upon a piece of cloth. 11. A card upon which is written, "A well-known hotel and library." 12. Photograph of a part of a face. 13. A slender stick, gilded....
1 minute read
The invitations, gay with the national colors, stated that Miss Blank, in order to encourage patriotism in her native town, had made a museum collection of curios connected with noted Americans, and bade a choice selection of her fellow-townsmen to meet and view the rare objects. The booklets passed around among the guests upon their arrival were attractive enough, a tiny flag being painted in one corner of the cover, which also contained the legend: The Fourth of July Museum At Miss Blank's July the Fourth Nineteen hundred and blank. A red, white and blue ribbon held the booklet together, and at the end of this was a small white pencil. We found it best to pair off the players, for two heads are so much better than one, and it is a great satisfaction to give help to one's neighbor without fear and without reproach. Each of the booklets...
23 minute read
Provide each guest with a list of questions, with spaces left for the answers. The answers consist of words ending in "N-A-T-I-O-N." Here are the questions and the answers: The prizes should then be awarded. A pretty silk banner will be acceptable to a man, while a big bunch of red and white carnations tied with a blue ribbon, or a pound of confectionery in a box decorated with flags and other patriotic emblems will make a pretty gift for a lady....
38 minute read
Seat the players in a ring. Let the first one say aloud the name of a city, mountain, river, lake, etc., located in any part of the world; the next player give a name beginning with the final letter of the previously said name, and the third supply one beginning with the final letter of the second, and so on around the ring. Thus: America, Athens, Santiago, Ohio. Each player is allowed thirty seconds in which to think. If, by the end of that time, he has failed to supply a name, he must drop out of the game. The one who keeps up longest is the champion. Any player, at any time, may be challenged to give the geographical location of the place he has named. If, on demand, he cannot do so he must pay a forfeit....
2 minute read
The walls should be hung with red, white and blue bunting, relieved at regular intervals with shields and small hatchets made of flowers in the national colors. Have George and Martha receive the guests, and there may be also a number of men and women attired in colonial costumes to introduce strangers and see that all have a good time. Behind a bower of foliage an orchestra might play the national airs, and as the object of the evening should be to promote sociability, it would be well to have a number of interesting games in which all can join. One of these might be a list of the presidents in anagram form, written on a large blackboard; the names in parentheses, of course, are not written out, thus: At the end of half an hour present to the most successful guesser a George Washington hat of violet candy, filled...
7 minute read
The slips are to be collected and the one having the greatest number of correct answers may be rewarded with some inexpensive souvenir....
1 minute read
When our golfing enthusiast desires to entertain her golfing friends, she cannot do better than bid them to a luncheon set to the keynote of their favorite sport. Naturally, the table decorations will be red and green—deep red roses or scarlet geraniums laid in flat bunches upon the "fair field" of snowy cloth and encircling the dishes, caught together by "links" of smilax. Perhaps, too, pale green candles, beneath ruby-hued shades, might still further carry out the scheme of color. The table may be arranged with a "putting green" in the centre made of a square of sponge cake frosted with pistachio. A little hole should be cut in the centre. Miniature caddy bags made of red satin and filled with red geraniums and ferns are pretty decorations. A little golf ball for the "putting green" can be made by covering a preserved cherry with white icing. "Bunkers" can be...
15 minute read
The two who, within a given time, answer the most of these fifteen questions should be rewarded with appropriate prizes, as one of the handy little score books to be slipped upon the belt, containing the official score; a picture of the typical golf girl; or some volume on the popular and fascinating game....
2 minute read
This was given by a clever maiden to a departing girl friend, but the idea could be utilized in various ways. Each invitation took the form of a cordial note which was written on white note-paper bordered with pen-and-ink sketches of horseshoes, wishbones and four-leaf clovers. Enclosed with each invitation was a guest card with the name of the person receiving it written in gilt at the top. Below this was a row of horseshoes, also done in gilt. Each guest was requested to write on this card a toast, in rhyme, to the departing friend, and to bring it to the party on the appointed evening. The decorations of the rooms upon the evening of the party were appropriate to the occasion. Horseshoes gilded or covered with tin-foil hung over the folding doors and window-curtains, and depended from the chandeliers, which were draped with festoons of ribbon ornamented with...
1 minute read
Added to the charm and mystery of having one's fortune told is the great pleasure which may be derived from having it told by a gypsy, even though she may be an amateur. An hour of amusement may be passed very delightfully in this way, provided the hostess can make the necessary arrangements with some quick-witted, bright young girl, who will be willing to take the part of the gypsy. Several days before the evening's entertainment the hostess should give her friend a list of the expected guests, with a few notes concerning their traits of character, environment, etc., and these suggestions, in addition to the knowledge of the persons which she possesses, and her own inventiveness, will give her an excellent opportunity apparently to look back in the past, and forward to the future—especially if she happen to discover that any engaged couples are to be present. The gypsy...
35 minute read
The newest fashion in Hallowe'en supper-table decoration is a cake made of white pasteboard boxes, in shape like pieces of pie, which fit together and give the appearance of a large cake. Each one of the boxes is covered with a white paper which resembles frosting. At the close of the feast the pieces are distributed, each box containing some little souvenir suitable to Hallowe'en. One box, of course, contains a ring, another a thimble, a third a piece of silver, a fourth a mitten, a fifth a fool's cap, and so on. Much fun is created as the boxes are opened, and the person who secures the ring is heartily congratulated. The unlucky individual who gets the fool's cap must wear it for the evening....
2 minute read
Have a card and a candle for each guest, the candles in as many different colors as possible, and one corner of each card turned down and tied with baby ribbon—one color for ladies, and another for gentlemen. On the cards have couplets written foretelling future events, such as: Who gets the candle colored red Will have long life, but never wed. If you choose the candle green You'll have the prettiest wife e'er seen. For you the kind fates have a plan Whereby you sure will get a man. Let each guest take a card and a candle (if the base of the candle is warmed it will stick to the card), read the couplet aloud, then light the candle, and holding it at arm's length blow it out. If it is blown out upon the first trial the person will be married within a year; if upon the...
1 minute read
All formality must be dispensed with on Hallowe'en. Not only will quaint customs and mystic tricks be in order, but the decorations and refreshments, and even the place of meeting, must be as strange and mystifying as possible. For the country or suburban home a roomy barn is decidedly the best accommodation that can be provided. If this is not practicable, a large attic, running the entire length of the house, is the next choice; but if this also is denied the ambitious hostess, let the kitchen be the place of meeting and of mystery, with the dining-room, cleared of its usual furniture and decorated suitably for the occasion, reserved for the refreshments. The light should be supplied only by Jack-o'-lanterns hung here and there about the kitchen, with candles in the dining-room. The decorations need not be expensive to be charming, no matter how large the room. Large vases...
2 minute read
Have mirrors everywhere: big mirrors, medium-sized mirrors, and little, wee mirrors, all reflecting and multiplying countless candles that burn in candlesticks of every description (most novel are those made from long-necked gourds and tiny squashes). Across the top and down the sides of each doorway hang festoons of yellow and white corn and turn the husks back to show the firm, glistening kernels. Each window can be garlanded in like manner as well as the tops of mantels and picture frames. Clusters of red ears may depend from the chandeliers. Here and there, in the most unexpected corners, can be placed Jack-o'-lanterns, smiling or gnashing their teeth, amid great shocks of corn. The great hall and stairway can be draped with fish-nets through the meshes of which are thrust many ears of corn. A stately Jack must point the guests up the stairs where two other individuals will usher them...
1 minute read
Of all our friends, both far and near, We beg the kind attention; So please to lend us now your ear, While we a subject mention. To carry on our C. E. work, In the country and the city, We need more money very bad, And hope you'll help us with it. The committee intend to hold On a day not distant far A sale for both the young and old,— A handkerchief bazaar. So this, then, is our plea in brief: To aid our enterprise We beg of you a handkerchief, Of any kind or size. The committee intend to hold On a day not distant far A sale for both the young and old,— A handkerchief bazaar. So this, then, is our plea in brief: To aid our enterprise We beg of you a handkerchief, Of any kind or size. Please send by mail before April 5th to...
1 minute read
If the Hatchet Party is given at home appropriate invitations can be issued in the form of a hatchet, bearing the words in quaint letters: " Ye Young Women's Christian Temperance Union extends ye invitation to meete ye Hatchet Familie of ye anciente tyme at ye home of Miss May Caspel, 236 Bell Avenue, on Wednesday evening, ye 22d of Februarie of ye year of our Lorde 1905, at eight of ye clock. " The decorations should conform to the spirit of the evening. A large hatchet covered with white curled tissue paper may be hung in the hall. Plaques of little red, white and blue hatchets may take the place of flowers, and in the hall or reception room there should be a little table of "Souvenirs." These should be little bronze hatchets with the letters Y. W. C. T. U. on one side. Their handles should be tied...
1 minute read
To step from midsummer into winter was a surprise, when the admission ticket was dropped in the box at the door on the night of the festival and its erstwhile owner passed into the hall. Small tables stood by pine and cedar trees that were covered with alum icicles and sifted over with diamond dust. Here groups of friends ate their cream and cake together, served by snow spirits in white tarletan gowns that sparkled with diamond dust, or ice fays whose white costumes glittered with glass beads. On the stage, white canton flannel and diamond dust, heavy gray wrapping paper folded into rocks, trees and a rustic bridge made a realistic representation of a snowclad landscape. The pleasing program consisted of dainty dances by children dressed as snowflakes, a pretty ball game played with snowballs, recitations and songs appropriate to the winter season. Another novelty was a tree covered...
3 minute read
The guests at this luncheon are to represent the Vice-President and the eight members of the Cabinet, but if the hostess wishes to entertain a larger number, she can introduce one or two of the foreign Ambassadors. Give to each guest, as she arrives, a card bearing the title of one of the Cabinet, as the Secretary of State, the Attorney-General, and, if necessary, the English Ambassador. While waiting for luncheon, each one must guess the name of the man she represents, in order to know her place at the table, where only the proper names, not the titles, will be used. It will be surprising to discover how few of the members of the Cabinet are known by name to the majority of persons. Pink carnations will be appropriate for all decorations. Have a large bowl of these in the centre of the table, and at each corner lay...
8 minute read
The answers are held by the hostess, of course, and are only divulged after all the guesses are in. They are as follows: Answers Independence Day Menu...
59 minute read
Invitations may be printed or written on birch bark or paper imitations of same, or on paper cut into the shape of tomahawks, tepees, etc., and may be hand-painted if desired. Decorations should be Indian blankets (as portières, couch covers, and mantel draperies), Indian rugs, baskets, tomahawks, bows and arrows, war clubs, chromos, colored photographs, clay or papier-mâché Indian heads, plaques and busts, etc., any of which would make suitable favors. A miniature wigwam made of blankets in an out-of-the-way corner, adds effectiveness. Footman and maids may be dressed in Indian costumes made of burlap with bright colored trimmings and fringes; or the guests may be invited en costume . For table decoration a skin should be placed over table cloth through the centre of the table and upon it an Indian basket filled with any red or yellow common flowers, such as marigolds or nasturtiums (red and yellow), or...
1 minute read
Our social committee, of which I was then chairman, wanted very much to have a lawn party; but the season for such things was quite over, as the evenings were too cool. However, a bright idea occurred to one of our number, and we decided to have an indoor lawn party. The Saturday afternoon before it was to take place, four of the committee took a team, went out into the woods, and secured a lot of pine boughs, autumn leaves, etc., and Monday evening, which was the evening before it occurred, we increased our force of workers, and went to the vestry to turn it, as far as possible, into an outdoor scene. We trimmed the chandeliers, posts, and every available spot with boughs, strung Japanese lanterns all across the room, made a beautiful bower in one corner for the orchestra, for which we had three pieces, a piano,...
2 minute read
The little guests at this particular party were invited from three o'clock until seven, and when they arrived they found the rooms were darkened. The lamps had yellow shades, and as such an occasion would not be complete without pumpkin Jack-o'-lanterns, there were "Pumpkins large and pumpkins small, Pumpkins short and pumpkins tall, Pumpkins yellow and pumpkins green, Pumpkins dull and those with sheen." They hung in every nook and corner. Even the jardinières filled with flowers were made of them. Wood was crackling and blazing in the large fireplace, as if anxious to do its part to make every one happy, and hanging from the chandelier was a branch of evergreen, with nuts suspended in such a fashion that they readily fell to the floor when given a slight shake. Before this was done, however, each child was given a paper bag to hold the nuts, which tumbled in...
1 minute read
Invitations may be written as the natives write—up and down, instead of across, on rice paper or paper napkins; or little Japanese dolls may be sent, each clasping a note of invitation. For decorations, use Japanese draperies, cushions, bead curtains, rugs, baskets, swords, scrolls, umbrellas, vases, fans, lanterns, screens, bamboo tables and chairs, Japanese fern balls, with tiny Japanese flags and fans stuck in here and there, red, or red and white Japanese lilies, ferns combined with red and yellow ribbons, etc.; or the walls of the rooms may be entirely covered with branches of trees profusely decorated with cherry blossoms made of pink paper, representing the beautiful gardens of Tokio. Burning Japanese incense will add to the effectiveness. The playing cards used should be lacquered designs in red and yellow—Starlight, Sunlight, Storm, Japanese Lady (Congress brand), and Japanese Garden, Japanese Scenery, and Sunset (Lenox brand). For the signals a...
1 minute read
The invitations to a Japanese sociable should be written as the natives write, up and down, instead of across, and have a cherry blossom or a Japanese lady in water-colors in one corner of each. The guests should be informed beforehand that each one is to tell something or read something about Japan, any little item of interest that may have been heard or read, a pretty poem or a little story. The hostess and whoever assists her in receiving should wear kimonos and have tiny fans in their hair. Seats in a Japanese corner may easily be arranged of boxes with portières thrown over them. Numerous cushions may be piled on these improvised couches and on the floor. A Japanese parasol may be hung in the corner, tilting forward to form a canopy, and the walls be hung with bead curtains. The odor from burning joss sticks will contribute...
3 minute read
Have small tables numbered and arranged to seat four or six persons. Select for each table a judge, who will distribute the cards and blanks. These judges hold the keys to the contests, so that they may be able to mark the players correctly. Give each player a card attached to a piece of baby ribbon that may be fastened in the buttonhole. Upon these cards the number of points gained may be written, punched with a ticket punch, or marked with fancy wafers of different colors. The cards must be numbered to correspond with the tables, and as many number one cards provided as there are players at table number one, and so on. When the players are seated at the tables which correspond in number with the number upon their cards, let the judges distribute blank paper and pencils, also copies of the questions comprised in the several...
1 minute read
In the note of invitation each one should be requested to wear something suggestive of a book title. Upon arrival, each guest should be furnished with a card bearing the names of the entire company. When one fancies he has discovered a title, he should say nothing about it, but write the title opposite the name of the impersonator. When as much time has been given to this part of the program as has been thought desirable, the hostess calls the company to order and reads aloud a correct list of names and titles, and each corrects his card accordingly; or, still better, let the cards be exchanged, so that each must correct that of his neighbor, which will relieve the victor of the necessity of announcing his own success. The guests may represent their titles in as inexpensive or as elaborate a way as they choose. She who represents...
15 minute read
Write the questions on red cards and the answers on white. Have each question and answer numbered in succession. Let the gentlemen select the red and the ladies the white cards, and when the gentlemen read the questions, let the ladies read the answers. This is also a good way to match partners for refreshments....
1 minute read
The giving of such a party is a pleasing way of raising money for some charitable object. The invitations should read somewhat like the following: You are cordially invited to attend a Measuring Party to be given by the East End Connett Y. W. C. T. U. at the home of the President, Mrs. Herbert B. Linscott, Monday evening, October 29th, 1905. Below, this verse should be printed: A measuring party we give for you, 'Tis something pleasant as well as new. The invitation carries a sack, For use in bringing or sending back Five cents for every foot you're tall, Measure yourself against the wall. An extra cent for each inch you'll give, And thereby show how high you live. Then with music and song, recitation and pleasure, We will meet one and all at our party of measure. With each invitation should be sent a tiny bag made...
1 minute read
Procure the small glass vials used by homœopathic physicians. On the outside of each one paste a narrow slip, on which is written the name of some trouble for which the Bible offers a remedy. On another slip write the Bible verse which gives the cure. Roll it up, and run a thread through it which is fastened to the cork. Here are some suggestions: Discouragement, Ps. 42: 5; Sadness, Ps. 16: 11; Pain, Rev. 21: 4; Doubt, Despair, Anger, Impatience, Laziness, Unruly tongue, Loneliness, Sleeplessness, Weakness, Pride, Bitterness, Covetousness. The corresponding Bible references will easily be found by using a concordance. Have one corner of the room arranged for a drug-store. Each person will receive from the "store" one bottle and the cork belonging to a different bottle. He must hunt till he has discovered the "medicine" (cork and paper) belonging to his own bottle, and has delivered the...
1 minute read
"In my wonderful trunk I have two very tall tropical trees (palms); something used by an artist (palette [palate]); weapons of war (arms); many wild animals, and two domestic ones (hares [hairs], calves); something worn by a king (crown); a bright garden flower (tulips [two lips]); a musical instrument (drum); two fish and many shell fish (soles, muscles); branches of trees (limbs); a student (pupil); something used in ship-building (ribs); whips without handles (lashes). a product of a spruce-tree (gum); something used by carpenters (nails); a part of a clock (hands); a large wooden box (chest); part of a wagon (tongue); something grown on a cornstalk (ears); a part of a shoe (heel); ten Spanish gentlemen (ten dons [tendons]); part of a nail (head); weather cocks (vanes [veins]); two kitchen utensils (pans [knee]); part of a knife (blade [shoulder]); edge of a saw (teeth); terms used in voting (ayes and...
1 minute read
This is a form of entertainment suitable for Independence Day. "Military Checkers," played at small tables, may furnish appropriate amusement. Each table is named for some fort: "Fort Ticonderoga," "Fort Duquesne," etc. Though the players "progress" from one table to another, all their honors are counted as belonging to the fort of their first allegiance, to which table they return each time they win. The prizes may be in any form suggestive of Independence Day. An enameled pencil in the shape of a firecracker, or flag-shaped cuff-links, would do for the man's prize, and a cracker-jar for the lady's prize. The piazza should be strung with colored lanterns, which can be lighted when the guests are in the dining-room at supper. The dining-room may be simply decorated with red roses and vines, and the dining-room table in the same way, a big blue-and-white bowl in the centre of the table...
38 minute read
At a recent church fair the flower-booth attracted special notice. It was decorated with morning glories made of crepe paper, in different colors. The flowers were profusely twined among the spruce boughs that formed the top of the booth, and were extremely effective and very natural. The flower-girls wore large hats with morning glory trimming, and were in light summer dresses. All the other tables were similarly decorated, and those in charge wore morning glories in profusion, twined in the hair and falling in graceful festoons from skirt and bodice. Morning glory tea was served from a small table, over which stood a large Japanese umbrella covered with the flowers; the cups carried out the color scheme of the flowers. Each person purchasing a cup of tea was presented with a flower as a souvenir of the occasion....
42 minute read
During the evening a slip of paper is handed to each guest with the name of one of the Mother Goose characters upon it. The hostess retains a list of these, and calls each in turn to repeat within the space of one minute the familiar verse relative to this character. Failing to do this a forfeit must be paid. The one who is most prompt in responding correctly may receive as a prize a goose-quill pen; and the one who fails, a copy of "Mother Goose." Just before refreshments are served the "Goose Drill" may be participated in to the time of a march, and the couples proceed to the refreshment room, where they are served with the following: The numbered list of refreshments should be printed upon small cards, which may be retained as souvenirs of the occasion. The guests order what they choose. The key is retained...
54 minute read
A good color scheme for this affair is brown and yellow. Invitations may be in the form of a scroll, engraved with a selection from some favorite opera, or may represent the "G" clef in brown and yellow water colors. For decorations use yellow flowers, yellow shaded lights and yellow and brown hangings. Tally cards may be painted to represent different musical instruments, such as violins, guitars, mandolins, etc.; or miniature tambourines and banjos may be used for scoring, hung by long loops of ribbon over the shoulders, and becoming before the close of the evening gayly decked with ribbons—yellow for the winners and brown for the losers. Musical quotations in halves may designate partners. For prizes, musical pictures in brown coloring, burnt wood plaques of famous musicians, a Flemish musical stein in brown and yellow, a brown leather music roll tied for the occasion with yellow streamers, musical novels,...
1 minute read
The invitations should be sent in small imitation music rolls, and headed with a line of appropriate music. As each guest enters he receives a long, narrow strip of pasteboard, bearing a portion of some familiar song, both words and music. Each card bears a number, and the eight whose cards are numbered alike are instructed to get together and practice to sing a verse formed by the union of their eight cards. A bell calls them to order, judges are appointed, and each group sings its song, a pianist accompanying them. While the judges are preparing their verdict, a short musical program may be rendered. A bouquet of flowers may be presented to the group whose musical effort is considered the best. The bouquet may consist of eight small buttonhole bouquets, one for each member of the group. Make a list, numbering from one to twenty, of tunes that...
2 minute read
The young hostess announced that a love story of the Civil War would be related in musical numbers, and to the one who should best interpret them a prize would be awarded. All were provided with cards and pencils and a young woman seated herself at the piano. The hostess then asked "What was the heroine called?" Whereupon the familiar notes of "Sweet Marie" were heard, and it began to be understood that the names of popular airs—given with much spirit by the pianist—would furnish the answers to the questions propounded, to be recorded upon the cards. The story progressed thus: What was the hero's name? "Robin Adair." Where was he born? "Dixie." Where was she born? "On the Suwanee River." Where did they meet? "Comin' thro' the rye." At what time of day was it? "Just as the sun went down." When did he propose? "After the ball was...
38 minute read
Have some one play these songs: "Star Spangled Banner," "Marching through Georgia," "Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean," "Battle Hymn of the Republic," "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp," "Hail Columbia," "Home, Sweet Home," "Yankee Doodle," "When Johnnie Comes Marching Home Again," "Auld Lang Syne," "America." No titles are announced, but the guests are asked to guess the names and write them in order upon slips of paper. Following each piece of music some musical term is illustrated. These terms, with the means employed to illustrate them, are as follows: "time," some one hold up a small clock; "measure," a yardstick; "key," a door-key; "flats," two flatirons; "lines," a pair of nursery lines; "sharps," a carving set; "tie," a gentleman's tie; "bars," small clothes-bars; "staff," a cane; "a whole note," a dollar; "a half note," a half dollar; "a quarter note," a silver quarter....
8 minute read
Key to Musicians Buried Note: —The letters composing the names of the sought-for musicians come successively together but the name may begin and end in different words....
2 minute read
The Y. W. C. T. U. Has cordially invited you To the Mystery Reception, Strange and weird beyond conception. At seven-thirty o'clock night fall We will welcome one and all; With solemn rites and grewsome sights, We'll meet you all on Monday night. Street and number. All those who take part in this should arrive early and have everything in shape when the guests appear. First, each one should wrap a white sheet over her and wear a small white mask. Have all the lights turned low or have candles, and on the gas jets or candles have red paper shades to cast a red, gloomy light over everything. Have each one who takes part stand like a statue, and dispose these statues about the house in corners and in dark places. As the guests arrive have one of the white clothed figures meet them at the door, and without...
1 minute read
This is a favorite occasion for a party among young people. It should be a small party, not over twenty-four guests, and it will be the more enjoyable if informal and among those who are well acquainted with each other. There are as varied entertainments for such parties as for those at other seasons. A pretty idea is to confine the list to twelve young gentlemen and twelve young ladies. The hostess requests each couple to dress so as to represent a particular month, which she assigns them. Duck trousers, cotton neckties, and white vests are as distinctive of summer for the young men, as shirt-waists, duck skirts, and lawn are for young women, but it will take some ingenuity to devise an effect that will mark a particular month. The guests should not assemble until nine o'clock. There should be a large clock conspicuously placed in the room, and...
19 minute read
This game is played by providing each guest a paper and pencil, and having ten letters of the alphabet read to the company. These are to be copied, the guests are told to write a New Year's resolution of ten words, each beginning with one of the letters used, in the order in which they are given out. These importuned resolutions, when read, will afford much amusement....
1 minute read
As the guests come in, each one is requested to sign his name in a note-book, and to write underneath it a New Year's resolution. An entire page should be allowed for each one, so that no one may know what his neighbor has written. Each guest should be given a card inscribed with an appropriate quotation, such as "Time and tide wait for no man." These cards are numbered. These are passed around among the company, with the explanation that each guest is to amuse the company for the length of time it takes for the sand to run in a minute glass from one end to the other (have a minute glass in room), using for the purpose of entertainment some thought suggested by the quotation on his card. One can recite a poem, another tell a story, another sing a song, and so on until every one...
27 minute read
In this game of guess the contestants are told that each question can be replied to with the name of a celebrity who has lived in, or whose life has extended into, the nineteenth century. Each guest is given a little tablet with his name written on every one of the pages. Two minutes are allowed to each question. The questioner sits with a big bowl before her, into which, when she calls time, each player drops a slip upon which he has written his answer. This is the list that the questioner reads, omitting, of course, the answers:...
1 minute read
To fun-loving people who enjoy the grotesque, great sport will be found in giving a Nose and Goggle Party. Here two objects will be gained: merriment and disguise. As the guests arrive, disguised as explained below, each is given a card, perforated, with ribbon run through, in order to wear the card around the neck, so that everybody can see it. The cards must have, on one side, a number by which each guest is known; on the other side, a list of figures, 1, 2, 3, etc. (as many figures as there are guests), leaving space opposite each figure for a name. In social conversation each guest is to guess who his or her entertainer is. With intimate friends, this may be done readily by familiarity with the voice; but in most cases the identification will not be easy. Each guest wears a false nose and goggles. The nose...
1 minute read
Cut out pictures of noted men and women from newspapers and magazines, paste on white paper, and number each one. Provide each guest with paper and pencil, having the paper contain a list of numbers corresponding to those on the pictures. The guests are then requested to write opposite the correct number the name of the person whom each picture represents. A good idea is to have pictures pinned upon the wall, curtains, and in every convenient place about the rooms, as the guests will then be obliged to move about, and there will be no danger of wallflowers. After each one has been given plenty of time for guessing, the correct list can be read aloud by one person, each guest passing his paper to his neighbor for correction. A prize may be given to the one who has the most correct answers. In connection with this, the game...
33 minute read
Before the guests arrive hide nuts all over the rooms in every nook and corner. At a given signal have the guests search for them and the one finding the most can be given a small prize. Take English walnuts, split and take out the kernel; write quotations on small slips of paper, cut in half, put one-half paper in one nut shell, the other half in another shell, gluing each shell together. During the evening give one set of half quotations to the girls, the other set to the boys and then have them hunt for their partners; when found, each pair have refreshments together. Have the following nut conundrums guessed, after which serve all kinds of mixed nuts. Conundrums...
48 minute read
Invitations may be slipped inside peanut or English walnut shells, glued together, and sent in a small box. The shops are showing big English walnuts, Parisian almonds and Spanish peanuts, filled with confections in imitation of the genuine nut meats, which make attractive prizes or favors. A novelty in silver represents an English walnut (exact size), "All in a nutshell," which contains powder, puff, mirror, miniature scent bottle, and pincushion; a silver peanut contains a "magic" pencil or small vinaigrette; thimble cases, bangles, tape measures, etc., come in nut designs; a small lace-trimmed handkerchief may be folded and slipped inside an English walnut shell. The diminutiveness of the prizes is emphasized if they are wrapped in a series of boxes, each one larger than the next. For finding partners, English walnuts painted and dressed in crimped tissue paper to represent different nationalities may be used, a lady and gentleman being...
47 minute read
Place these objects tastefully on the dining-room table, each guest on entering the room being furnished with a catalogue of the subjects, supposed to be different paintings, made out so that blank spaces will be left to the right for the answers. From fifteen to twenty minutes are allowed to guess and write down the answers as fast as they are discovered. Comparing notes is hardly fair. At the end of the stated time the guests leave the room. Some one then calls out the correct answers, and the persons whose lists are the nearest correct, receive the first, second, third, and fourth prizes, the number of prizes varying according to the number of guests present. A booby prize for the one who was the least successful adds to the fun. Below is given the list of forty subjects, and also the answers. From the latter you will know what...
5 minute read
(Can be used as a play.) " The Red Schoolhouse will open for the fall term on September fifteenth. As a goodly number of pupils is desired, all receiving this are urged to search the highways and byways for others who may wish to attend. School will begin promptly at eight. As there will be a recess, all pupils should bring their dinners. " SOLOMON WISEACRES, Pedagogue. " The coming of school-days, usually so much dreaded by young folks, was hailed with much delight by recipients of the above notice. On the appointed evening not only were there present the members of the society, but each one, heeding the injunction regarding the highways and byways, brought with him a friend. As the teacher had also found an extra pupil, there were just twenty-four in the party. The boys wore knee-trousers and the girls short skirts and pinafores, with their hair...
1 minute read
The fact that a spelling bee is to form a part of the evening's entertainment need not be indicated upon the invitation, it being a part of the fun to catch people unawares. After the arrival of the guests the choice of a "teacher" and two leaders is effected by ballot. The two leaders then stand out at the end of the room opposite each other, and each chooses alternately one of the company at a time, to represent his side, until all have been chosen and stand in their places in two lines. The teacher, who is supplied with a book, then gives out a word to the person at the end of the line to her right. If the word is correctly spelled the next word is given out to the person at the end of the opposite side at her left. If this person fails to spell...
1 minute read
To emphasize the color scheme, the young hostess wore a becoming empire gown of orange-colored silk, and on her left shoulder was fastened a large rosette of orange-colored chiffon. Each guest, upon arriving, was presented with a similar rosette to wear as a compliment to the occasion. The dining-room was decorated with potted plants. Although it was an afternoon party, the blinds were drawn and the room lighted artificially. The electric lights were muffled in orange-colored cheese cloth, and produced a very charming effect. Over the centre of the table was spread a large square of orange satin overlaid with a Battenberg lunch cloth. On this stood the birthday cake, which had been baked in a fluted mold, then covered thickly with yellow icing, and was a very clever imitation of the luscious fruit it was intended to represent. The cake was surrounded by twelve small brass candlesticks, in which...
55 minute read
In planning for an Orange Sociable use plenty of orange colored paper, and make the decorations very attractive. Make orange colored shades for gas or lamp globes, use orange colored paper napkins, make orange butterflies, and let those who serve on committee wear orange paper caps and orange colored ties. If possible use orange crepe paper for doilies and mats. Refreshments should consist of oranges, wafers tied with orange ribbon, and orangeade. For entertainment the old nursery rhymes should be used. Have slips of paper containing one line each of a rhyme such as "There was an old woman who lived in a shoe." Pass these slips to the guests and have each hunt up the ones whose rhymes match that he holds. There will be four for each group, and they will then proceed to draw a picture of what their rhyme represents. A prize may be given the...
1 minute read
Drape the room for the occasion with red, white and blue bunting. Fill tall vases with red and white carnations and deep blue larkspur. Decorate the room with banners, streamers, red, white, and blue lamp shades, large copies of the State seals, and the like. Uncle Sam and Miss Columbia should stand in the centre of the room and receive the guests as they arrive. Members of the social committee, representing in some way Cuba, Porto Rico, the Philippines, and Hawaii, should act as ushers to present each newcomer to Uncle Sam and Miss Columbia. Ask each guest to come bearing upon his garments somewhere a symbol that will hint at the name of one of the Presidents. For instance, the picture of a canoe out of which persons are tumbling may suggest "Tippecanoe" Harrison; a link of sausage or of a chain, strung on a string and hung from...
2 minute read
One recently given by the young people of a church to raise funds for charity work was extremely well managed. Invitations were issued to members of the congregation to attend a Peddlers' Parade at eight o'clock on a certain evening, a small sum being asked for admission. The movable seats in the chapel were placed so that a wide space was left between them down the centre of the hall. At eight o'clock a march was played, and through the door at the rear came a motley procession, greeted with peals of laughter, as one after another of the figures seen on the streets and in the market, selling their wares, was recognized. A little boy, seven or eight years old, with a red felt hat, a calico shirt, and gray overalls, carried under his arm a number of newspapers; a youth, wearing on his head a cook's white paper...
3 minute read
Find the following on a penny:...
35 minute read
This is especially adapted for the opening or closing party of the season given by a club or society. Souvenir booklets, containing small circular snapshot photos of each member of the club,—each one mounted in the centre of a page—are given the club members. A title page, with name, date and history of the club may be added, leaving blank pages for various memoranda. The cover may be of cardboard, paper, silk or satin, in the club colors, with the club name in gold. The place cards may be miniature photographs showing pretty bits of scenery, etc., or a corner of the room in which the club meetings are usually held. A flashlight photograph of the club may be taken, which will make a pleasing memento of the occasion....
31 minute read
You can help make an hour at a social fly so quickly that the most bashful person present will say it was only ten minutes long, by the help of cards bearing small pictures which have been cut from newspaper advertisements. For instance, Arkansas may be formed by a capital R, a sprinkling-can, and a saw; Iowa, a large I, and a picture of a grocer's scales—I-weigh; Sacramento, by a sack, "ra," a group of men, and the toe of a slipper; Belgium, by a bell and a stick-pin (Bell-gem); and so on with a host of such names as Ohio, Red Sea, Arizona, Orange, Wheeling, Waterbury, Catskill, Delaware, Montana, Potomac, Charleston, etc....
1 minute read
Picture reading is a novel amusement which is adapted to a small party only. Provide as many envelopes and short pencils as there are guests. On the outside of each envelope write the name of a guest. Place a lead-pencil and a folded sheet of unruled paper inside of each envelope. When the guests are seated, present each one with the envelope bearing his or her name. The hostess, or some other person appointed by her, then explains to the company that each one is expected to draw a picture upon the paper found within the envelope. No matter how crudely executed, each person must at least attempt to draw a picture of something, and then replace the sheet of paper in the envelope. A prophet or prophetess must be appointed, also an assistant, care being taken, however, that the former is pretty well acquainted with the different guests. The...
58 minute read
If the company be musical, the pictures of celebrated musicians could be appropriately used, and in writing down the names of these it could also be required of the guests to cite some noted composition of each; or should the company be general, the pictures of men prominent in different professions—divines, orators, actors, statesmen—could be utilized in almost exactly the same manner. Should the entertainment be given in July or in March, it would be quite appropriate to have on the cards pictures of the different presidents, to be named by the guests, the dates of their respective terms in offices to be given by them. While almost any one could readily recognize a picture of Washington, Lincoln or Grant, there are other presidents whose portraits are not so familiar, and it would take a pretty good student in United States history to correctly recognize likenesses of them all, or...
29 minute read
The invitation to this party should be written on three-cornered papers, shaped and painted to look like pieces of pie. Have each lady bring a different kind of pie, thus securing great variety. The refreshments should consist entirely of pies and hot coffee. Have each gentleman present write a recipe for the kind of pie eaten by him, also telling how long it takes to bake it. A suitable prize can be given for the best recipe. A large pie filled with bran may contain a favor for each guest, any little articles that will not be injured in the baking being suitable....
40 minute read
A Pilgrim luncheon is a most delightful affair when properly carried out. The guests should be requested to dress in quaint old costumes suitable to the occasion. If the floors are scrubbed and sanded in keeping with the old-time Pilgrim interiors, so much the better. Candles in old-fashioned brass sticks will furnish sufficient light. A cheerful fire in the grate, with a kettle hanging on a crane, will add to the festivities. All the old heirlooms—spinning wheels of various sizes, andirons, candlesticks, etc.—that can be resurrected or borrowed, will be needed. Decorations consisting of strings of dried apples and bunches of field corn, can be used with good effect. Old blue and white coverlids can be used as hangings or couch covers. Homespun tablecloths and old-fashioned china will be needed in the dining-room. Only old-time dishes should enter into the menu. Below is given one:...
1 minute read
This ping-pong luncheon deserves mention for the novelty of the idea as well as for the cleverness of the hostess in planning her menu. The table decorations consisted of two ping-pong nets stretched diagonally across the table. In the centre where the nets crossed, four racquets of white parchment with scarlet edges were placed. From these rose a bunch of asparagus ferns, and stuck amid the ferns, like big roses, were a dozen rosettes of taffeta ribbon of six different shades of red and pink. The name cards were of white cardboard cut in the shape of racquets with red edges. The menu included creamed white fish made into balls, each laid on a miniature racquet cut from thin slices of buttered bread; French chops trimmed into circular shape with the bone of each twisted with white frilled paper (forming little racquets) served with potatoes cut into little balls; balls...
58 minute read
The invitations, which were written on pink paper, ran as follows: Ping-Pong Party! Polite and pretty people pressed to pleasantly play ping-pong for prizes: pens, pictures, purses or pencils. Patent leather pumps and pinafores positively prohibited. Party puts in at 8 P. M.—pulls out at pleasure. Program The tournament began with mixed doubles. A pretty boutonnière was given to each guest. The men selected for their partners the girls who had flowers corresponding to theirs. After doubles were played off the singles were on, and the prizes were given at the supper-table. A charming Japanese fan, labeled "Pretty present to prevent prickly heat," was the ladies' prize; a potted plant, the men's; while some slight consolation was given the fortunate being who almost won by a wriggly paper snake, bearing on its harmless fangs the legend, "The perilous python pitilessly puts a period to pleasure." A rather unusual supper of...
2 minute read
The invitations to this were written on large sheets of paper, and the sheet was then folded up small, and pinned with a large black pin. Each guest was requested to bring a fancy stick-pin which he or she was willing to have disposed of as the hostess saw fit. On entering, these were given to the hostess, who thrust each into a small card bearing the name of the person bringing it. While her guests were removing wraps in the guest-chamber, she put these by twos (one brought by a girl and one by a man) into small jeweler's boxes. The name of the girl who brought the one pin was put into the box, but no man's name was enclosed. When the time came for supper these boxes were passed to the gentlemen, who each selected one. The name inside indicated which lady he was to take out...
1 minute read
On the twenty-second day of February the guests were bidden to a P.O.D. (Post-Office Department) dinner party, but none guessed the meaning of the mysterious letters till they were seated at the table and found that the place-cards were unsealed envelopes stamped and directed, each one containing a tin label similar to the ones upon the sacks used in the Railway Mail Service. These had been made by a tinsmith and were only strips of tin three inches long and an inch and a half wide. The sides had been bent over slightly to form a slot to hold a narrow piece of cardboard, and a blue or a pink ribbon was drawn through a small hole punched in one end. The ladies' slips bore the names of small towns near by, while those of the gentlemen had the titles of the railroads on which the towns were situated. The...
1 minute read
I was much surprised and amused at a little corn-colored envelope which came with my morning mail the other day. It contained, written upon corn-colored paper, an invitation from Mr. and Mrs. Blank to be present at "A Pop-corn Party" on the following Thursday evening at eight o'clock. In the lower left-hand corner was written, "To meet Mr. C. Cobb very informally." In the dressing-room each girl was presented with an addition to her toilet in the shape of a necklace of popcorn sewed upon satin ribbon, each necklace having a distinct color. Upon entering the parlors we found all the men adorned with watch-chains to correspond. We were speedily invited into the dining-room, where a bright open fire was burning, and were told that this time the girls were to do "the popping." And they did, while ghost stories were told, songs were sung and conundrums given and guessed....
56 minute read
In this new and clever game a name card, with the numbers from one to six written upon it, a small pad of paper, and a pencil, are handed to each guest. The gentlemen are then asked to select partners for each number upon their cards, and when this is done the hostess may give the signal for the game to begin, and announce that "partners" may proceed to draw each other's faces upon the pads of paper, each gentleman depicting the charms of his vis-à-vis , and each lady doing likewise. At the end of five minutes a bell gives the signal for the gentlemen to seek their next partners, and again the portraiture goes on. When all the partners have been taken and all the portraits drawn, each portrait being marked with the artist's initials and a number corresponding to the number the model occupies on each card,...
1 minute read
The committee should take especial pains to have every one enter into this party to make it a success. When it was held at the home of the writer, the house was all torn up ready to move out the next day, so the floors were bare, the curtains were all down and everything looked very much poverty stricken. All the good furniture was moved out of the rooms, and store boxes with long boards across made the seats. Mush and milk was served in tin cups with tin spoons (borrowed for the party). A flashlight photograph was taken and every one had a thoroughly good time. YEW AIR AST TO A POVERTY PARTTY! that us fokes of thee Trinity C. E. air a-goin tu hav at the hous whare Mr. Linscott livs with his wife. It is on Alanson Strete. If yer cante finde it go to No. 36....
46 minute read
You are Asked to the Parlors of Gen. & Mrs. Silas T. Jones Wednesday Evening, April Twelfth. "Come in your rags, come in your tags," but not in velvet gowns, or you will be fined the usual some, 25 sents. Read the program and all kum. Rewls and Regerlashuns First. Every womin what kums must ware a Poverty dres and apern, er somethin ekelly erpropriate, an leave her poodle dorg to hum. Second. Know gent with biled shirt and dood koller will be aloud to kum onless he pays a fine of 5 sents. Third. A kompitent komitty will intruduse strangers an look after bashful fellers. Vittles Koffy, 5 sents Ginger Kake, 5 sents KUM AT KANDLE LIGHTIN AN STAY TIL BEDTIME NO OBSTREPROUS ER BAD BOYS PERMITTED Koffy, 5 sents Ginger Kake, 5 sents KUM AT KANDLE LIGHTIN AN STAY TIL BEDTIME NO OBSTREPROUS ER BAD BOYS PERMITTED...
3 minute read
1. Who first at Washington did pledge The nation's weal to guard and hedge? 2. Which President, most grave and wary, Was called "Old Public Functionary"? 3. Whose phaeton, made from ship of state, Conveyed him to inaugural fête? 4. What President, renowned for spleen, Joined the Continentals when fourteen? 5. Who in his New York home did take The oath which doth a President make? 6. Who to his inaugural hied His good and faithful horse astride? 7. When death first made vacant a President's chair, What Vice-President succeeded there? 8. Who to his inaugural came disguised, For fear of mischief ill-advised? 9. Who was wounded in Trenton town When Washington put the Hessians down? 10. Who President again became Just four year after resigning the name? 11. What President served but thirty days Ere death dissolved his term of praise? 12. What President, son of a President, Was known as "The Old Man Eloquent"? 13. Because March fourth on Sunday came,...
18 minute read
Let the nicknames of our Presidents form the subject of a guessing contest. These should be written one at a time upon a blackboard and numbered. One minute is allowed in which to guess and write down the name of the Executive to whom the title was applied. The list of nicknames is as follows: Let the best list of answers be awarded a prize....
1 minute read
Especially appropriate ideas for an evening's entertainment to be given the last of March or the first of April are suggested by the pussy willow. The invitations sent out to the invited friends can be written on cards brown-tinted like the bark of the trees, and can be very artistically decorated with the furry blooms, or with paintings of them. Trim the parlor with pussy willows by filling vases, pitchers, and bowls. Place the catkins about the room and suspend branches of them from gas jets and about the windows. The hostess can adorn herself very prettily with these blooms by making wreaths for the neck and hair, and by pinning branches of them on the skirt in some design. For entertainment, pin against the wall at one end of the room a sheet upon which is sketched a large pussy willow stalk. Distribute paper catkins among the guests, who,...
3 minute read
The entire color scheme of this Fourth of July luncheon must be worked out in the national colors; as far as possible the doilies used should be designed in star-shaped patterns, with a border in wash silks of interwoven red carnations and blue corn-flowers. Suspended directly over the centre of the table, a huge liberty bell should be hung, composed of red and white carnations and blue corn-flowers. Depending therefrom should be ropes of red, white and blue ribbon, terminating at the four corners of the table. The luncheon to be served should be as far as possible in the prevailing colors, the ices might be in firecracker form, and the starry banner should appear wherever it can be introduced. Draperies and pictures indicative of the occasion should be placed in conspicuous places, and do not forget a goodly supply of pyrotechnics to conclude the day. Such a luncheon will...
1 minute read
A "Riley" party was recently held by one of our church charity organizations. It proved a decidedly unique affair and quite a profitable one also. The decorations of the church parlors consisted mainly of paper, which was most artistically entwined about pillar, post and picture. A large picture of James Whitcomb Riley was placed upon the wall facing the entrance, and over it in pasteboard letters, "When the frost is on the pumpkin, And the fodder's in the shock." Almost all the young people who had gotten up the entertainment were dressed to represent Riley's characters, and several of the most important presided over the booths. At one, which was literally covered with paper flowers, "'Lizabeth Ann, she can cook best things to eat," sold cakes and pies. At another Riley's poems and photographs were sold, and at still another "The raggedy man! He works for pa," knocked down apples...
13 minute read
"Actions speak louder than words." So runs the old saw; nevertheless, a single phrase has often served to make a man famous, and many well-known personages are readily remembered through especially striking or appropriate utterances. How many readers will be able to credit the following to the proper sources?...
1 minute read
This fair can be planned by any society that wishes to raise money and is willing to work to earn it. Monday Have a booth with everything pertaining to wash-day—wash aprons, clothes-pin aprons, clothes-pin bags, wash-tubs, boilers, wash-boards, clothes-lines, clothes-pins, soaps, washing-powder, bluing, clothes-baskets, etc. Tuesday Have everything a housewife wants for ironing day—ironing-boards, irons, stands, holders, home-made holders, fine starch, bees' wax, ironing-board slips, polishing irons, etc. Wednesday Wednesday's booth should have everything for mending day, such as needle-books, stocking-bags, buttons, button-bags, pincushions, papers of pins, needles, thread, darning needles, darning-cotton, darning-balls, etc. Thursday Make Thursday the reception day, arranging this booth as a reception hall, with a good, live committee in attendance. Have a book for the guests to register their names and addresses (for future use). Serve ice cream, cake, lemonade and candy. Introduce strangers and appoint a special committee to look after the backward ones. Friday...
3 minute read
An Idea for St. Patrick's Day The invitations were written upon pale green note-paper, with a shamrock leaf painted in water-color in one corner. The exquisitely blended shades of this leaf make it an easy and effective decoration. In truth, we encountered some difficulty in finding a leaf to copy; but a volume of Moore's poems, incased by a considerate binder in a shamrock-sprinkled cover, solved the problem! The event was called a "Shamrock Luncheon," the hours were from two until six, and the word "whist" explained our intentions. The score-cards were cut from green cardboard, in the shape of a large shamrock; and across the back of each was written a line of a humorous St. Patrick's Day poem, which we had discovered in a newspaper. The verses will be found complete at the end of this article. It is adapted to twenty-four guests, but it is easy to...
1 minute read
An ingenious hostess provided no little amusement for her guests by what she called her "snowdrift party." This is how it is arranged: First of all select from a good book of quotations or proverbs twenty sentences applicable to snow. Write these twenty verses on twenty cards, one verse to each card, and number them with the numbers from one to twenty. Now get together a half dozen pasteboard or wooden boxes, and fill these with flakes of cotton, wool or white paper torn into small pieces. Hide the quotation cards away in the snow thus formed. Each guest receives a wooden teaspoon, tied with ribbon, a note-book and pencil. The boxes are distinguished by letters or numbers painted upon them, and lots are drawn to determine in which "snowdrift" each guest shall dig. The digging is, of course, done with the spoons. Each player digs in the snow, turning...
1 minute read
This little sock we give to you Is not for you to wear; Please multiply your size by two And place therein with care, In pennies or in cents, Just twice the number that you wear, (We hope it is immense). So if you wear a number 10 You owe us 20, see? Which, dropped into our little sock, Will fill our hearts with glee. 'Tis all we ask; it isn't much, And hardly any trouble, But if you only have one foot, We'll surely charge you double. Now, if you have a friend quite dear, You'd like to bring with you, Or if you know some one who'd come, We'll gladly give you two. So don't forget the place and date— We'll answer when you knock, And welcome you with open arms, But DON'T FORGET YOUR SOCK. Will fill our hearts with glee. 'Tis all we ask; it isn't...
4 minute read
"Will you walk into my parlor?" On the upper left-hand corner there was a picture of a spider spinning his web, and a fly struggling to escape from its meshes. When the guests arrived they saw an old-fashioned spinning wheel in the centre of the room, with flax near by, all ready for spinning. They were told that all must try for the prizes that were to be awarded to the lady and gentleman who spun the best thread, after five minutes' trial. The mother of the hostess, who had done such work when a girl, stood near to give instruction, and to time the contestants. Those who have no knowledge of spinning can have no idea how much fun there is in trying to make an even thread, more especially when surrounded by interested young people of no greater experience. As the different threads were finished they were fastened...
1 minute read
Where a party of girls wish to have an evening all to themselves the "Spinster Tea" will furnish them with much merriment. As this sort of tea should be quite informal the invitations may be written on plain white note-paper, as follows: " Being a spinster in good standing in this community you are cordially invited to a 'Spinster Tea' on Tuesday evening, November twentieth, at seven o'clock, at 415 Madison Street. You are requested to dress in character, and to bring with you an old-fashioned picture of a man supposed to have been refused by you. Be prepared to tell the story of his wooing and to state what he lacked to make him pleasing to you. The narrator of the most improbable story will be given a heart. " When the evening of the tea comes, and the guests have all been introduced one to another, they may...
8 minute read
In case it is desired to represent the various states of the Union by floral decorations, the following list is given: [1] Adopted by State Legislature....
1 minute read
Each guest on arriving should be presented with a white card on which has been pasted a picture of General Washington. These need not all be alike—in fact, it will increase the interest in the cards if they are not; any picture of our first President may be used. Small ones cut from magazines will answer the purpose admirably. Beneath the picture have the date, and through perforations at the top of the cards run red, white and blue ribbon hangers. On the reverse of each of the first thirteen cards given out write the name of one of the thirteen original States; on the next thirteen the capital of each of these States, and on the next thirteen one of the principal cities in the States. If the company is to be a large one the forty-five States of the Union may be used instead of the original thirteen....
1 minute read
Invitations to be sent out as follows: You are invited to attend a gathering of the Sons and Daughters of Erin at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick O'Rafferty, (Mr. and Mrs. Herbert B. Linscott), 105 Southern Avenue, Cleveland, on St. Patrick's Day in the evening. You will please come masked and representing some Irish lady or gentleman. Each guest is asked to furnish an Irish story, song or recitation. When the guests arrive their assumed names are written on cards and pinned on each one, and they are introduced to the company under these names; for instance, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis McFadden, or Mr. Martin Dooly and Miss Maggie Murphy. Michael O'Toole might go as a bricklayer. There can be an old apple woman with a basket of apples (which could be sold for a penny a piece for the treasury). Mike McGinnis of the police force might...
1 minute read
(Something green.)...
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To interest guests who have a sense of humor and thoroughly enjoy a little quick thinking you can easily invent new games or adapt and add novel accessories to some older idea, such as, for instance, "A Telegram Party." For this party write your invitations on telegram blanks, and let your refreshments be served not by a maid (who never enjoys extra work), but by one or more boys dressed as telegraph messengers. They will delight in their responsibility and will help you in many ways. Let the boys also pass to each person a pencil and a telegram blank, on which are to be written ten letters, dictated at random by ten guests in turn. These letters each player must manage to use as the initials of ten words following in such order as to form an intelligible telegram. None of these initials can be used for address or...
50 minute read
Write invitations on small white cardboard racquets. Decorate the walls with tennis racquets and nets. Have tennis racquets hung from each chandelier, and stretch a large net across the room. Place in this net red and white racquets of pasteboard, each tied to several yards of red and white ribbon, and have them all tangled up. The object is to wind up the string on the racquets, and secure as many as possible without breaking the ribbon. The committee should wear red belts with seven red streamers, each containing a letter, and spelling the word "welcome." Place welcome mottoes about the room and pinned upon the racquets and nets. Red and white flowers of all kinds can be used for decorations. Take small pasteboard racquets, write quotations on, cut in half and give one-half to the ladies and the other half to the gentlemen, and have them match the quotations....
1 minute read
Select ten young ladies who are good singers—six sopranos and four altos. Divide into two groups, three sopranos and two altos in each group. Have all dress in long white robes and each carry a candle. Five should have lighted candles and five not lighted. Have all behind a curtain and before they appear have the whole ten sing the hymn, "Be robed and ready when the bridegroom comes." This can be found in any sacred song book. Have a small room curtained off on one end of platform. While singing the last verse, "We'll all go forth to meet Him when He comes," the five with candles lighted will march forth from behind the curtain and pass across the platform into the small room. They go in and the door is shut. The other five virgins come forth with no light and pass across the platform silently, and knock...
1 minute read
Great cornstalks, with the husk merely turned back to show the yellow ear, are extremely effective. A huge bunch of these on either side of the drawing-room door will take the place of palms. They may also be placed at the entrance to the dining-room, their sentinel-like appearance making them charming as a doorway decoration. Here and there great pumpkins, hollowed out to admit of the flower-pot with its growing green, make unique jardinières. A bunch of corn, where the ear is red, tied by means of a bow of yellow ribbon to the chandelier, admits of the same suggestion as the mistletoe of Christmas time, and makes a pretty spot of color, besides being the cause of much quiet fun. A pretty feature is to have a pumpkin table brought in during the refreshments and hold a guessing contest, which gives an opportunity for much merriment and for the...
4 minute read
The following is a description of a novel dinner recently given a party of twelve football enthusiasts on Thanksgiving Day. While the ladies were up-stairs removing their wraps, a maid came in with a tray on which were six wishbones, each having tied to it a knot of ribbon of one of the different college colors. Of these they were to take their choice, according to the college or university they preferred. Meanwhile the gentlemen down-stairs had been presented with ribbon rosettes, and as these matched the ribbons on the wishbones they easily found the ladies whom they were to take in to dinner. When the company entered the dining-room they found that the decorations were in perfect harmony with the character of the game which they had just witnessed. Chrysanthemums, which are considered a necessary accompaniment of a football game, were everywhere. A yellow jardinière filled with ragged beauties...
2 minute read
How surprised every one was at the changed appearance of the Sunday-school room! All the chairs had been removed and at various places stood great shocks of corn. Upon the wall were hung red berries and bright-hued autumn leaves, garlands of which may be easily made if the leaves are gathered as they fall, waxed, pressed, and strung on strong threads. In the centre of the room was arranged a large semicircular divan made of pew-cushions covered with dark, richly-colored draperies. There were a number of sofa-pillows heaped upon the divan. The room was dark save for the light which glimmered from hideous-faced pumpkin lanterns. The committee in charge welcomed the guests and invited them to be seated in the charmed circle. The first thing that met their gaze was an immense pile of corn on the cob. Over this, standing on three legs, was a goblin pumpkin with three...
13 minute read
Pass slips of paper around with the names of different trees, all in capital letters, but not spelled in order; for instance, Y-H-O-K-R-I-C, which when transplanted will spell the name Hickory. A suitable prize can be given the one who succeeds in transplanting the greatest number of trees....
50 minute read
For a June entertainment nothing could be more suitable than a tree party, for at this season the new leaves are all out and everything looks fresh and green. Trim the house with branches and blossoms, having as many varieties of trees represented as possible. When all the guests have arrived, give to each one a strip of cardboard (having a pencil tied to it with a bit of green ribbon) upon which are written the following questions for them to answer: Then the following game may be played: Pin a slip, containing the name of some tree, on the back of each person present. Questions may be asked concerning it, which will give a clue to the wearer, who is to guess the tree he is supposed to represent. As fast as each one is guessed, the slip is taken off the back and pinned on the breast. Allow...
1 minute read
That the guests may choose partners, give out cards of red, green, yellow, and brown cardboard cut in the shape of leaves,—maple, elm, oak, etc. There should, of course, be but two leaves of the same shape and color, one of each being passed to the ladies, the corresponding ones to the men. The game is played in the usual way where there is a pool of letters, except that the words made must be only the names of trees or shrubs. For those who may not be altogether familiar with the game, the rules are that each one in turn draws a letter from the pool, then tries by transposing one of his opponent's words to use this letter, and so make a new word for himself. Plurals are not considered new words. If one cannot use the letter to draw from his opponent's, or in his own list,...
37 minute read
The guests invited to our trolley party were twenty in number. When all had assembled, cards with pencils attached were given them, after which the hostess announced that the trip would take half an hour, that the conductor would ring his bell for start and finish, but that the guests must prove their familiarity with the names of the streets, which were represented on cards scattered through the rooms—pinned to curtains, table-covers, pincushions, etc. Carnations were given to the one guessing correctly the greatest number of streets, a tiny bank and a new penny to the one having the least. The cards were as follows: A Trolley Ride—St. Louis to Kirkwood The names of the streets represented were: This same idea could be carried out in connection with the streets of any other town....
2 minute read
The invitations requested that each guest appear in costume and masked. This was the keynote of the affair. An early lunch was planned, as they were to choose partners while still masked, and naturally they would wish to remove their masks after that form of the entertainment had flagged a little. The rooms were decorated with valentines which had accumulated in the household through fourteen years and others prepared for the purpose. After the choice of partners, masks were removed, and all marched to the dining-room, keeping time to a pretty march. It being a birthday party, the ever new feature, the birthday cake, with its candles, graced the centre of the table, the cake being white decorated with red hearts and red candles. Three kinds of small cakes and wafers (all heart-shaped), a plate of each at either end of the table, made up that part of the refreshments....
1 minute read
A Yale luncheon given last Christmastide was a brilliant success. The ideas may be utilized for the entertainment of students from any college, merely changing the colors. Our decision was to have no flowers, not even a palm, and to keep the entire house in harmony of coloring. Fortunately for our scheme, every room had a quiet gray or bluish paper, and in carpets, furniture and hangings there was not a touch of color that would clash with the blue of Yale. Our first bit of luck was the loan of a huge bundle of Yale flags and bunting from the College Men's club. A flag, with a great white "Yale" on it, we stretched across one end of the sitting-room, another, as immense as a campaigning banner, draped the west wall of the dining-room. The stairs were garlanded with blue bunting, and all over the house fluttered little class...
2 minute read
Two dozen couples make a very goodly company of young folks for a pleasant little evening; therefore, send out invitations to that number. The cards of invitation might have on them, either in India ink or water-colors, an arrow-pierced heart, a whole heart or a broken one; even a cluster of them, like fishes on a string, according to the pleasure of the hostess. For each of the twelve young ladies invited, select a rôle that she will impersonate; for instance, we will say that the twelve characters to be represented are: Number twelve can be either a sentimental or a comic character. If the latter, a good deal of amusement may be derived by getting a younger brother or some mischievous boy to represent this character. Have the young ladies gather at the home of the hostess somewhat earlier than the men present themselves, and when the latter have...
2 minute read
This description of a Valentine entertainment will be welcomed by those who desire novel and original ideas. We were received in a room decorated with wreaths of green, hung in festoons caught up at regular intervals by ribbon streamers. From the centre of each wreath hung hearts of parchment paper, tinted in blue and lettered in gold, each bearing a number and a fate or fortune. Suspended from a portière rod between the hall and reception room were three hearts formed of heavy wire and carefully entwined with evergreen; above each one was a jingle. The first said: Blow your bubble right through here And you'll be married before another year. Above the second was: To be engaged this very week Number two is the one to take. And the third had: A sad, an awful fate awaits the one who seeks me, For he or she will ever a...
1 minute read
The "Town Club" was surprised by receiving white cards decorated with cherry-colored ribbon and Danish Flag inviting them to a "Danish Valentine Party." The predominating colors were cherry color and white, being the Danish National Colors. Decorations of the house were of cherry-colored and white hearts and vinter-gjaek (snowdrops), the first Danish flower of the season. The hearts were strung in the parlor, reception-room and dining-room. The archway between parlor and reception-room was draped with the American and Danish Flags. In the centre of each room hung four large-sized hearts, cherry-colored and white, with a gilt arrow thrust through. In the dining-room the hearts were strung in the same way, the lamp shade being of cherry-colored crepe paper. The table was decorated with vinter-gjaek. The girls wore short skirts and bodices of cherry-colored cambric and white flannel blouses with full sleeves. The hair was worn in two braids, crossed and...
1 minute read
Invitations should be sent out for the 14th of February. Each guest is requested to bring a valentine, and as they enter the room, they should drop them into a basket which should be ready to receive them. These can be sent later to some poor school or mission to be given out to poor children, who otherwise would get none. A small room can be fitted up for a studio, and as the guests arrive, they are invited into this room to have their pictures taken. A committee should be appointed to do this work. This can be done by having the shadow of the head in profile thrown on a sheet of paper tacked to the wall. The artist then sketches it with pencil and cuts it out. After all have arrived and have had their pictures taken, paper and pencil are passed around, and the guests are...
55 minute read
Over the table was an Italian green-grocer's sign, and the smiling attendants were dressed to represent Italian women. The table was loaded with fruits and vegetables, all made of tissue paper. The stock included pumpkins, squashes, cabbages, cauliflower, curly lettuce, beets, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, radishes, oranges, and grapes. The vegetables sold for five or ten cents, according to size and contents, for each contained a prize. The radishes and grapes were candies covered with the proper shade of paper and tied in bunches. There was enough mystery about the contents of these artificial vegetables and fruits to make them sell. One person might open a cucumber and find a child's handkerchief rolled within, but if a neighbor bought one, hoping to secure a handkerchief, he would be quite as likely to find a china doll. The proceeds of this sale were donated to charity. A slip of paper entitled "Vegetables...
11 minute read
In planning for anniversaries there are many and unique ways in which they may be carried out. Everything that accompanies the anniversary being celebrated should be used. Always use a decided color and try to carry out the color scheme in the refreshments, the decorations, and the costumes. There are many suitable suggestions in the book from which to choose, in the way of both decoration and entertainment, besides the following. First Anniversary—Cotton Wedding The invitations for the cotton wedding may be written in ink on well-starched cotton cloth. Cut the pieces to fit regular-sized envelopes. You may request the guests to wear cotton costumes, if you wish, to add to the effect. Decorate the rooms with cheese-cloth of several colors gracefully festooned about the walls, and with the Southern cotton-balls if you can get them. The married couple may stand under a canopy made of wire covered with cotton...
22 minute read
Each guest was given a double card or booklet with pencil attached, the cover representing a miniature sheet of music. Upon one page was a list of numbered questions, the answers to be written upon the opposite page, suggested by selections from well-known operas and operettas played upon the piano or other instrument. The names of the operas from which the selections were taken answered the questions. The following were the questions: And the music gave answer, as follows:...
19 minute read
The names of cities and their nicknames may also be used, thus: Boston, "The Hub"; Philadelphia, "The City of Homes"; Detroit, "City of the Straits"; Cincinnati, "Queen City of the West"; Chicago, "Windy City," or "Garden City"; Buffalo, "Queen City"; Cleveland, "Forest City"; Pittsburg, "Smoky City"; Washington, "City of Magnificent Distances"; Milwaukee, "Cream City"; New York, "Gotham"; Minneapolis, "Falls City"; St. Louis, "Mound City"; San Francisco, "Golden Gate"; New Orleans, "Crescent City."...
1 minute read
Invitations should be similar to the following: Yourself and friends are cordially invited to attend a White Ribbon Sociable given by the Y. W. C. T. U. at the home of the President, Miss Blank, Monday evening, September 10, 19—. Have a small white ribbon bow tied on the corner of the card. Of course all members of the society should wear their white ribbons. All who serve on the reception committee should wear a large white ribbon rosette. Also have a white ribbon quartet for the musical part of the program, and have each one wear a large white ribbon bow on the left breast. Have plenty of white flowers for decoration, also use anything white that can be used in any way to help decorate. Have a large bowl or white dish in centre of dining-table with small white baby ribbons hanging over the edge, one for each...
15 minute read
An Evening's Entertainment to be Given by Seven Maids and Seven Bachelors (Copyright, 1899, by the Curtis Publishing Company and republished by courtesy of the Ladies' Home Journal ) Although this entertainment is here planned to include fourteen people, the number of those who take part in it may, of course, be reduced to as few or increased to as many as desired, either by omitting one or more of the couples already provided for, or by including more couples and composing additional verses for them. The characters appear seated in a semicircle, a young man first, then a young woman, and so on alternately, beginning at the right as one faces the audience. Each one is dressed in a fashion appropriate to the character represented. Starting with the first young man at the right, each advances in turn to the front and recites. Number one says: "Of all the...
8 minute read
An Entertainment for the Sunday-School The Sunday-school, school or club is assembled; the stage is concealed by a curtain, and the Christmas tree, which is near the stage, by another curtain or screen. The tree is decorated in the usual manner, minus the gifts, which are concealed near the stage ready to be delivered when the right time comes. The tree need not be lighted until the closing of any preliminary exercises that have been arranged. After lighting, the tree should be exposed to the view of all. When the children have gazed at it for a few moments, the superintendent or some other suitable person should come forward, as if to distribute the gifts as usual. He should survey the tree attentively and from different standpoints, and finally, with great astonishment, exclaim: "Why, what in the world does this mean? What strange thing is this? What is the matter...