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diff --git a/42863.txt b/42863.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 4a0d8c7..0000000 --- a/42863.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,10967 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Bright Ideas for Entertaining, by -Mrs. Herbert B. Linscott - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Bright Ideas for Entertaining - -Author: Mrs. Herbert B. Linscott - -Release Date: June 2, 2013 [EBook #42863] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BRIGHT IDEAS FOR ENTERTAINING *** - - - - -Produced by D Alexander, RuthD, Melissa McDaniel, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - -Transcriber's Note: - - Inconsistent hyphenation and spelling in the original document have - been preserved. Obvious typographical errors have been corrected. - - Italic text is denoted by _underscores_. - - - - - BRIGHT IDEAS - FOR - ENTERTAINING - - - 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 - - - - -ACTING PROVERBS - - -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 -gold that glitters." - -The fourth actor appears with a stone, which he rolls all about the -room. Then he examines it critically and shakes his head dubiously. "A -rolling stone gathers no moss." - -The next actor brings in a bundle of hay and tosses it about with his -fork, which he carries for the purpose, looking up frequently at an -imaginary sky. "Make hay while the sun shines." - -This game is more interesting if spectators are furnished with slips of -paper and pencils, that they may write down their guessing of each -proverb when the actor passes from the room, to be followed by another. - - - - -ADVERTISEMENT ITEMS - - -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 printed -advertisement, with, of course, such changes as will serve to divert the -company, and give the rest an opportunity to guess what advertisement he -has been reading. Of course the article should not be named in the -course of the description. - - - - -ALL ABOUT KATE - - -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-- - - 1. Kate is a good pleader. - - 2. Kate judges judicially. - - 3. Kate is apt to use other people's money wrongfully. - - 4. Kate is very frail. - - 5. Kate sometimes gets out of joint. - - 6. Kate makes everything double. - - 7. Kate loves to teach. - - 8. Kate takes out ink spots. - - 9. Kate helps people out of difficulties. - - 10. Kate is good at constructing. - - 11. Kate gives a pledge of security. - - 12. Kate sometimes invokes evil. - - 13. Kate is perplexing; hard to understand. - - 14. Kate often prays earnestly. - - 15. Kate makes wheels run easily. - - 16. Kate uses her teeth. - - 17. Kate is not always truthful. - - 18. Kate can foretell events. - - 19. Kate makes an affirmative. - - 20. Kate gets smothered. - - 21. Kate points out clearly. - - 22. Kate makes business combinations. - - 23. Kate goes into the country. - - 24. Kate will now move out. - - 1. Advocate. - - 2. Adjudicate. - - 2. Adjudicate. - - 3. Defalcate. - - 4. Delicate. - - 5. Dislocate. - - 6. Duplicate. - - 7. Educate. - - 8. Eradicate. - - 9. Extricate. - - 10. Fabricate. - - 11. Hypothecate. - - 12. Imprecate. - - 13. Intricate. - - 14. Supplicate. - - 15. Lubricate. - - 16. Masticate. - - 17. Prevaricate. - - 18. Prognosticate. - - 19. Predicate. - - 20. Suffocate. - - 21. Indicate. - - 22. Syndicate. - - 23. Rusticate. - - 24. Vacate. - - - - -APPLE SOCIABLE - - -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 prize of B--A--P (big apple pie) is given -to the best poem, L--A--P (little apple pie) to the poorest, and N--A--P -(no apple pie) to the group who composes no poem. All kinds of apples -are served for refreshments. - - - - -APRIL FOOL DINNER - - -The dinner I shall serve will be plain and substantial, but it may be -as elaborate as one chooses. Following is the menu: - - Vegetable Soup Pickles Crackers - - Roast Beef Mashed Potatoes Brown Gravy - - Celery Stewed Peas Tomatoes - - Bread Butter Tea Cheese Jelly - - Cream Pie. - -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, the cheese in -the gravy dish, and finally the pie on large dinner plates. - -The sugar will appear in the cracker jar together with the gravy-ladle, -and the cream in the china teapot. The salt will be found in the mustard -cup, the pepper alone remaining as it should be. Water must necessarily -be served at the dinner, but even this will not be in the usual manner. -I shall serve it in the after dinner coffee cups. - -The soup must be eaten with teaspoons, as the larger ones will be -reserved for the tea. - - - - -APRIL FOOL PARTY - - -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, both head and booby, are fools' caps of white crepe paper -with huge red rosettes. - -The refreshments should be as deceiving as possible. One hostess at an -April first dinner went so far as to serve the entire course backwards, -beginning with ice cream and ending with soup. Or a very suitable menu -may be served in strange and unusual guise: potato salad arranged as -cream puffs; English walnut shells as receptacles for olives; sandwiches -as slices of cake with nut filling; ice cream as croquettes, cone-shaped -and plentifully sprinkled with toasted cake-crumbs; cake as sandwiches, -with ice cream between and tied with ribbon; coffee served in bouillon -cups; bonbons served in exact size artificial fruit. Among the bona-fide -dainties may be "April fool" bonbons--"chocolate creams" stuffed with -cotton, button-moulds covered with chocolate, and round, yellow -pill-boxes filled with flour, iced to represent small cakes. - -After the refreshments the hostess may say that she has a picture to -show which she has just received and which has given her much pleasure. -A curtain is hung before it, which, when withdrawn with grave ceremony, -reveals a mirror reflecting the expectant faces of the guests, while on -its surface, written with soap, are the words "April Fool!" - - - - -AUTHORS' CONTEST - - -Questions to be answered by giving in each case the name of a well-known -author: - - 1. A name that means such fiery things, you can't describe - their pains and stings. (Burns.) - - 2. What a rough man said to his son, when he wished him to - eat properly. (Chaucer.) - - 3. Pilgrims and flatterers have knelt low to kiss him. - (Pope.) - - 4. Makes and mends for first-class customers. (Taylor.) - - 5. Represents the dwellings of civilized men. (Holmes.) - - 6. Is worn on the head. (Hood.) - - 7. A chain of hills covering a dark treasure. (Coleridge.) - - 8. A brighter and smarter than the other. (Whittier.) - - 9. A worker in precious metals. (Goldsmith.) - - 10. A vital part of the body. (Hart.) - - 11. A disagreeable fellow to have on one's foot. (Bunyan.) - - 12. Meat, what are you doing in the oven? (Browning.) - - - - -AUTHORS' GUESSING GAME - - - 1. When we leave here we go to seek our what? (Author of - "Elsie Venner.") - - 2. What dies only with life? (Author of "Phroso.") - - 3. What does a maid's heart crave? (Author of "Handy Andy.") - - 4. What does an angry person often raise? (Author of "The - Christian.") - - 5. What should all literary people do? (Author of "Put - Yourself in His Place.") - - 6. If a young man would win, what must he do? (Author of - "Wandering Jew.") - - 7. How do we dislike to grow? (Authors of "Silence of Dean - Maitland" and "Dawn.") - - 8. What would we prefer to be? (Authors of "Book of Golden - Deeds," "Man Without a Country," and "Under the Greenwood - Tree.") - - 9. What is a suitable adjective for the national library - building? (Author of "The Heavenly Twins.") - - 10. What would we consider the person who answers correctly - all these questions? (Author of "From Post to Finish.") - -The answers to the above questions are: - - 1. Oliver Wendell Holmes. (Homes.) - - 2. Anthony Hope. (Hope.) - - 3. Samuel Lover. (Lover.) - - 4. Hall Caine. (Cain.) - - 5. Charles Reade. (Read.) - - 6. Eugene Sue. (Sue.) - - 7. Maxwell Grey and Rider Haggard. (Gray and haggard.) - - 8. Charlotte Yonge, E. E. Hale, Thomas Hardy. (Young, hale - and hardy.) - - 9. Sarah Grande. (Grand.) - - 10. Hawley Smart. (Smart.) - -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. - - - - -AUTHORS' VERBAL GAME - - -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 author, and the name -of a character in the book. Thus: - - 1. Oliver Goldsmith--"She Stoops to Conquer," Miss - Hardcastle. - - 2. Harriet Beecher Stowe--"Uncle Tom's Cabin," Miss Ophelia. - - 3. William Shakespeare--"Romeo and Juliet," Tybalt. - -If the game be played in this way the scores will probably be close. - - - - -"B" SOCIABLE - - - 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: - - Bread. - - Baked beans. - - Beef. - - Baked potatoes. - - Boiled pudding. - - Boston's overthrow. - - Butter. - - Beets. - - Batter cake. - - Bologna. - - Bananas. - - Brown bread. - -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. - - - - -BARN PARTY - - - _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 provided, and a rope stretched across one side of the -open space, on the farther side of which place a table. On this table -place a large bowl of soapsuds, into which a spoonful of glycerine has -been put, and by its side place half as many pipes as there are to be -guests. Prepare half as many cards also as there are to be guests, and -write across the full length of each card the name of an agricultural -implement, as hay-rake, hay-cutter, pitchfork, hoe, spade, scythe, -sickle, mower, plow, reaper, binder, seeder. On the reverse side each -card should be numbered at the top, and a question written concerning -the implement named on it; besides this the number and another query -should be written upon the lower half. Questions like the following will -answer: - - No. 1. What is the true mission of a harrow? - - No. 1. Can you tell a harrowing tale? - - No. 2. What is a hoe used for? - - No. 2. What is a good receipt for hoe cake? - -The cards should then be cut in halves, and the matching of them will -determine partners for the bubble blowing contest. The answering of the -questions will also afford much amusement throughout the evening. - - - - -BASEBALL PARTY - - -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 course, each guest -knew just where to sit. - -The menu-cards were booklets with the words "Official Score" written on -the covers. The menu consisted of nine courses, or "innings," as they -were more appropriately termed. It was written in language -unintelligible to the average feminine mind, but the boys guessed what -many of the viands were amid much merriment. The reading of the menu, -and the conjectures as to what the courses would be, broke up any -stiffness that might have resulted from nine boys lunching together. It -read as follows--only in the original the interpretations were, of -course, left out: - - FIRST INNING - - First strike (Oyster cocktail) - - SECOND INNING - - Where the losing team lands (Soup) - - THIRD INNING - - Caught on the fly (Small trout with diamonds of crisp toast) - - FOURTH INNING - - A sacrifice (Lamb chops with potato balls) - - FIFTH INNING - - A "fowl ball" (Chicken croquettes with French peas) - - SIXTH INNING - - The umpire when we lose (Lobster salad with cheese straws) - - SEVENTH INNING - - A fine diamond (Ice cream in diamond-shaped slices. Cakes) - - EIGHTH INNING - - Necessary for good (Preserved ginger with wafers and coffee) - playing - - NINTH INNING - - Everybody scores (The passing of favors) - -The favors consisted of a ticket for a ball game to be played on the -local grounds that afternoon for each boy, and a tin horn with which to -"root," as the boys expressed it. - -As soon as the luncheon was finished the nine boys departed in great -glee for the ball grounds, relieving the hostess of the responsibility -of further entertaining them. - - - - -BEAN BAGS - - -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 passing all the bags down the line and back, wins -the round. It takes five rounds to make a game, so that three out of -five must be successful for the winning side. - - - - -BEAN SOCIABLE - - -_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. - - - - -BERRY GUESSING CONTEST - - - 1. What berry is red when it's green? Blackberry. - - 2. " " " used for making ladies' dresses? Mulberry. - - 3. " " " found on the grass? Dewberry. - - 4. " " " a dunce? Gooseberry. - - 5. " " " irritating? Raspberry. - - 6. " " " used for bedding cattle? Strawberry. - - 7. " " " " " celebrating a great festival? Holly berry. - - 8. " " should be respected for its age? Elderberry. - - 9. " " is melancholy? Blueberry. - - 10. " " " named for a month? Juneberry. - - 11. " " " used in sewing? Thimbleberry. - - 12. " " " named for a bird? Pigeonberry. - - - - -BIBLE CONTEST - - -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: - - 1. Give the first and last words of the Bible. - - 2. Whose three daughters were the fairest in all the land? - - 3. How old was Methuselah when he died? - - 4. Who was called "a ready scribe in the law of Moses"? - - 5. Give the names of the three persons who were put in the - fiery furnace. - - 6. Who was the author of the expression, "What hath God - wrought?" - - 7. With how many men did Gideon conquer the Midianites? - - 8. Who was Moses' brother? - - 9. Who went down into a pit on a snowy day and slew a lion? - - 10. Who said "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and - we are not saved"? - - 11. Who was the mother of Samuel? - - 12. Who commanded the gates of Jerusalem to be closed on the - Sabbath? - - 13. Whose flock was Moses tending when he saw the burning - bush? - - 14. What city was saved from famine by lepers? - - 15. Who waxed fat and kicked? - - 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. - - - - -BIBLE EVENING - - -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: - - A was a monarch who reigned in the East (Esth. 1: 1). - - B was a Chaldee who made a great feast (Dan. 5: 1-4). - - C was veracious, when others told lies (Num. 13: 30-33). - - D was a woman, heroic and wise (Judg. 4: 4-14). - - E was a refuge, where David spared Saul (1 Sam. 24: 1-7). - - F was a Roman, accuser of Paul (Acts 26: 24). - - G was a garden, a favorite resort (John 18: 1, 2; Matt. 26: - 36). - - H was a city where David held court (2 Sam. 2: 11). - - I was a mocker, a very bad boy (Gen. 16: 16). - - J was a city, preferred as a joy (Ps. 137: 6). - - K was a father, whose son was quite tall (1 Sam. 9: 1, 2). - - L was a proud one, who had a great fall (Isa. 14: 12). - - M was a nephew, whose uncle was good (Col. 4: 10; Acts 11: - 24). - - N was a city, long hid where it stood (Zeph. 2: 13). - - O was a servant, acknowledged a brother (Philem. 16). - - P was a Christian greeting another (2 Tim. 1: 1, 2). - - R was a damsel who knew a man's voice (Acts 12: 13, 14). - - S was a sovereign who made a bad choice (1 Kings 11: 4-11). - - T was a seaport, where preaching was long (Acts 20: 6, 7). - - U was a teamster, struck dead for his wrong (2 Sam. 6: 7). - - V was a cast-off, and never restored (Esth. 1: 19). - - Z was a ruin with sorrow deplored (Ps. 137: 1). - - - - -BIBLE NAMES - - -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. - - - - -BIBLE READINGS - - -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. - - - - -BIRD CARNIVAL - - -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. All the stuffed birds that could be secured were perched here and -there among the vines and branches, some on nests with their mates -beside them; a large owl was placed high in one corner, and in a cozy -nook in another corner was the nest of a meadow lark, with father and -mother birds teaching their young ones to fly. Besides this canaries in -cages were distributed throughout the house, lending their music to the -general effect. Bird eggs of every description were also used to help -decorate. In the centre of the dining table a nest was arranged, -containing a mother bird and her little ones, while suspended from the -gas jet by gayly colored ribbons and reaching almost to the nest, were -many prettily decorated egg shells, the contents having been "blown" -from them by means of small holes made in each end. Twenty-five rhymes -about birds were pinned about the rooms, the guests being required to -answer them. Following are given the rhymes and their answers. The -hostess kept the "key" and read the correct list at the close of the -contest, when a canary bird in a cage was given as first prize and a -stuffed bird as second to the most successful contestants. At the close -of the contest, the roll was called and each "bird" present responded -by an appropriate quotation, these having been previously distributed by -the hostess. - - -BIRD PIE - -After refreshments were served, an enormous "bird pie" was placed upon -the table and each guest was given a slice. This pie was made of pie -crust, and was filled with tiny trifles wrapped in tissue paper, most of -them representing birds, eggs, nests, etc. On the top of the pie -twenty-four little birds cut out of black paper were perched by means of -pins stuck through their feet. Also pinned to the pie was this verse: - - When this pie is opened - The birds begin to sing? - That is where you all are fooled; - We won't do such a thing! - - - - -BIRD GUESSING CONTEST - - - 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.--(_Phoebe._) - - 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 careth if but one should fall.--(_Sparrow._) - - 9. Red-breasted harbinger of spring - We wait in hope to hear thee sing.--(_Robin._) - - 10. Yellow captive of the cage, - Silver notes thou giv'st as wage.--(_Canary._) - - 11. A flash of white upon the sea, - And yet 'tis not a sail. - A "little brother of the air" - Hath dared to ride the gale.--(_Sea-gull._) - - 12. "Jenny" named in children's books, - Bright in spirit, dull in looks; - With Cock Robin as thy mate, - Nothing else I'll have to state.--(_Wren._) - - 13. In Blue Grass regions is thy splendor seen, - Thou flash of flame. - August thy name, - Red-coated pontiff of the green.--(_Kentucky Cardinal._) - - 14. Black robber of the corn-fields, oh, beware! - The farmer can do other things than scare.--(_Crow._) - - 15. We know how long ago - You frightened Mr. Poe-- - Black-coated prophet of adversity.--(_Raven._) - - 16. Named for the animal the dairies need, - Yet, in thy nature, quite a different breed.--(_Cowbird._) - - 17. Black-winged in crimson roses thou art dressed, - Fine feathers make fine birds, it is confessed; - And none more fine than thou, - Oh, brilliant beauty of the bough!--(_Scarlet Tanager._) - - 18. The melody is trickling from thy beak, - And silver whistlings help thy voice to speak. - Oh, singer, famed by thousands, clear the strain - Which ripples from thy pulsing throat like rain.--(_Nightingale._) - - 19. Bird of the night, - Thy round eyes are aglow - With all the learning - Which the sages know.--(_Owl._) - - 20. The mother hen must watch her little brood - Lest thou come down and bear them off for food, - And use them for a dinner, - Oh, prowling sinner.--(_Hawk._) - - 21. You imitate the foe which does you wrong, - And call "Meouw," instead of chanting song.--(_Catbird._) - - 22. Your coat is like the leaden sky - Which drops the feathery snow, - And when that leaves us, by and by, - Still further north you go.--(_Snowbird._) - - 23. A symbol of the perfect Love - Shed from above.--(_Dove._) - - 24. I supplicate - At Heaven's gate - And rest on wing - Where angels sing.--(_Lark._) - - 25. I'm always offered cracker, - And though I like it well - I think some other viands - Would answer just as well.--(_Parrot._) - - - - -BIRTHDAY PARTY - - - _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._ - -These invitations can be given and sent out beforehand, each accompanied -by a tiny silk bag to hold the money. Prepare a nice musical treat and -something good to eat. Have each member of the society giving the -entertainment bring a picture of himself when a baby or small child, and -have a picture gallery. Do not forget to be very social and make every -one feel that he is welcome, not only for the money he brings, but for -himself also. - - - - -BISHOP'S RIDDLE - - -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 and iris. - - - - -BOX PARTY - - -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. - - - - -CAKE SALE - - -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 decorated with colored -candies, and each cake was put on a wooden plate, covered with a frill -of crepe paper. The boobies were ginger and sugar horsecakes. Below is -the list of questions and answers used in the contest, which may be -lengthened or shortened at will: - -Which cake did the society woman buy? Reception. The schoolgirl? -Composition. The grocer? Sugar. The artist? Exhibition. The farmer? -Harvest. The mean man? Sponge. The tramp? Loaf. The minister? Scripture. -The milliner? Feather. The maiden aunt? Tea. The dairyman? Cream. The -champion? Cup. The pretty girls? Ribbon. The jockey? Horse. The -shoemaker? The last. The sculptor? Marble. The small boys? Snowballs. -The gossip? Spice. The Bryan man? Silver. The young man for his -sweetheart? Angel. The fond mamma for her daughter? Wedding. The -candidate for office? Election. The politician? Plum. - -Then there were cakes for sale, whole or cut. Small tables were placed -at one end of the hall; and here cake was served with tea, coffee or -chocolate. The cake booths were attractively decorated with crepe paper -and flags. Posters announced the specialties and prices at each. -Watermelon cakes were the novelty at one booth; apple lemon cakes at -another; a plentiful supply of cookies, dominoes, horsecakes, -gingerbread dolls, and little patty pan cakes, containing a prize to -attract the patronage of the children, at another. Little china dolls, -marbles, china dogs, cats, vases, etc., were put in the dough when the -little pans were filled. These china toys were not injured by the baking -and delighted the children beyond measure. - - * * * * * - -At a cake sale recently held for the benefit of a church, a novel -feature was introduced in the sale of "Scripture cake." - -The cakes were baked in several different sizes, and sold for from -twenty-five cents to one dollar. With each cake sold was given a copy of -the recipe by which it was made, which was as follows: - -SCRIPTURE CAKE - - 1 cup of butter Judges 5:25 - 31/2 cups flour I Kings 4:22 - 3 cups sugar Jeremiah 6:20 - 2 cups raisins I Samuel 30:12 - 2 cups figs I Samuel 30:12 - 1 cup water Genesis 24:17 - 1 cup almonds Genesis 43:11 - 6 eggs Isaiah 10:14 - 1 tablespoonful honey Exodus 16:21 - A pinch of salt Leviticus 16:13 - Spices to taste I Kings 10:10 - 2 tablespoonfuls baking-powder I Cor. 5:6 - -Follow Solomon's advice for making good boys, and you will have a good -cake. Proverbs 23:14. - - - - -CAKE WALK (Novel kind) - - -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, by carrying orange in each hand; nut cake, by -carrying nuts. Any other cake can be represented by carrying out the -same idea. All should keep moving around so that the people can see what -each one represents. A prize of a cake can be given to the one guessing -the greatest number of cakes correctly. Refreshments should consist of -every variety of cake served with cocoa or coffee. - - - - -CALICO CARNIVAL - - -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 cents; any lady who fails to - bring half a pound of carefully cut carpet rags, ten cents; - any gentleman who fails to wear a calico tie, twenty-five - cents; any gentleman who fails to bring a thimble, five - cents. - - "P. S.--There will be for sale, cheap, cunning calico - conveniences that will be a constant comfort. - - "N. B.--Any person who sits in a corner and refuses to - converse will be fined five cents. - - "The sale of calico conveniences will begin at ----." - -Of course, everybody came. The fines and admissions alone would have -paid the ladies for the trouble of getting up the carnival. - -The "conspicuous courses" consisted of cake; coffee, tea, or buttermilk; -pickles; and ice water. - -Among the "calico conveniences" which sold readily were the following -articles: Dusting caps, button bags and bags of every description, chair -cushions, aprons with bibs and aprons without, and, in fact, everything -that could possibly be manufactured from calico. - -The carpet rags were given to the gentlemen to sew. An inexpensive prize -was given to the one who first finished his task. - - - - -CAN FACTORY - - -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-ed 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 his shroud. - - 6. Here's a can, which, bear in mind, - Lives on others of its kind. - - 7. They say empty cans will produce the most noise, - But, if properly filled, this will startle the boys. - - 8. Most cans are hardly fit to eat, - Yet you'll like this kind, nice and sweet. - - 9. The waltz or the glee or the bold martial strain, - Each one, as his favorite, endorses; - But for those who prefer oratorio style, - This can sweetest music discourses. - - 10. Now who would elect in a can to reside, - Yet this as a shelter is known far and wide. - - 11. A can of most sagacious mind, - 'Tis "frugal, prudent, shrewd," you'll find. - - 12. That a horse should use cans seems indeed strange to say, - Yet if pressed to have one he'd not utter a nay. - - 13. To put cans in poems no one is inclined, - Yet cans of this sort in some poems you'll find. - - 14. In tubs and in bowls men have ventured from land, - And in cans of this kind, so I understand. - - 15. Now, here is a can that is yellow and round, - 'Twould seem little prized, for it grows on the ground. - -KEY - - 1. Canister. - - 2. Canal. - - 3. Candle. - - 4. Candid. - - 5. Canvas. - - 6. Cannibal. - - 7. Cannon. - - 8. Candy. - - 9. Cantata. - - 10. Canopy. - - 11. Canny. - - 12. Canter. - - 13. Canto. - - 14. Canoe. - - 15. Cantaloup. - - - - -CAT GUESSING CONTEST - - - 1. I wonder what Tabby the ---- to now? (Catsup) - - 2. We will buy some ---- for puss. (Catnip) - - 3. We all should learn our ----. (Catechism) - - 4. Both are in the same ----. (Category) - - 5. See the ---- grazing on the hillside. (Cattle) - - 6. The artist's name is not in the ----. (Catalogue) - - 7. It is very distressing to have the ----. (Catarrh) - - 8. Be sure to visit the ---- in Rome. (Catacombs) - - 9. See the ---- crawling on the ground. (Caterpillar) - - 10. What does the ---- to? (Catamount) - - - - -CHESTNUT SOCIABLE - - -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 -(shelled) pressed on one side. The cream can be colored with fruit -coloring and different shapes can be made from this. Shelled chestnuts -dipped in melted sweet chocolate are delicious. - -Old "chestnuts" are prepared by putting old jokes in chestnut shells and -glueing them together. These will cause much fun and merriment for the -young. Have a large bowl of water with three chestnuts in it and let -each guest be given two toothpicks to try to get the chestnuts out of -the water with the toothpicks, without getting the fingers wet. - - -PROGRAM FOR CHESTNUT SOCIABLE - -Have some one recite "Curfew Shall Not Ring To-night" and "Over the -Hills to the Poor House." Let some one sing "The Old Oaken Bucket" and -"Annie Laurie." Have some one read "The Sword of Bunker Hill" and -"Bingen on the Rhine." Any variety of entertainment can be gotten up -with a little forethought. - - - - -CHILDREN'S BIRTHDAY FLOWERS - - -Each month has a flower or plant appropriated to it, and to each a -meaning is attached. The list is as follows: - - January--Snowdrop. - - February--Primrose. - - March--Violet. - - April--Daisy. - - May--Hawthorn. - - June--Wild rose. - - July--Lily. - - August--Poppy. - - September--Morning-glory. - - October--Hop. - - November--Chrysanthemum. - - December--Holly. - -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. - - - - -CHILDREN'S BIRTHDAY PARTIES - - -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 sword fern. So many -people have pots of these ferns growing in their houses, and the foliage -is so abundant, that some of the older fronds of the plant may well be -spared. The money myrtle is also effective for this decoration, and, in -summer, the little partridge vine with its red berries, to be found in -every woods, makes very pretty trimming. The cake should be in the -centre, and the other viands placed within the star, the children's -plates between the points. Either a round or square table may be used as -preferred. - -For an eighth birthday, a square table may be used with walls of Troy -decoration arranged for two children at a side. If the birthday comes in -December, a rope of evergreen is appropriate and very effective for this -decoration, with branches of holly or other red berries at the corners, -the "goodies" to be placed in the centre. - -For a tenth birthday, quite a long table is needed, and a pretty -arrangement of vines in scallops, with a small bunch of flowers at each -point may be carried out, the viands being placed in the centre, and a -child's plate in each one of the scallops. - -In all these arrangements due prominence must be given to the birthday -cake, the principal feature of the feast. It is placed usually in the -centre, is round, decorated with frosting, and as many tiny candles as -the child is years old. These are placed in toy candlesticks, made so -that they can easily be thrust into the frosting, and the candles are -lighted just before the children go to the table. The candlesticks may -be purchased at a toy store. It is an excellent idea to place some -little souvenir in the cake for each child, tiny china dogs, cats and -goats being desirable for this purpose. - -A candy house will also make a novel and attractive centrepiece for a -children's party table. Build a log house of red and white sticks of -candy, and form the roof of cocoanut strips. For a rail fence use sticks -of chocolate candy or straws and make the grass of spun candy. - - - - -CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY - - -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 told to take some article out of the pack as a reward. Fancy -cornucopias and small boxes filled with nuts and candy were found by the -lucky contestants. - -The children were then asked to guess the number of berries on a large -piece of mistletoe which hung from one of the chandeliers. The one -guessing nearest the correct number received a stick-pin bearing a tiny -enameled spray of mistletoe. - -Then came old-fashioned romping games, after which a Christmas carol was -sung and the children marched in to supper. A star-shaped table had been -arranged for the occasion. In its centre was a small but handsomely -decorated tree. The refreshments consisted of turkey sandwiches, cocoa, -lemon jelly with whipped cream, sponge cake, bonbons and nuts. The -sponge cake was baked in small star-shaped pans, and ornamented with -red and white icing. - -In the parlor an immense snowball was hung from the chandelier. This had -been made by fastening four barrel-hoops together so as to form a round -frame, over which was sewed white cambric. Then the ball was covered -with batting and sprinkled with diamond dust. A slit was made in one -side, and each child put in his hand and drew out some article wrapped -in tissue paper. These proved to be dolls, balls, and toys of all sorts. -Some drew out tiny boxes inside of which were slips of paper with -directions like these: "Look under the divan and you will find a -steam-engine," "Look beside the radiator and you will find a doll's -kitchen," etc. - -In the dressing-room they were softly pelted with a mysterious shower of -snowballs, which they endeavored to catch. The balls were packages of -marshmallows wound loosely with white crepe paper. - - - - -CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS TABLEAUX - - -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 in some concealed corner, with now and again a song or chorus by -a band of children dressed as fairies. The presentation of the tableaux -may either precede or follow the distribution of the gifts. - -BOY BLUE.--A little boy in a blue suit stands on a pile of hay, side to -the audience, with a tin trumpet to his lips. Piano music, "Little Boy -Blue." If the song is sung softly, it is an addition. - -BO PEEP.--A little girl in a white gown, with a shepherd's crook, in -pursuit of a woolly lamb on rollers, being drawn across the stage by an -invisible string. She stands as if she were running, with one foot out -behind her, while the lamb disappears and some one reads the rhyme: - - "Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep - And can't tell where to find them; - Let them alone and they'll come home - And bring their tails behind them." - -MISS MUFFET.--A little girl sits on Boy Blue's pile of hay, eating -something from a saucer. A small boy steals up behind her, with an -artificial spider on a string attached to a pole, which he slowly lowers -into her plate. Appropriate music is played, and Miss Muffet screams as -the curtain is drawn. - -CINDERELLA.--A little girl, with torn calico dress and unkempt hair, -stands at the right of the stage, her hands clasped and uplifted, -smiling in wonder. Before her stands a very small boy in a smart -military suit, with a white cotton wig on his head, indicating the coach -in which she is to go to the ball. The coach may be a pumpkin hollowed -into the proper shape, and drawn by a small dog harnessed to it with -ribbons, or a go-cart, or baby carriage, drawn by a larger dog. Some one -behind the scenes plays a waltz very softly. Plenty of red fire. - -LITTLE JACK HORNER.--For this a boy with a mischievous face should be -chosen. He sits on the floor in the centre of the stage, with a huge pan -covered with white paper between his feet. Some one behind the scenes -reads the nursery rhyme: - - Little Jack Horner - Sat in a corner, - Eating a Christmas pie; - He put in his thumb - And pulled out a plum, - And said: "What a great boy am I!" - -Little Jack Horner, of course, suits the action to the words, pulling a -prune, date or raisin out of a hole in the paper pasted over the pan. He -puts it in his mouth as the curtain is drawn. - -FOLLOWING THE FLAG.--In one corner of the stage a tent is erected--a -white sheet over a centre pole. All the small boys who have military -suits, drums, trumpets and muskets, stand about, and one in the very -front holds the flag. In front of the tent, on a pile of hay, lies -another small boy, in a military suit, with his eyes closed, and behind -him stands a little girl in a big white apron, with the symbol of the -red cross on her left arm. Music behind the scenes is either "Tenting on -the Old Camp Ground," or "The Star Spangled Banner," and all the rest of -the red fire is ignited. When it dies down, the curtain is drawn, the -lights are turned up, and the pianist plays "Home, Sweet Home." - - - - -CHILDREN'S EASTER PARTY - - -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 blindfold one child at a time; -give him a small cane and let him make one strike and see what he can -bring down. It is a good idea to spread a sheet under the chandelier on -the floor, so that the shells can be gathered up quickly. Then announce -refreshments. - -In the centre of the supper-table upon a mound of smilax place a large -rabbit on his haunches, and in his front paws an Easter egg. From this -mound to each plate run a different-colored piece of ribbon, with a card -attached. Upon the card have the child's name who sits at that place. - -At one end of the table have an Easter cake with lily decorations, and -at the other end place something that looks like a large white frosted -cake, with one little downy chick in the centre, and five or six in a -row around the edge. This is not a cake but a baking-pan turned upside -down, covered with white paper and frosted white. - -Have all the refreshments upon the table--thin slices of bread and -butter, sandwiches, nuts, tiny cups of chocolate, cake and ice cream. - -After all have finished eating and are ready to leave the table the -little ones may be told that at the count of three they are to pull -their ribbons, first removing Bunny from his nest to avoid breaking any -dishes. Then every child will find attached to the ribbon an egg, the -color of his or her ribbon, filled with candy or a small gift of some -sort. - -These eggs, a little yellow chick, and the baskets may be given to the -children to carry home. - - -EASTER SALAD - -A delicious and most attractive salad for Easter may be made by building -a nest of narrow strips of cold boiled potatoes upon a few very crisp -lettuce leaves. Fill the nest with eggs made of cream cheese rolled in -grated yellow cheese. Serve on individual plates with a well-made -mayonnaise dressing, and plain crackers, or thin slices of brown bread -and butter. - - -EASTER GELATINE - -Pour gelatine flavored with unfermented grape juice into egg shells and -set them upon the ice. When the jelly seems to be firm remove the -shells, and you will have as many pretty clear violet eggs as you have -had shells. Arrange them around a mould of Bavarian cream, and serve. -Gelatine flavored with chocolate, orange or cranberry juice would make -equally pretty eggs, and probably please the children better than the -violet ones. - - -EASTER BASKETS OF DESSERT - -Little baskets of puff paste were filled with yellow "_eggs_" made from -a rich custard which had been thickened with cornstarch, cooked until -stiff and poured into egg-shaped moulds. When cold the custard "eggs" -were removed from the moulds, placed in the pastry baskets and -surrounded with whipped cream, which was dotted with white grapes cut in -half and the seeds removed. The effect was very pretty and the dessert -delighted the eyes of the guests as well as their palates. - -This dessert might be utilized for any other occasion by pouring the -custard into different-shaped moulds and dotting the whipped cream with -candied cherries or fresh berries. - - - - -CHILDREN'S SOUVENIRS - - -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, etc., may be purchased from -any dealer in such wares. They are also made in the shape of birds and -animals, as peacocks, canaries, turtles, alligators and elephants. -Hollow oranges and apples, fruit baskets, with realistic cherries, -grapes, etc., on top, and room for candy underneath, are very pretty. If -these are thought too expensive ornamented cornucopias to hold bonbons -may be procured at various prices, beginning at fifteen cents a dozen. -Mottoes containing paper hats and caps may be procured as cheaply as ten -cents a dozen, and a package of these, holding as many as the child is -years old, tied with the birthday color, makes a dainty souvenir. Little -cradles filled with candy and ornamented with bows are also appropriate -gifts. - -A SOUVENIR PUDDING.--A common wash-tub, filled with bran or sawdust, -will make a nice pudding for a child's party by putting the souvenirs in -a layer in the bottom of the tub, then a layer of sawdust, then more -presents, and so on until the tub is filled. Have a large wooden spoon -and let each child make a dive with the spoon until he gets one -souvenir. This will please the little ones. - - - - -CHILDREN'S SWEET PEA TEA - - -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 -given for guessing the plants to which the leaves belonged. At the -expiration of that time, the cards were taken (after names had been -signed), and a prize given to the best guesser. - -The guests were then seated, and cards on which was the following list -of questions passed around: 1. What field flower is something to eat and -a dish we drink from? 2. What did the soldier say when he bade his -sweetheart good-bye? 3. The name of what flower is used every day in a -slang expression? 4. The name of what flower did Johnny's mother use -when she told him to rise? 5. What hotel in New York city bears the name -of a flower? 6. What flower is most popular in April? 7. The name of -what flower means comfort? 8. What is the saddest flower? - -The answers are: 1. Buttercup. 2. Forget-me-not. 3. Daisy. 4. -Johnny-jump-up. 5. Aster. 6. Easter lily. 7. Heartsease. 8. -Bleeding-heart. - -The prize for this was a book of flowers and verses. - -A basket of sweet peas was then passed to the girls, a different color -of flower for each one. A similar basket was passed to the boys, and the -search for partners began. The boy with the yellow sweet pea became the -partner of the girl with the yellow flower. The boy with the white found -the girl with the white, etc. The table was strewn with sweet peas, a -cut-glass bowl of sweet peas graced the centre, and on each napkin was -pinned a small bunch of the flowers. - - - - -CHILDREN'S TOM THUMB ENTERTAINMENT - - -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, who should stand in front of the -chairs and tell them what to do. The manager should explain why Tom has -a dress on. He can have them perform a number of clever tricks, such as -bowing to the audience, kissing each other, pushing each other, etc. -They can answer questions in a little, fine voice, or say, "How do you -do?" - -It will be found that this entertainment will please the little folks -immensely. - - - - -CHILDREN'S VALENTINE PARTY - - -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 older sister may draw cunning -little Cupids, or hearts transfixed with little arrows. - -Cut from pink paper as many hearts as there are to be boys, but no two -of these hearts must be of the same size; cut from gilt paper the same -number of hearts, one for each girl, matching in size those cut from the -pink paper. - -When the guests arrive, give each boy a pink and each girl a gilt heart. -When a boy finds the girl who holds a gilt heart matching in size his -pink one, they are partners for the evening. In this search all -formality will have worn off. - -Cupid's Darts will pass a jolly half hour. Make a large heart of -several layers of pink tissue paper, and fill it loosely with bonbons; -encase this in a slightly larger heart of open-meshed bobinet; hang on -the wall on one side of the room by two loops sewed to the large, upper -part of the heart. Provide a toy bow and arrow, and let each child in -turn shoot at the heart. The arrows will remain sticking in the lace and -paper, and the one whose arrow comes nearest the centre receives the -first prize--a heart-shaped box of candy. - -Also provide small heart-shaped boxes filled with candies for each child -to take home. - -For refreshments, make sandwiches from heart-shaped pieces of bread cut -with a cake cutter; bake the cakes in heart-shaped tins, and have the -ices frozen in the same design. - -As red and pink are the proper colors for decoration on this day, it -will be a pretty idea to have the lemonade colored pink with fruit -juice. - -Pretty favors can be made from crepe tissue-paper. Flowers, bonbon -boxes, handkerchief-cases, and many another trifle, will please the -young folks, more especially if they are the work of their little -hostess's own hands. - - - - -CHINESE PARTY - - -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 the answer to -his question. - -The committee should try to make this evening as attractive as possible, -and if it can be arranged all the members should appear in Chinese -costume. In the centre of the church room, fit up a booth, covered with -a large Chinese umbrella, and around it place small tables on which to -serve refreshments. This can be made to look like a Chinese garden. Rice -and rats can be served as follows: Boil rice until rather stiff and turn -it into cups to cool. After ready to serve turn upside down in dishes -and serve each dish with a _candy rat_ on top. The rice should be served -with cream and sugar. Also have tea and wafers. A small fee can be -charged for refreshments to go to missionary purposes. Of course no one -but the committee should know what the "rice and rats" is to be, as it -would spoil the fun. A nice idea would be to give chopsticks as -souvenirs. - - - - -CHRISTMAS COSTUME PARTY - - -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 water until crystals form over the foliage. - -Dress the little host in a suit of white cambric well bespangled with -crystal beads and glass pendants. Let him wear white slippers and -stockings, and over one shoulder a white shawl covered with artificial -frost. On his head place a jaunty white beaver hat decorated with a long -white plume. - -The little hostess should wear a white dress of soft, fluffy material, -trimmed with holly and mistletoe, and red stockings and slippers. - -Seated upon the throne, beside one another, they should receive their -guests, who should appear in the characters indicated upon their -invitations. After all the children have been welcomed let them form in -line, with "Winter" and "Christmas" leading, and march up-stairs and -down to the music of piano and violin. - -The children might then be shown some views of Bethlehem and the -Christ-Child and told or read a Christmas story. Just before going-home -time some "grown-up" person, dressed to represent Santa Claus, might -come in and deposit his pack in the dining-room and distribute some -little gifts. Then some simple refreshments should be served before the -children go home. - - - - -CHRISTMAS MENU AND TABLE DECORATIONS - - - Ottoman Country Roasted and Gorged. (Roast Turkey) - Red Swamp Fruit Sauce. (Cranberry Sauce) - Hibernia's Pride Crushed. (Mashed Potatoes) - Cucurbita Maxima Crushed. (Mashed Squash) - Stalks of Kalamazoo. (Celery) - Bivalves Nestled. (Escalloped Oysters) - Dough Baked. (Bread) - Cream Churned. (Butter) - Lover's Test. (Pickles) - Curd Pressed. (Cheese) - Arabian Nectar and Bossy's Best. (Coffee and Cream) - Rosy Cheeks and Bossy's Best. (Peach Sherbet) - Cherub's Diet. (Angel's Food) - Nature's Food. (Fruit) - Squirrel's Dependence. (Mixed Nuts) - Sweet Compound. (Candy) - -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 as given should be printed or written and laid at each -plate, for the guests to study while the courses are being served. - - - - -CHRISTMAS UMBRELLA GAME - - -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 hold the umbrella. The children -may then dance around singing: - - "Merrily 'round this Christmas ring, - Dancing gayly as we sing. - What would this umbrella bring - If we changed to hippetty-hop - And our hostess called out 'stop'?" - -When singing "hippetty-hop" let the children hop around instead of -dancing, and when the hostess calls out "stop" the child with the -umbrella raises it over his head and the present which sways longest -belongs to him. He unties it, and as he does so he hands the umbrella to -another child, whose place he takes in the circle, and so on until all -the children have had a chance to hold the umbrella and receive one of -the gifts which hang from it. - -After the game the umbrella may be given to the child who receives the -largest number of votes as a souvenir of the evening. - -If one does not wish the trouble of trimming an umbrella as described -above, a Japanese umbrella may be purchased for a small sum, and will be -equally appropriate. - - - - -CHURCH BAZAAR SUGGESTIONS - - -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 attraction; one for the supper, one for -the evening's entertainment, one for the fortune-teller, and so on. This -idea is admirable for an affair of the nations, devoting one room to -each country and its characteristics. - - * * * * * - -Seats should be provided in the grove where the visitors may be -refreshed with orange ice, or orange gelatine and cake at a moderate -price. - -If there is a small room adjoining the hall in which the fair is held it -may be fitted up to represent a tropical scene. This would be the place -to sell rubber plants, palms, ferns, etc. Long clusters of bananas hung -amid the foliage will make the scene more realistic. - - * * * * * - -A tulip bed is one of the prettiest ways of hiding surprise packages. A -portion of the floor should be marked off in a square and enclosed with -boards one foot high, painted green. Fill this bed with sawdust and -plant paper tulips in all colors. Have a package tied to the end of -each tulip, making the flower stand firm when planted. Each purchaser -pulls up any flower he chooses. - - * * * * * - -Although brown seems a sombre color for a fair booth, it may really be -used most effectively. Have the booth made oblong with a counter across -the front and have each end covered with brown crepe paper with frilled -edges; have also a brown curtain below the counter hanging to the floor. -Have the roof, and the posts supporting it, covered with the russet -leaves of the chestnut-tree, while around the roof a fringe of chestnut -burrs is hung. At one end of the booth serve hot chocolate with whipped -cream; at the other have all kinds of nuts on sale; and in front have a -display of chocolate and nut cakes and candies. In arranging for any -sort of church entertainment remember that elaborate accessories are not -of so much importance as the display of cleverness in the carrying out -of the ideas which form the basis of the entertainment. - - - - -COBWEB SOCIABLE - - -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 can be put. - -Plenty of fun can be had if every one enters into the game and keeps it -up until finished. Bananas and cake can be served at this sociable or -any other light refreshments desired. - - - - -CONUNDRUM TEA - - - 1. A survivor of the flood (Ham). - - 2. Woman of grit (sandwich). - - 3. Cattle in a railroad disaster (dried beef). - - 4. Impertinence (apple "sass"). - - 5. Spring's offering (water). - - 6. For old maids and bachelors (pickles). - - 7. Tabby's party (cat sup). - - 8. Boston's overthrow (tea). - 9. What all people need (bread and butter). - - 10. New England brains (baked beans). - - 11. Young man's sweetheart (honey). - - 12. An unruly member (tongue). - - 13. Sahara (dessert). - - 14. Tree cake (cocoanut cake). - - EXTRAS - - 15. Love's symbol (doughnuts). - - 16. What I do when I mash my finger (ice cream). - - 17. A mass of types (pie). - -_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. - - - - -COOK BOOK SALE - - -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 request. - -In the meantime, invitations had been sent to the members of the other -two churches in the town, and to the summer visitors, and the -vestry-rooms were crowded the evening of the sale. - -The books were offered for sale at five cents each, and in less than an -hour all were sold, those contributed by housekeepers famous for their -cooking being in great demand, while all were of more or less interest -in a town where every one is well known. - -After the sale of the recipes, the real sport of the entertainment -began. Each lady who contributed recipes also brought a sample of cake -made from the cake recipe she had given. These samples were of all -sizes, wrapped in waxed paper and tagged with the maker's name. They -were auctioned off without being undone, the name attached to the tag -being read by the auctioneer, and much merriment was occasioned by the -witty, bright way in which he drew attention not only to the cake, but -to the one who made it. - -If desired, such an auction sale may be held without the cook book sale -preceding, whole and cut cakes, cookies, doughnuts, etc, being used. As -the cakes are wrapped and no one knows what he is buying, much amusement -results. - - - - -COOKY SOCIABLE - - -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. - - - - -CORN-HUSKING BEE - - -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 considered especially -fortunate, as the first red ear shown is supposed to bring good luck to -its possessor. - -After all the ears have been husked the winner of the red ear is -escorted in state to the house, where a warm fire (always an open one, -if possible) and a supper are waiting. - - -Corn Supper - -Decorate the walls of the room in which the supper is to be served with -as much green as can be procured at this season of the year. Procure a -dozen pumpkins, remove the pulp, cutting a hole at the top of the shell; -cut also four stars in the sides of each pumpkin, cover with light -yellow paper and place candles inside. These lanterns, being set in -various convenient spots about the room and lighted just before the -supper is served, shed a corn-colored glow over the room. In the centre -of the table arrange a vase filled with any late autumn yellow -flowers--dahlias, chrysanthemums or marigolds; place candles at each end -of the table screened by yellow crepe paper shades. The refreshments may -consist of egg and lemon-butter sandwiches, cornbread, chicken salad, -sponge cake, gold cake, lemon ice cream and lemon water ice, cup -custards, honey in the comb, lemonade and coffee. - - - - -DUTCH PARTY - - -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: - - Oysters Omelet - Smoked Herring - Creamed Codfish or Finna Haddie in Chafing Dish - Cold Meat, in very thick slices - Pickled Eggs, Pickled Beets, Pickled Onions - Cucumbers, Lemons and Prawns - Cold Slaw - Fish or Potato Salad Cheese Sandwiches - Rye Bread, in very thin slices - Cheese - Honey Cakes Oval Cinnamon Cakes - Pancakes, size of a silver quarter - Coffee and Chocolate - - - - -EASTER EGG HUNT - - -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. - - - - -EASTER LUNCHEON - - -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 stiff -as not to bend in any desired shape--can form the skeleton. The stem is -made of five wires woven together, green paper being twisted over them -and at the top; each separate wire is bent out to form a foundation for -each white petal, made of white crepe paper, easily shaped and pasted in -place. A little practice will show the amateur that this is not at all -difficult. A pill box covered with gold paper can be pressed down in the -heart of the lily, the top being covered with stamens made of gold paper -shredded and twisted. - -Lilies of the same type, only larger with larger boxes having no covers, -can form the bonbon boxes. These must be even more conventional, as they -have no stems, resting directly on the table. The menu should be simple. - -When the luncheon is over and the guests have left the dining-room for -the drawing-room, a new edition of the old cobweb game makes merry fun -and is arranged as follows: A huge flower-pot is placed on the centre of -the table, in which are planted some artificial lilies to carry out the -idea, and under the flower-pot are gathered the ends of many strings, -each one of which must be appropriated by a guest. These strings cross -and intercross about furniture and corners of course, and give -opportunities for many tete-a-tetes. Here and there some little verses -may be tied if it is wished to add fun to the quest. - - "Do not faint, oh, maid, I beg, - You shall find a golden ----" - - "Gather roses while you may; - Gather them--the livelong day." - -And many another nonsense couplet to suit the company and occasion. - -At the end of each string must be found a candy Easter egg, or a hollow -egg containing some little trinket. - - - - -EASTER SOCIABLE - - -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 large rabbit -bonbonnieres should be placed, with pieces of baby ribbon of all colors -fastened to their forepaws and running out to or below the edge of the -table, each ribbon being strung with eggs. Between the four large -rabbits four smaller ones should peer out from under the nest between -the ribbons. - -Provide each person present with a dime, lead-pencil, and sheet of -paper, upon which the following list is printed. - -Find upon the dime the following articles: - - 1. Fruit of a tropical tree. (date) - - 2. What the Siamese twins were. (United) - - 3. What a lazy man seldom gets. (ahead) - - 4. The division of a country. (states) - - 5. The cradle of liberty. (America) - - 6. Something a schoolboy makes. (figures) - - 7. An instrument to catch sound. (ear) - - 8. The number a miser takes care of. (one) - - 9. What makes the forest green. (foliage) - - 10. Something a bootblack likes to give. (shine) - -Of course the answers are not printed, but are kept by the committee for -reference. A prize of one dime can be given the one with the most -correct answers. Any kind of Easter novelties can be sold for a dime. -For refreshments serve eggs in every form, with bread and butter and -coffee, for one dime. - - - - -FAIRIES' GARDEN - - -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 weighted present, such as the water could not -injure. - -A bed of real goldenrod planted in a box of sawdust, with the presents -tied to the stems of the flowers and buried in the sawdust, completed -the flower garden. - -The vegetable bed fully repaid for all the time and trouble spent upon -it. It was an enclosure of four boards, filled with sawdust, the -vegetables being made of paper and filled with cotton and the presents. -After the vegetables and flowers were planted the beds were covered with -moss. - -A few signs added to the effect, such as "Great South-Sea Bubble" for -the cabbage bed, and "Please do not pull the cats' tails. By order of -the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals," for the cat-tail -fence. - -Carrots, beets, onions and cabbages answered the purpose well, being of -convenient shapes and very easily made. The carrots were made on a -cornucopia of stiff brown paper, in which the present was put, and then -the cornucopia was covered with plain carrot-colored tissue paper, -closed at the top, painted to imitate the creases in a carrot, and -ornamented with a small tuft of leaves cut from green tissue paper. The -beets were stuffed with cotton, in which the present was concealed, and -then covered with the proper colored tissue paper. The onion bulbs were -covered with crinkled cream-white tissue paper, and the tops were made -of stiff white paper spills, or lamp-lighters, covered with dark green -tissue paper. The cabbages were of pale green and yellow--almost cream -color--crinkled tissue paper, wound around the central ball of cotton; -the paper was cut and pulled out in the shape of leaves, or twisted to -form the stalk. - -There were four little girls dressed as "flower fairies," who kept the -garden in order, and helped in many ways, looking very effective in -their costumes of a "morning-glory," a "daffy-down-dilly," a yellow and -white "daisy," and a "wild rose." - - - - -FEAST OF SEVEN TABLES - - -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. Here -is where the waiters will have to hurry and reset the tables. At the -close of every seven minutes the bell rings, signaling all to pass up -one table. Seven persons pass out every seven minutes, and forty-nine -are fed in as many minutes. A novel idea is to charge seven cents on -entering the dining-room, seven cents when through at the last table, -and seven cents as they pass out the door, making twenty-one cents for -each guest. They will not object after they are through with the menu at -the seven tables. - - WINIFRED M. SIMONDS. - - DECORATIONS AND MENU FOR SEVEN TABLES - - _Decorations_ _Menu_ - - _White Table_ - - White Centrepiece Shredded Potatoes - White Dishes White Bread and Butter - White Napkins Cold Roast Pork - White Flowers Milk - - _Brown Table_ - - Brown Centrepiece Brown Bread and Butter - Brown Dishes Brown Coffee - Doilies Worked in Brown Boston Baked Beans - Brown Leaves Pressed Brown Pickles - - _Green Table_ - - Green Bordered Centrepiece Wafers Tied With Green Ribbon - Green Flowered Dishes Lettuce - Green Paper Napkins Olives - Green Foliage Green Tea - Pickles - - _Red Table_ - - Old Fashioned Red Table Cloth Red Cake - Cranberry Sauce - Red Flowered Dishes Wafers Tied With Red Ribbon - Red Napkins - Red Flowers - - _Orange Table_ - - Orange Bordered Centrepiece Orange Wafers - Orange Paper Napkins Sliced Oranges - Orange Colored Flowers Orange Cake - - _Yellow Table_ - - Yellow Centrepiece Lemon Pie - Yellow Figured Dishes Cheese - Yellow Paper Napkins Lemonade - Yellow Flowers - - _Pink Table_ - - Pink Bordered Centrepiece Pink Cakes - Pink Flowered Dishes Pink Pop-corn - Pink Paper Napkins Pink Candies - Pink Flowers - Pink Carnation for Each Guest - - - - -FEAST OF NATIONS - - -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 table was resplendent with red and yellow tulips, the -colors of India. Handsome bowls of beaten brass loaned by a returned -missionary ornamented the table. Four young men in the costume peculiar -to India waited upon this table. The special dish was chicken with -curry, and the favors were genuine Indian bracelets. - -Some rare old Welsh china was used on the Welsh table, and the menu -cards, written in Welsh, were in the shape of Welsh hats. A Welsh flag -was given as a souvenir to each guest. - -The Irish table was served by lassies gowned in green. The menu cards -were in the form of shamrocks. "Potatoes with their jackets on" and -buttermilk were the dishes characteristic of this country. The -tablecloth was of bright green denim and the decorations were all of -green leaves. - -The table representing bonnie Scotland had menu cards decorated with the -thistle. Jam tarts were among the delicacies. - -The English table was decorated in the English colors, with the English -standard as a centrepiece. Roast beef, of course, was an essential part -of the dinner, supplemented by plum pudding, caraway cakes and tea. The -favors were red and white roses. - -White-capped waitresses served at the French table which was bright with -candelabra, asparagus ferns and pink ribbons. The menu cards bore the -fleur-de-lis. Peas, olives and candied walnuts were distinctive dishes. -The color scheme was pink and green. - -At the table representing Holland the girls wore Dutch peasant costumes -and served coffee and chocolate, carrots with cream sauce, so commonly -used among the Hollanders, sausage, rye bread and pickles, cake and -gingerbread baked in fancy shapes. - -The German table was gay with flowers. Noodle soup, German cheese and -anise cakes were added to a generous dinner. The menu cards were in the -form of corn-flowers and were written in German text. The favors were -pretzels. - -At the Italian table macaroni and fruit were the dishes. The favors were -menu cards with the Italian flag painted on each. - -The Mexican table was decorated with palms, and a dinner very similar to -one a traveler would get in that country was served. The favors were -menu cards written in Spanish, to which tiny Mexican _tamales_ were -attached by red and green ribbons, the Mexican colors. - -Dainty arbutus graced the New England table and menu cards. The repast -was a bounteous Thanksgiving dinner such as New Englanders know how to -provide. Baked beans and brown bread were on the menu, as were also -several kinds of pie and apple-sauce. - -The Western table was waited upon by a boy and girl dressed as Indians -with the ornaments they admire. The table was ornamented with flowers. -The dinner cards showed paintings of Indian heads and the favors were -little paper canoes. The cakes, fruit, etc., were served in Indian -baskets. - -The Southern table had a menu different from all the others. Among the -good things were a whole roast pig, corn bread, warm biscuit and sweet -potatoes. There were colored waiters in conventional white linen suits. -The favors that stood by each plate were little Dinah dolls. - - - - -FISH MARKET - - -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 it all the more exciting. -Refreshments were served in the hall and there were a candy and cake -table and two stalls where fancy articles were sold. One of these stalls -bore the sign, Fish Market. Here fish of many brilliant colors and -quaint shapes were for sale; they were blotters, shaving cases, -pincushions, sachet bags, needle-books, housewives, pen-wipers, spool -and veil cases, emeries, court-plaster cases and kites. They were made -of inexpensive materials, but their novelty caused them to sell rapidly. -The fish market was well patronized. At the other stall, pillows and -lamp-shades were sold. Red linen pillows shaped like Japanese fish and -worked with black attracted a great deal of attention; other pillows had -poster fish swimming across them, and still others were adorned with -borders of fishes and anglers' maxims. Fish lamp-shades--scarlet, yellow -and delicately tinted--found a ready sale among the young people, and -caused much mirth. On the cake and candy table there were many toothsome -fishes--chocolate and clear candy fish, boxes of candy decorated with -fishing scenes in water-color and pen and ink, sandwiches cut out with -fish-shaped tin cutters, also fish-shaped cookies and small iced cakes. -The tops of the large cakes were ornamented with fish designs done with -contrasting colors of icing. - - - - -FLAGS OF NATIONS - - -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 of crepe paper in some bright -color. This can be easily accomplished by cutting the paper into -lengths a little longer than the pencil, pasting one side, and rolling -the pencil in the paper, then tying with a bow of narrow ribbon. After -the guests are supplied with cards and pencils let each one write -opposite the flags the names of the countries whose emblems they are. -This will be found no easy matter, unless the guest should be a sailor -or a globe-trotter, and many amusing guesses will be recorded. - -The one who succeeds in guessing the countries correctly, or in guessing -nearest, might be rewarded with a United States flag pin or a pretty -silk flag. For making awards the hostess should have a list of the flags -that are on each card, which should be numbered, and compare the list -with the guesses handed in by the company. - - - - -FLORAL LOVE STORY - - - 1. The girl's name and the color of her hair (Marigold). - - 2. The color of her eyes (violet). - - 3. Her brother's name and an adjective that just describes - her (Sweet William). - - 4. Her brother's favorite musical instrument (trumpet). - - 5. At what time did he awaken his father with it (four - o'clock). - - 6. With what did his father punish him (goldenrod). - - 7. What did the boy do (balsam). - - 8. What office in the Presbyterian Church did her father - fill (elder). - - 9. Being a farmer, what was his occupation in spring - (plantain). - - 10. Her lover's name and what he wrote it with (jonquil). - - 11. What, being single, he often lost (bachelor's buttons). - - 12. What confectionery he took to her (peppermint). - - 13. What he did when he proposed (aster). - - 14. What ghastly trophy did he lay at her feet (bleeding - heart). - - 15. What did she give him in return (heartsease). - - 16. What did she say to him (Johnny-jump-up). - - 17. What flower did he cultivate (tulips). - - 18. To whom did she refer him (poppy). - - 19. What minister married them (Jack-in-the-pulpit). - - 20. What was wished with regard to their happiness - (live-forever). - - 21. When he went away, what did she say to him - (forget-me-not). - - 22. With what did she punish her children (lady's-slipper). - - 23. What hallowed their last years (sweet peas). - - - - -FLOWER BAZAAR - - -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 -made at the booth for the cards to be autographed with the names of the -senders. - -The Tulip booth may be the gayest of the gay, and there the children -should find Easter eggs in all colors of the rainbow. The booth should -be lighted with gay lanterns. Those in charge should appear in Oriental -costumes. - -The choice of decorations for the Pansy booth is a wide one. Light green -would make a good background to set off the bowls of different colored -blossoms adorning the table. At this booth flower seeds, bulbs and -plants of all kinds might be on sale. Seedlings are always ready -sellers. - -A booth which would prove very popular with housewives would be the one -where Daffodils are in evidence, and there the egg delicacies for Easter -menus might be on sale: stuffed eggs, pickled eggs, egg salad, custards, -and angel and sponge cakes. Over this booth place a large yellow -umbrella, fringed with daffodils. On a card fastened to the handle have -the familiar quotation: - - "Daffodils, - That come before the swallow dares." - -Butterflies fluttering over the Candy booth, as if attracted by the -sweets there, will induce others to come for the same sweets. The -butterflies may be made of crepe paper and suspended above the booth by -invisible wires; the vibration of the air will make them appear very -real. The little maid who presides should be gowned to represent a -butterfly. - -Care should be taken that the attendants at the different booths are -dressed in colors to harmonize with the decorative scheme. - - - - -FLOWER GUESSING CONTEST - - - 1. My first wears my second on her foot. (Lady's slipper) - - 2. A Roman numeral. (IV-Ivy) - - 3. The hour before my English cousin's tea. (Four-o'clock) - - 4. Good marketing. (Butter and eggs) - - 5. A gay young man and a ferocious animal. (Dandelion) - - 6. My first is often sought for my second. (Marigold) - - 7. A young man's farewell to his sweetheart. (Forget-me-not) - - 8. Her reply to him. (Sweet William) - - 9. The gentler sex of the Friend persuasion. (Quaker ladies) - - 10. Its own doctor. (Self-heal) - - 11. My first is as sharp as needles, my second is as soft as - down. (Thistledown) - - 12. My first is a country in Asia, my second is the name of - a prominent New York family. (China Aster) - - 13. My first is the name of a bird, my second is worn by - cavalrymen. (Larkspur) - - 14. A church official. (Elder) - - 15. A very precise lady. (Primrose) - - 16. A tattered songster. (Ragged Robin) - - 17. My first is sly but cannot wear my second. (Foxglove) - - 18. The color of a horse. (Sorrel) - - 19. A craze in Holland in the seventeenth century. (Tulip) - - 20. My first is an implement of war, my second is a place - where money is coined. (Spearmint) - - 21. A disrespectful name for a physician. (Dock) - - 22. Fragrant letters. (Sweet peas) - - 23. My first is a white wood, my second is the name of a - yellow Rhenish wine. (Hollyhock) - - 24. What the father said to the son in the morning. - (Johnny-jump-up) - - 25. My first is a facial expression of pleasure, my second a - woodsman's means of livelihood. (Smilax) - - 26. An animal of the jungle is my first, my second is the - name of a tall, fair lady. (Tiger Lily) - - 27. My first is made in a dairy but is seldom served in my - second. (Buttercup) - - 28. My first wears my second on his head. (Coxcomb) - - 29. A close companion. (Stick-tight) - - 30. A fashionable shade for evening dresses. (Heliotrope) - - - - -FLOWER LUNCHEONS - - -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 petals of a -daisy. Reserve a small portion of the icing and tint it bright yellow -for the centres. The effect will be quite pretty. - -After refreshments are served supply each guest with a sheet of paper -and a tiny pencil with a ribbon bow at the end (these pencils can be -purchased for a cent apiece). Announce that the guest who draws the most -natural daisy will be awarded a prize. Distribute the blossoms for -models. Pin all of the papers upon the wall and let the guests decide -which is the most lifelike flower. Award a pretty book to the one who -succeeds best and a booklet of pressed flowers to the second best. - -BUTTERCUP LUNCHEON.--A very effective arrangement of buttercups for a -luncheon is here suggested. It must be remembered that this flower -closes at night and therefore is not suitable for an evening decoration. -In the centre of the table arrange a circle of large rock ferns, and in -the circle thus made place an inverted round pudding-dish, surrounding -it with a large wreath of buttercups. Place the wreath so that half of -each fern leaf will project beyond the buttercups. On the pudding-dish, -the sides of which are hidden by the wreath, place a fern-dish full of -growing ferns, and almost hidden among them a green glass vase filled -with buttercups and grasses. This same idea may be carried out with -daisies. - -OX-EYED DAISIES may be used for a luncheon-table decoration very -effectively. In the centre of a round table, arranged to seat eight -people, place a mound of daisies and mountain ferns and have a rope of -daisies running from each plate to the centre. The ends of the ropes may -be hidden in the mound. - -VIOLET LUNCHEON.--In the centre of a table stand a large cut-glass bowl -on a violet embroidered centrepiece. Fill this bowl with smilax and pink -carnations. In the centre of the bowl place a tall green glass vase and -make it secure by passing four lengths of ribbon crossed over the top of -it, fastening the ends on the edge of the centrepiece with little bows. -In the green vase place eight bunches of violets. From each bouquet run -violet baby-ribbons ending in a little bow at each place. This will make -a number of ribbons resembling a May-pole. After the luncheon each guest -may unfasten the little bow at her place, give the ribbon a jerk, and -draw a bunch of violets. The ribbons passing over the top of the vase -will hold the vase firmly in place. - -APPLE-BLOSSOM LUNCHEON.--For this use blossoms which are but half blown. -Place branches of them in glass bottles full of water and fasten with -wires to the backs of the pictures in the dining-room. The sideboard -should be covered with great branches put in tall cut-glass vases and -low silver bowls; the mantel banked, and in the corners of the room tall -Japanese jars filled with great spraying branches. In the centre of the -table may be placed a vase filled with pure white cherry blossoms. The -candlesticks should be shaded with white and silver. Back of a screen at -each end of the room a lamp may be set to give a brilliant light to the -flowers on the wall, without the glare of the lamp being visible. - -PANSY LUNCHEON.--A pretty and an original way to decorate a table with -pansies when one has quantities of these flowers is to place in the -centre of the table upon a glass salver an old-fashioned glass -fruit-bowl on a pedestal. Fill the fruit-bowl and salver with white -cornmeal which has been well soaked in cold water, and in this insert -the pansy stems. They should be placed as thickly as possible. Around -the outer edge of the salver have a border of maidenhair fern. An oblong -glass dish arranged in a similar manner may be placed at each end of the -table. If desired little dishes arranged in the same way may also be -used. - -"RAINY-DAY LUNCHEON."--This is certainly an original idea. Place an old -umbrella frame vertically in a fernery and twist smilax around the frame -and down each spoke. At the base of the fernery make a bed of violets as -large around in circumference as the umbrella. At the luncheon hour hide -a small lump of ice in the smilax at the end of each spoke, allowing it -to melt and drip on the violets. This makes a pretty decoration for a -luncheon, particularly if wild violets can be procured. - - - - -FLOWER PARTY - - -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 - - 1. An amiable man. (Sweet William) - - 2. The pulse of the business world. (Stocks) - - 3. A title for the sun. (Morning-glory) - - 4. A bird and a riding accessory. (Larkspur) - - 5. A pillar of a building and a syllable that rhymes with - dine. (Columbine) - - 6. A flower between mountains. (Lily of the valley) - - 7. A farewell sentiment. (Forget-me-not) - - 8. A dude and an animal. (Dandelion) - - 9. A part of the day. (Four-o'clock) - - 10. The result of Cupid's arrows. (Bleeding heart) - - 11. The place for a kiss. (Tulips) - - 12. A yellow stick. (Goldenrod) - - 13. A product of the dairy and a drinking utensil. - (Buttercup) - - 14. One of the Four Hundred. (Aster) - - 15. What Cinderella should have advertised for. (Lady's - slipper) - - 16. A wild animal and a bit of outdoor wearing apparel. - (Foxglove) - -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 potted plants, so many of which grace the -florists' windows at this time of year; these for the women, and -scarf-pins in the shape of flowers for the men. - -To select partners for refreshments, give to each lady a flower of a -different variety; if it is impossible to secure a sufficient quantity -of natural blossoms, paper ones will do quite as well, and these may be -made at home. To the gentlemen hand cards bearing quotations referring -to some flower, but inserting a blank where the name occurs. Each -gentleman may claim his partner when he finds the flower that fits his -verse. - -The following are a few suggestive quotations: - - "A (violet) by a mossy stone - Half hidden from the eye." - - "As the (sunflower) turns on her god when he sets - The same look which she turn'd when he rose." - - "Gather ye (rosebuds) while ye may, - Old Time is still a-flying." - - "And there is (pansies); that's for thoughts." - - "Pale fear oppress'd the drooping maid-- - And on her cheek the (rose) began to fade." - - "And the blue (gentian-flower), that, in the breeze, - Nods lonely, of her beauteous race the last." - -For the supper have a salad served in little paper boxes decorated with -strips of pink tissue paper cut either in narrow slashes like the -chrysanthemum petals, or in broader ones to represent the rose. Ices can -be obtained in many flower forms, and if to these be added real stems -and leaves, the service will be as dainty and attractive as possible. - - - - -FLOWERS ILLUSTRATED - - - 1. Buttercup. - - 2. Daisy. - - 3. Sunflower. - - 4. Trumpet vine. - - 5. Lily of the valley. - - 6. Morning-glory. - - 7. Violet. - - 8. Dandelion. - - 9. Lady's-slipper. - - 10. Bachelor's-button. - - 11. Aster. - - 12. Tulip. - - 13. Goldenrod. - - 14. Cat-tail. - - 15. Sweet William. - - 16. Sweet peas. - - 17. Ragged sailor. - - 18. Bleeding heart. - - 19. Poppy. - - 20. Black-eyed Susan. - - 21. Foxglove. - - 22. Queen's lace handkerchief. - - 23. Bluebell. - - 24. Everlasting. - - 25. Marshmallow. - - 26. Solomon's-seal. - -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. 14. A -picture of cats. 15. A card with the words "Dear Will." 16. A few peas -in a saucer of sugar. 17. A Brownie sailor, torn and dilapidated. 18. A -red paper heart. 19. The written words, "Sleep, sweet sleep." 20. A -picture of a girl, the eyes having been painted black. 21. A pair of -gloves. 22. A dainty handkerchief. 23. A small bell, painted blue. 24. A -leather advertisement under which are the words, "Never wear out." 25. -A box of marshmallows. 26. A large seal with the letter S. - -To the one who succeeds in finding the greatest number of flowers can be -given a beautiful basket of roses. - - - - -FOURTH OF JULY MUSEUM - - -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 -contained a date or an event in United States history, and the man who -drew the booklet containing "1492" became the partner of the girl who -held "Discovery of America." - -The museum specimens were arranged on tables or mounted on cards, and -each one was numbered conspicuously. The following list of twenty-two -names was used. It can be lengthened, or the celebrities may be -otherwise represented, according to the resources of the hostess. -Magazine pictures of the articles may be substituted for the real -thing, to simplify preparations. Here is the list, which may be greatly -extended: - - Paul Revere--a toy horse with rider, labeled "The Horse - Travels Best by Night." - - Abraham Lincoln--two small darkies, labeled "All Free." - - Washington--a bunch of cherries, labeled "Our National - Fruit." - - Carrie Nation--a toy hatchet, labeled "You Think You Know. - Guess Again." - - General Grant--a chocolate cigar. - - Theodore Roosevelt--a doll's Rough Rider hat. - - Richmond Hobson--a confectioner's "kiss." - - Barbara Frietchie--the national flag. - - Theodore Thomas--a bar of music and a street-car - _conductor's_ cap. - - Benjamin Harrison--his grandfather's hat. - - Mark Twain--_Two_ pencil-_marks_. - - P. T. Barnum--a hippopotamus, labeled "The Greatest Show on - Earth." - - Harriet Beecher Stowe--"Uncle Tom's Cabin," represented by a - toy negro cabin. - - Priscilla Alden--a picture of a Puritan at a spinning-wheel. - - Jefferson Davis--a Confederate dollar bill. - - William J. Bryan--a silver dollar (number _sixteen_ in the - collection). - - Miss Stone--the _stone_ figure of a woman, labeled - "Kidnapped," or a copy of Stevenson's "Kidnapped." - - Joseph Jefferson--a little dog, labeled "My Dog Schneider." - - Nathaniel Hawthorne--"The Scarlet Letter," represented by a - medium-size red envelope. - - Eli Whitney--a cotton-gin, represented by a branch of - cotton, and a bottle, labeled "Pure Holland Gin." - - Robert Fulton--a toy steamboat. - - Benjamin Franklin--a kite and a key. - -The national colors may be used effectively in the decorations of the -rooms or of the table, and the prizes for the winners may be silk flags, -photographs of historic places or other souvenirs suggestive of the day. - -Appropriate place-cards for a Fourth of July luncheon or dinner may be -made by covering small glass bottles about the size of a firecracker -with red tissue paper, and filling them with little candies. By cutting -the corks even with the bottles and drawing a small piece of twine -through for a fuse, a clever imitation of a cracker is made. The names -of the guests may be put vertically on the bottles. - - - - -GAME OF NATIONS - - -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: - - 1. A popular flower. 1. Carnation. - - 2. Unruliness. 2. Insubordination. - - 3. A gift for charitable purposes. 3. Donation. - - 4. The installation of a king. 4. Coronation. - - 5. Resolution, or "grit." 5. Determination. - - 6. The murder of an eminent person. 6. Assassination. - - 7. Fancy, or mental representations. 7. Imagination. - - 8. Making anything clear. 8. Explanation. - - 9. A small surgical operation legally enforced. - 9. Vaccination. - - 10. The giving up of an office. 10. Resignation. - - 11. A joining or putting together. 11. Combination. - - 12. The choosing of a candidate. 12. Nomination. - -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. - - - - -GEOGRAPHICAL GAME - - -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. - - - - -GEORGE AND MARTHA TEA - - -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: - - 1. L m jak pokes (James K. Polk) - - 2. Yatch lazy roar (Zachary Taylor) - - 3. Lord film rill a me (Millard Fillmore) - - 4. Knife lancer rip (Franklin Pierce) - - 5. Jamb haunce ans (James Buchanan) - - 6. Berth your she fad (Rutherford B. Hayes) - - 7. C H hurt a rare set (Chester A. Arthur) - - 8. Jasmine in horn bar (Benjamin Harrison) - - 9. Willie m mink clay (William McKinley) - - 10. O shogging rantwee (George Washington) - - 11. Jam nod has (John Adams) - - 12. Oft John fear mess (Thomas Jefferson) - - 13. Mard jess moan (James Madison) - - 14. Jo means more (James Monroe) - - 15. Jay chins Quon dam (John Quincy Adams) - - 16. Son rack and Jew (Andrew Jackson) - - 17. A rum Tannin verb (Martin Van Buren) - - 18. Harsh iron aim will (William H. Harrison) - - 19. If gales mead jar (James A. Garfield) - - 20. Carver delve long (Grover Cleveland) - - 21. Man in cab or hall (Abraham Lincoln) - - 22. Yes glass turns (Ulysses S. Grant) - - 23. Holy rent J (John Tyler) - -At the end of half an hour present to the most successful guesser a -George Washington hat of violet candy, filled with red and white -bonbons. - -But let the main feature of the evening be a small room fashioned into a -portrait-drawing studio, the lads and lassies in charge and everything -about the room having an old-time look. - -Above the door have printed in the quaint spelling of long ago that all -who wish can have a silhouette picture of themselves for only five -cents, and doubtless a goodly sum will be realized, as people are -always interested, not only in their own, but in their friends' -physiognomy, and much fun will follow in exchanging shadow pictures. - -Have ready a quantity of large sheets of paper, black on one side and -white on the other, also white cardboard; a sheet of paper is to be -fastened to the wall, white side out, and a lighted candle placed about -three feet from the paper. Then the one having his picture taken is -seated between the candle and wall, so that a strongly defined profile -falls upon the paper; the shadow is to be traced with a steady hand, cut -out, and then pasted on the cardboard, with the black side of the paper -out. - -An old-fashioned candelabrum, surrounded by a wreath of blue violets and -red and white carnations, might grace the centre of the dining-table, -and at either end tall silver candlesticks with candles burning under -shades of a rosy hue might be placed. - -Let the bonbons be held in boxes imitating the cocked hat of the -Continental Army; have sandwiches of different kinds and sorts, with -tiny silk flags bearing the name of the sandwich. Besides these the -eatables might consist of good old-fashioned gingerbread, crullers, -doughnuts, and coffee, followed by apples and nuts. - - - - -GIRLS' NAMES CONTEST - - - 1. What an army would do if it found a river too deep to - ford. (Bridget) - - 2. An admirable quality in a young woman. (Grace) - - 3. The most prominent of Easter flowers. (Lily) - - 4. The time for violets. (May) - - 5. A gem. (Pearl) - - 6. What papa does with the baby. (Carrie) - - 7. How to write a postscript. (Adaline) - - 8. The flower of June. (Rose) - - 9. What a scissors-grinder and a locomotive have in common. - (Belle) - - 10. A virtue. (Patience) - - 11. An article. (Ann) - - 12. First steps in music. (Dora [do-re]) - - 13. Two consecutive letters of the alphabet in transposed - order. (Effie [F-E]) - - 14. The night before. (Eve) - - 15. A little valley. (Adelle) - -The slips are to be collected and the one having the greatest number of -correct answers may be rewarded with some inexpensive souvenir. - - - - -GOLF LUNCHEON - - -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 made across the corners of the table by -using fine wire netting. At each place a small caddy bag can hold the -knives, forks, and spoons of the service, and in the bottom of the bag -can be placed a "Jackson ball"--one of those hard, striped red and -white, old-fashioned candies. - -The bread sticks and cheese straws should be fashioned like golfing -sticks, and the ices be in the form of balls, small and white. Lastly, -with the coffee and bonbons, are passed souvenir cards on which are -daintily painted bags of golfing implements, heads of pretty girls in -outing hats, or bits of rural landscape. - - - - -GOLF PLAYERS' GUESSING CONTEST - - - 1. A coachman. (Driver) - - 2. An oriental herb. (Tee) - - 3. A receptacle for the herb. (Caddie) - - 4. What an impudent fellow is apt to be. (Brassie) - - 5. A rustic expression for aimless working. (Putter) - - 6. A bazaar, and a color. (Fair-green) - - 7. The point of a pen and a lap of the tongue. (Niblic) - - 8. To crush and two letters. (Mashie) - - 9. A chance. (Hazard) - - 10. A large social function. (Ball) - - 11. A definite and an indefinite number. (Foursome) - - 12. Parts of a chain. (Links) - - 13. A bed and to mistake. (Bunker) - - 14. Number twenty. (Score) - - 15. Little pits. (Holes) - -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. - - - - -GOOD LUCK PARTY - - -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 -wishbones and horseshoes of all sizes cut from gilt paper. - -A large screen standing in front of the dining-room doors was decorated -with artificial clover blossoms. In the dining-room similar decorations -prevailed. In the centre of the dining-table, upon a centrepiece -embroidered with the emblems of good luck, stood a candelabra bearing -green and white candles. Encircling the centrepiece was a large -horseshoe of cardboard covered with green paper. Outside the horseshoe -outlining it were small glasses resting on green paper clover leaves. - -At each corner of the table was placed a plate of delicious sugar -cookies baked in the shape of four-leaf clovers; each one was topped -with a gilded wish-bone. - -The chairs were arranged around the room in the form of a horseshoe. - -The main feature of the evening was the hunt for four-leaf clovers. -These leaves, which were cut out of green glace paper, had been hidden -by the hostess in every nook and corner of the down-stairs rooms, and -much amusement was afforded the young people as they eagerly sought -them. At the conclusion of a given time the signal to stop hunting was -given and each guest counted the leaves he or she had found. The one -having the greatest number was presented with a dainty stick-pin in the -shape of a four-leaf clover. - -The refreshments consisted only of ginger ale and cookies, and as her -guests partook of them the hostess read aloud the toasts which had been -handed to her. She presented them at the conclusion of the evening to -the guest of honor. - -Each guest was next asked to tell "the biggest piece of good luck which -ever came to you." The numerous recitals given created no end of fun. - -When the party broke up and the good-nights were said each guest carried -away as a souvenir of the occasion a bright new penny for a "luck -piece." - - - - -GYPSY FORTUNE-TELLING - - -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 should arrive at the house of the hostess a -little early on the evening of the entertainment, and be shown to an -up-stairs room to don her gypsy attire. She should then descend to the -dimly-lighted parlor and seat herself in readiness for the guests when -they shall arrive. - -As the guests arrive and remove their wraps they should be received and -greeted in the library or reception-room, and the hostess should then -announce that a gypsy is in the parlor. Having learned in some way that -there was to be a large party there, she has begged the privilege of -coming in to tell fortunes for the pretty ladies, so that she might earn -a few pennies. The guests repair to the dimly-lighted parlor, where the -gypsy is seated. As each guest advances and seats himself, the gypsy -takes the extended right hand and reads the lines--improvising as she -does so in broken English. - - - - -HALLOWE'EN BOX CAKE - - -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. - - - - -HALLOWE'EN GAMES - - -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 second trial, within two years, etc. - -Write rhymes of four or six lines on thin paper, and place in chestnut -shells. Tie together with ribbon, the ladies' in one color, the -gentlemen's in another. If there are personal hits in the rhymes, tie -the name of the person for whom each one is intended on the outside of -the shell. - -Hide a ring, a thimble and a penny in the room. To the one who finds the -ring speedy marriage is assured; the thimble denotes a life of single -blessedness; the penny promises wealth. - -Have one of the young ladies who knows a little palmistry be the witch -of the evening. A short, bright-hued skirt, a gay plaid shawl crossed -over her shoulders, a scarf bound about her head, will make a very -striking costume, and, with the aid of a little paint and powder, quite -an effective disguise. If she is enough acquainted with the guests to -give some personal history she can produce some very "telling" fortunes. - -After the witch has exhausted her ingenuity as palmist, let her offer to -disclose the name of the future bride or groom of each one present, by -means of the fairy mirror. The room she uses should be dimly lighted. -She writes the name on a mirror with French chalk, rubs it off lightly -with a silk handkerchief, and calls in the person for whom the name is -written. - -Prepare a basket of rosy cheeked apples, each with the initials of a -name pricked in the skin, which names must be used in counting the apple -seeds. - -After the supper table has been cleared of all except the decorations -and candles, have a large dish filled with burning alcohol and salt -brought in and placed in the centre. Seated around this ghostly fire, -all other lights except the candles having been extinguished, let the -guests tell stirring stories rigmarole fashion; that is, some one -starting the story and stopping short at its most exciting point and -letting his neighbor continue it, etc., each one trying to make it as -interesting as possible. - - - - -HALLOWE'EN PARTY - - -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 of ferns and chrysanthemums and umbrella -stands of fluffy grasses will be desirable; but if these cannot be -readily obtained, quantities of gayly tinted autumn leaves will be quite -as appropriate. Festoons of nuts, bunches of wheat or oats, and strings -of cranberries may also help to brighten the wall decorations, and the -nuts and cranberries will be useful in many odd arrangements for -ornamenting the refreshment table. - -Have the table long enough (even if it must be extended with boards the -whole length of the barn or attic) to accommodate all the guests at -once. Arrange huge platters of gingerbread at each corner, with dishes -of plain candies and nuts here and there, and pyramids of fruit that -will be quickly demolished when the guests are grouped about the table. -No formal waiting will be desirable. - - - - -HALLOWE'EN SUGGESTIONS - - -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 to the dressing-rooms. - -Drape one doorway with a portiere of apples--apples strung on strings of -varying lengths. As the guests pass through, the tallest stoop for those -suspended on the longest strings and the shortest reach for those on the -short strings. Those who succeed in throwing three tiny apples through -the horseshoe, which is hung in the midst of these apples, are assured -of phenomenal luck for the ensuing year. - -In another doorway hang a big pear-shaped pumpkin, on whose shining -surface all the letters of the alphabet have been burned with a hot -poker. Keep this rapidly twirling while the guests, in turn, try to stab -some letter with long meat-skewers. The letter that is hit will -establish beyond question the initial letter of one's fate. - -Place in a tub of water red, yellow and green apples. Provide each guest -with a toy bow and arrow. The young man or maiden who succeeds in firing -an arrow into a red apple will be assured of good health; plenty of -money is in store for those shooting arrows into yellow ones; and good -luck is in store for those hitting the green ones. - -Blindfold each girl present and, presenting her with a wand, lead her to -a table on which have been placed flags of the different men's colleges. -The flag her wand happens to touch will indicate the college of her -future husband. - -Browning nuts, popping corn, roasting apples, and toasting marshmallows -will add a great deal to the pleasure of the evening. - -The dining-table should be draped in pale green crepe paper, the lights -above being shrouded in gorgeous orange. Pumpkins of various sizes -should be scooped and scraped to a hollow shell and, lined with waxed -paper and filled with good things to eat, should be placed in the centre -of the table. Lighted candles and quaint oriental lanterns will add -greatly to the decorations. - -The menu should include bannocks, scones, and other Scotch dainties. If -desired, droning bagpipes might accompany the feast. - -After listening to ghostly tales related by white-draped figures, the -guests may receive all sorts of amusing souvenirs from a large pumpkin -placed on a table at the door. - - - - -HANDKERCHIEF BAZAAR - - - 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. - - _Please send by mail before April 5th to_ - -The above invitation, which should be printed on a neat card, explains -itself. The details of the bazaar may be arranged as desired. - - - - -HATCHET PARTY - - -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 with -narrow ribbon--red, white and blue--and each guest should be allowed to -select his color. Thus everybody has the opportunity offered to him of -becoming a member by selecting the white ribbon, and in this way -everybody is compelled to "show his colors." - -If simple refreshments are served, let the Japanese napkins have a big -hatchet gilded on them, and let there be some plates of hatchet cookies, -formed by the cutter that any tinsmith will make from a pattern. - -Have old-fashioned candy--peppermint, wintergreen, sassafras and -molasses--instead of bonbons. Play the old games--hunt the slipper, -blind man's buff, hide and seek. - -Names for the members of the Hatchet Family who are to receive the -guests: - - Johanna Adams Hatchet, - - Tomazine Jefferson Hatchet, - - Jamesina Madison Hatchet, - - Jemima Monroe Hatchet, - - J. Quinciana Adams Hatchet, - - Andrewsia Jackson Hatchet, - - Wilhemina Henrietta Harrison Hatchet, - - Johnesetta Tyler Hatchet, - - Marty Van Buren Hatchet, - - Jinny Keturah Polk Hatchet, - - Zacherina Taylor Hatchet, - - Millarella Fillmore Hatchet. - -Ask the girls who impersonate these characters to come in Martha -Washington dress, a flowered chintz or silk overdress, opening in front -to show a silk or sateen skirt of a plain color, which may be quilted if -desired. The waist is made to open over a white neckerchief and has -elbow sleeves. A little round mob cap of muslin or lace, with a frill, a -band of ribbon around it, and a coquettish bow complete the costume. - - - - -ICE FESTIVAL - - -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 with raw cotton -snowballs, with numbers attached. These were sold for twenty-five -cents--each purchaser choosing a number--and contained the small fancy -articles usually sold at fairs--pincushions, needle-books, cups and -saucers, etc. The windows were all screened and electric fans hidden by -evergreens kept the hall from getting overheated. In one corner was a -large pond, made of a shallow wooden tank surrounded by more gray paper -rocks and white cotton snow, in which real cakes of ice were floating, -and from which any one was at liberty to dip as much ice water as he -cared to drink. This festival was a great success. - - - - -INAUGURATION DAY LUNCH - - -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 on the -cloth as a doily a spread eagle cut from gilt paper, the pattern for -which can be taken from a revenue flag or a ten dollar gold piece. Make -the distance from tip to tip of the wings about twelve inches, and from -the head to the tail seven inches. Place upon the eagles dishes of -olives, nuts, and pink candies. - -From the chandelier to the corners of the table have sound money -festoons, which are made by cutting out of gilt paper a number of disks -the size of a twenty-five cent piece. Paste these together in pairs, -first laying between them a long thread which connects them through the -middle and forms a chain. - -For favors have cards of water-color paper painted around the edges with -a festoon of pink ribbon, in which, at intervals, are knotted scrolls -and documentary envelopes upon which are printed some of the principles -of the Republican party, such as "The Monroe doctrine reaffirmed," -"Reduction of war taxes," "Allegiance to the gold standard," etc. At the -top of each card write the name of the person whom each guest is to -represent. - -In the centre of the card will be the menu, which is as follows: - - Post Office Soup - The Army - The Navy Small Shot - Agricultural Salad - Cabinet Pudding - Ices Philippine Cakes - Coffee - -A clear soup, with noodles for letters, fills the requirements of the -Post Office. The second course is creamed sweetbreads served in small -paper boxes, which stand upon large pilot crackers, or, in army -language, "hard tack." A sheet of paper folded double, like an army -tent, rests upon the crackers, covering the box; wooden toothpicks stuck -through the sides of the tent into the paper box will prevent the former -from slipping out of place, and can easily be removed after serving. On -the outside of the tents paint in large, clear letters U. S. A. The -crackers are to be eaten with the sweetbreads. - -The navy is represented by having the chicken croquettes formed in the -shape of a ship, flat, and having one end pointed, the other somewhat -rounding. From a druggist get two or three straws, such as are used for -soda water, cut them into short lengths, and just before serving, stand -two or three in each croquette to represent smokestacks. If these straws -cannot be obtained, toothpick masts with paper sails will be quite as -effective. The croquettes should be served with green peas--small -shot--and scalloped potatoes. - -Agricultural or vegetable salad, served in beets, makes a most -attractive looking dish. Beets of medium and uniform size are first -boiled until tender, then peeled and placed on the ice. When cold cut -off a slice at the bottom, so they will stand firm, scoop out the -insides, leaving only thin walls. For the filling use peas and apples, -celery and beets, cut into small pieces, and mixed well with mayonnaise; -fill the beets, serving them on lettuce leaves. The cabinet pudding is -that which is to be found in any cook book, baked in individual forms, -and served with foamy sauce. - -The ices are in the form of horseshoes for good luck, and with them are -the Philippine cakes. These are small cakes having in the centre of each -a tiny black china doll, two of which can be purchased for a cent at any -toy shop. These are put in after the cake is baked and before icing, -leaving them just far enough out to show the arms. - -The "coffee which makes the politician wise," may be served at the table -or after returning to the parlor. - - - - -INDEPENDENCE DAY NECESSITIES - - - 1. A powerful submarine weapon of offense. - - 2. A destroying element, and an accompaniment to an - oyster-stew. - - 3. An ancient civilization, and a feeble means of light. - - 4. A woman's toilet necessity, and part of a wagon. - - 5. A color, and the means of warmth. - - 6. The chief implement of warfare. - - 7. A two-wheeled vehicle, and the peak of a house. - - 8. Where Nature's wealth is stored. - - 9. A kind of stone used in paving. - - 10. Bardolph's companion in King Henry IV. - - 11. One kind of headgear. - - 12. What a wise mother does not do to her baby. - - 13. A carnation with u instead of i. - - 14. A musical organization, and a long lapse of time. - - 15. An Irishman's name, a disorderly uprising, and an - intellectual fad. - -The answers are held by the hostess, of course, and are only divulged -after all the guesses are in. They are as follows: - -ANSWERS - - 1. Torpedoes. - - 2. Fire-crackers. - - 3. Roman candles. - - 4. Pinwheels. - - 5. Red fire. - - 6. Guns. - - 7. Cart-ridge. - - 8. Mines. - - 9. Flag. - - 10. Pistol. - - 11. Caps. - - 12. Rock it (Rocket). - - 13. Pink P(u)nk. - - 14. Band-ages. - - 15. Pat-riot-ism. - - -INDEPENDENCE DAY MENU - - Soup a la Americaine (Potato) - Colonial Pot Roast - Baked Tomatoes Stewed Corn - Butter Beans - Columbia Salad, with Star-shaped Wafers - Virginia Corn Bread - Independence Pudding, Hard Sauce - Washington Pie Election Cake - Nuts Fruit - Coffee - - - - -INDIAN DINNER PARTY - - -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 portieres, couch covers, and mantel draperies), Indian rugs, -baskets, tomahawks, bows and arrows, war clubs, chromos, colored -photographs, clay or papier-mache 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 better still with wild flowers, red or yellow. - -The menu cards and name cards, of stiff ecru paper, have Indian -decorations in brilliant red, green and orange; the candles are also -striped in the same vivid colors and the candle holders are made of corn -husks. The canoe, designed for the entree, which is the chicken, is made -of heavy brown paper. - - MENU FOR INDIAN DINNER - - Squaw Soup - (Bouillon) - Wigwam Croquettes - (Fish) - Chicken a la Canoe - Saddle of Mutton - Choctaw Peas Apache Gravy - Arrowhead Potatoes - Calumet Squabs - Pappoose Rolls Wickiup Salad - (Romain) - Prune Sioux - (Feather Cream) - Hiawatha Cakes Indian Punch - Grasshopper Cheese Tomahawk Coffee - - - - -INDOOR LAWN PARTY - - -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, a -violin, and a cornet. In the opposite corner of the room we had a canvas -tent where fortunes were told at five cents each (by palmistry) by one -of our young lady gypsies. Hammocks were swung from the large stone -posts, and a standing double swing was placed on one side of the room, -where the younger people enjoyed themselves hugely. - -Small tables were put into odd corners of the room, where ice cream and -cake were served by ten young ladies in pretty summer costumes. Lemonade -was served from an old well, which was a large square box or packing -case, covered with canvas, painted to represent a stone wall. To this we -attached a well-sweep made from a branch of a tree, tied on a large new -tin pail, and served the lemonade in small glasses at two cents a glass. -During the evening we had a male quartette gather around the well and -sing "The Old Oaken Bucket," and other selections. The orchestra played -the whole evening with very short intermissions. On one side of the room -was arranged an artistic corner where peanuts were sold at the usual -price of five cents a bag. - - - - -INITIAL CHARACTERISTICS - - - 1. Popular Bishop Phillips Brooks - - 2. Fought Every Wine Frances E. Willard - - 3. Serio-Comic Samuel Clemens - - 4. Fearless Navigator Fridtjof Nansen - - 5. Won England's Greatness W. E. Gladstone - - 6. Little Misses' Admiration Louisa M. Alcott - - 7. Military Suitor Miles Standish - - 8. Rollicking Bard Robert Burns - - 9. United States General U. S. Grant - - 10. Moral Light Martin Luther - - 11. Eulogizes Antipodes Edwin Arnold - - 12. Tamed Ambient Electricity Thomas A. Edison - - 13. A Cunning Delineator A. Conan Doyle - - 14. Handles Christians Hall Caine - - 15. Rabid Iconoclast Robert Ingersoll - - 16. Histrionic Interpreter Henry Irving - - 17. Serpentine Belle Sara Bernhardt - - 18. Equality Benefits Edward Bellamy - - 19. Just Mother's Boy James M. Barrie - - 20. Frames Many Chronicles F. Marion Crawford - - 21. Lord High Celestial Li Hung Chang - - 22. Original, Witty, Humorous Oliver Wendell Holmes - - 23. Nipped Bourbonism Napoleon Bonaparte - - 24. Surgeon, Writer, Metrician S. Weir Mitchell - - 25. Intelligent Zealot Israel Zangwill - - 26. Collected Delectable Writings C. D. Warner - - 27. Curiosity Depicter Charles Dickens - - 28. Cuba's Benefactor Clara Barton - - 29. Eminently Zealous Emile Zola - - 30. Character Revealed Charles Reade - - 31. Caused Revolutionary Discussion Charles R. Darwin - - 32. Joyous Lark Jenny Lind - - 33. Fearless Nurse Florence Nightingale - - 34. Conspicuous Senator Charles Sumner - - 35. Ever Frolicsome Eugene Field - - 36. Suffrage Brings Advantages Susan B. Anthony - - 37. Pens Lyrical Dialect Paul Laurence Dunbar - - 38. Always Loyal Abraham Lincoln - - 39. Great Deed George Dewey - - 40. Won Recent Surrender W. R. Shafter - - - - -JACK-O'-LANTERN PARTY - - -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 jardinieres 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 all directions. -Then a huge pasteboard pumpkin covered with yellow crinkled paper was -brought in. I do not know what else it was made of; I only know that it -looked like a real pumpkin. Bright-colored ribbons hung over the sides, -and when the small boys and girls took turns in pulling them, out came -all sorts of comical little toys and pretty knickknacks. - -Before supper was announced the children were given French snappers in -fringed paper, in which they found either a gay cap or apron. After -putting them on they marched around the parlors, out into the hall and -into the dining-room, while the mother of the little girl who had -planned this delightful Hallowe'en party played a marching tune for -them. - -The greatest surprise of all awaited them in the dining-room, for the -walls were covered with large branches of evergreens, making it seem -like "real woods"; not a chair was in the room; the little ones were -invited to seat themselves on soft cushions placed on the floor, in true -picnic style, and they had the jolliest time eating their picnic supper -from the yellowest of yellow gourds, which had been hollowed out, lined -with Japanese napkins, and filled with just the things children like -best. On top of each one was an apple--or at least they thought it was, -until taking it in their hands, when it proved to be a bonbon box -filled with delicious nut candy. Then there were dainty sandwiches, pop -corn balls and salad in orange baskets. But better than these were the -gingerbread animals; these were so natural looking that the little ones -knew right away which animals were represented. - -After supper they played games until seven, when they went home, laden -with their bags of nuts and toys and souvenir lanterns. - - - - -JAPANESE CARD PARTY - - -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 Japanese gong should be used in place of a bell. The favors -may be Japanese fans, toys and novelties. For keeping score, Japanese -paper fans may be had in pairs (for finding partners), and punched with -a conductor's punch for games won. Or Japanese dolls may be used, -punching their paper kimonos. For prizes, select Japanese incense -burners, vases, cloisonne, tablewares, white metal and bronze -novelties, lacquer goods, handsome fans, or embroidered kimonos. - -The refreshments may be served from a buffet--the guests seated Japanese -fashion on floor cushions--and may include rice cakes; tea punch; tea as -a beverage; "Japanese" salad, made of all kinds of vegetables, served in -inverted Japanese umbrellas; cherry sherbet; Japanese nuts, etc. - - - - -JAPANESE SOCIABLE - - -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 -portieres 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 to the -realness of the affair. Japanese lanterns should hang about the room. - -After the stories have been told tiny bits of paper and pencils may be -passed and each one present should write down the name of the one who -did best according to her opinion. A Japanese cup and saucer are -presented to the one who receives the most votes. - -A pretty decorative idea for a Japanese sociable is to cover entirely -the walls of the room with branches of trees, with cherry blossoms made -of pink paper--their color in Japan--scattered profusely over them, the -scene representing the beautiful gardens of Tokio. If musicians are to -be present they may be screened by a lattice covered with gold paper, -and vines intertwined, while tiny incandescent lights shine through. -Souvenirs may be distributed from a jinrikisha covered with the cherry -blossoms. - -The dining-room may be readily transformed into Oriental style with very -little trouble. In place of the usual tea-table have several -tabourettes, each holding a teapot, cups and saucers, lemon and sugar -wafers, and Japanese napkins. A cushion made of matting should be placed -on the floor before each tabourette. Those who serve should be in -Japanese costume. Paper cherry blossoms, fastened to tree branches, and -lanterns would make effective decorations. - -If it is desired to have a more elaborate menu, it may be served on -Japanese plates, and should consist of sandwiches folded in Japanese -napkins, vegetable salad, and rice in some form. For dessert serve -sherbet, calling it "cherry blossom ice," and with it have wafers. Tea -and Japanese nuts may be served last to complete the Japanese idea. - - - - -LITERARY CONTEST - - -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 -contests, among the players at their respective tables. - -A different contest must be prepared for each one of the tables. - -When everything is ready the hostess of the evening should tap a bell -for "silence," and announce that ten minutes will be given for each -contest; that at the first tap of the bell all must begin to write their -answers out, numbering them according to the numbers on the questions; -at the second tap the judges are to collect the answers at their -respective tables and mark on each player's card the number of points -made. The system of marking is as follows: Each player is given as many -marks as he has answered questions correctly, and the totals are summed -up at the end of the game. - -During the progress of the game there must be no talking nor any -questions asked. At the third tap of the bell the players at table -number one go to table number two, and so on, those at the last table -moving up to table number one. This progression continues until all the -players have had their opportunity to answer all the questions in the -contests. At each change blank paper is distributed, and a bell rung as -in the first instance. When the round has been completed the points are -counted and the prizes awarded. A popular book makes an excellent first -prize; a box of candy in the shape of a book, a second; and a "Primer," -a third. - -The following are the various contests: - - -CONTEST NO. 1 - - The charming heroine, my friends, - Was known as ---- ("Alice of Old Vincennes"). - She lived when Indians were a power, - And not ---- ("When Knighthood was in Flower"). - And in those past times, quaint and olden, - She fell in love with ---- ("Eben Holden"). - Then, while her friends began to marvel - A rival came, named ---- ("Richard Carvel"). - Each rival his keen sword did draw, - And heeded not ---- ("The Reign of Law"). - They slew each other, alas! and then - She married a man named ---- ("Crittenden"). - The merry bells rang loud in the steeple - And loudly cheered ---- ("The Voice of the People"). - The two rode away on a double bike - And lived in ---- ("Stringtown on the Pike"). - They did not gossip with each neighbor, - But each one did ---- ("The Portion of Labor"). - - -CONTEST NO. 2 - -_Write out the following quotations correctly:_ - - 1. Beauty is always a thing of joy. - - 2. Let us therefore get up and go to work. - - 3. The man who steals my pocketbook gets very little. - - 4. Every one who knows you, loves you. - - 5. Do pretty and you'll be pretty. - - 6. God keeps the shorn lamb from the wind. - -KEY - - 1. A thing of beauty is a joy forever. - - 2. Let us then be up and doing. - - 3. Who steals my purse steals trash. - - 4. None knew thee but to love thee. - - 5. Handsome is that handsome does. - - 6. God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb. - - -CONTEST NO. 3 - -_Heroes and heroines--in what books do they figure?_ - - KEY - - 1. John Ridd. "Lorna Doone." - - 2. Agnes Wakefield. "David Copperfield." - - 3. Pomona. "Rudder Grange." - - 4. Dorothea Brooke. "Middlemarch." - - 5. Dorothy Manners. "Richard Carvel." - - 6. Glory Quayle. "The Christian." - - -CONTEST NO. 4 - -_Fill blank spaces with titles of popular novels_ - -In the little village of S---- o-- t-- P----, F---- f-- t---- M---- -C----, lived the H----. P---- S----. With him resided his lovely ward, -J---- M----. She was A---- O----F---- G----, and knew little of T---- -W----, W---- W----. She had, however, A P---- o---- B---- E---- and -G---- E----. Among her admirers were R---- C----, J---- H----, and -T---- L---- M----. - -KEY - -In the little village of "Stringtown on the Pike," "Far from the Madding -Crowd," lived the "Hon. Peter Sterling." With him resided his lovely -ward, "Janice Meredith." She was "An Old-Fashioned Girl," and knew -little of "The Wide, Wide World." She had, however, "A Pair of Blue -Eyes" and "Great Expectations." Among her admirers were "Richard -Carvel," "John Halifax," and "The Little Minister." - - -CONTEST NO. 5 - -_Synonyms for names of literary men_ - - KEY - - 1. Severe. Sterne. - - 2. Strong. Hardy. - - 3. Sombre. Black. - - 4. Jeweler. Goldsmith. - - 5. Crossing-place. Ford. - - 6. Rapid. Swift. - - -CONTEST NO. 6 - -_The answers to these questions are the names of authors_ - - KEY - - 1. When we leave here we go to our what? Holmes. - - 2. What dies only with life? Hope. - - 3. What does a maiden's heart crave? Lover. - - 4. What does an angry person often raise? Caine. - - 5. What should all literary people do? Reade. - - 6. If a young man would win what should he do? Sue. - - -CONTEST NO. 7 - -_Give the name of--_ - - KEY - - The most cheerful author. Samuel Smiles. - - The noisiest author. Howells. - - The tallest author. Longfellow. - - The most flowery author. Hawthorne. - - The holiest author. Pope. - - The happiest author. Gay. - - The most amusing author. Thomas Tickell. - - The most fiery author. Burns. - - The most talkative author. Chatterton. - - The most distressed author. Akenside. - -Again, the hostess may prepare a certain number of blank cards, with the -heading on each one "Who and What?" On a second lot of cards she can -have pasted the pictures of some noted writers--Thackeray, Dickens, -Scott, Dumas, Balzac, Tolstoi, Browning, George Eliot, Carlyle, -Longfellow, Cooper, Emerson, Bryant, Holmes. The pictures of more recent -writers will answer her purpose just as well. These pictures can be -obtained from illustrated catalogues of books. Of these cards there -should be as many as there are guests if the company be a small one, or -as many cards as the hostess may desire; a dozen is a very good number. - -Supply each guest with one of the blank cards and a pencil and then -start into circulation the cards on which are pasted the pictures of the -authors. Let the guests pass the cards from one to another, and write -down, according to the number on the picture-card, and opposite the -corresponding number on their own, the name of each author and some book -he has written. This will be found a more difficult task than one -imagines, and numerous guesses will doubtless go wide of the mark. The -one whose card is filled out correctly, or the nearest to it, may be -presented with a copy of some late popular book, and a toy book might be -used as a booby prize. - - - - -LITERARY EVENING - - -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 "Rose in Bloom" need only wear -a full-blown rose. "Sentimental Tommy" wears a Scotch cap bearing the -words "From Thrums" on the front, and, when talking, finds many -opportunities of informing his questioners, "I'll find a w'y!" "The -Hidden Hand" may be represented by a gentleman who carries his hand in a -sling concealed from view. "A Penniless Girl" is easily represented by a -girl carrying an empty purse open and suspended at her belt. "The Woman -in White," "Little Red Riding Hood," and "The Scarlet Letter" are all -easily represented. Three small white wings tied together with a ribbon -represents very well "White Wings" by William Black. - -It is not desirable that the costume speak too plainly of the title -selected, for the guests are expected to question one another regarding -their peculiarities, and so they must be well informed as to the books -they represent. - -An appropriate menu for a literary evening follows: - - MENU - - "And like a lobster boiled."--_Butler._ - (Lobster a la Newburg.) - - "What first I want is daily bread."--_John Quincy Adams._ - (Bread and Butter.) - - "You are lovely leaves."--_Herrick._ - (Lettuce Salad.) - - "I will use the olive."--_Shakespeare._ - (Olives.) - - "My choice would be Vanilla Ice."--_Holmes._ - (Ice Cream.) - - "Water with berries in it."--_Anon._ - (Coffee.) - - "Oh, that I were an almond salted!"--_Merrill._ - (Salted Almonds.) - - - - -LITERARY PEOPLE - - -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. What flower did Alice Cary? - Pansy. - - 2. What did Eugene Fitch Ware? - John Godfrey Saxe. - - 3. What does Anthony Hope? - To Marietta Holley. - - 4. What happens when John Kendrick Bangs? - Samuel Smiles. - - 5. Why did Helen Hunt Jackson? - Because she wanted him to Dr. O. W. Holmes. - - 6. What did Charles Dudley Warner? - Not to go into a boat and let E. P. Roe. - - 7. Why was Rider Haggard? - Because he let Rose Terry Cooke. - - 8. Why is Sarah Grand? - To make Ik Marvel. - - 9. Why is George Canning? - To teach Julia Ward Howe. - - 10. What ailed Harriet Beecher Stowe? - Bunyan. - - 11. What is it William Macy? - How Thomas Knox. - - 12. When did Mary Mapes Dodge? - When George W. Cutter. - - 13. What will turn John Locke? - Francis S. Key. - - 14. When is Marian Evans Cross? - When William Dean Howells. - - 15. When did Thomas Buchanan Read? - Just after Winthrop Mackworth Praed. - - 16. What did Julia McNair Wright? - Judge Joseph Story. - - 17. What did Eugene J. Hall? - Charles Carleton Coffin. - - 18. What is James Warden Owen? - What ten pounds of Hezekiah Butterworth. - - 19. Where did Henry Cabot Lodge? - In Mungo Park, on Thomas Hill. - - 20. How long will Samuel Lover? - Until Justin Windsor. - - 21. What gives John Howard Payne? - When Robert Burns Augustus Hare. - - - - -MEASURING PARTY - - -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 of a bit of silk or -ribbon. On the night of the entertainment, these bags with the money -that has been placed in them are brought by the guests and deposited in -a large bowl at the door. The party then proceeds in the usual manner. -Care should be taken to carry out the program suggested in the last two -lines of the above verse. Much amusement may be created by having some -one appointed to take various measurements of the guests attending, such -as the length of the nose, size of the head, size of the hand, etc. - - - - -MEDICAL SOCIABLE - - -Procure the small glass vials used by homoeopathic 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 cork he holds to the proper bottle. Have papers read on -the care of the body and the care of the soul, and also Bible-readings -on miracles of healing. Later have some one, who has looked up the -subject beforehand, read a list of some of the most interesting -Scripture references to various parts of the body. These can readily be -hunted out with the help of a concordance. Some of the Old Testament -references will be found to be very quaint indeed. Decorate the room -with mottoes, such as: "Is there no balm in Israel, is there no -physician there?" - - - - -MEDICAL TRUNK - - -"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 noes [eyes and nose]); covering of an -apple (skin); a certain measure (feet); something seen in accidents -(blood); a part of a house (roof [of the mouth]); covers to pails -(lids); something used in upholstering (tow [toe]); part of a stove-pipe -(elbow); a part of a table (legs); something served with ice cream (lady -fingers); a kind of deer (hart [heart]); part of a river (mouth); -something used by negro minstrels (bones); best part of a goose (back); -part of a ship (side); a narrow strip of land (neck); hotel steps (inn -steps [insteps])." - - - - -MILITARY SOCIABLE - - -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 -holding the roses. These roses should be bright red in color. Small -flags serve as doilies, and the china used should be blue-and-white. The -candlesticks upon the table hold white candles; the shades should be -red, and streamers of blue ribbons are tied about the base of the -candles, falling with graceful effect over the brightly polished -candlesticks. The bonbons are placed upon the table in two small raffia -baskets. Each bonbon is tied about with a band of baby-ribbon. - -When the supper is nearly over the baskets of bonbons are passed, one to -the men and the other to the ladies. Each guest takes one candy, and it -is found that no two in one basket have the same colored ribbon. Each -confection in the men's basket, however, has a mate in the ladies' -basket, and in this way partners are found for the old-time Virginia -reel, which is danced on the piazza. As a jolly ending to the fun the -men of the party set off some fireworks. - - - - -MORNING GLORY FAIR - - -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. - - - - -MOTHER GOOSE GAME - - -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: - - 1. Shared by the walrus and carpenter. (Oysters) - - 2. A King's dish. (Bird pie) - - 3. A Queen's lunch. (Bread and honey) - - 4. Taffy's spoils. (Beef sandwiches) - - 5. The golden eggs. (Egg sandwiches) - - 6. Old woman's broom. (Cheese-straws) - - 7. What the baker made. (Rolls) - - 8. Sample of the pieman's ware. (Washington cake-pie) - - 9. Jack-a-dandy's delight. (Plum cake) - - 10. What the ships brought. (Apples and comfits) - -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 by the hostess. - - - - -MUSICAL CARD PARTY - - -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, -an upright piano candy box with the key board movable to show the candy -inside, etc., may be used. Toy music boxes and grotesque musical -instruments make amusing booby prizes. A triangle, like those for -orchestral playing, may indicate progressions, instead of a bell. - -For a brown and yellow menu: - - Brown Croquettes Potato Balls - Brown Breadsticks - Chicken Salad, yellow Mayonnaise - Orange Ice Cream, served in orange-peel baskets - Chocolate Cake Chocolate Icing - Chocolate and Lemon Bonbons - Yellow Cheese Balls - Coffee, with yellow whipped Cream - - - - -MUSICAL EVENING - - -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 are perfectly familiar to every one. "Yankee Doodle," -"America," "Annie Rooney," or any of the later popular songs, are some -of the airs that are known everywhere. Number as many cards as there are -guests, with twenty numbers on consecutive lines. These, with pencils, -are distributed to the people as they arrive. An accomplished pianist -then plays snatches of each tune, in the order that the list calls for. -Just enough of the piece is played to let the melody be indicated. Each -person, as the air is played, puts down against the number on the card -what he thinks the tune is. At the end the cards are collected, and -prizes given to the most successful. - -To match partners, write the notes of a bar or two of some well-known -melody on the lady's card, and the balance on the gentleman's card. - - - - -MUSICAL GUESSING CONTEST - - - 1. Used on a bundle. (Chord [cord]) - - 2. A place of residence. (Flat) - - 3. A reflection on character. (Slur) - - 4. Bottom of a statue. (Bass [base]) - - 5. An unaffected person. (Natural) - - 6. Used in driving horses. (Lines) - - 7. What makes a check valid. (Signature) - - 8. What we breathe every day. (Air) - - 9. Seen on the ocean. (Swells) - - 10. What betrays nationality. (Accent) - - 11. An association of lawyers. (Bar) - - 12. Used in climbing. (Staff) - - 13. Part of a sentence. (Phrase) - - 14. Belonging to a fish. (Scales) - - 15. Used in wheeling. (Pedals) - - 16. A girl's name. (Grace) - - 17. Used in flavoring soup. (Time [Thyme]) - - 18. Often passed in school. (Notes) - - 19. Used in a store. (Counters) - - 20. An instrument not blunt. (Sharp) - - - - -MUSICAL ROMANCE - - -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 over." - - What did he say? "Only one girl in this world for me." - - What did she say? "I'll leave my happy home for you." - - What did he then bid her? "A soldier's farewell." - - What did the band play? "The girl I left behind me." - - Where did he go? "Georgia." - - Where did he spend that night? "Tenting on the old camp ground." - - What did the band play when he came home? "When Johnny comes - marching home." - - Where were they married? "Old Kentucky home." - - Who were the bridesmaids? "Two little girls in blue." - - Who furnished the music? "Whistling Rufus." - - Who furnished the wedding feast? "Rosie O'Grady." - - Where did they make their home? "On the banks of - the Wabash." - - What was their motto? "Home, sweet home." - - Where did they always remain? "America." - -The music was a new feature, and the fact that the airs were so well -known made it the more enjoyable. The advantage of the winner being so -slight, the pleasure of success was the more general. - - * * * * * - -After supper the hostess said that if they were not tired of guessing -she had another game to propose--a sort of fortune-telling game which -would give each man present the name that his future wife should bear. -It was for him to discover it. The first name was told to make the -subject clear--which was that a chemist's wife should be named "Ann -Eliza." Then they were told to guess the name of a civil engineer's wife -(Bridget); a gambler's (Betty); a humorist's (Sally); a clergyman's -(Marie); a shoemaker's (Peggy); a sexton's (Belle); a porter's (Carrie); -a dancing-master's (Grace); a milliner's (Hattie); a gardener's (Flora); -a judge's (Justine); a pugilist's (Mamie); a pianist's (Octavia); a -life-saver's (Caroline); an upholsterer's (Sophy); an astronomer's -(Stella); a doctor's (Patience); a fisherman's (Netty); a gasman's -(Meta); a marksman's (Amy). Each man could judge, from his occupation, -the name of his future wife. - - - - -MUSICAL TERMS ILLUSTRATED - - -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. - - - - -MUSICIANS BURIED - - - 1. There were verd isles and tender blue of summer skies. - - 2. Maud Muller raked the hay, deny it not, O Judge. - - 3. The bell in ivy tower rings knell of passing day. - - 4. I arrive, King, most gracious sovereign. - - 5. She still wears her old smile--the sweet, modest maiden. - - 6. The mother of Charlie Ross in idle dreams still clasps him. - - 7. We berate our neighbors soundly, but excuse ourselves. - - 8. How famous the cherub in ideal art. - - 9. There will be no confab to-night. - - 10. If he asks your hand, Eliza, do not say nay. - - 11. Be brief; lo, toward life's setting sun, man hastens. - - 12. You've dropped a beet--ho, vender, heigh. - - 13. The dog spies a cat, and it makes his tail wag nervously. - - 14. A beau, berrying, needs a basket and a sweetheart. - - 15. My chop I never eat with peas. - - 16. You have found an egg, lucky boy. - - 17. Liz still improves from day to day. - - 18. Whoever else leaves, the Co. stays in most firms. - - 19. Cattle enjoy herbal feeding grounds. - - 20. I do not care a sou, Sarah, whether you will, or not. - -KEY TO MUSICIANS BURIED - - 1. Verdi. - - 2. Hayden. - - 3. Bellini. - - 4. Rive King. - - 5. Herold. - - 6. Rossini. - - 7. Weber. - - 8. Cherubini. - - 9. Abt. - - 10. Handel. - - 11. Flotow. - - 12. Beethoven. - - 13. Wagner. - - 14. Auber. - - 15. Chopin. - - 16. Gluck. - - 17. Lizst. - - 18. Costa. - - 19. Balfe. - - 20. Sousa. - -_Note:_--The letters composing the names of the sought-for musicians -come successively together but the name may begin and end in different -words. - - - - -MYSTICAL DINNER MENU - - - _Menu_ _Key_ - - SOUPS - - 1. Capital of Portugal 1. Pea - - 2. An imitation reptile 2. Mock Turtle - - FISH - - 3. The largest part of Sambo's feet 3. Sole - - 4. An express label 4. Cod - - GAME - - 5. A universal crown 5. Hare - - 6. Portion of a mountain range 6. Partridge - - 7. A tailor's tool 7. Goose - - 8. To shrink from danger 8. Quail - - ROAST MEAT - - 9. A genial English author 9. Lamb - - 10. A country of the Crescent 10. Turkey - - BOILED MEAT - - 11. One of Noah's sons 11. Ham - - 12. Woman's best weapon 12. Tongue - - VEGETABLES - - 13. To steal mildly 13. Cabbage - - 14. Complete upsets 14. Turnips - - 15. What successful candidates do 15. Beet - - 16. Two kinds of toes not found on man or beast - 16. Potatoes and Tomatoes - - RELISHES - - 17. Pertaining to regions underground 17. Celery - - 18. Comical performances 18. Capers - - 19. Elevated felines 19. Catsup - - PUDDINGS - - 20. What we say to impertinent agents 20. Say go - - 21. Exactly perpendicular 21. Plumb - - 22. The mantle of winter 22. Snow - - 23. What the lawyer says to his clients 23. Suet - - PIES - - 24. To walk in an affected manner 24. Mince - - 25. A relative of the dairyman 25. Pumpkin - - FRUIT - - 26. The historian's delight 26. Dates - - 27. Water in motion 27. Currants - - 28. Small shot (plural) 28. Grapes - - - - -MYSTICAL PARTY - - - _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 a word, -motion them to take off their wraps, and then to enter the next room. If -possible get some bones from a medical college and have skulls and cross -bones all about the room. In one dark room should be skulls and pumpkins -with faces cut in them and candles inside. Do not have any other light -in this room. When the guests go into this room have some small pieces -of ice wrapped in muslin presented to them to be felt of in the dark. -All this time the statues should be quiet and remain so until all the -company has arrived. Then seat all the statues at a large table with a -small candle or a dish of burning alcohol in the centre and have each -one tell a weird story. Have a witch in a dark room with a dish of -burning alcohol and have the guests, one at a time, go in to have their -fortunes told. Tricks of different kinds can be played upon the guests. - -The program for the mysterious company consists of a number of contests -in which eyesight gives place to the sense of touch. - -First of all the hostess produces a book printed in the raised lettering -for the blind and suggests that each guest read ten lines from it. This -is no easy matter. To the contestant reading the ten lines correctly in -the shortest time a prize is awarded. - -For the second trial of skill the guests may gather around a circular -table. Beneath the table place a covered box or basket containing the -most variously assorted small articles that it is possible to secure -upon the spur of the moment, the more unexpected the better. No player -must see the articles placed in the basket. When all is in readiness the -objects are taken from the basket and passed rapidly from hand to hand -below the table, ending in the hands of the hostess, and by her are -placed in an empty bag provided for the purpose. - -Distribute pencils and ask the guests to write down as many of the -objects passed under the table as they can remember. A prize should be -provided for the person who hands in the fullest list of the objects. - -Next blindfold each guest in turn and place in his hands, one at a time, -various objects, the names of which are to be guessed aloud. If curious -and unfamiliar objects are selected, this will prove very amusing. - - - - -NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY - - -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 if possible an open -fireplace, with a bright fire on the hearth. - -The first part of the time should be taken up in guessing the months, -the company gathering before the open fire in a circle. As fast as one -month is decided upon, the one who impersonates it rises, makes his or -her bow to the company, and recites at least four original lines -pertaining to that month. The more ridiculous or witty they are, the -better they will be appreciated. - -After this comes the supper, which may be as elaborate or as simple as -desired, and then a promiscuous mixing of the months will cause some -merriment. - -Just as the clock is striking twelve, there is a knock at the door. Upon -opening it, there is revealed a young man dressed as a baby, in a long -white dress tied about with a sash on which is printed January 1, 19--. -If properly planned, the appearance of this New Year baby will cause -shouts of merriment. - -Hand shakings and New Year's greetings follow, and the party is over. - - - - -NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS - - -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. - - - - -NEW YEAR'S SOCIABLE - - -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 has done his share for the amusement of the others, -following in order according to the numbers on the cards. After each one -has done his part the hostess announces that she will now do hers and -proceeds to read each resolution that has been written in the book. The -names of the writers being given, it will cause much merriment. Nut -shells set sailing two by two in a basin of water may be named, one for -a man, the other for a girl. If they keep together, it is an indication -that the pair will be married before the year dies, but if they -separate, the fate of the twain is sealed for one year. - - - - -NINETEENTH CENTURY GAME - - -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: - - Why did England so often lose her way in South - Africa? (Mr. Rhodes) - - What did the Emperor of China do when the Empress - usurped the throne? (Custer) - - What did Isaac watch while his father was forging a - chain? (Abraham Lincoln) - - What is Li Hung Chang credited with being? (Schley) - - The lane that has no turning is a what? (Longstreet) - - What does a Chinese lover say when he proposes? - (Dewey) - - What does Aguinaldo keep between himself and the - Americans? (Miles) - - What happens when the wind blows in spiders' houses? - (Webster) - - What did Buller unfortunately do? (Bragg) - - What do the waves do to a vessel wrecked near shore? - (Beecher) - - What does a ship do to a seasick man? (Rockefeller) - - What did Uncle Sam do when he wanted to know - whether England would let him mediate? (Astor) - - What is the chair-boy likely to do to the old lady he - has to push on a hot day? (Wheeler) - - What is a novel military name for a cook? (Kitchener) - - What do you do when you drive a slow horse? (Polk) - - When do you get up to see a sunrise? (Early) - - When Max O'Rell gets on a platform what does he do? - (Speaker Reed) - - What does a waiter do after he has filled half of the - glasses at a table? (Fillmore) - - In the settlement of disputes, do the European nations - quarrel? (General Lee) - - The towns taken by the British generally lacked the - what? (Garrison) - - What did the Jews say when the mother of Samuel - passed? (Mark Hanna) - - In Cairo purchases are made at a what? (Booth) - - - - -NOSE AND GOGGLE PARTY - - -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 may be purchased, or -made by clever fingers, of heavy cardboard covered with chamois. - -The noses and goggles must not be removed till after refreshments, which -may be simple or elaborate as the hostess may wish. As you make your -guess, place the name opposite the number on your card corresponding to -the number of the person with whom you are talking; for instance, if -you think you know No. 4, turn your card and write the name opposite No. -4, etc. - - - - -NOTED PEOPLE - - -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 of noted people -can be played. Have small slips of paper with the names of noted people -written upon them, and pin one of these on back of each guest; he is to -guess whom he represents by means of questions put to him by other -guests. This is great fun, and causes much merriment among the young -people. As soon as a player guesses whom he represents a new slip can be -put on his back. A prize may be given the one who guesses the most -names. - - - - -NUT CONUNDRUMS - - -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 - - 1. What nut grows nearest the sea? (Beechnut) - - 2. What nut grows the lowest? (Groundnut) - - 3. What nut is the color of a pretty girl's eyes? (Hazelnut) - - 4. What nut is good for naughty boys? (Hickory) - - 5. What nut is like an oft told tale? (Chestnut) - - 6. What nut grows on the Amazon? (Brazil nut) - - 7. What nut is like a naughty boy when sister has a beau? (Pecan) - - 8. What nut is like a Chinaman's eyes? (Almond) - - 9. What is the favorite nut in Ohio? (Buckeye) - - 10. What nut is like a good Jersey cow? (Butternut) - - 11. What is the mason's favorite nut? (Walnut) - - 12. What nut cannot the farmer go to town without? (Wagon nut) - - - - -NUT PARTY - - -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 given the same nationality. The menu -served may be made up of nuts: chicken and nut salad, peanut sandwiches, -salted nuts, nut candies, bisque of almonds, pecan cake, walnut wafers, -coffee. - - - - -OBSERVATION PARTY - - -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 objects to collect and place upon the -table. It is better not to arrange them in exact order. - - SUBJECTS ANSWERS - - Out for the Night Candle in Candlestick - - Departed Days Last Year's Calendar - - Scene in Bermuda Onions - - We Part to Meet Again Scissors - - The Reigning Favorite Umbrella - - Home of Burns Flatiron - - The Greatest Bet Ever Made Alphabet - - A Line from Home Clothes Line - - The House the Colonel Lived in Corn Cob without the Corn - - Cause of the American Revolution Tacks on a Letter T - - A Heavenly Body Dipper - - The Little Peacemaker Chopping-knife - - Spring Offering Glass of Water - - Bound to Rise Yeast Cake - - Family Jars Two Glass Jars - - Things that End in Smoke Cigars - - A Place for Reflection Hand Mirror - - Deer in Winter Eggs - - Scene in a Base Ball Game Pitcher - - A Drive Through the Wood Block of Wood with Nail - Driven Through - - A Mute Choir Quire of Paper - - A Trophy of the Chase Brush - - A Rejected Beau Old Ribbon Bow - - A Skylight A Star - - Our Colored Waiter Black Tray - - Sweet Sixteen Sixteen Lumps of Sugar - - Consolation Pipe - - Common Sense Pennies - - The Black Friar Black Frying Pan - - Cole's Memorials of the Great Cinders - - The Four Seasons Mustard, Vinegar, Salt - and Pepper - - A Morning Caller A Bell - - Assorted Liquors Whip, Switch and Slipper - - The Skipper's Home Cheese - - An Absorbing Subject Blotting Pad - - A Dancing Entertainment A Ball - - Bound to Shine Bottle of Shoe Blacking - - The Spoony Couple Two Spoons - - Old Fashioned Flowers Lady's Slippers - - Nothing But Leaves Block of Blank Writing Paper - - - - -OLD-FASHIONED DINNER - - - 1. A country in Asia Turkey - - 2. A color and a letter Gravy - - 3. Cape Cod fruit and impudence Cranberry Sauce - - 4. A river in Italy, an Irish woman's beverage, - and "the five little pigs that went to - market" Potatoes - - 5. A parent and cuttings Parsnips - - 6. Reverse and small bites Turnips - - 7. Time measures Beets - - 8. An Indian's wife and an interjection of - silence Squash - - 9. Well or badly brought up Bread - - 10. A goat Butter - - 11. A letter Tea - - 12. A crowd of people in a small place Jam - - 13. Mixed-up type Pie - - 14. Two of a kind Pears - - 15. A receptacle for fluids and a letter Candy - - 16. A crow's call and a doctor's payment Coffee - - 17. Ancient tales Chestnuts - - 18. What I do to be heard Ice cream - - - - -OLD-TIME COUNTRY SCHOOL - -(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 -hanging down their backs in long braids or curls. All brought with them -their dinners, packed in tin pails, in imitation of their country -cousins. - -The schoolhouse was a large new barn, the schoolroom being up-stairs in -the hay-loft. Here were arranged two rows of benches, one for the girls -and one for the boys; blackboards hung on the walls, and there was a -plain wooden table in front for the teacher's desk. Standing behind -this, the schoolmaster, birch rod in hand, and looking very wise in a -pair of huge spectacles, received his pupils and registered their names -in a large book before him. Among those enrolled were Alvira Sophronia -Simmons, Malvina Jane Leggett, Serena Ann Wilkins, Patience Charity -Gray, Nathan Bartholomew Brown, Ichabod Thompson and Abijah Larkins. - -Each pupil before being assigned a seat was interrogated by the teacher -somewhat as follows: In what state and country were you born? Do you -know your letters? How far can you count? Who was the first man? Who -built the ark? And so on until the teacher had acquainted himself with -the limits of his pupils' ignorance. - -When all were seated Teacher Wiseacres announced that school would open -with singing. The pupils were thereupon thoroughly drilled in the scales -and other exercises, the master severely reprimanding any who sang out -of tune. The lesson concluded with songs usually sung at the club -gatherings, after which a knot of blue ribbon was given the one who had -sung best, and a red bow to the pupil considered second best. - -During the course of this lesson, and also of those that followed, there -were frequent interruptions caused by the refractory behavior of some of -the pupils. Serena Ann Wilkins was caught eating an apple, and was made -to stand up in front with a book on her head. Malvina Jane Leggett had -to stand in the corner facing the wall for giggling; while, direst -disgrace of all, Abijah Larkins was obliged to sit on the girls' side -for drawing a caricature of the master on the blackboard. - -After the singing-lesson small wooden slates (the old-fashioned kind -bound in red cloth) were passed around and the following exercise in -orthography given out: "It is an agreeable sight to witness the -unparalleled embarrassment of a harassed peddler attempting to gauge the -symmetry of a peeled onion which a sibyl has stabbed with a poniard." -This task was accomplished with much puckering of eyebrows, and no one, -it may be said, succeeded in writing all the words correctly. - -The next lesson announced was reading, for which primers were -distributed. These were small books with brown-paper covers, the lessons -being tongue-twisters, beginning with such familiar ones as "She sells -sea-shells," "Peter Piper," etc., and ending with this one of more -recent date, taken from the _Youth's Companion_: - - A bitter biting bittern - Bit a better brother-bittern; - And the bitten better bittern bit the bitter biter back. - And the bitter bittern, bitten - By the better bitten bittern, - Said, "I'm a bitter bittern-biter bit, alack!" - -The class stood up in front and were made to toe the line drawn in -chalk on the floor. The pupil at the head was called upon first, and -read until a mistake sent him to the foot, when the one next to him took -his place. The master not only continually urged his pupils to greater -speed, but at the same time kept a sharp lookout, and gave many words of -warning to any whose feet were out of order; and the frantic efforts of -the pupils to obey instructions made the lesson one of the most -laughable contests of the evening. It was continued until recess, the -hour for refreshments. - -The dinner-pails had been given for safekeeping into the hands of the -teacher. Now, when they were returned, it was discovered that the boys -had received those belonging to the girls and the girls those of the -boys. There was a happy correspondence in this exchange; Ichabod -Thompson receiving the pail of Patience Charity Gray and she receiving -his, and so on. The pupils thus paired off were to share their dinners -with each other. The master, who also brought his dinner, reserved for -himself the pail of the girl pupil supposed to be his favorite. - -There was great fun and laughter over the opening of the pails, for the -aim had been not so much to bring a dainty luncheon as one that should -be typical of the old-time district school. The following may be taken -as a sample of the contents of one of the buckets: Bread and butter, -doughnuts, apple turnover, spice-cake, cheese and one very large -cucumber pickle. Apples were contributed by the teacher. Dinner over, -the remainder of recess was spent in playing games. Skipping the rope -was one of the pastimes, and hop-scotch, tag, and hide-and-go-seek were -others. - -School was resumed with a geography lesson, really a game played as -follows: The teacher requested one of the pupils to give a geographical -name, that of a country, city, river, etc. Others were then called upon -at random to give names, each of which had to begin with the last letter -of the one preceding it. Thus, if the first name given were Egypt, the -next one must begin with the letter T, as Texas, while the one following -this would begin with S, as St. Louis. Any one who failed to respond in -the time allowed--half a minute--was dropped out of the class and the -question passed on. The lesson was continued until there was but one -left, who received the usual decoration. - -The session closed with an old-fashioned spell-down, but before the -class was dismissed the wearers of the ribbons were presented with -prizes, these being small, daintily bound books. The others, that all -might have a suitable reminder of the occasion, received book-shaped -boxes of candy. This done, the bell was rung and school was closed. - -This school party can be played in hall or church. - - - - -OLD-TIME SPELLING BEE - - -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 this word -correctly she must immediately leave the line, and the same word is put -to number two on the opposite side. If the word is correctly spelled she -is privileged to choose one person from the opposite line to step over -to the foot of her own line. Another word is then given to the opposite -opponent, and so on down the lines. It often happens that two equally -proficient spellers are pitted against each other for some time, when -the contest becomes very exciting. - - -LIMIT THE TIME OF THE BEST SPELLER - -It is a good plan, lest the contest become wearisome, to limit the time -for the last participant. If at the end of six minutes the winner has -not failed on any word given, he or she becomes director of the revels -that follow, and must be implicitly obeyed for the rest of the evening. -The first duty is to announce a "recess," and having been previously -instructed he or she leads the way to an adjoining room, where upon a -table is a pile of boxes of various shapes and kinds, neatly tied, which -are distributed among the young women. After which it is announced that -each box contains a small school luncheon, and that a young man -accompanies each. She then proceeds to distribute the young men as she -has the boxes. Each young woman then shares her luncheon with her -partner. Should the box contain an apple, a sandwich and a cake these -must be halved. - -After "recess" follow games, or music, or recitations, as the winner of -the contest wills. - - - - -ORANGE PARTY - - -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 burned orange-colored tapers. At each end of the -table was a smaller Battenberg square over satin. On each of these, -resting in a bed of green leaves, was an orange of abnormal size, -fashioned of papier-mache, made in two sections, though so exactly -united that the orange seemed intact. In these were the favors--small -yellow bonbon boxes filled with orange conserves and tied with baby -ribbon. Small glass dishes, standing on yellow tissue paper doilies that -were fringed on the edges, and filled with orange puffs, orange kisses -and other home-made sweets, were placed here and there on the table, and -gave it a very festive air. - -The refreshments proper consisted of: - - Frozen Custard in Orange Cups - Orange Jelly Whipped Cream - Small Cakes Orange Icing - Orangeade - -The birthday cake was cut by the hostess, and each maiden served to a -slice. In the cake had been baked an orange seed. She who was so -fortunate as to find this seed in her slice was presented with an orange -spoon on which was graven the hostess's monogram, the date and year. - -Before leaving the table each guest was shown a small glass filled with -orange seeds, and was allowed one guess as to the number it contained. -The lucky guesser received a papier-mache jewel box fashioned to -represent an orange. The "booby" prize was the tiniest orange to be -found in the market. - - - - -ORANGE SOCIABLE - - -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 group drawing the best -picture, consisting of four very small colored babies lying on a bed of -cotton in an orange shell, the orange shell cut in half and tied with -orange ribbon. As there will be four persons in the group, one baby can -be given to each of the four. - - - - -PATRIOTIC PARTY - - -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 the neck, will hint at Lincoln. To indicate -Washington a washing-board may be borne in front, while on the back is a -piece of pasteboard painted to resemble a weight and marked "1 Ton." A -"G. A. R." pin fastened to the picture of a meadow may represent -Garfield. - -Give to each guest as he arrives a list of all the guests invited, and -let him bestir himself to meet everybody, so as to ascertain if possible -the various presidents represented, whose names when discovered he -writes opposite the proper names on the list given him. These lists will -be handed to an examining board, and, later in the evening, the one -whose list is most complete and accurate will be adorned with a laurel -wreath placed upon his head by some comic orator. This laurel wreath may -be made of green paper, if you lack the real article. - -Questions about past ladies of the White House may also prove -interesting and enjoyable. A few such follow, but many others may be -formulated. - - What first lady of the land fled from Washington to - escape the British? (Dolly Madison) - - What was Mrs. Lincoln's name before marriage? (Miss - Mary Todd) - - Name three early Presidents who married widows? - (Washington, Jefferson, and Madison) - - What early President married a New York girl? - (Monroe) - - Whom did John Q. Adams marry? (Louisa K. Johnson, - of Maryland) - - What President had a troubled love affair and marriage? - (Jackson) - - What early President besides Washington married a widow - called Martha? (Jefferson) - - - - -PEDDLERS' PARADE - - -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 cap, had a tray filled with crisp brown doughnuts; two -little girls held baskets filled with bags of candy, and a third a tray, -on which lay small bunches of flowers. A young lady dressed as a market -woman wore a calico gown and a plaid woolen shawl pinned over her head; -on her arm was a basket filled with bunches of celery. A young man -stalked up the aisle behind her, whose costume aroused a great deal of -amusement. Huge pasteboard placards hung over his shoulders, one in -front and one behind; the former bore the inscription: - - WILLIAM THE CORN-CURER, - -each word occupying a line; the back: - - MY SALVE CURES CORNS. - -His head was covered by a silk hat, the crown of which was hidden under -a piece of pasteboard like the placards. Then came a lad drawing a cart -in which was an ice cream freezer, labeled: - - HOKEY POKEY, FIVE CENTS A GLASS. - -An Indian woman, whose wares were Indian baskets, now appeared, and a -lady selling druggists' specialties came next. She held a tray -containing brushes, combs, tooth brushes, sponges, hand mirrors, and -various toilet accessories, and her dress was trimmed with a border of -sponges. A slender girl of seventeen years impersonated a jewelry -peddler and gold watches, chains, bracelets, rings and jewels of all -descriptions were fastened securely to her dress and on the edge silver -teaspoons were crossed as a trimming. Much amusement was created by a -necktie vender, whose costume consisted of a black shirt, black cutaway -coat and a gorgeous tie. On a hardware merchant's tray plebeian tin -girdles shone with as undaunted a lustre as silver, while brass, steel, -copper and wire kitchen utensils made a brave display. Then followed a -young girl wearing round her neck a broad band of ribbon, which hung -nearly to her waist, and on which, fastened so closely that they looked -like a garland, were bows for the hair made of ribbons of various -colors. A gypsy in brilliant apparel, and a French seller of perfumes, -also gayly attired, were conspicuous in the procession, and venders of -popcorn balls and peanuts lent variety to the scene. - -Marching through the lane left between the seats to the other end of the -long room, they grouped themselves in a semicircle, and then one after -another, stepping forward, offered for sale the various articles, naming -their prices. - - - - -PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS - - -Find the following on a penny: - - 1. A messenger One cent - - 2. Ancient mode of punishment Stripes - - 3. Means of inflicting it Lash - - 4. Piece of armor Shield - - 5. Devoted young man Bow - - 6. South American fruit Date - - 7. Place of worship Temple - - 8. Portion of a hill Brow - - 9. Three weapons Arrows - - 10. First American settler Indian - - 11. Emblem of victory Wreath - - 12. Emblem of royalty Crown - - 13. One way of expressing matrimony United - - 14. Part of a river Mouth - - 15. Implements of writing Quills - - - - -PHOTOGRAPH PARTY - - -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. - - - - -PICTORIAL GEOGRAPHY - - -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. - - - - -PICTURE READING - - -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 assistant collects the envelopes, keeping the names thereon -carefully concealed from the prophet. He then takes from an envelope the -drawing and presents it to the prophet. - -The latter proceeds to foretell the future life of the maker of the -picture in his hand, revealing as much or as little as he pleases of the -details of the picture. - -When he has exhausted the resources of the picture, he returns it to the -assistant, who reads aloud the name on the envelope and restores both it -and the picture to their owner. - -If properly carried out, this is a most entertaining form of amusement. - - - - -PICTURES OF PROMINENT MEN - - -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 even a dozen of the less familiar pictures of -the group, much less to give the dates of their terms of office. A -framed picture of one of the greatest of the presidents might be given -as first prize to the person whose card is filled out correctly with all -the names and dates, or comes nearest to being correctly filled. - - - - -PIE PARTY - - -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. - - - - -PILGRIM LUNCHEON - - -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: - - Fried Chicken Hot Rolls - Boston Baked Beans - Brown Bread Coffee - Cucumber Pickles Plum Preserves - Pumpkin Pie Cheese - Doughnuts Banbury Tarts - - - - -PING-PONG LUNCHEON - - -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 of cream cheese served on racquets of toasted bread, -with lettuce leaves; and vanilla ice-cream balls served on racquets of -drop cake. - -At the close of the luncheon each girl took one of the rosettes and -found in it a tiny silver pin in the shape of a racquet to pin upon her -gown. The two who chose the same color had to meet each other in the -tournament which occupied the rest of the afternoon. - - - - -PING-PONG PARTY - - -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_ - - _1. Ping-pong partners. - 2. Playing ping-pong. - 3. Partaking of prepared provender. - 4. Presentation of prizes. - R. s. v. p. pretty promptly to Miss Ethel Thompson,_ - - _179 Chestnut Street._ - -The tournament began with mixed doubles. A pretty boutonniere 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 sandwiches of thin pumpernickel, potato -salad, pumpkin pie, fruit punch and popcorn was enjoyed. - - - - -PIN PARTY - - -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 to supper. One stick-pin went to each of the -pair, and these served as souvenirs. - -It so happened that no man had the pin that he had brought to the -entertainment, and of course no girl had hers, for she would insist that -the man take the pin she had provided. As many of these pins were the -quaintest ones to be found by the persons bringing them, they created -not a little amusement. - -But we are getting ahead of our story, for before supper the time was -filled in with various games. - -The first of these was an entertainment in which all the guests took -part. A fancy tray contained as many slips of cardboard as there were -guests. This was placed on the centre-table, and the hostess called upon -one of the men to pick up one of these slips at random, and read what it -contained. He did so and read: "The tale of a pin." The hostess then -informed him that he must tell the story of a pin, and do it in two -minutes. The surprise was so great that he scarcely recovered enough to -begin his story before his time was up. Then he had to call on some -girl, and she must take a slip, and do whatever it bade her, for the -period of two minutes. And so on until all had taken part. Some of the -slips read thus: - - Speak a piece with something in it about a pin. - - Name twenty-five kinds of pins. - - Tell a story about a girl and a pin. - - Give an oration on points. - - Give a talk on pinfeathers. - - Improvise a poem on "The boy and the pin." - - Point out the various pins you can see in this room. - - Tell twenty uses for a hairpin. - - Sew with a pin. With this was given a piece of cheese-cloth - and a pin with a long thread tied to the head. - - Count the pins in a heap. (All sizes and kinds.) - - Make a pin stand on its head. - - Draw a picture of a pin. (Breastpin of huge pattern.) - -Play a game of "ring pins." This was a variation of the game of quoits -or ring toss. Into a foot square piece of soft pine had been stuck -twenty pins about an inch apart. The victim was given ten small brass -rings, and made to stand two feet from the edge of the table, and see -how many rings he could make catch over a pin. - - - - -P.O.D. DINNER PARTY - - -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 table was decorated with toy trains and stagecoaches and men on -horseback, all loaded with tiny mail-sacks filled with salted nuts, -candies, and even little cakes. The guests had great fun guiding the -various conveyances around the table and peering into the small sacks. - -After dinner the host stood in the dining-room door and would allow no -couple to pass who were not able to show perfectly matched slides. - -In the parlor cards on which were written names and addresses were -passed around and two minutes allowed to decipher and write them on -tablets provided for the purpose, and numbered from one to twenty-five. -At the tap of a bell each person passed his or her card to the one on -the right, and in this way the cards made the circuit of the room in the -given time. There were enough difficult ones to give an idea of the -troubles which beset Uncle Sam's faithful servants when handling the -mails. - -The first prize was a silver stamp-box, and the consolation one a small -United States atlas. - -A boy with a mail-sack distributed packages of bonbons, the -old-fashioned game of "post office" was played. - - - - -POP-CORN PARTY - - -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. As the corn was popped it was given to -the hostess, who, in a corn-colored crepon gown, presently invited all -the men to take partners. This they did by selecting the girls whose -necklaces matched their watch-chains in color. - -Then we sat down to a veritable feast of popcorn at a table which had -been entirely arranged in corn color, and upon which were served salted, -sugared and buttered popcorn, popcorn balls, lemon jelly-cake, lemon -sponge-cake, lemonade, hot and cold, lemon ice cream, lemon water ice -and lemon jelly. After our delicious supper we returned to the parlor -and were handed cards with pencils attached. Our hostess then rang a -bell and called for order, and when order reigned she requested us to -write eight nouns beginning with corn, and the name of a general -beginning in the same way. In ten minutes she rang the bell again and -collected the lists. The best one read, "Cornflower, cornstarch, -cornice, cornet, cornea, corner, corncake, cornucopia, General -Cornwallis." - -The maker of this list received a pretty corn-colored paper lamp shade -as a prize, and the girl who only had two words on her list received the -booby prize--a corn-colored paper dunce cap, which she was compelled to -wear the rest of the evening. - - - - -PORTRAIT GAME - - -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-a-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, the collection is pinned to -a sheet or portiere, and the guests are invited to guess whose likeness -each drawing is meant to represent. - -The one guessing the largest number of portraits correctly is given a -prize of a photograph, and the one who has made the best portrait also -receives one. - - - - -POVERTY PARTY - - -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. - - _MONDAY NITE, - MARTCH THEE TWENTY ATE_ - RULS AND REGELASHUNS. - - Chap. One. Evry womman who kums must ware a kaliko dres and - apern, ore somethin ekally apropriate. - - Chap. Tew. All men must ware there ole close and flannill - shurts. Biled shurts and stanup dickys air prohibbitted - onles there ole and rinkled. - - _These Ruls Will Bee Inforced to thee Leter._ - - ONE--A kompetunt core uf mannagers and ades will be in - attendance. - - TEW--The hull sasiety wil interduce strangirs and luk after - bashfil fellers. - - THREE--There is a-goin to bee lots of phun fore every boddy. - - FORE--Phun wil begin tu commance at haf pas seven. - - FIVE--Tu git into thee house yew wil have tew pay tu (2) - cents. - - SIX--Tu git anny thing tu ete yew will haf tu pay thre (3) - cents. - - SEVEN--Yew beter bring lots uv pennies tu pay phines with. - - _Kum Irly and Git a Gude Sete._ - - - - -POVERTY SOCIABLE - - - 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 - - - - -PRESIDENTIAL COUPLETS - - - 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 fete? - - 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, - Who, for one day, deferred their claim? - - 14. Who, when his oath of office he took, - Was known as "The Wizard of Kinderhook"? - - 15. Who, after his inaugural vow, - Turned round to kiss his mother's brow? - - 16. The initials of what President's name - Stand for a phrase which made his fame? - - 17. Who in the Quaker City neat - Their oaths of office did repeat? - - 18. Which Chief Magistrate was styled - "The American Fabius" of the wild? - - 19. "Novanglus" was the pen-name signed - By what President of cultured mind? - - 20. Who only as President and Commander-in-Chief - Has stood on the battle-field planning relief? - -1. Thomas Jefferson. 2. James Buchanan. 3. Martin Van Buren. 4. Andrew -Jackson. 5. Chester A. Arthur. 6. Thomas Jefferson. 7. John Tyler. 8. -Abraham Lincoln. 9. James Monroe. 10. Grover Cleveland, 11. William -Henry Harrison. 12. John Quincy Adams. 13. James Monroe, Rutherford B. -Hayes, Zachary Taylor. 14. Martin Van Buren. 15. James A. Garfield. 16. -U. S. (Unconditional Surrender) Grant. 17. John Adams, George -Washington. 18. George Washington. 19. John Adams. 20. Abraham Lincoln. - - - - -PRESIDENTIAL QUESTIONS - - - What President had a son who became President? - John Adams. - - What President died with the now famous words: - "This is the last of earth. I am content"? John Q. - Adams. - - Who was the fifteenth President of the United States? - Buchanan. - - What Vice-President became President by the death of - Taylor? Fillmore. - - By the death of Garfield? Arthur. - - What President fought the last battle of the War of - 1812? Jackson. - - During the administration of what President did the - Louisiana purchase and Burr's treason occur? Jefferson's. - - Under what President was the War of 1812 begun? - Madison. - - What President outlined a famous foreign policy? - Monroe. - - What two Presidents died the same day? Adams and - Jefferson. - - What three Presidents were assassinated? Lincoln, - Garfield, and McKinley. - - What Presidents served as generals in the Mexican war? - Taylor and Pierce. - - During what administration did the annexation of Texas - and the Mexican war take place? Polk's. - - - - -PRESIDENTS' NICKNAMES - - -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: - - Rail-splitter of the West? (Lincoln) - - Hero of New Orleans? (Jackson) - - Old Man Eloquent? (J. Q. Adams) - - Canal Boy? (Garfield) - - Northern Man with Southern Principles? (Buchanan) - - Tippecanoe? (W. H. Harrison) - - Honest Abe? (Lincoln) - - Rough and Ready? (Taylor) - -Let the best list of answers be awarded a prize. - - - - -PUSSY WILLOW PARTY - - -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, blindfolded, try in turn, to pin them on -the stalk. This affords a great deal of amusement. Those who succeed in -pinning their catkins upon the stalk receive prizes, given according to -the success of the contestants. These prizes are in the shape of favors -appropriately fashioned from the fluffy little pussies. For further -amusement, have cards distributed on which each person is asked to write -favorite quotations or original rhymes beginning with each letter -contained in the compound word "pussy-willow." These are read in turn, -and many gems are brought fresh to each one's mind. One could also -introduce a pussy willow hunt, as another pastime. For the dining-room -decoration use more pussy willows. A pussy willow centrepiece would -carry out the idea nicely, and add to the attractiveness of the table. -Brown and silvery green are suggestive colors for further decorations, -and may be used on the menu cards, making them simple but appropriate -souvenirs. - - - - -RED, WHITE AND BLUE LUNCHEON - - -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 certainly commend itself to -all, and most particularly to the younger element. - -Write the following verses on cards and pass around among the guests -after they have left the table. Have each verse read aloud previous to -the performance: - - 1. Though puzzles do our minds distress, - We'd like two good ones now to guess. - - 2. We'd like to hear you tell to-day, - Some funny things that children say. - - 3. Describe some woman in the town, - Her nose and hair, her dress and gown; - But do not give us her address, - Nor tell her name, and we will guess. - - 4. We'd like a story full of fun; - You're gifted, Lyman, tell us one - - 5. Misery likes company, they say; - We'd like to hear you tell to-day - (Don't hesitate, but now begin) - Of the worst scrape you e'er were in. - - 6. Your talent gives as much delight; - We wish that you would please recite. - - 7. Your part in this program to help us along - Will give us much pleasure; please sing us a song. - - 8. If music hath charms, we wish that to-day - You'd prove it, and something quite charming would play. - - 9. Tell some joke on yourself, your wife, or your friend. - But we hope that you'll have it pleasantly end. - - 10. Describe some trip you've taken far, - To Mexico, Europe, or Zanzibar. - - 11. Give a tale of old time when settlers were few, - Of what they had then and what they did do. - - 12. Describe some famous picture, - Whether dark or fair. - Please tell us all about it, - And the artist rare. - - 13. Without a bit of gossip sweet, - This program would not be complete. - Be sure that while the seasons roll, - This crowd will _never tell_ a soul. - - - - -"RILEY" ENTERTAINMENT - - -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 from an improvised apple-tree as fast as he could sell them. And -among the purchasers were "Little Orphant Annie," "Max and Jim," "Pa and -ma and me, all three," and many others. - -While all were busy buying and tasting the good things, "the old band" -marched in. - - "Somehow--anyway - I want to hear the old band play - Sich tunes as 'John Brown's body,' and - 'Sweet Alice,' don't you know? - And 'The camels is a-comin'' and - 'John Anderson, my Jo.'" - -And the impromptu band played them. Later in the evening some of the -Riley poems were recited. - - - - -SELF-PORTRAITS - - -"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. "I am the greatest historian that ever lived." - - 2. "All that I am, or ever hope to be, I owe to my - mother." - - 3. "I would rather men should ask why my statue - is not set up than why it is." - - 4. "My infant son rules his mother; his mother - rules me; I rule the Athenians; the Athenians - rule the Greeks; the Greeks rule Europe, and - Europe rules the world." - - 5. "Though I have the arm of a woman, I have the - heart of a King, and am ready to pour out - my blood." - - 6. "Here lies one whose name is writ in water." - - 7. "Where liberty is _not_, there is my country." - - 8. "Circumstances! I make circumstances!" - - 9. "As yet a child, not yet a fool to fame, I lisp'd - in numbers, for the numbers came." - - 10. "The world is my parish." - - 11. "With my sword by my side and Homer in my - pocket, I hope to carve my way through the - world." - - 12. "My country is the world: my countrymen are - mankind." - - 13. "I am called the richest monarch in the Christian - world; the sun in my dominion never - sets." - - 14. "I am the State." - - 15. "Life is a jest, and all things show it; I thought - so once, but now I know it." - - 16. "If I were an American, as I am an Englishman, - while a foreign troop landed in my country, - I never would lay down my arms--never! - never! never!" - - 17. "I came, I saw, I conquered." - - 18. "I could lie down like a tired child and weep - away the life of care which I have borne, and - yet must bear." - - 19. "I awoke one morning and found myself famous." - - 20. "Tell your master that if there were as many - devils at Worms as tiles on its roofs, I would - enter." - - 1. Edward Gibbon. - - 2. Abraham Lincoln. - - 3. Cato. - - 4. Themistocles. - - 5. Queen Elizabeth. - - 6. John Keats. - - 7. Thomas Paine. - - 8. Napoleon Bonaparte. - - 9. Alexander Pope. - - 10. Wesley. - - 11. Napoleon Bonaparte. - - 12. Wm. Lloyd Garrison. - - 13. Charles V. - - 14. Louis XIV. - - 15. John Gay. - - 16. Wm. Pitt, Earl of Chatham. - - 17. Julius Caesar. - - 18. Percy B. Shelley. - - 19. Lord Byron. - - 20. Martin Luther. - - - - -SEVEN DAYS IN ONE - - -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 - -Let this booth be suggestive of sweeping day. Have plenty of dust caps, -dust bags, dusting cloths, brushes, brooms, dust-pans, dusters, large -colored aprons (which sell readily), etc. - - -SATURDAY - -Let this booth be a regular bakery. Have your friends bake various -things for you to sell, and have on sale all such articles as will sell -readily, such as pies, cakes, cookies, doughnuts, bread, baked beans, -etc. - - -SUNDAY - -Have Sunday the crowning day of all. Arrange to have a piano or organ at -this booth, and secure a full choir or quartet to sing the sacred songs; -have solos, duets, instrumental music and an orchestra if possible. Have -sacred readings and make the time spent here an hour of sacred -enjoyment. - -If something extra is wanted let the singers dress in old time costumes -and sing the old sacred songs with an organ accompaniment. - - - - -SHAMROCK LUNCHEON - -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 insert more lines if more -guests are invited. - -Each lady selected her partner for the game by finding the holder of the -line which rhymed with her own. The score-cards were tied with streamers -of narrow white or green ribbon, which served both to attach the cards -to the gown and to indicate partners in "changing tables"--the green -always playing with a white ribbon. (Care must be taken to tie rhyming -cards, one with green and one with white.) - -When partners had been found, the entire poem, sufficiently humorous to -break up all formality, was read. As each line was read, the owner of -the card bearing that line took her seat as indicated, until all the -guests were easily and laughingly seated. - -The six small luncheon tables were set with green and white china, and -had for centrepieces pots of blossoming shamrock. Any florist will sell -or rent these. - -The menu was as follows: - - Fruit Salad - Boiled Salmon Caper Sauce - Potato au Gratin - Chicken Salad in Lettuce Nests - Olives Wafers - Pistachio Cream - Fancy Cakes Iced in Pale Green - Coffee Bonbons - -This repast, served by three pretty waitresses in white gowns and green -ribbons, was eminently satisfactory. Green and white bonbons are easy to -obtain. Care must be taken, however, not to carry the color scheme too -far into the menu, as green is not an appetizing color in all kinds of -food. - - -ST. PATRICK'S BIRTHDAY - - - "'Twas the eighth day of March, so some people say, - St. Patrick at midnight, he first saw the day! - While others contend 'twas the ninth he was born, - An' 'twas all a mistake between midnight and morn. - But mistakes will occur in a hurry and shock, - And some blamed the baby, and some blamed the clock. - So that with all the talk there was, no one could know - If the child was too fast, or the clock was too slow! - - "Now the first faction fight in owld Ireland, they say, - Was all on account of St. Patrick's birthday. - Some fought for the eighth, for the ninth more would die; - And who wouldn't see right, why, they blackened his eye. - - "At last each faction so positive grew - That each kept a birthday, and Patrick had two! - Until good Father Mulcahy, who showed them their sins, - Said no one could have two birthdays, but twins! - Said he: 'Bhoys, don't be fightin' fur eight or fur nine; - Don't be always dividin', but sometimes combine. - Unite eight and nine--seventeen is the mark. - Let that be his birthday.' 'Amen,' said the clark. - - "'If he wasn't a twin, sure his histhory will show - That he's worth at least any two saints that we know.' - Then they all 'tuk a dhrop,' which completed their bliss; - And they keep up the practice from that day to this." - - - - -SNOWDRIFT PARTY - - -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 it up spoonful by spoonful, until he discovers -a card. When a card is found the quotation upon it must be read and the -name of the author, if recognized, written down. Each author's name -should be placed in the note-book opposite the proper number of the -card, in order to facilitate the work of the person who reads the lists -to decide the prize. The cards, whether the author is known or not, are -always returned to the box and hidden away in the snow. At the end of -fifteen minutes, work ceases and the diggers begin on new drifts. This -changing is done every fifteen minutes, a player digging always in a new -snow bank until the number of boxes is exhausted. When the game reaches -this stage all note-books or tablets are collected by the mistress of -the ceremonies. She compares the answers in the note-books with her own -list, previously prepared. Incorrect guesses are pruned away with a blue -pencil and the correct ones counted. It is, of course, the player who -has most of these last who carries off the trophy. The prize should be -in some way suggestive of the occasion. - - - - -SOCK SOCIABLE - - - 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. - -This little verse should be sent with every invitation to the sociable, -accompanied by a tiny sock made of silk or lawn. On the night of the -entertainment, these socks with the money that has been placed in them -are brought by the guests and deposited in a large bowl at the door. The -sociable then proceeds in the usual manner. This is an excellent way of -raising money for some charitable object. - - - - -SPINNING PARTY - -"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 to a tag bearing the name of the worker and -then pinned to a square of black cloth that had been pinned to the wall -for that purpose. When all had tried, a committee was appointed to help -the hostess decide to whom prizes should be awarded. - -While the spinning was going on the guests whose turn at the wheel had -not arrived and those who had already tried were set to following the -threads of what looked like an immense spider web wound around the -rooms. It was composed of black and white threads, the black threads -being intended for gentlemen and the white ones for ladies. They were -instructed that when they found an end of one of these threads they were -to begin winding it into a ball; but that they must do so very gently, -or the whole web would be knotted so badly that it could not be undone. -When they came to a knot it must be untied. These threads were so -ingeniously twisted together and wound around pictures, bric-a brac, -table legs, etc., that it took some time to reach the farther end, and -every one had plenty of opportunity to talk with every one else. A card -was fastened to the farther end of each thread, and all the cards had -been so well concealed from view that some time elapsed before the -guests knew what they were to find. - -On each card were written the words, "You will take supper with the one -who holds the mate to your card." Then the cards must be compared. Each -contained a spider web, some with four circles, some with more; some -with eight divisions, others with more or less; but there were always -two of each kind, and through the peculiarities of these webs the -partners discovered each other. The difference in webs was sometimes so -slight as not to be detected without close observation; but it was -always plain after having once been pointed out. It is surprising how -many different designs can be worked out in these webs. The work is -really quite fascinating when once begun, so the thought of it must not -frighten any one from giving a spinning party. - -When the prizes had been awarded to the best spinners, several tables -were brought in and set about the room. - -On the top of each there was fastened a heavy sheet of drawing paper, -upon which five circles had been drawn. The outside circle was as large -as the table would allow. The inner one was only two inches in diameter. -The other three circles were drawn at equal distances between these two. -In the inner space on one table were the figures 25; the next 20; then -came 15, 10 and 5. On the next table the inner space was marked 30, and -each of the other spaces 5 less. On the third and last table the inner -circle was marked 50, and each of the others 5 less. - -Each player was given a top, made from a spool, and all the guests took -turns spinning the tops on the table having the lowest figures. When the -top ceased spinning the player was credited with the number on which the -point of the top rested. As soon as a player had twenty-five to his -credit he advanced to the next higher table. There he must win fifty -points before he could pass on to the highest table. When he had won a -hundred points at the third table he was obliged to begin again at the -foot table. The top must not be touched while spinning. Should it drop -to the floor the player must make ten before he could begin to count -again. Should he make 25 at the next trial he only counted 15; but he -had a second trial when his top had dropped to the floor, before the -next player spun his top. - -Each player had a credit card tied in his buttonhole upon which numbers -something like the meal tickets issued at restaurants were closely -written. When added these numbers should make 500. The hostess had a -punch with which she cut out the numbers to correspond with those won by -the player. When any player had no more numbers on his card he was -declared winner and the game was ended. - - - - -SPINSTER TEA - - -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 be ushered into the dining-room and -the supper be served. The dining-table should be arranged in as -old-fashioned a style as possible. At the four corners place -candlesticks with wax candles, and for a centrepiece have a large -bouquet of artificial bachelors' buttons. Use old-fashioned china and -silver if you happen to have any. At each place put a few bachelors' -buttons, to which attach a menu card by a narrow white taffeta ribbon. - -The refreshments should be numbered upon the menu cards, and each guest -be allowed to choose one number each time the waitress passes around. -The key to the menu given should be held by the hostess and the -waitress. - -The following menu was recently used at a "Spinster Tea" and created -much merriment: - - MENU KEY TO THE MENU - - 1. Always in pairs. 1. Cup and saucer. - - 2. Would they were here. 2. Jolly boys. - - 3. Front curls. 3. Curled molasses chips. - - 4. Objects of envy. 4. Preserved pears (pairs). - - 5. Warranted to pop. 5. Bottle of ginger ale. - - 6. A solace. 6. Tea. - - 7. Sadly missed. 7. Kisses. - - 8. High-backed comb. 8. Honey in comb. - - 9. Cause of woe. 9. Spiced tongue. - - 10. Courtship. 10. Mush. - - 11. A lover. 11. A spoon. - - 12. A small deceit. 12. A plate. - - 13. Our tears. 13. Salt. - - 14. Left over. 14. Heart (baked). - -After all have partaken of refreshments the guests should adjourn to the -parlor where a circle may be formed, and, beginning at the left, each -spinster in turn may exhibit the picture of her wooer, and relate her -story. Two judges may be chosen by lot to decide which is the prize -story, and a large frosted gingerbread heart may constitute the prize. - - - - -STATE ABBREVIATIONS - - - 1. Which is the most religious state? (Mass.) - - 2. The most egotistical? (Me.) - - 3. Not a state for the untidy? (Wash.) - - 4. The most Asiatic? (Ind.) - - 5. The father of states? (Pa.) - - 6. The most maidenly? (Miss.) - - 7. The most useful in haying time? (Mo.) - - 8. The best state in time of flood? (Ark.) - - 9. Decimal state? (Tenn.) - - 10. State of astonishment? (La.) - - 11. State of exclamation? (O.) - - 12. State to cure the sick? (Md.) - - 13. Where there is no such word as fail? (Kan.) - - 14. The most unhealthy state? (Ill.) - - - - -STATE FLOWERS - - -In case it is desired to represent the various states of the Union by -floral decorations, the following list is given: - - Alabama--Goldenrod. - - Arkansas--Aster. - - California--Columbine. - - Delaware--Peach blossom. - - Idaho--Syringa. - - Iowa--Wild rose. - - Maine--[1]Pine cone and - tassel. - - Michigan--[1]Apple blossom. - - Minnesota--Moccasin - flower. - - Missouri--Goldenrod. - - Montana--Bitter root. - - Nebraska--Goldenrod. - - New Jersey--State tree, - sugar maple. - - New York--Rose; - State tree, maple. - - Oklahoma Territory--[1]Mistletoe. - - Oregon--Oregon grape. - - Rhode Island--Violet; - State tree, maple. - - Vermont--Red clover. - - Washington--Rhododendron. - -[Footnote 1: Adopted by State Legislature.] - - - - -STATE NICKNAMES - - - Which is the Hoosier State? (Indiana) - - The Nutmeg State? (Connecticut) - - The Keystone State? (Pennsylvania) - - The Buckeye State? (Ohio) - - The Palmetto State? (South Carolina) - - The Pine Tree State? (Maine) - - The Prairie State? (Illinois) - - The Sucker State? (Illinois) - - The Lone Star State? (Texas) - - The Lumber State? (Maine) - - The Mother of States? (Virginia) - - The Mother of Presidents? (Virginia) - - The Old Dominion? (Virginia) - - The Old North State? (North Carolina) - - The Hawkeye State? (Iowa) - - The Green Mountain State? (Vermont) - - The Granite State? (Vermont) - - The Freestone State? (Connecticut) - - The Empire State? (New York) - - The Diamond State? (Delaware) - - The Creole State? (Louisiana) - - The Corn Cracker State? (Kentucky) - - The Blue Hen State? (Delaware) - - The Bay State? (Massachusetts) - - - - -STATE SOCIABLE - - -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. - -The company then forms into State groups--those holding cards bearing -the name of the State itself, its capital and principal city--and each -group agrees which product of its State is most beneficial to the -greatest number of people. When a report is called for, a vote is taken -from all present as to which product is most essential to the welfare of -the nation as a whole. Three small bouquets of red and white carnations -tied with blue ribbon will make appropriate rewards for the three -supporters of the State which wins distinction. - - - - -ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARTY - - -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 go as an Irish policeman. Widdy Malony and her daughter Nora, the -priest, Father McCrary, and several sisters of charity could also be -represented. Let every one enter into the fun with spirit. Have the -decorations of the house all green and have each one wear as much green -as possible. Tin spoons tied with green ribbon can be given as -souvenirs. Have an Irish potato race. Prizes of stick pins in Shamrock -designs can be given the winners, or potato pincushions tied with green -ribbons. Have green paper napkins which can be made from green tissue -paper. Animals can be made from potatoes, using toothpicks for legs and -tails. Have each guest help in the entertainment of the evening by an -Irish song, story or recitation. - - REFRESHMENTS FOR IRISH PARTY - - Wafers tied with green ribbon - Olives Pickles - Irish potato chips served on lettuce leaves - Green tea - Lady fingers tied with green ribbon - Green ribbon candy - - - - -ST. PATRICK'S GUESSING CONTEST - -(Something green.) - - - 1. Name of a celebrated poet. (John Greenleaf - Whittier) - - 2. Name of a celebrated authoress. (Grace Greenwood) - - 3. Child's artist. (Kate Greenaway) - - 4. Revolutionary officer. (General Greene) - - 5. Pennsylvania city. (Greensburg) - - 6. Cold country. (Greenland) - - 7. Western bay. (Green Bay) - - 8. Emigrant. (Green horn) - - 9. Domestic fruit. (Green gage plum) - - 10. Large burial place. (Greenwood cemetery) - - 11. Legal tender. (Greenback) - - 12. A variety of apples. (Greening) - - 13. A place for growing plants. (Green house) - - 14. A part of a theatre. (Green room) - - 15. A harmless stimulant. (Green tea) - - 16. A famous town in Kentucky. (Bowling Green) - - 17. Children's game. (Green gravel) - - 18. Another name for jealousy. (Green eyed monster) - - 19. A country place near Pittsburg. (Green Tree) - - 20. A nourishing tree in the Bible. (Green bay) - - 21. Title of an Irish song. (Wearing of the Green) - - 22. Another name for verdure. (Greenery) - - 23. An article of dessert. (Grenoble walnuts) - - 24. A beautiful hamlet near Allegheny. (Evergreen) - - - - -TELEGRAM PARTY - - -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 signature, but -otherwise no limit is placed upon the ingenuity of the writer. - -Then let the messengers collect the blanks, and after the hostess has -read all the amusing results let a vote be taken for the cleverest -message and a prize be awarded to the sender. - -Of course, the entertainment can be extended by writing any number of -telegrams or varied by requiring that each set of telegrams refer to -some assigned subject. - - - - -TENNIS SOCIABLE - - -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. - -Refreshments can be passed in regular tennis racquets; in summer, -lemonade and wafers, or in winter, hot coffee and cake. - -Red and white decorated racquets can be given the guests as they leave, -for souvenirs. - - - - -TEN VIRGINS (SACRED PLAY) - - -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 at the door, -but they cannot get in. The five foolish virgins then sing, "Oh, let us -in, the night is dark and chill," and the five wise virgins who have -passed in will answer, using the chorus of the same hymn, "Too late, too -late, ye cannot enter now." This is found in Methodist Hymnal, No. 375. -The five foolish virgins ask the questions contained in each verse and -the five wise ones answer with the "Too late." - - - - -THANKSGIVING DAY DECORATIONS - - -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 jardinieres. 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 giving of prizes to the lucky guessers. - -This table should be arranged as follows: Upon a small, highly polished -table (mahogany is perhaps the richest in effect), place a dainty, -embroidered centrepiece, and set upon this a large pumpkin, either on a -silver dish or resting directly on the white linen. This pumpkin should -be hollowed out, as the others, leaving only its yellow shell, the -pumpkin holding an assortment of fruit, luscious and beautiful--highly -polished red-cheeked apples, oranges, bananas and grapes; trailing here -and there among them a few red leaves, or if they can be obtained, a -spray of wild clematis, of bitter-sweet, or of smilax. - -The guests are told that underneath the fruit lies something suggestive -of nature's ways, and therefore of the occasion and that they are to -guess what it may be and how much of it there may be. - -The guesses will be many and varied. The fruit-dish may be passed, the -fruit disposed of, and underneath will be found the pumpkin's seeds, -which have been gathered together. The prize for the guest that guesses -the nearest can be a little horn-of-plenty drinking glass. If one wishes -to give souvenirs of the occasion, charming little pencils can be -obtained that have the lead appearing from a miniature ear of corn. This -feature, however, is quite unnecessary. - - - - -THANKSGIVING FOOTBALL DINNER - - -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 jardiniere -filled with ragged beauties in red and bronze stood in the centre of the -table, while a single long-stemmed flower was laid beside each plate. -There were also chrysanthemums in vases on the mantel and sideboard. The -favors, or "mascots," of the dinner were small turkey-gobblers of -papier-mache containing the bonbons. - -A feature of the dinner enjoyed almost as much as the feast itself was -the novel form of the menus. These were written on two opposite pages of -dainty booklets, the outside covers of which were decorated with -characteristic football sketches accompanied by appropriate quotations. -These were so unique and apropos to the occasion that each guest carried -his home as a souvenir when he left at the end of the evening's -entertainment. Instead of being separated into the usual courses, the -menu was divided, like a football game, into a first and second half, -with an intermission between, and was arranged to read somewhat like a -football program, giving in outline the particulars of a game, the -various terms and expressions in which described the names of the -viands. The following is an illustration, except that in the original -the names of the different articles were omitted, a word in parenthesis -giving a hint where the meaning seemed doubtful: - - FIRST HALF - - I. The spectators arrive and discuss the "points" - (blue) of the game. - - Blue Points - - II. A tally-ho "bowls" in with the football team, said - to be "superior." The players enter the field with great - "celerity," the small boys enthusiastically declaring them - to be "crackers." - - Celery Soup Crackers - - III. Play begins with "a fair catch taken on the fly." - - Fish - - IV. A "foul (fowl) tackle." - - Turkey - - "Pease" follows a "runner," but "Murphy" interferes - and "beats" him off. - - Peas Squash Potatoes Beets - - V. The game at the end of the first half is distinguished - by the fine playing of the "backs" (canvas). - - Canvasback Ducks - - INTERMISSION - - During the intermission the "heads" of several players, - young and green, bruised in the mix-up, receive a "dressing" - down. - - Lettuce Salad - - SECOND HALF - - I. The wedge, or V-shaped, play is tried. - - Pie--Mince and Pumpkin - - II. Followed by disastrous results, necessitating a call - for "sponge" and "ice." - - Sponge Cake Ice Cream - - III. The "fruits" of faithful training are manifest, - A "bunch of purples" go down before a single "orange." - "Bartlett" and "Nellis," a fine pair (pear), become - "candidates" for great honor, "raisin'" cheers of delight - from the spectators by circling the ends, who are "nut" - what they are "cracked" up to be. - - Fruit--Grapes Oranges Pears Candied Dates - Raisins Nuts - - IV. The cup is presented. - - Coffee - - V. Everybody leaves the grounds. - -Although the above may seem a little far-fetched to an authority on -football, the guests were not over-critical, and the novel menu proved a -great source of entertainment, keeping them wondering and speculating -between the courses as to what was coming next. Some of the guests -supposed the "bruised heads" to be those of the cabbage, it having -apparently escaped their minds that there was such a thing as -head-lettuce. Others failed to see the connection between squash and -"runner" until reminded of the fact that squash grows on a vine running -along the ground, while a smile went around the table as one by one, -after concluding that coffee was referred to in "The cup is presented," -discovered, also, the double meaning in the final words of the menu, -"Everybody leaves the grounds." - -A number of things served on the table, such as cranberries, jellies, -olives, etc., were not named in the menu, owing to the difficulty of -expressing them in football language. - -After dinner there was much fun and merriment over pulling the -wishbones, the ladies having offered to break theirs with the gentlemen -attending them at dinner. Later the guests gathered around the open -fireplace, cracking nuts, telling stories, and having a good time -generally. When the time came for them to depart they voted the -Thanksgiving dinner of which they had just partaken the most unique to -which they had ever sat down. - - - - -THANKSGIVING SOCIABLE - - -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 pairs of glaring eyes, three noses and three -large mouths. A hush fell upon the company, while here and there could -be heard a suppressed giggle. Suddenly a chorus of girls' voices broke -out in a bright autumn song to enliven the drooping spirits of the -guests. - -No sooner had their fears been somewhat allayed than a spectral figure -approached from behind a curtain and sat down by the heap of corn. All -held their breath as it slowly reached out its hand and pulled an ear of -corn from the pile, gazed at a tag which was fastened to it by a ribbon, -read the name of some one who was present, and threw that person the ear -of corn, demanding in a deep, thrilling voice, "A ghost story." It is -needless to describe the quaking and shivering while the story was being -told. The dashing piano solo which followed was fully appreciated. - -A second ghost story was demanded in like manner as the first, after -which came singing, more stories, and music. Then one of the girls, who -could recite well, stood facing the company, with a background of -curtains, and gave Whittier's poem, "The Pumpkin" When she reached the -last stanza the curtains back of her were drawn, as if by spirits, -disclosing a long table covered with a snowy cloth, upon which were -piles of doughnuts, pumpkin pies, cheese and cups of steaming coffee. -Every one gave an exclamation of surprise at the sight, and refreshments -were served amidst much fun and laughter. - -The sociable closed with gifts of a pie apiece to each person -contributing to the entertainment, and an ear of corn, tied with bright -ribbon, to each guest. - -In order to have the ghost stories a success the committee arranging the -program had selected them beforehand. - -A great deal of the success of the entertainment was due to the fact -that its nature had been kept secret, and, curiosity having been -aroused, an unusually large number of people attended. - - - - -TRANSPLANTING TREES - - -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. - - - - -TREE GUESSING CONTEST - - - 1. A solid, tenacious, easily-moulded substance, and - a part of the hand. - - 2. A ruminant quadruped of the feminine gender. - - 3. To show grief, and a machine in which cotton, - wool, or flax is opened and cleansed. - - 4. Neat, without elegance or dignity. - - 5. Ill, ill, ill. - - 6. A nickname, a vowel and an external covering. - - 7. Used for puddings and a part of the hand. - - 8. A near and dear relative. - - 9. A vegetable and a Scottish word denoting possession. - - 10. A partner, came together, and a part of the human - body. - - 11. A green muskmelon pickled. - - 12. A drink, and a lineal measure. - - 13. A coat or covering. - - 1. Wax palm. - - 2. Yew. - - 3. Weeping willow. - - 4. Spruce. - - 5. Sycamore. - - 6. Tamarind. - - 7. Sago palm. - - 8. Paw-paw. - - 9. Plantain. - - 10. Palmetto. - - 11. Mango. - - 12. Cocoa palm. - - 13. Fir. - - - - -TREE PARTY - - -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: - - 1. What's the social tree, 1. Pear. Tea. - 2. And the dancing tree, 2. Hop. - 3. And the tree that is nearest the sea? 3. Beech. - 4. The daintiest tree, 4. Spruce. - 5. And the kissable tree, 5. Tulip. Yew. - 6. And the tree where ships may be? 6. Bay. - 7. What's the telltale tree, 7. Peach. - 8. And the traitor's tree, 8. Judas. - 9. And the tree that's the warmest clad? 9. Fir. - 10. The languishing tree, 10. Pine. - 11. The chronologist's tree, 11. Date. - 12. And the tree that makes one sad? 12. Weeping - Willow. - 13. What's the emulous tree, 13. Ivy. - 14. The industrious tree, 14. Spindle-tree. - 15. And the tree that will never stand still? 15. Caper. - 16. The unhealthiest tree, 16. Sycamore. - 17. The Egyptian-plague tree, 17. Locust. - 18. And the tree neither up nor down hill? 18. Plane. - 19. The contemptible tree, 19. Medlar. - 20. The most yielding tree, 20. India-rubber. - 21. And the tree that bears a curse? 21. Fig. Damson. - 22. The reddish brown tree, 22. Chestnut. - 23. The reddish blue tree, 23. Lilac. - 24. And the tree like an Irish nurse? 24. Honeysuckle. - 25. What is the tree - That makes each townsman flee? 25. Citron. - 26. And what round itself doth entwine? 26. Woodbine. - 27. What's the housewife's tree, 27. Broom. - 28. And the fisherman's tree, 28. Basswood. - 29. What by cockneys is turned into wine? 29. Vine. - 30. What's the tree that got up, 30. Rose. - 31. And the tree that was lazy, 31. Satin. Aloe. - 32. And the tree that guides ships to go forth? 32. (H)elm. - 33. The tree that's immortal, 33. Arbor-vitae. - 34. The trees that are not, 34. Dyewoods. - 35. And the tree whose wood faces the north? 35. Southernwood. - 36. The tree in a bottle, 36. Cork. [Hazel. - 37. The tree in a fog, 37. Smoketree. - 38. And what each must become ere he's old? 38. Elder. - 39. The tree of the people, 39. Poplar. - 40. The traveler's tree, 40. Wayfaring tree - 41. And the sad tree when schoolmasters hold? 41. Birch. - 42. What's the tree that has passed through the fiery heat, - 42. Ash. - 43. That half-given to doctors when ill? 43. Coffee. - 44. The tree that we offer to friends when we meet? - 44. Palm. - 45. And the tree we may use as a quill? 45. Aspen. - 46. What's the tree that in death will benight you? - 46. Deadly - nightshade. - 47. And the tree that your wants will 47. Breadfruit. - supply? - 48. And the tree that to travel invites you, 48. Orange. - 49. And the tree that forbids you to die? 49. Olive. - -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 fifteen minutes for each person to write an -original poem on the tree he represents. Judges are appointed to select -the best poem, and a suitable prize can be awarded. - - - - -TREE POOL - - -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, it is thrown back, and the turn passes to the next. If, -however, the letter is used, the player has another turn. When either -couple at the head table have made ten words, the bell is rung and the -guests score and progress as in any other game. - -When supper is served, have the table decorated with a plant standing in -the centre, and from this to each corner of the table have a row of -Noah's Ark trees, which can be purchased at any toy shop. Stand one of -these on each of the plates as they are passed to the guests. They will -make very attractive souvenirs of the occasion. - - - - -TROLLEY PARTY - - -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 - - 1. Abraham's wife. - - 2. What idols' feet are often made of. - - 3. Stop here when hungry. - - 4. Always owns a goose. - - 5. Dear to our hearts though sometimes a "Rip." - - 6. Brought lightning from the clouds. - - 7. A part of a door and what doors are usually made of. - - 8. A sombre color. - - 9. Of cherry-tree fame. - - 10. A direction of the compass and a preacher. - - 11. The side of a tiny stream. - - 12. One of the discoverers of Pike's Peak. - - 13. A great turn. - - 14. Associated with the lower regions. - - 15. The highest point. - - 16. What most housewives do on Monday. - - 17. A famous summer resort. - - 18. What the preacher who lisped said to the sinner. - - 19. Green, and dear to girlish hearts. - - 20. Makes a quick fire. - -The names of the streets represented were: - - 1. Sarah. - - 2. Clay. - - 3. Berry Road. - - 4. Taylor. - - 5. Jefferson. - - 6. Franklin. - - 7. Lockwood. - - 8. Gray. - - 9. Washington. - - 10. Westminster. - - 11. Edgebrook. - - 12. Clark. - - 13. Big Bend. - - 14. Sulphur. - - 15. Summit. - - 16. Wash. - - 17. Newport. - - 18. Prather. - - 19. Olive. - - 20. Pine. - -This same idea could be carried out in connection with the streets of -any other town. - - - - -UNIQUE VALENTINE PARTY - - -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. Cocoa in small cups and -ice cream in heart-shaped molds completed the repast. Confectionery in -the predominating color and shape was also on the table. - -The table decorations consisted of red carnations, ferns and smilax, and -were added to by the souvenirs which were laid at the left of each -plate. These were prepared by our family artist for the occasion, and -were red, heart-shaped affairs with gold borders, in the centre a small -sketch in oil, below a line of poetry, and each one numbered. These were -connected by ribbon (running to the centre of the table) to buttonhole -bouquets, carnations and smilax, which with ferns formed the flat -centrepiece. At the ends as many as were convenient were arranged around -the end dishes. Much merriment was created by some reading the lines on -their souvenirs. - -Upon leaving the table each guest adjusted the ribbon about her neck, -which brought the bouquet to its proper place "across the heart." After -returning to the parlors the guests were requested to read the lines -which they had found upon their souvenirs, and of which some had been -wondering the meaning; by beginning with No. 1 and reading in rotation a -well-known poem was completed. As you will see, this form of amusement, -with the character representations, goes far toward an evening's -entertainment. Young people consider a party incomplete without a prize -winning contest of some sort. The one I will describe was adopted. - -Pencils and slips of paper were distributed, each bearing the name of a -book or song, and numbered; then pieces of drawing paper were handed -around, the first slips being collected, and each person was requested -to make a drawing representing the book or song, and putting his number -on it. These were gathered and pinned up for exhibition. The best -drawing won a prize. Then the person that, upon inspecting the drawings, -could give correctly the names of the most books or songs they -represented (more paper being passed for this purpose) received a prize. - -The remainder of the evening was filled in by music, singing and games -of the guests' own choosing. When the time of departure came, all -wished they might enjoy it "all over again." - - - - -UNIVERSITY LUNCHEON - - -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 flags bearing dates that ran from '80 -to '05. We allowed bunches of mistletoe tucked cunningly under gas -fixtures. Holly was out of the question: it would have suggested -Harvard. - -Serving luncheon at one was an innovation, but an excellent one. When -the dishes were cleared away the anxiety was over, and the hostess moved -about among her guests without a thought of a meal to be served at the -end of the games. We set ten small tables, three in the dining-room, -four in the sitting-room, two in the parlor and one in the hall. The -tables were snowily linened, there were doilies in blue and white, and -the centrepiece on each table was a glass dish filled with small bunches -of splendid blue and white grapes. There was nothing blue to be found in -the fruit or flower kingdom except these, and the coloring was superb. -All the dishes we used were handsome old-fashioned willow ware, solid -dark blue, or mottled blue china. - - - - -VALENTINE ENTERTAINMENT - - -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 role that she will impersonate; for instance, we will say that -the twelve characters to be represented are: - - 1. Queen of Hearts. - - 2. Gypsy. - - 3. Nun. - - 4. Bicycle Girl. - - 5. Summer Girl. - - 6. Colonial Girl. - - 7. Poster Girl. - - 8. Widow. - - 9. Old Maid. - - 10. Trained Nurse. - - 11. Columbia. - - 12. Valentine. - -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 assembled in the -parlors pass a tray around to them containing a dozen cards, on each of -which is written a couplet. These couplets are suggestive of the roles -the young ladies play, and each gentleman may select such a couplet as -he sees fit. When all the cards have been taken, the young men in -rotation read aloud the couplet each has chosen, and after the reading -of the couplet the one representing it is brought into the parlor by the -hostess and introduced to the reader, who has thus chosen her as his -valentine. - -Among the pleasant features of the supper a "Valentine cake" may be -introduced with good effect. A nicely iced cake, decorated with candy -hearts having sentimental mottoes on them, should be divided into -twenty-four slices before it is brought to the table. In the slices for -the young girls to draw make a small slit with the sharp blade of a -knife, and insert into the opening a slip of paper on which is written -the name of some young man who is present. - -In those slices the men are to draw are such small articles as denote -the sort of wife Fate has chosen to be each one's partner for life. -Thus, a silver coin signifies wealth; a scrap of silk, a fashionable -wife; a penny, poverty; a tiny spoon, a good housekeeper; a pen, a -literary woman; a small silver heart, a marriage for love; a small -brush, an artistic wife; a tiny mirror, a vain woman; a piece of crape, -a widow, etc. - -First a young lady chooses a slice of cake, then the man whose name she -draws selects one and learns the kind of life-partner he is to have. -Much merriment may be derived from such a cake. - - - - -VALENTINE FUN - - -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 portiere 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 spinster or bachelor be. - -On a small table near by was an immense bowl filled with sparkling -soapsuds, and also clay pipes decorated with little blue hearts. - -We first threw the bubbles off the pipes and then tried to blow them -through the hearts with pretty little fans which were presented to us; -none of us found this easy to do, but it was lots of fun, even if after -all our efforts we saw our bubble float through number three instead of -one or two, where we meant it to go. - -After this came a still merrier game. A low scrap-basket was placed in -the centre of the room, and the company arranged into opposing parties, -forming two half circles around the basket. Cardboard hearts in two -different colors were given the sides, an equal number to each side. We -were then requested to try to throw them in the basket, and all -endeavored to do so, but found they had a tantalizing way of landing on -the floor. - -When we had exhausted our cards those in the basket were counted, and -the side having the most of its own color won the game. - -After this a small blackboard was placed on an easel at one end of the -room, and we were each in turn blindfolded, and handed a piece of chalk -with which to draw an outline of a heart, and to write our name in the -centre; the one doing the best to have a prize of a large candy heart. - -The partners for supper were chosen in a novel manner, the men being -numbered, and the names of the girls written on slips of paper, rolled -in clay in little pellets, then dropped into a bowl of water; the one to -rise first belonged to the young man numbered one, and so on until each -had his Valentine. - -A "Good Luck" supper was served in an adjoining room. Directly over the -table, suspended from the chandelier, hung a floral horseshoe. In the -centre of the table and at each end were fairy lamps surrounded by -smaller horseshoes. The guest-cards were square envelopes, at one side a -painted horseshoe, and below, "When Good Luck knocks at the door let him -in and keep him there." The souvenirs were clover-leaf stick pins, and -everything connected with the supper bore a symbol of good luck, the -bonbons, cakes, and sandwiches taking the forms of either a clover-leaf -or a horseshoe. - -On opening the envelopes, we found an amusing valentine illustrated by a -pen-and-ink sketch, showing the artistic skill of one of the members of -the family. - -After supper a tray, containing as many numbers as there were guests, -was passed, and we each took a heart with a corresponding number from -the decorations on the wall and read aloud the fortune found there. -These were very clever, and some surprisingly appropriate. - - - - -VALENTINE PARTY--DANISH - - -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 tucked into the fronts of the bodices with knots of -vinter-gjaek fastened into each braid just where it came over the -shoulder. The boys wore dark coats and trousers, with white vests. - -At the door was placed a box for valentines; as each guest came he -dropped his valentine into the box with the name of the person who was -to receive it. First for amusement was "Shadow Pictures," the guessing -of each boy's and girl's profile. White cards with numbers in cherry ink -and small cherry-colored pencils were passed to each. As the shadow was -thrown upon the sheet the name was written after the number on the card. -Prizes were given for the most correct guesses. The girls' prize was a -cherry-colored satin pin cushion in the shape of a heart; the boys', an -earthen pig. Then small white cards were passed tied with cherry-colored -ribbon and vinter-gjaek, each card containing a verse and below this the -initials of a name pricked out with a pin. By guessing the names they -stood for, each knew his or her valentine for the evening. It was great -fun. Lots were gjaeket (fooled). The verse on the cards read: - - "Sir Knight, would'st know thy lady's name, - These pin pricks tell thee whence I came." - -Then all were asked to the dining-room, where they found the following -supper awaiting them served in Danish style: - - Coffee Water - - Bummernickle (Black Rye Bread) White Bread - With grated cheese, tied with cherry-colored ribbon - - Bakte Bomner (Baked Beans) Pickles - - Bakte Avola (Baked Apples) Pop-Corn - - Avele-Skiever (Doughnuts) Head-Cheese - -Souvenirs--Three white candy hearts containing verses, tied with -cherry-colored ribbon. - -After supper the valentines brought by the guests were distributed. -Music and a flashlight picture of the "Town Club" completed the -entertainment. Then all departed with light hearts. - - - - -VALENTINE SOCIABLE - - -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 asked to guess the identity -of each picture. - -The pictures are then given to the owners as keepsakes. A nice idea is -for the gentlemen to write a valentine verse on the portraits of the -ladies, or make up some comic poetry. A sale of hearts is also a cute -idea. - -Buy small hearts with a valentine couplet on each; these being read -aloud, each heart is to be sold to the person who first completes its -couplet; for instance, "'Tis better to have loved and lost," the person -finishing it as "than never to have loved at all." - -The one guessing the greatest number of couplets can be given a small -box of heart-shaped candies. - -Partners can be chosen for supper by having each lady write her name on -a slip of paper, and putting all the slips into a hat; each gentleman -will take to supper the one whose name he draws from the hat. - -A pretty souvenir can be given each guest in the form of a small -heart-shaped valentine. - -Refreshments can be suggestive of the day also. They can consist of -sandwiches cut in heart-shape, tied with red baby ribbon, bright-red -apples, cherry ice, lady fingers, kisses and small heart-shaped candies. -A card on each dish could carry out the idea in the following manner: - - Sandwiches--"Heart bread." - - Apples--"Love apples." - - Cherry Ice--"Frozen heart's blood." - - Lady Fingers--"Love's caresses." - - Kisses--"Lovers' sweets." - - Candies--"Love's sweet compound." - - - - -VARIETY OF LITTLE MISSES - - - 1. What Miss causes in turn amusements and quarrels? (Mis-chief) - - 2. What Miss is distrustful of human nature? (Mis-anthrope) - - 3. What Miss undervalues her opportunities? (Mis-appreciate) - - 4. What Miss is not always honest? (Mis-appropriate) - - 5. What Miss is provoking and a blunderer? (Mis-take) - - 6. What Miss can destroy the peace of home, school and nation? - (Mis-rule) - - 7. What Miss is responsible for gross errors? (Mis-doing) - - 8. What Miss wastes times and money? (Mis-spend) - - 9. What Miss causes her mother sorrow? (Mis-conduct) - - 10. What Miss proves an uncertain correspondent? (Mis-direct) - - 11. What Miss should the traveler shun? (Mis-guide) - - 12. What Miss is unhappy? (Mis-fortune) - - 13. What Miss is distinguished as uncivil and ill-bred? (Mis-behave) - - 14. What Miss gives unreliable information? (Mis-call) - - 15. What Miss meets with ill-luck and delay? (Mis-adventure) - - 16. What Miss is untruthful? (Mis-represent) - - - - -VEGETABLE PARTY - - -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 in Disguise" was passed to each -guest, and twenty-five minutes allotted for puzzling out the answers. -The following is the list the paper contained: - - A pronoun preceded and followed by a preposition. (Onion) - - A painful projection. (Corn) - - Hard to get out of. (Maize [maze]) - - What vegetables should see a great deal, and why? - (Potatoes. They have so many eyes) - - A basement and a question. (Celery [cellar-why]) - - Every good Chinaman has my first. My second is to overload. - (Cucumber [queue-cumber]) - - A bivalve and a vegetable growth. (Oyster plant) - - Normal, and a very small piece. (Parsnip) - - A small waste. (Leek [leak]) - - A letter. (Pea [p]) - - A boy, a letter, and a part of the body? (Tomato [Tom-a-toe]) - - Yielding water, and connections? (Pumpkin) - - To crush. (Squash) - - A purple part of the year, and sick. (Lentil [Lent-ill]) - - A tour on your wheel, and years. (Spinach [spin-age]) - - Hot stuff. (Pepper) - - An English dignity, and a platter. (Radish [R. A. dish]) - - A hen. (Egg plant) - - Tramps. (Beets) - -The supper, as one would expect at a vegetable party, consisted of -vegetarian dishes only, but it was surprising to find how attractive and -how palatable these were. - - - - -WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES - - -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 wadding to represent -snow, and wear cotton costumes, and the wife may carry a bouquet of -cotton flowers. Artificial flowers made of cotton may be used, too, for -decoration. Cover the refreshment table with cheese-cloth, and have -place-cards written on prettily decorated pieces of starched muslin. You -could have a Spider Hunt for an appropriate entertainment. For this, as -you probably know, you provide balls of cotton twine, and wind the twine -all over the house. The guests have to untangle their respective balls, -and wind them up until they come to the end of the string, where a gift -is discovered. The gifts should be pretty conceits made of -cotton--shoe-bags or work bags of pretty cretonne for the women, and -picture frames of cretonne for the men, etc. - - -SECOND ANNIVERSARY--PAPER WEDDING - -The second year is celebrated as a paper wedding. There are many ways a -house can be decorated with paper. Pretty colored paper shades can be -made for all the gas jets (or lamp chimneys), flower-pots can be trimmed -with fancy crepe paper, butterflies can be made from stiff colored -paper, doilies can be designed from fancy paper, and paper napkins can -be used in many ways. Whatever is used for refreshments paper napkins -can be placed on each dish under the food; tumblers can be wrapped -around with paper and tied with a dainty little ribbon. Plenty of paper -flowers can be used for decoration. The tablecloth may be of paper, -edged with paper lace, the centrepiece of paper roses, the candle-shades -composed of their petals, while the ices may be served in boxes held in -the hearts of paper roses. For entertainment, large mottoes containing -paper caps may be distributed. These should be put on, and with their -assumption a character impersonated by each wearer appropriate to the -headgear. The guesses are recorded in paper booklets and the person most -successful may receive a prize--a book or any paper trifle. - - -FOURTH ANNIVERSARY--LEATHER WEDDING - -The fourth year is observed as a leather wedding. Invitations sent out -for this anniversary can have a small piece of leather enclosed in -envelope. A unique idea is to have a leather saddle hung in the centre -of the room, with a leather whip and riding gloves. As souvenirs small -pieces of leather with the date of the wedding, also the date of the -anniversary, stamped or written upon them, and tied with white baby -ribbon, may be distributed. Small leather calendars can be made, also -heart-shaped leather pen-wipers with small paintings on them. -Appropriate presents for the married couple would be leather purses, -hand-bags, shoes, satchels, pocketbooks, lunch boxes, traveling cases, -etc., and do not forget a leather smoking case for the host. - -A burnt-leather box or basket filled with yellow flowers or growing -ferns would not be ill-adapted for a centrepiece for the refreshment -table, and leatherette receptacles, if made in sections tied together -with ribbons matching the flowers, would be pretty for the bonbons, -cakes and salted nuts. - -The place-cards may be of leather with the names in heavy gilt -lettering. - -A game or contest is usually enjoyed, and the award of a trifling prize -to the victor makes a pleasant climax to the evening's fun. In this -case the article should, of course, be of leather. - - -FIFTH ANNIVERSARY--WOODEN WEDDING - -A description is given of an actual wooden wedding anniversary -celebrated recently. The invitations were printed on paper that looked -like wood. In fact it looked so much like it that it could hardly be -told from wood. For decorations as much real wood was utilized as -possible. In one large archway were hung twelve wooden plates, each with -a painting on, and joined with white ribbon. Twelve young ladies served -on the reception committee and the twelve plates were given them as -souvenirs before they departed. In another archway there was a toothpick -curtain which attracted much attention. This was made on silk cord with -the toothpicks tied about two inches apart, crossways, with a small loop -in the cord. They were draped back and tied with a bunch of silk cord. -In the small doorways were clothes-pin curtains. A large wire bell, -covered with shavings and goldenrod, hung from a canopy of the same, -under which the bride and groom stood to receive their guests. - -A large wooden flower-stand was placed in the reception hall and it was -banked with goldenrod and cut flowers, with a large palm on top shelf. -Several wooden bowls and baskets of goldenrod and cut flowers were -scattered about the house. On the mantels, stands, table, sideboard, and -piano, were large palms and goldenrod. All the chairs had been moved out -of the house, except in the dining-room, where they were arranged around -the wall. In the centre of the room was the polished table, with neat -doilies, and for a centrepiece was a large yellow cake with the figure -"5" in wood. This cake stood on a high cake-stand and around the edge of -the stand were a row of clothes-pins, the kind with a spring, and a row -of toothpicks sticking all around the edge of the cake. On two corners -of the table were little wooden shoes filled with cut flowers, and on -the two diagonally opposite corners were large apples stuck full of -toothpicks. The guests were seated in the dining-room for refreshments -and as soon as it was filled, the reception committee closed it with a -large rope of goldenrod across the doorway. For refreshments ice cream -and cake were served on wooden plates with wooden spoons. The ice cream -was made to look like wood, the caterer using a mixture of vanilla, -chocolate, bisque and lemon flavors. The different kinds of cake were -also made to look like different kinds of wood, such as walnut, oak, -cherry, and so forth. The souvenirs were large wooden butter moulds on -which were printed the year of marriage and the year of celebration. An -orchestra of eight pieces played all through the evening, under a canopy -of white cloth on the porch, the porch being carpeted and curtained like -a room. - - -SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY--WOOLEN WEDDING - -The woolen wedding comes with the seventh anniversary. The material is -not effective, but the invitations may be worked in crewels on -perforated Bristol-board. - -The "cobweb party" might be revived, using colored yarns instead of -cords, and placing a "fortune" as well as a favor at the end of each. -Some unfortunate swain might, perhaps, find a huge worsted mitten, -guided in his choice of yarn by one in the secret to insure its -selection by a man. - -On the refreshment table a large wedding-cake crowned by a "Bo-peep" -doll with her flock of toy sheep would suggest the "woolly" idea. - - -TENTH ANNIVERSARY--TIN WEDDING - -These wedding invitations can be written or printed, and sent out ten -days beforehand, either enclosing a piece of tin, or wrapped in tin -foil. - -The bride and groom should receive their guests, the bride carrying her -bouquet in a tin funnel. The groom can wear a small tin horn in his -buttonhole with a small bouquet. The author intends to celebrate her tin -wedding this fall, and this is what she intends to have. - -For refreshments, will serve coffee in tin cups, with tin spoons, and -dainty sandwiches on tin plates; will pass water in a tin pail, using a -tin dipper. All refreshments will be passed in tin pans, the waiters -will use tin coffee pots to refill the coffee cups. For a centrepiece -for the table, will use a large tin cake pan, with an opening in the -centre, in which a small fish horn can be placed, the cake pan and fish -horn both being filled with flowers. Shall decorate the rooms with tin -as far as possible. In one archway shall use tin plates tied together -with ribbon, a small hole being punched in the plates for the purpose. -This will form a curtain for one archway. In another archway shall use -tin cups for the same purpose. Tin candlesticks can be used, if one is -fortunate enough to have them. Wire toasters tied with ribbon can be -hung on the walls to hold photographs. Small tin spoons tied with -ribbons can be given as souvenirs, being passed around by the waiters, -in a tin dust pan. - -Potted plants can be set in tin pails, and tin cans can be used for -bouquets. A tin wash basin can be passed for a finger bowl. Tin foil can -also be used with which to decorate. - - -TWELFTH ANNIVERSARY--LINEN WEDDING - -The invitations are written on squares of linen in indelible ink, and -the name cards are also of linen. Linen is used freely about the rooms, -linen lace working into decorative schemes most effectively. The flax -flower is, of course, conspicuous whenever it can be obtained. The -artificial flower may be used in many places, as well as the natural -blossoms. The centrepiece, doilies, etc., used on the table should be -embroidered with flax flowers in natural colors. - -While the guests are at supper an old-fashioned spinning wheel should be -brought into the parlors in readiness for a spinning contest, which may -be conducted as described in the entertainment, "A Spinning Party." - - -FIFTEENTH ANNIVERSARY--CRYSTAL WEDDING - -The invitations may be decorated with drawings of small hand-mirrors, -tumblers, etc., and for the ornamentation of the house every conceivable -kind of glass vessel and mirror may be used. In the table decorations -cut or pressed glass should be prominent. In the centre of the table a -small mirror might be placed, with a large glass bowl upon it filled -with flowers. Red carnations with red candle-shades make a very -effective color scheme for the crystal background. Little cakes with red -icing, red bonbons, and red place cards may also be used. The -refreshments should be served on glass dishes, the waiters using glass -trays if possible. Tiny glass bottles each containing a red carnation -and a sprig of smilax make very appropriate souvenirs. Should the bride -desire an appropriate gown for the occasion, it may be trimmed with -quantities of glass beads or the glass drops from a chandelier. Those -who assist in receiving might also be similarly garbed. - - -TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY--CHINA WEDDING - -A good idea for a china wedding would be to have a course dinner and -display all one's china. Use china wherever it can be used instead of -silver, glass, or other dishes. Have plants and flowers displayed in -china. A unique idea would be to give each guest a tiny china cup and -saucer as a souvenir. - -Any of the parlor entertainments or contests described in this volume -may be used to pass the time pleasantly either before or after the -dinner. - - -TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY--SILVER WEDDING - -The invitations to a silver wedding should be headed by the two eventful -dates printed in silver. - -For the decorations, use any flowers which may be in season, surrounding -the mirrors and pictures as far as possible with a framework of green -spangled with silver. Cover all the lamps and gas shades with white -crepe paper flecked here and there with silver, and suspend balls -covered with silver paper from the chandeliers. - -Let the daughters in the family, and the granddaughters if there be any, -wear gowns of simplest white, with draperies of silver tinsel. If there -happen to be any grandchildren it would be well to have them distribute -the favors, which may be bouquets of flowers tied with white ribbons. - -The refreshments should be served shortly after the guests arrive. A -suitable way to announce that supper is served will be to have the -wedding march played, when the bride and groom of the evening may be -requested to lead the way to the dining-room. - -The supper-table should be lighted with white candles in silver -candelabra, and the snowy tablecloth be crossed diagonally with white -satin ribbon edged with silver. Upon a pretty centrepiece of -silver-spangled tulle may be placed a silver or glass bowl containing -twenty-five white roses. Dishes of white cakes and candies, and -old-fashioned mottoes covered with silver paper may be scattered -plentifully about the table. The large cake should be decorated in white -and silver, and placed upon a silver dish in front of the bride of -twenty-five years ago, who alone should be permitted to cut it. - -There is no limit to the presents which may be sent in honor of a silver -wedding, but no guest need be deterred from appearing because of her -inability to send a present; her good wishes will please the host and -hostess quite as well as an elaborate gift. - -Pretty souvenirs of a silver wedding are bookmarks of white satin -ribbon, upon each one of which is printed in silver the name of the -guest and the dates of the anniversary he or she has been helping to -celebrate. - - -FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY--GOLDEN WEDDING - -Invitations to a golden wedding should be written or printed on golden -hued cards. Let the bride wear a dress of golden hue, or, if she -dislikes such bright colors, let her use plenty of yellow flowers in her -hair and on her dress. The groom should also wear yellow flowers. Two -armchairs decorated with straw might be used for the seats of honor. -Have the home decorated with goldenrod if in season, if not, any yellow -flower can be used; if the season for sunflowers, they are very pretty -for decoration. Let those who help serve wear yellow dresses or plenty -of yellow flowers. A large yellow cake could be used for a centrepiece, -banked with yellow flowers; use brass candlesticks with yellow candles. -Plenty of flowers or yellow paper should be used for the gas jets, lamp -shades and picture frames. Refreshments might consist of yellow cake, -lemonade, and yellow candy. Pretty souvenirs would be a yellow carnation -for each guest. - - - - -WEDDING OF THE OPERAS - - -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: - - 1. Who were the bride and groom? - - 2. What was the bride called--from the circumstances of her wedding? - - 3. At what sort of party did they meet? - - 4. He went as a minstrel. What was he called? - - 5. She went as an Austrian peasant. What was she called? - - 6. At the wedding what Spanish girl was maid of honor? - - 7. What noted Swiss was best man? - - 8. What two ladies (friends of Donizetti's) were bridesmaids? - - 9. What four Germans were the ushers? - - 10. What mythological personage presided over the music? - - 11. Who sang at the ceremony? - - 12. What noted person from Japan was present? - - 13. What noted bells were rung in honor of the wedding? - - 14. What ship did they take for their wedding trip? - - 15. When on the voyage who captured them? - - 16. What virtue sustained them in captivity? - - 17. What gentleman of dark complexion rescued them? - - 18. What historical people entertained them in France? - - 19. In Northeast Italy what grand affair did they attend? - - 20. Who showed them the sights of Venice? - -And the music gave answer, as follows: - - 1. Romeo and Juliet. - - 2. The Runaway Girl. - - 3. Masked Ball. - - 4. Trovatore. - - 5. The Bohemian Girl. - - 6. Carmen. - - 7. William Tell. - - 8. Lucia di Lammermoor and Linda di Chamouni. - - 9. Lohengrin, Faust, Tannhaeuser and Siegfried. - - 10. Orpheus. - - 11. The Meistersinger. - - 12. The Mikado. - - 13. The Chimes of Normandy. - - 14. H. M. S. Pinafore. - - 15. The Pirates of Penzance. - - 16. Patience. - - 17. Othello. - - 18. The Huguenots. - - 19. The Carnival of Venice. - - 20. The Gondoliers. - - - - -WHICH IS YOUR AGE - - - What is the best age for a girl or boy? (Espionage) - - To what age will people arrive if they live long enough? (Dotage) - - To what age do most women look forward with anxiety? (Marriage) - - What age has the soldier often to find? (Courage) - - What age is required on the high seas? (Tonnage) - - What age are we forbidden to worship? (Image) - - What age is not less or more? (Average) - - What is the age people are stuck on? (Mucilage) - - What age is both profane and destructive? (Damage) - - At what age are vessels to ride safe? (Anchorage) - - What age is necessary to the clergyman? (Parsonage) - - What age is one of communication? (Postage) - - What age is most important to travelers by rail? (Mileage) - - What is the age now popular for charity? (Coinage) - - What age is shared by the doctor and the thief? (Pillage) - - What age do we all wish for? (Homage) - - What age is slavery? (Hostage) - - What age is most enjoyed at the morning meal? (Beverage) - - What is the most indigestible age? (Sausage) - - - - -WHICH IS YOUR AUNT (ANT) - - - 1. What is the oldest ant? (Adam-ant) - - 2. What ant hires his home? (Tenant) - - 3. What ant is joyful? (Jubilant) - - 4. What ant is learned? (Savant) - - 5. What ant is well-informed? (Conversant) - - 6. What ant is trustworthy? (Confidant) - - 7. What ant is proud? (Arrogant) - - 8. What ant sees things? (Observant) - - 9. What ant is angry? (Indignant) - - 10. What ant tells things? (Informant) - - 11. What ant is successful? (Triumphant) - - 12. What ant is an officer? (Commandant) - - 13. What ant is a beggar? (Mendicant) - - 14. What ant is obstinate? (Defiant) - - 15. What ant is youngest? (Infant) - - 16. What is the ruling ant? (Dominant) - - 17. What is the wandering ant? (Errant) - - 18. What ant lives in a house? (Occupant) - - 19. What ant points out things? (Significant) - - 20. What ant is prayerful? (Supplicant) - - - - -WHICH IS YOUR CITY - - - 1. What city is for few people? (Scarcity) - - 2. For happy people? (Felicity) - - 3. For hypocrites? (Duplicity) - - 4. For chauffeurs? (Velocity) - - 5. For truthful people? (Veracity) - - 6. For athletes? (Elasticity) - - 7. For greedy people? (Voracity) - - 8. For wild beasts? (Ferocity) - - 9. For home lovers? (Domesticity) - - 10. For actors? (Publicity) - - 11. For reporters? (Audacity) - - 12. For wise people? (Sagacity) - - 13. For hungry people? (Capacity) - - 14. For telegraph operators? (Electricity) - - 15. For crowds? (Multiplicity) - - 16. For nations? (Reciprocity) - - 17. For odd people? (Eccentricity) - - 18. For beggars? (Mendicity) - - 19. For unhappy people? (Infelicity) - - 20. For office seekers? (Pertinacity) - -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." - - - - -WHITE RIBBON SOCIABLE - - -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 guest you expect. Tie to the end of -each ribbon a small slip of paper bearing instructions as to what each -one is to do. Each guest is to pull out a slip, see what he is to do, -and then proceed to do it at once. Cover the top of the dish neatly with -white tissue paper. Wafers can be served tied with narrow white ribbon, -also coffee or cocoa, or if in summer serve lemonade. - -The following suggestions may be used for the slips of paper: - - 1. Act in pantomime a doctor's visit. - - 2. Make a dunce cap and put on head of dignified person. - - 3. Deliver an oration on George Washington. - - 4. Sing "Mary had a little lamb," in operatic style. - - 5. Draw a correct picture of a cow. - - 6. Tell a funny story. - - 7. Sing a lullaby to a sofa cushion. - - 8. Sing a comic song. - - 9. Compose a rhyme with four lines. - - 10. Tell a pathetic story. - - 11. Make a shadow picture of a man's head on the wall with the hands. - - 12. Show how a small boy cries when a hornet stings him. - - 13. Sneeze in five different ways. - - 14. Shake hands with ten different persons in ten different styles. - - 15. Recite "The boy stood on the burning deck," in dramatic style. - - 16. Laugh ten varieties of laugh. - - 17. Imitate the sounds made by two cats fighting. - - 18. Show how a man acts when he is lost in Boston. - - 19. Smile ten different smiles. - - 20. Tip your hat in ten different ways to ten different people. - - 21. Show how a dude walks. - - 22. Auction off an overcoat. - - 23. Try to sell a book as if you were a book agent. - - 24. Show how a boy writes his first letter. - - 25. Name ten things you could do with a million dollars. - - - - -WHY WE NEVER MARRIED - -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 girls that ever I knew, - I never saw one that I thought would do. - I wanted a wife that was nice and neat, - That was up to date, and that had small feet; - I wanted a wife that was loving and kind, - And that hadn't too much original mind; - I wanted a wife that could cook and sew, - And that wasn't eternally on the go; - I wanted a wife that just loved to keep house, - And that wasn't too timid to milk the cows; - I wanted a wife that was strikingly beautiful, - Intelligent, rich, and exceedingly dutiful. - That isn't so much to demand in a wife, - But still she's not found, though I've looked all my life." - -Number two next recites: - - "The only reason why I've never wed - Is as clear as the day, and as easily said: - Two lovers I had who'd have made me a bride, - But the trouble was just that I couldn't decide; - Whenever John came I was sure it was he - That I cared for most; but with Charlie by me, - My hands clasped in his, and his eyes fixed on mine, - 'Twas as easy as could be to say, 'I'll be thine.' - Now tell me what was a poor maiden to do, - Who couldn't, to save her, make choice 'tween the two? - I dillied and dallied, and couldn't decide, - Till John, he got married, and Charlie, he died; - And that is the reason why I've never wed; - For how could I help it, as every one said, - When John, he was married, and Charlie was dead." - -Number three now speaks: - - "I have never proposed to any girl. - Was I to be caught in the snare of a curl, - And dangle through life in a dizzy whirl? - - "Humph! I know too much for that by half! - I may look young, but I'm not a calf; - You can't catch a bird like me with chaff. - - "I know their tricks, I know their arts, - I know how they scheme to capture hearts; - I know they can play a dozen parts. - - "How do I know so much, you ask? - To reply to that isn't much of a task; - For if you must know, O madams and misters, - I'm the only brother of fourteen sisters." - -Number four advances and says: - - "My lovers came from near and far, - And sued before my feet; - They told me I was like a star; - They said that I was sweet; - And each one swore if I'd accept - His heart and eke his hand, - That he would be the happiest man - Throughout the whole broad land. - But one proud youth remained aloof, - And stood untouched, unmoved; - Oh, bitter fate! he was the one, - The only one I loved! - I tried on him each winning charm, - I put forth every art, - But all in vain; he turned away, - And took with him my heart. - This is the reason I am left - Alone upon the tree, - Like withered fruit, though not a pear; - Oh, would that I might be!" - -Number five recites these lines: - - "The only reason why I've never married - Is because all my plans for proposing miscarried; - I wouldn't propose till all was propitious, - Till I felt pretty sure that the signs were auspicious. - More than once I've been moved to propound the fond query, - 'Won't you tell me you love me, my beautiful dearie?' - When just at that moment came something or other, - A ring at the bell, or a call from her mother, - Or the sudden approach of her infantile brother, - My words to arrest, my intentions to smother; - And once, when a few leading questions I'd asked, - She laughed as if jokes in my questions were masked; - I couldn't conceive what had caused her commotion, - But 'twas so disconcerting I gave up the notion; - Although I felt certain as certain could be, - That whatever she laughed at, it was not at me." - -Number six then says: - - "From my earliest years - I've had an intuition - That I was intended - To carry out a mission. - Whatever it might be - I hadn't the least notion, - But I searched for it faithfully - From ocean to ocean. - For a while I kept thinking - That I was surely meant - To preach to the heathen, - But I never was sent. - Then the surging thoughts and feelings - That upon me seemed to press - Surely proved beyond all question - That I was a poetess; - But the editors were cruel, - They were stonily unkind; - And their inappreciation - Drove the notion from my mind. - Now I'm sure that I'm a speaker; - 'Tis my latest great impression; - And I'd like to prove it to you, - If I might without digression; - But whatever is my mission, - I've been certain all my life, - That 'tis something higher, nobler, - Than to be a slaving wife." - -Number seven speaks thus: - - "I used to call on Mary Jane - When I was seventeen; - And Mary Jane was fond of me, - Though I was rather green. - One day I told her why I came, - And what was my intent; - And then she said that I must go - And get her pa's consent. - Her pa, he was a mason rude, - Well used to handling bricks, - And when I came to talk with him - My courage went to sticks. - 'K-kind sir, may I have M-Mary Jane?' - I asked with gasp and stutter; - Then came an earthquake, then a blank-- - I went home on a shutter. - I never married Mary Jane, - The maid whom I'd selected; - The reason was because her pa-- - Well, so to speak--objected." - -Number eight next advances: - - "I fully intended a bride to be, - But Richard and I could never agree; - He fussed at me daily in fault-finding mood, - And I picked at him though I knew it was rude; - He thought that a woman ought always to do - Just what her husband wanted her to, - And I was as set and decided as he, - That that way of life would never suit me; - And so we kept wrangling all summer and fall, - And at last we agreed not to marry at all; - And that is the reason you now find me here, - Feeling cheap, I admit, and I once was so dear." - -Number nine speaks as follows: - - "Could I give up all the pleasures - That a single man may claim? - Could I see my bachelor treasures - Sniffed at by a scornful dame? - Could I have my choice Havanas - Bandied all about the place, - Strewn around like cheap bananas, - Looked upon as a disgrace? - Could I bear to find a hairpin - Sticking in my shaving-mug? - Or a pair of high-heeled slippers - Lying on my Persian rug? - Would I want my meditations - Broken up by cries of fright - At a mouse or daddy-long-legs, - Or some other fearful sight? - No, I couldn't, and I wouldn't, - And I didn't, as you see; - Of every life, the bachelor's life - Is just the life for me." - -Number ten says: - - "My lovers were plenty - As plenty could be; - But of the whole number - Not one suited me; - John was too fat, - Joe was too thin, - And George, who'd have done, - Was without any 'tin'; - Dick was a sinner, - And James was a saint, - Who, whenever I shocked him, - Looked ready to faint; - Charles was quite handsome, - The likeliest yet, - But he always was smoking - A vile cigarette; - That I'm very particular - 'Tis easy to see, - Which all should remember - Who come to court me." - -Number eleven now advances: - - "First it was Carrie who claimed my heart, - And I thought from her I never would part; - Then it was Rose, with her winsome eyes - Of an azure as deep as the tropic skies; - And next it was Alice, so mild and meek; - I loved her fondly for nearly a week; - Then came Elizabeth's fickle reign, - And after her Mary and Kate and Jane; - A dozen more for a time held sway, - Sometimes for a month, sometimes for a day; - And yet I'm not married; for, truth to tell, - I could make no choice, I loved all so well." - -Number twelve speaks thus: - - "I never would marry - The best of men; - Though they've tried to persuade me - Again and again; - I know too well - What's good for me - To wed any man, - Whoever he be; - If he tells you he loves you, - He means to deceive you; - If he says he'll be faithful, - He's planning to leave you; - You may think him as meek - As ever was Moses; - You may think him as sweet - As a garden of roses; - You may think him as good - As good can be; - But just remember - One word from me; - Whatever they seem - To be or have been, - You just can't tell - One thing about men." - -Number thirteen and number fourteen advance together, and the former -speaks first as follows: - - "I've been in love with lots of girls, - A bachelor's life I hate; - I've all the time that I could want - To find and win a mate; - I've never come in contact with - A brick-objecting pa, - Or been deterred by brothers small - Or loudly calling ma; - I've never found it hard to choose - With whom I would be mated; - Oh, no, 'tis quite another cause-- - I'm not appreciated; - I've popped the question o'er and o'er, - But if you will believe me, - There wasn't one of all of them - That I could get to have me. - And that is why I'm left alone, - Now love's young dream is gone, - To darn my hose and mend my clo'es - And sew my buttons on." - -Then number fourteen says: - - "My friends have all told you the reason why they - Keep on in a lonesome, old-maidenly way, - Without any husband to lighten their loads, - Without any helper to smooth the rough roads; - I, too, am unmarried, but not for the causes - That they have all stated in rhythmical clauses: - - My lover didn't die, - And he never went away; - My father didn't stand - A moment in my way; - I've never quarreled once, - Nor been bothered to decide, - But I've got a first-class reason - Why I've never been a bride; - At any kind of mission - I wouldn't even glance; - The simple truth is this-- - I've never had a chance; - Other folks, I s'pose, have had 'em, - But they've never come to me; - Though I don't see why they shouldn't, - For I'm willing as can be; - And all I've got to say is, - And I say it frank and free, - If you think I won't get married, - Just you question me and see." - -At the close of number fourteen's recitation, all rise and stand in -two rows, facing each other, the ladies in one row and the gentlemen -in the other. The gentlemen then recite in concert as follows: - - "Since we all are yet unmated, - And are getting on in years, - Why not now decide the matter - By dividing up in pairs? - If I ask you to accept me, - And my lonely life to bless, - Will you? Will you? Will you?" - -Ladies in chorus: - - "Yes!" - -Each lady takes the arm of the gentleman facing her, and all walk off to -the music of the wedding march. - - - - -WIFE OF SANTA CLAUS - -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 with my eyes? [_Rubbing his eyes to see better._] I can't -see! As true as I live, I cannot see a single Christmas gift upon this -tree! Think of it, a Christmas tree with no presents! Am I growing -blind? [_Rubbing his eyes again._] - -"Do you see any? [_Turning to any child near._] Well, I thought so! It -is too true, children, that although we have a Christmas tree, and a -fine one, too, there is not a single gift upon it; no, not even a little -one for a little bit of a girl! Now, this is altogether too bad of Santa -Claus to forget this Sunday-school--when we've gotten all ready for him, -too, lighted the tree and decorated it so beautifully! It isn't a bit -like him, either. He never did such a thing before. He can't have -forgotten us. The blessed old Saint wouldn't do that! Maybe his -reindeer are lame and he is slow in getting here. No! He would have -sent Jack Frost on ahead to tell us to wait. Let me think a moment. It -can't be that any of you children have been so naughty that he thinks we -don't deserve a visit from him, can it? No, no, that cannot be; it is a -mistake, somehow. It is very mysterious; I never heard of the like -before--no, never---- - -"Well, what are we going to do about it, anyway? Can't some one speak up -and explain this mystery, or at least tell us what to do to celebrate -Christmas?" - -At this juncture the sound of sleigh-bells is heard at the back or side -of the stage, and a loud "Whoa!" and a shrill whistle. There is an -instant of bustling, crunching of ice, stamping and pawing of feet, then -the door bursts open suddenly, as if by a gust of wind, and a nimble -little fellow bounces in, clad all in red and flecked with tufts of -cotton on cap and shoulders to look like snow. He wears a high, peaked -cap of red with a bobbing tassel on the peak, and carries a long thong -whip, which he flourishes in time to the rhyme he chants: - - "Ho for us! hey for us! - Please clear the way for us! - I'm Jack Frost from Icicle-land, - Driver of Santa's four-in-hand; - Though late you will ask no excuse." - -With a flourish he draws back the curtain, announcing "Mrs. Santa -Claus!" There, with a mammoth pumpkin standing by her side, is seen a -beaming-faced little fat woman. She is dressed in a fur cloak, or -fur-lined circular turned wrong side out, an ermine poke bonnet, made of -white cotton-wool, with black worsted tails, and an immense muff of the -same. She steps forward, and in a dramatic style delivers this address: - - MRS. SANTA CLAUS'S ADDRESS - - "Good-evening to you, children dear; - I know you cannot guess - The reason I am here to-night, - And so I'll just confess - That I am Mrs. Santa Claus-- - Old Santa Claus's wife; - You've never seen me here before, - I'm sure, in all your life. - - "So if you'll listen patiently, - I'll tell the reason why - Old Santa could not come to-night, - And why instead came I; - He is so very busy now, - Has so many schools--you see - He can't find time to visit all, - And deck each Christmas tree. - - "And so he said unto his wife: - 'My faithful partner dear, - That Sunday-school's expecting me - To help keep Christmas cheer; - As I can't possibly reach there, - I'm disappointed quite; - I know that they will look for me - With shining eyes so bright!' - - "I, Mrs. Santa, thus replied: - 'Please let your better-half - Go visit that nice Sunday-school; - 'Twill make the children laugh.' - This plan just suited Santa Claus; - He sent Jack Frost to drive; - He knew what fun 'twould be for me - Among you thus to arrive! - - "And so, lest him you should forget, - That blessed, dear old fellow - The queerest Christmas gift sends you, - This pumpkin, big and yellow; - He hopes that when you cut it up - You'll quite delighted be, - To find the inside quite different - From what you're used to see. - - "Now if the shell is not too hard - I'll cut it open wide, - That you may see with your own eyes - This curious inside. [_She cuts it open._] - Ah, yes! we've found the inside now, - And so present to view - This fairy, who, from Wonderland, - Has come to visit you." - -The fairy, a little girl dressed in white, with a wand, and wings, if -possible, skips out of the pumpkin and sings: - - FAIRY'S SONG - (Tune, "Little Buttercup") - - "Yes I am a fairy, a genuine fairy, - And if you cannot tell why - I've come in this pumpkin, this big yellow pumpkin, - The reason to guess you may try. - - "I bring you sweet tokens, yes, many fond tokens, - Of love and sweet friendship true; - From sisters and brothers, fathers and mothers, - And many dear friends who love you. - - "So here are your presents, your own Christmas presents, - With which you may now deck your tree, - So please to remember the bright Christmas fairy, - The bright Christmas fairy you see. - - "I wish you 'Merry Christmas,' a real merry Christmas, - And also a 'Happy New-Year;' - If you love one another, each sister and brother, - No harm from the fairies you'll fear." - -The gifts are then distributed by the fairy, who appears to take them -from the inside of the pumpkin. Unless the children are too small, and -likely to be timid, they should go forward to receive their gifts when -their names are called by the fairy, who apparently knows them all by -name, but who is prompted by some one reading from a list standing -behind the curtain close by her side. Jack Frost whisks about helping -the fairy hand out the gifts and assisting the wee ones to get down off -the stage with their bundles. During Mrs. Santa's address he might -carelessly perch himself upon the pumpkin. - -The pumpkin is made with a strong wire frame (can be made at any -hardware store), and covered with a deep yellow cambric with an -occasional green smutch painted upon it. It is in two hemispheres and is -tied together strongly at the bottom and loosely at the top, so that the -fairy inside can easily loosen the top string and step out when Mrs. -Santa cuts open the pumpkin with a large carving-knife. - -In case it is not practicable to have a pumpkin-frame made, substitute -for it a gigantic snowball made of cotton-wool, covered with -diamond-dust to sparkle like snow-crystals. Two large old-fashioned -umbrellas that are dome-shaped will serve very nicely for the frame of a -spherical ball, if the tips of the ribs are wired together. It should -then be covered inside and outside with white cloth on which the cotton -batting can be basted. With such an arrangement it would be necessary to -dispense with the fairy, but the little folks might have the surprise of -seeing the snowball slowly open at a snap from Jack Frost's whip, -disclosing a nest of smaller snowballs. These Jack Frost might toss to -the children and, when opened, they might be found to contain candy and -nuts. - - - - -Index - - - PAGE - - Acting Proverbs 3 - - Advertisement Items 4 - - All About Kate 4 - - Apple Social 6 - - April Fool Dinner 6 - - April Fool Party 7 - - Authors' Contest 9 - - Authors' Guessing Game 9 - - Authors' Verbal Game 10 - - - "B" Sociable 11 - - Barn Party 12 - - Baseball Party 13 - - Bean Bags 14 - - Bean Sociable 15 - - Berry Guessing Contest 15 - - Bible Contest 16 - - Bible Evening 17 - - Bible Names 18 - - Bible Readings 18 - - Bird Carnival 19 - - Bird Guessing Contest 20 - - Birthday Party 23 - - Bishop's Riddle 23 - - Box Party 24 - - - Cake Sale 25 - - Cake Walk (Novel kind) 26 - - Calico Carnival 27 - - Can Factory 28 - - Cat Guessing Contest 30 - - Chestnut Sociable 30 - - Children's Birthday Flowers 32 - - Children's Birthday Parties 32 - - Children's Christmas Party 34 - - Children's Christmas Tableaux 35 - - Children's Easter Party 37 - - Children's Souvenirs 40 - - Children's Sweet Pea Tea 41 - - Children's Tom Thumb Entertainment 42 - - Children's Valentine Party 43 - - Chinese Party 44 - - Christmas Costume Party 45 - - Christmas Menu and Table Decorations 47 - - Christmas Umbrella Game 48 - - Church Bazaar Suggestions 49 - - Cobweb Sociable 50 - - Conundrum Tea 51 - - Cook Book Sale 51 - - Cooky Sociable 53 - - Corn Husking Bee 53 - - - Dutch Party 54 - - - Easter Egg Hunt 55 - - Easter Luncheon 55 - - Easter Sociable 57 - - - Fairies' Garden 58 - - Feast of Seven Tables 60 - - Feast of Nations 62 - - Fish Market 64 - - Flags of Nations 65 - - Floral Love Story 66 - - Flower Bazaar 67 - - Flower Guessing Contest 68 - - Flower Luncheons 70 - - Flower Party 73 - - Flowers Illustrated 75 - - Fourth of July Museum 76 - - - Game of Nations 78 - - Geographical Game 79 - - George and Martha Tea 79 - - Girls' Names Contest 81 - - Golf Luncheon 82 - - Golf Players' Guessing Contest 83 - - Good Luck Party 83 - - Gypsy Fortune-Telling 85 - - - Hallowe'en Box Cake 86 - - Hallowe'en Games 86 - - Hallowe'en Party 88 - - Hallowe'en Suggestions 89 - - Handkerchief Bazaar 91 - - Hatchet Party 91 - - - Ice Festival 93 - - Inauguration Day Lunch 94 - - Independence Day Necessities 96 - - Indian Dinner Party 97 - - Indoor Lawn Party 98 - - Initial Characteristics 99 - - - Jack-O'-Lantern Party 100 - - Japanese Card Party 102 - - Japanese Sociable 103 - - - Literary Contest 104 - - Literary Evening 109 - - Literary People 111 - - - Measuring Party 112 - - Medical Sociable 113 - - Medical Trunk 114 - - Military Sociable 115 - - Morning Glory Fair 116 - - Mother Goose Game 116 - - Musical Card Party 117 - - Musical Evening 118 - - Musical Guessing Contest 119 - - Musical Romance 119 - - Musical Terms Illustrated 121 - - Musicians Buried 122 - - Mystical Dinner Menu 123 - - Mystical Party 124 - - - New Year's Eve Party 126 - - New Year's Resolutions 127 - - New Year's Sociable 127 - - Nineteenth Century Game 128 - - Nose and Goggle Party 129 - - Noted People 130 - - Nut Conundrums 130 - - Nut Party 131 - - - Observation Party 132 - - Old-Fashioned Dinner 134 - - Old-Time Country School 134 - - Old-Time Spelling Bee 138 - - Orange Party 139 - - Orange Sociable 141 - - - Patriotic Party 141 - - Peddlers' Parade 143 - - Penny for Your Thoughts 144 - - Photograph Party 145 - - Pictorial Geography 145 - - Picture Reading 146 - - Pictures of Prominent Men 147 - - Pie Party 147 - - Pilgrim Luncheon 148 - - Ping-Pong Luncheon 148 - - Ping-Pong Party 149 - - Pin Party 150 - - P. O. D. Dinner Party 152 - - Pop-Corn Party 153 - - Portrait Game 154 - - Poverty Party 154 - - Poverty Sociable 156 - - Presidential Couplets 156 - - Presidential Questions 158 - - Presidents' Nicknames 159 - - Pussy Willow Party 159 - - - Red White and Blue Luncheon 160 - - "Riley" Entertainment 162 - - - Self-Portraits 163 - - Seven Days in One 165 - - Shamrock Luncheon 166 - - Snowdrift Party 168 - - Sock Sociable 169 - - Spinning Party 170 - - Spinster Tea 173 - - State Abbreviations 174 - - State Flowers 175 - - State Nicknames 175 - - State Sociable 176 - - St. Patrick's Day Party 177 - - St. Patrick's Guessing Contest 178 - - - Telegram Party 179 - - Tennis Sociable 180 - - Ten Virgins (Sacred play) 180 - - Thanksgiving Day Decorations 181 - - Thanksgiving Football Dinner 182 - - Thanksgiving Sociable 185 - - Transplanting Trees 187 - - Tree Guessing Contest 187 - - Tree Party 188 - - Tree Pool 190 - - Trolley Party 191 - - - Unique Valentine Party 192 - - University Luncheon 194 - - - Valentine Entertainment 195 - - Valentine Fun 196 - - Valentine Party--Danish 198 - - Valentine Sociable 200 - - Variety of Little Misses 201 - - Vegetable Party 202 - - - Wedding Anniversaries 203 - - Wedding of the Operas 211 - - Which is Your Age 213 - - Which is Your Aunt (Ant) 214 - - Which is Your City 214 - - White Ribbon Sociable 215 - - Why We Never Married 217 - - Wife of Santa Claus 225 - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bright Ideas for Entertaining, by -Mrs. Herbert B. 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