Book ^ "r- Goipghtl^?. COPYRIGHT DEPOSre ENTERTAINMENTS FOR ALL SEASONS !^€a.O , X<^-Vl^^->*--<- ^ 0-T--*W^ HOSPITALITY EXEMPLIFIED FOR CHRISTMAS, NEW YEARS, valentine's DAY, EASTER, THE FOURTH OF JULY, HALLOWE'EN AND ANY OTHER TIME IN THE YEAR WHEN SOME SPECIAL TREAT IS DESIRED 9 <> O » » > NEW YORK S, H. MOORE & COMPANY PUBLISHERS -M 1^ UBRAflfY Qf COWeRESS Two OoiMes ff««ived AUG 13 1904 I Ofpyfi^nt Entry CLAS& CL> XXe. Na ^ 8^ S- ^ COPY A G( Copyright, 1904 By S. H, Moore & Company TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE I. ENTERTAINMENTS FOR CHRISTMAS . 7 A Merry Christmas Dinner — A Christmas Eve Party — A Merry English Christmas — A Stocking Luncheon — Substitutes for the Christmas Tree — A Christmas Entertainment Without a Christmas Tree — Christmas Tree Decorations — A Kris Kringle Party — Some Ideas for Christmas. II. NEW YEAR'S ENTERTAINMENTS . . 21 A Jingle Party — A Calendar Contest — A New Year's Tea — A New Year's Novelty. III. VALENTINE AFFAIRS 29 A Pink Valentine Party— A Heart Party— A Home-Made Valentine Party — A Wish-Bone Tea— On St. Valentine's Night— A Village Post Office— A Cupid Party. IV. FOR WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY . . 41 A Washington Evening — A Cherry-Tree Party — A Martha Washington Tea Party. V. FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY .... 48 A Shamrock Luncheon — A Unique Score Card Idea. VI. EASTER PARTIES AND LUNCHEONS . . 51 An Eastertide Luncheon — A Lily Luncheon — Easter Suggestions — Novel Dinner Cards for Easter. VII. FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES ... 62 A Liberty Luncheon — A Cracker Party— For a Patriotic Entertainment — A Red, White and Blue Luncheon — Patriotic Stars of Liberty — A Fourth of July Porch Party — A Patriotic Sunset Tea — A Patriotic Luncheon — Miss Columbia's Tea Party. VIII. FOR HALLOWE'EN 77 The Hallowe'en Party — A Hallowe'en Festival. TASLE or CONTENTS PAGB IX. THANKSGIVING DINNERS AND REUNIONS 84 Harvest Home Festivities — Thanksgiving Tea —By Way of Decoration — A Table Decoration. X. SUGGESTIONS FOR THE CHURCH BAZAAR 94 Two Ways of Raising Money— An Old Fash- ioned Bazaar — A Morning Glory Fair — A Walking Grab-Bag — A Measuring Party — En- tertainment for a Church Sociable — A '' Box Table " — A Poppy Fair — Flower Fetes — A Food Sale — An Old-time Market for a Fair — A Wistaria Fair — A Strawberry Regale — A Fishing Party — A Cake Sale — A Pedler's Parade — A College Fair. XI. CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENTS . . 116 Helpful Suggestions — A Children's Fair — A Pleasing " Frolic " — A Soap Bubble Party — A Mother Goose Carnival — A Potato Doll Con- test — A Jolly Popcorn Party — An Orange Party — A Doll Show — A May Party Luncheon — Tom Thumb and His Wife — A Japanese Fete. XII. MISCELLANEOUS DINNERS AND PARTIES 131 Novel Table Souvenirs — A Progressive Din- ner — An Up-to-Date Affair — A Shore Dinner — For a Party Entertainment — An Art Museum — A Musical Luncheon — Another Musical Luncheon — A Musical Evening — Suggestions for Thimble Parties — An Autumn Breakfast — A Maize Party — A Fortune-Telling Tea — Celeb- rities (A Game) — A House-Top Party — A Pin Party — A Digital Diversion — Floral Games — Novel Fads in Entertainments — A Lemon Party — A Mexican Luncheon — A Trolley Pic- nic — A Ping Pong Party — An Evening in Ye Forest of Arden — A Butterfly Party — Literary Tableaux — The Milkmaid's Recreation — An Evening with Queens — A Birthday with the Senses — A House Picnic — Indoor Amusements — Progressive Letters — A Proverbial Evening — Ideas for Home Parties — An Oyster Roast — A Knickerbocker Tea — A Jules Verne Enter- tainment — A Porch Party — Flower Contest — A Bloomer Social — Foliage Frolic — A May Day Dinner — A Peanut Party — A Mayflower Concert — Light Refreshments. XIII. A PARLOR PLAY 209 The Lippincott Square Church Coup. PREFACE Half of the joy of living comes through the pleasure derived from social intercourse with those near and dear to us in family ties, and in extending the hospitality of our homes to our friends. The heart is thus kept warm, and the worries and cares of life are permitted to drop off, as we meet about the festal board and the fireside to renew and strengthen the ties of love and friendship. Inasmuch as suggestions for home entertainment are always eagerly welcomed, we have, by special request, compiled in this little volume the choicest things along this line which have appeared from time to time in The Ladies' World under the caption of **The Pleasure of Others." In compiling this material, the editor has aimed to not only cover the various seasons of the year, such as Christmas, New Year's, the Fourth of July, Hallowe'en and other holidays, but also to give suggestions for miscellaneous affairs which can be carried out at any time. The contributions are from the pens of such well- known writers as Ellen Frizell WyckofT, Louise E. Dew, Carrie May Ashton, Anna Hinrichs, Ruth Virginia Sackett, Helen M. Richardson, Helen Bertha Crane, FRETACZ Mary Hicks Bush, Katherine Bell Tippets, Marjorie March, Mary B. Keech, Inez Redding, and many other old friends. We have also incorporated in this collection a play suitable for a parlor or church entertainment entitled **The Lippincott Square Church Coup," a comedy in three acts by Mary Wakeman Botsford, copies of which have been called for so many times since it was pub- lished in The Ladies' World, that we therefore take this opportunity to preserve it in permanent form. THE EDITOR. I Entertainments for Christmas "Ai Christmas play and viake good cheery For Christmas comes but once a year** A Merry Christmas Dinner T'HE dining-room is bright and warm, and a merry ^ company of girls and boys that are like pictures in their Mother Goose costumes are gathered at one end. The table is laid in the center. Someone sings the little jingle : " Mary, Mary, quite contrary, How does your garden grow?'* And ''Mary,'' hurrying from the room, returns with a great, glowing posy of real or paper flowers, as suits her contrary ladyship. '' Pease pudding hot, pease pudding cold,'' sings the master of ceremonies, and the merry company is seated and quaint bowls of soup placed before them. "The old man of Tobago" follows this with a leg of mutton, and his majesty has placed before him a ''dainty dish" indeed — a golden-brown bird pie. Mother Hub- bard brings bread from the baker's ; the Httle boy and girl who have "waited at the gate" bring a "golden butter cake." Simple Simon ushers in "the pie man," and the baker's boy brings in genuine "hot cross buns." Little Jack Horner donates his celebrated "Christmas pie," and from over the sea Bobby Shafto brings comfits and fruits. Tommy Tucker sings for his supper, and when he has had it, Old King Cole calls for "his fiddlers three," and the picture-book people of our childhood dance or play merry games. 8 ENTLKTAINHENTS TOK ALL SEASONS The costumes are most of them made of cambric and crepe paper. There are many pretty drills and games and simple dances that little folks learn easily. Besides, there are tableaus and character recitations. Someone with a gift for rhyming and an ear for jingles can easily lengthen old verses and improvise new ones. These can be fitted to merry tunes and a bit of singing added to the evening's entertainment. This is a mere suggestion, of course. The characters and the menu must be suited to the company and also to the purse of the hostess. Quaint little invitation cards may have drawn in pencil a comical white-capped waiter ringing an old-fashioned tea-bell, and these, or similar lines : " Bread and butter — Come to supper." The ^'supper" may be very simple. The queen may share her *' bread and honey," little Miss Muffet brings her *^ curds and whey,'' Jack Sprat and his wife furnish sandwiches, and '* My Sister Molly and I serve tea." A study of the really fascinating nursery jingles will bring out new ideas that are sure to develop into available plans. The costumes must be very characteristic, k must be quite impossible to mistake Bo Peep for any other maiden, or Little Boy Blue for any other lad. This is the prettiest sort of a Christmas party, especially if there is a little good acting. Suppose Tom, the Piper's son, that marvelous and irresistible musician, begins one of his lively tunes. At first only the giddy, light-minded characters, like Simple Simon, Margery Daw and Old King Cole dance ; while such dignified people as Mother Hubbard, Jack Sprat, and the old woman who swept the cobwebs out of the sky, regard them with disdain. But one by one this august company is melted by the compell- ing strains, until at length all are dancing and laughing merrily. Nobody else has ever done so much for the happiness of the little folks as the woman who wrote the Mother Goose jingles. None of us ever outgrows them. ZNJLnJAINJ^LNJS lOR CHJilSTTIAS 9 A Christmas Eve Party lUE were a family of adults, and for many years the * ' good old-fashioned Christmas tree had been a thing of the past. Why, I do not know ; for there is certainly no reason why the merry spirit o. the blessed season should be showered only upon those whose tender years pro- claim them to be of the Christ Child's kingdom. Those older brothers and sisters who are striving and struggling need also their share of festivity and fun. In conclave assembled we decided we would work hard to bring back the old-time sense of mystery, the old-time sensation of the good time imminent, which tingles the nerves and warms the heart. The breakfast plates should no longer bear our presents, in their matter of fact service. We would have a real merry-making, or die in the attempt. Well, we didn't die, and we did have a good time, and this is the brief story of its production : The family owned a poet. Most families do if they are not too critical of his or her wares. This time the poet was of the feminine gender, and she assumed control of the mysterious packages which were deposited in her care. The magic hours came at last, those which are desig- nated Christmas Eve, and the family and a few intimate friends, who, by the way, brought their children with them, for every complete party needs a childish laugh to enliven it. The big brother of the family, who was dressed to impersonate Santa Claus, welcomed his guests to the parlor, where the Christmas tree stood. It was aglow with lights and glittering ornaments, but the gifts, before they had been suspended from the green branches, had been securely wrapped in tissue papers tied with red ribbons. These packages were mysteriously sealed with wax, the stem of a bit of holly being imprisoned, and each parcel was clearly numbered. When all his guests had assembled, Santa Claus proclaimed that he had volunteered to help the postman, 10 ENrZ-RTAINNLNTS TOn ALL SEASONS who was greatly overworked at this busy season, and he produced from his pack a letter for each person. Upon the envelopes containing the letters were effectively painted sprigs of mistletoe, and each was sealed with a red heart, typical of the love of the sender of the gift upon the tree. This gift bore the corresponding number to that of the enclosed letter, wherein was written a nonsense rhyme or other verse or prose description of the hidden present. A silk work-bag, for instance, suggested these lines : " There once was a lady so nimble. With thread and with needle and thimble, That she lost them — all three — Till she found them in me, Which I trust is a favoring symbol." A briar-wood pipe bore this couplet : '' May I waft away in smoke All life's burdens from your yoke?" And a tiny clock proclaimed : " There once was an hour so free I wondered what time it could be. So I opened my eyes In joyful surprise When your face told its message to me." While a new book mystified us all by this statement : ^' If he who runs indeed may read. Take time to ride this latest steed." The rhymes caused much merriment. Santa Claus provided each guest with a paper and pencil to record their guess as to the character of the described gift. And these were afterward opened amid much laughter, and a prize awarded to the compiler of the most complete list. Supper followed. A typical Christmas *'high tea" spread forth in the dining-room upon the uncovered sur- face of the gleaming mahogany table. The hostess pre- sided over the teacups at one end, and the old family silver never appeared to better advantage. Candelabra, at the four corners of the table, shed soft light. The centerpiece was a star of snowy-white cotton, ZNTL'RJAINNZNTS TOU CHmSTNAS \\ supposed to represent snow, and this was profusely sprinkled with diamond-dust, a glistening thing of beauty, while upon it bloomed a vase of Christmas roses, white and dewy, glad messengers of the purity of life. The old- fashioned gold and white china was used, and the simple menu was as follows : Chicken Salad, graced with holly sprays. Star-shaped Sandwiches. Fancy Ices, in bell shapes. Spice Cake, hghted by tiny white candles. Candies. Nuts. Raisins. At the close of the supper a surprise came to the guests in the sudden sound of carols, sung beneath the broad window sill, outside the dining-room. The voices were those of the church quartette, who had been engaged to render this service, and the real spirit of the holy sea- son was borne into the hearts of the merry-makers as they listened to Adeste Fideles, and later, to the ever-to- live words of Bishop Brooks's carol : *' O little town of Bethlehem.'* The clock struck twelve as the last notes died away, and beneath the stars, the witnesses of the ages, we knew again the tidings of great joy. ^^ A Merry English Christmas A VERY delightful day, quite out of the usual Christmas -^ programme, can be had by observing the old-time fashion of merry England. At a unique entertainment of this nature the oaken tables were bare of cloths, and the only illuminations used were waxed tapers in candlesticks of antique brass and iron. The menu cards were printed in old English text and surmounted by a paper doll dressed in mediaeval English costume, the head of which was the photograph of the guest who was to occupy the seat. A huge boar's head, fashioned from dough, proved a unique decoration of the groaning board, and when lifted from its pedestal revealed a dish of creamed oysters. A turkey masqueraded as * * Ye Royal Peacock, ' ' The 12 ZNTETiTAINNZNTS TO'R ALL SEASONS huge wassail cup was passed around and partaken of by all, but it contained nothing more than grape-juice in place of the old-time ancestral brew of October ale or steaming punch. An immense mince-pie and a genuine plum-pudding, which had been concocted two years be- fore this festive occasion, completed the epicurean feast. Each guest was requested to hang a Christmas stock- ing on the old-fashioned chimney-piece, which was effect- ively decorated with holly and other greens and illumin- ated with candles. A Yule-tide song was rendered, after which the Yule log was brought in, and being lit, exploded with a sharp report, scattering over the floor bright, rosy apples. Old-fashioned games completed the day's festivities. A Stocking Luncheon A STOCKING luncheon or tea is both novel and pleas- •^ ing as a Christmas entertainment, and can be easily arranged. Decorate the fireplace with the usual holiday greens, and suspend from it stockings for each guest, filled with simple and amusing gifts. The table can be made at- tractive by means of holly and running pine. Decorate the place cards with a sketch of a chimney hung with stockings and appropriate Christmas sentiment, and on the other side the name and date. The favors may consist of unique little sachets in the shape of stockings, ornamented with a brief Christmas sentiment, either original or quoted. " Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men," is particularly suitable for these sachets. A miniature tree, lighted by tiny wax tapers and dec- orated with the usual decorations, makes a unique center- piece. Have a tin cutter made at the tinner's in the shape of a small stocking, with which the sandwiches and cakes can be cut. The ice cream can be molded in same form. N' LNTZ'RTAINJ^ENJS FOR CHKISTTIAS 13 Substitutes for the Christinas Tree OT infrequently someone complains of being tired of the customary tree and stockings, and would like something out of the ordinary in the way of a Christmas entertainment. A Rainbow offers a pleasing novelty. This should be painted on strong unbleached muslin, the inner part of the bow being cut out, the upper corners above it being left square, to better fasten it. Storm clouds in gray and black can be put in roughly above the bow. This novel rainbow can be stretched across one comer or end of the room. Various-hued bags in every conceivable size and de- scription, fashioned of silk, linen, cretonne, chamois skin, and even cheese-cloth, can be used for the gifts, one for each member of the household, and suspended from the ends of the rainbow. A Ladder^ trimmed with running pine and other greens and holly berries, is decidedly effective and is sometimes used as a Christmas feature, the gifts being suspended from the rounds. A Ship, if properly proportioned, can be made most attractive, but means far more work than a tree. For a children's party, Jack Horner's Pie affords no end of mirth. The gifts chosen should be amusing and in- expensive, and selected with a view to appropriateness. The Old Woman Who Lived in Her Shoe is sometimes used as an amusing entertainment for a children's party. A pleasing literary salad will add much to the dinner's entertainment. The salad-dish is filled with odd-shaped cups, whose five points are held together by means of scarlet-hued baby ribbon. These cups can be fashioned of card-board or water- color paper. When opened they form a large star appro- priately ornamented with holly berries or mistletoe and a Christmas sentiment from some well-known author. 14 ENJEnTAlNNLNTS F07i ALL SEASONS Each quotation is numbered, and the guest is expected to give the author's name. Another bowl contains small packages corresponding in numbers to those on the star cups. These are used as favors, and should consist of trifling gifts appropriate to the season. Those failing to give the author's name are expected to pay a forfeit of some kind, as the hostess sees fit. Sometimes it is to recite a poem, tell a story, sing a song or write an original jingle. Any hostess who possesses originality and ingenuity can devise many novel and attractive features for her Christmas feast. If she does not possess this rare quality, let her consult some clever friend, who will be only too glad to assist her at this glad holiday season. A Christmas Entertainment Without a Christmas Tree DECAUSE an evergreen tree is so beautiful an object ^ and takes so long to grow, and its cutting down and consequent destruction seemed so cruel a waste of beauty for a few hours' display, a certain Committee on Christ- mas Entertainment last year decided to use a substitute. Then, too, would be avoided the danger of fire from the tiny candles, a danger always lurking in their presence among so much inflammable material. The hall was tastefully decorated with wreaths and garlands of laurel, hemlock and running pine, made up from small twigs, sprays and vines, and brightened by stars and anchors and other emblems in the brilliant ber- ries of bittersweet and holly. One of the largest packing- boxes that could be found was procured and lined and covered inside and out with crepe paper over manila wrapping paper. On the outside, rows of brass-headed tacks were driven, the heads left standing out to serve to hang candy-bags on. Dainty bags of pink scrim, filled with sweets, were then hung all over the outside of the box, contrasting prettily with the fresh green of the crepe paper. Gold ZNTZnTAINJlENTS TOK CHKIST/IAS IS tinsel was afterward wound in and out, and here and there Httle brilliantly colored glass balls were suspended, so that a glittering effect was produced to please the children's eyes. The box was then mounted on a large table, the legs of which were covered with evergreens. All the top that showed was covered with green crepe paper, and a rope of greens laid around the bottom of the box at the outer edges. From the edge of the table- top hung a fringe of tinsel and colored glass balls, and the effect was really as pretty as one could desire. Inside the box were heaped the Christmas gifts in packages tied up with gay ribbons. The children had been kept in the dark as to the na- ture of the arrangements, being invited to sing and to recite, so were completely surprised when they were ushered into the hall and heard the secretary announce that she had received a letter from Santa Claus by wire- less telegraph, and would now read it : Dear Madam : I had meant to spend An evening in your hall, But accidents, as well you know, Will happen to us all. As I was coming from the Pole My reindeer ran awayi; They banged into an iceberg huge And overturned the sleigh. I hired an automobile then, My journey to pursue, But now the power has given out, And I'm at Kal'mazoo. I might come on a railroad train Or an electric car, But I'm afraid I'd be too late, Because it is so far. It*s lucky that I sent your box By freight three weeks ago, For you can have your presents now. Though I'm not there, you know. 16 ENTZnTAINJ^ENTS WK ALL SEASONS I send this explanation through By wireless telegraph, For though I'm old I'm up-to-date. (Did I hear someone laugh ?) Next year Santos Dumont'll have My air-ship finished quite, And then I'll not be cheated As I was, alas, to-night ! My love to all inquiring friends ; Wish I was there, but laws ! There's no use cryin' for spilt milk, So Merry Christmas ! Santa Claus. The children looked rather blue, but the entertainment commenced. We had recitations and songs, and when it was over we went up to the box as if to give out the pres- ents. Suddenly there was a great clatter, and in rushed the jolly old Saint himself with a big market-basket. (Some- one had consented at the last minute to take the part. ) He explained that a good old farmer, who belonged to the Grange, had lent him a sleigh and one of those animals fast going out of use, a good, old-fashioned horse, who could go like the wind ; and so he had ar- rived in time. After the gifts were distributed, games and more singing completed the evening's enjoyment. Christmas Tree Decorations CPRUCE and fir trees are the most desirable varieties ^ for Christmas trees. The tree must be well pro- portioned and have a firm foundation ; drape dark-green cambric around the base, and over this heap green boughs. There are two distinct methods of decorating the tree, both of which are attractive — purchased ornaments or those made at home. Finances and environments should decide. Among the decorations ingenious, loving fingers can make or use, are popcorn balls, the gingerbread men of our grandmother's days, supplemented by gingerbread fairies, tiny baskets holding small doughnut balls, tarlatan bags of candy, raisins and nuts, rosy apples, rich yellow oranges, festive garlands of cranberries. Several sticks of candy tied together with ribbon are gay ; cornucopias filled to overflowing are a holiday delight. Snow and snowballs (cotton), red and white crepe paper chains, troops of gay paper dolls, silver beads (tin foil), gilt paper stars and fancy sachets are desirable. English walnuts may be either gilded or wrapped in tin foil and tied on the tree with narrow ribbon or dainty cord. Clusters of holly leaves and berries are artistic. Excellent home-made candies are a treat. A vast array of ornaments may be purchased — gilt paper fans and arrows, tinsel icicles, fancy glass balls, tiny candles, frost powder, brilliant paper flowers, bells, quaint little baskets of nuts adorned with ribbons, fancy candy boxes decorated with paper flowers, bright red cherries in wax, rich yellow peaches of glass, candy flags and animals, shells, fairy lamps, musical figures, attractive glass canaries, small lanterns, brilliant china peacocks (proud of their contents of bonbons), miniature banjo and drum. Gay red ribbon may be gracefully draped. Bright tinsel ropes, also those of holly and mistletoe, are popular. Over the tree arrange one of the little wax angels, which cost from one dollar to three ; or an evergreen '' Star of Peace.'' Christmas happiness begins weeks before the holi- day itself. Lovingly teach the children how much Christmas belongs to them; for really it is the ''Children's Holi- day." Often the small men and women are of great serv- ice in preparing the pretty decorations. A novel idea is to ask each member of the family to give at least one present which shall cost only five cents. Some of these small gifts are very successful. One prominent woman's club in a large city last year had a 18 ZNTLnTAINJiLNTS FOK ALL SEASONS tree for its members ; only five-cent presents were allowed. It was one of the merriest events of the holiday season. The list included doilies, pincushions, dolls, blue prints, neckties, home-made candy, postage stamp cases, toys, doughnut animals and people, bags of popcorn fritters, stick pins, pin trays. Other suggestions were carnations, clusters of gay holly, charcoal sketches, calendars, choco- late novelties (figures and animals), or fancy boxes filled with candy at fifty cents a dozen, bring each gift within the limit. ^^ A Kris Kringle Party HTHE entertainment and jollity that a Kris Kringle party ^ affords to boys and girls of all ages, and even to staid fathers and mothers, depends upon the ingenuity, tact and skill of the one who manages it. That it must be held on Christmas Eve, and with an impersonator of Kris Kringle, are the only inviolable rules. The entertainment may be as simple or as elaborate as the hostess chooses. The invitations are sometimes written on the inside of paper that is shaped like a stocking, and printed in colors to represent one on the outside, or on regulation shaped paper or cards decorated in one corner with a jolly Kris Kringle flying over the snow behind his reindeers, just ready to start down a chimney with his load of gifts, or busily filling the ''stockings hung by the chimney with care. ' ' The most delightful Kris Kringle entertainments always have more or less mystery and uncertainty about them, although one is sure that the house will be gayly decorated, and that there will be music, dancing, games and light refreshments. At one party a jolly fur-clad Kris Kringle, with pranc- ing steeds and a capacious sleigh, carries the guests back and forth from their homes ; at another the old fellow appears just in time to unload a brilliant Christmas tree. Again, he comes out of a huge, make-believe chim- ney with fireplace, and distributes his gifts from a mon- ZNTEKTAINJiZNTS FOU CHTdSTJ^AS 19 strous stocking, or has a fancy stocking for each guest in his regulation shoulder pack. Often there are tableaus or a bright one-act play by some of the company. At a charming one given last season for children whose ages ranged from black-eyed baby Margaret to maidens and youths, a series of stere- opticon pictures were given, including views of Jerusalem, Bethlehem and other places of interest in the Holy Land ; the last showing the Three Wise Men paying homage to the Babe in the manger. As each was shown it was simply explained by the hostess. The older children joined her in singing Phillips Brooks's exquisite little Christmas hymn commencing : '* O little town of Bethlehem, How still I see thee lie." Could a more fascinating method of impressing children with sacred history and the origin of the day be desired ? ^^ Some Ideas for Christmas GOOD SUBSTITUTES FOR THE CHRISTMAS TREE r^HRISTMAS trees never lose their charm for the chil- ^ dren ; yet it sometimes becomes necessary, or advisa- ble, to vary the attraction, and following are some novelties which have proved very satisfactory substitutes, either for church or home use. **The Copper Toe Shoe'* is an odd conceit very easily gotten up. The first requisite is an immense shoe of some substantial material, having as near a representation as possible to a ''copper toe." The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe may be a little tot in appropriate costume, with as many of her numerous children as can easily be crowded into the shoe, beside her. Some one dressed as Santa Claus suddenly bursts into the room, and is greeted by a chorus of child- ish voices as he swings his pack from his shoulder and opens it, presenting a gift to each of the delighted little ones, who at a command from their mother instantly leave the shoe, to make room for another group of their many 20 ENJEnTAlN^IENTS TOK ALL SEASONS brothers and sisters, provided the number attending the entertainment is too large to be seated in the shoe at one time. The reseating continues, until each child has been supplied with a gift. Shadow Pantomime is another pleasing entertainment. The room is darkened, and the shadows are thrown upon a large white curtain, the acting behind the curtain being done by the children. This includes the hanging of the stocking beside the chimney, by the child, the mother putting the child to bed, the arrival of Santa Claus down the chimney with his pack, the awakening of the child in the morning, and looking at her gifts. This part of the entertainment pleases the children very much, and it is impossible for them to restrain their enthusiasm. At another church festival, Santa Claus first stepped forward and received gifts which the children handed him for distribution among the poor people, including cloth- ing, boots and shoes, and useful articles, besides dolls and toys for the children. After receiving these presents, Santa Claus then distributed his gifts, and it would have been hard to decide which gave the children most pleasure, the presents they received, or those they gave away. At still another chapel, Santa Claus was represented by a little boy, who suddenly arrived in the midst of the children on a sled drawn by six little children in long white dresses. Here the Christmas pack also was in evidence, and upon his arrival, Santa Claus at once pro- ceeded to distribute the presents that filled it. In the center of another vestry rose a bower of Christ- mas greens powdered with glistening snow (represented by cotton sprinkled with coarse salt). Approaching it was a long chute, down which Santa Claus came sliding on a large red sled with his pack on his back. II New Yearns Entertainments A Jingle Party HTHE following plan for an evening entertainment has -"■been found so novel and charming that it may not come amiss to other hostesses. The names of those to take part — say twenty persons — are written on separate slips, and several days before- hand each guest-to-be draws a name from the hat or other receptacle provided. Or the hostess may conscientiously draw for her guests and forward the name which fell to a certain guest to that person. The one receiving the name must write a verse suited to that individual, or else descriptive of the simple gift which each bestows with his composition. The writings are to be disguised, so that no one knows their origin or that of the accompanying gift. Sometimes the verse is in the form of an acrostic composed of the name of the person to whom the verse is addressed. At a recent gathering the programme was thus carried out : A large basket in the center of the room held the gifts plainly marked with the names of the guests. Over this basket a lady presided. A reader, who had pre- viously been given time sufficient to familiarize herself with the poems, read aloud the name of the person on the envelope and the effusion enclosed. The lady at the basket then handed the poem and the gift to its destined owner. This continued until each guest had been re- membered. It is stipulated that if possible the gifts be the handi- work of the donors or, if they are bought, the price must not exceed five or ten cents. 22 ZNJZnJAINJ^ZNTS TOJi ALL SEASONS A lady whose name was that of a water-fowl, recently received the following from a boy : " How can I write a verse to thee, Beautiful biped by the sea? Erect thou hold'st thy slender neck Regardless of both storm and wreck. Thou lov'st to fish with all thy might. Hauling them in both left and right, And when thou get'st them to the top, Cranest thy neck to see them flop. Accept this gift of heads and tails, And in the first behold fish scales ; Now to this scaly rhyme an end — Ever am I thy fishing friend." The gift was a paper of dressing pins with heads of Roman pearls, which are made of fish-scale glue. A set of knitting needles for a gentle dame was ac- companied by the score : " Here are some needles to knit a shoe ; The shoe must be blue, as you are true.'* At the close of the evening a committee of awards reported on the merits of the poems, the best receiving a tiny volume of poems, or, since *' praise is sweet," a box of confectionery to be passed among the guests. 99 A Calendar Contest ATOTHING affords more genuine jamusement in the ^^ way of an informal New Year's gathering than a calendar contest. The guests are provided with water-colors and drawing paper, calendar pads, paste, pens, ink, pencils, brushes and water-color paints, each being allowed to make his own selections of pencil or pen and ink design or water- colors. A half hour, or three-quarters at the outside, is allowed for this work, then each guest writes his or her initials on the back, and the calendars are collected and carried away to a committee of two or three artists to decide upon. NZW YZA7^*S ZNTZnTAINNENTS 23 Prizes are awarded for the most original design, the most comical, the best and most carefully executed, and the poorest. The prizes should be simple and in keeping with the occasion. Pretty and unique calendars answer admirably. Among the simple designs to choose from are the sunbonnet babies, Brownies, Mother Goose and posters. An automobile design makes a striking calendar. A funny little one lately seen consists of two sun- bonnet babies on a teeter-board, with these lines inscribed thereon : ** Through the ups and downs of the coming year, May all your days be bright and clear." This little water-color is done on white paper and the edges are rough, being torn instead of cut, and mounted on a heavy card of moss green 12x9 inches. Another exquisite calendar, done in water-colors, has a few golden buttercups scattered over the card, a cunning little scene and the following lines : " Ye bright little buttercups, pour out your treasure Of sunshine this happy day. And carry good wishes and love without measure, And every happiness, every pleasure. To brighten and cheer the way.*' A pleasant way of disposing of the various calendars accumulated at such a contest is to either send them to some hospital or give them to some King's Daughters or church society for a bazaar. ^^ A New Year's Tea /^UR hostess was an unusual woman and her entertain- ^ ments were famed for having that touch of novelty that is, to a social event, as the sauce to the pudding, so I was not surprised at my invitation, which read : My dear Miss March : As our ship of plenty is hailed for the New Year, it will give us great pleasure to have you take tea with us January ist. Will you please come aboard at 6:30 ? Yours very sincerely, Marion Everett. I went *' aboard" with pleasure, and the whole 24 ZN7LnTAINNZNrS TOK ALL SEASONS evening, the pretty high tea and the moments of enjoy- ment afterwards made me wish to give the suggestion to others. Our hostess received us in the drawing-room, which was gracefully trimmed with evergreens and holly. She wore a soft red dress, a spray of holly caught by a knot of black velvet on her bodice, a bit of holly in her hair. After greetings were over we went into the dining- room, where a truly nautical tea awaited us. A long fish net, draped over a green cover, was on the long table, at which sixteen covers were laid. The centerpiece was a discovery in decoration. An enormous pumpkin stood there. It was hollowed out to admit of a round deep pan, the inside of which had been previously painted green. This pan was filled with water, and on this strange sea floated a ship that would have made any little boy's heart beat with glee. Its sails were full spread and its deck was piled high with its cargo — red apples, oranges, choice pears and bunches of hot-house grapes. On the sides of the pumpkin were caught tiny anchors, from which ropes of evergreen and holly, small and deli- cate, marked the way to the sixteen places. Little canoes filled with candy were fastened to these ropes, and across the bow of each tiny craft rested a paddle, on which was written the guest's name. These souvenirs provoked a little exclamation of pleasure from us all. *^ So your ship came in laden with fruit?" the guest of honor said, smiling to our pretty hostess. ** You see she is anchored to all of my friends," she retorted gayly. ** Long may she stay in home ports," he answered heart- ily, and we all murmured assent. Shells were used as bon-bon dishes, and a soft red light fell over the table from the red-shaded candle-light, four brass candles doing duty on the table. Over the door of the dining-room two oars were crossed, on which were printed the cheery invitation, **Come aboard." Evergreen boughs over the pictures in the room were the only other decoration. A^ZW YEAK'S LNTZHTAIN/ILNIS 25 Our menu was : ' Oysters on Half Shell Turkey Croquettes with Cranberry Sauce Potato Roses Tea — poured from a quaint pewter pot into old-fashioned gold and white cups Shrimp Salad Served in Shells — a crisp lettuce leaf covering its bottom Ices Served in Boat-shaped Cases Fancy Cakes Fruit Such a tea admits of many variations, o. course, sub- ject to a hostess's will, but the above was charming. Gathered in the drawing-room afterwards, we played a game, ^'rigging the ship," that was but the old donkey game revised. Each of us were to have five sails of uniform color, we were told. For instance, all of mine were to be red, all of my next neighbor's blue, another had yellow, another green, etc. Then after explanations we danced the old ''Harvest Home Virginia Reel." Our hostess, ** the captain," sat in an arm-chair at one end of the line. Across the wall, at the other end, was tacked a sheet with a picture of a ship at anchor with a mast and no sails. During the dance, as it became each couples' turn to advance ''up the middle," they knelt before the hostess, were blind-folded and each received one of their sails, and then danced merrily up to the ship and pinned the sail to the mast — if they could ! The music went on as each attempt was made ; the bandages were removed, the couple marched around and returned them to the hostess, and the next couple proceeded in like manner until all had been around five times attempt- ing to "rig the ship." The prize for the one whose sails were best placed was a silver rowboat^pin. We played other games, and then the open fire on the hearth coaxed us to pop com, and we told each others' fortunes until the passing of time prompted our good-nights. It is a pretty thought, the extension of hospitality at New Year's time; and when Hospitality dons her formal garments, she is at her best when hand 26 ZNrZ'RTAINJ^ZNTS FOTi ALL SEASONS in hand with a festal day to give her a distinction not her own. So did one New Year's Day end pleasantly, and the nautical tea was voted a success. ^^ A New Year's Novelty lUHEN sending out invitations for the New Year's ' ' party, ask your friends to come and help you turn over some new leaves. They will all come, for everyone enjoys helping others to reform. Have the house deco- rated with as many varieties of leaves as possible ; while, should the natural supply be very Hmited, use green tissue paper, folded so as to cut a whole strip of leaves at one cutting. Several of these can be pasted together and used as festoons to stretch from the chandelier to the cor- ners of the room. The leaves should be large, and of a distinctive character, oak and maple being the best. Be- sides the leaves, have a number of cotton balls resem- bling snowballs, tied with thread or cord and hanging all about the room, from the chandelier, in the doorways and upon the plants. When making these place in the center of each a slip of paper upon which is written such direc- tions as these : Whistle Yankee Doodle. Draw a pic- ture of an automobile. Recite a verse of poetry. Play a tune on the piano. Draw a horse with your eyes shut; or any feats which your guest may, or may not be able to accomplish. When the time comes to use these balls, have for the drawings large sheets of brown paper to pin upon the wall, and a crayon pencil, which makes a much heavier mark than the ordinary ones. As your guests come in give to each a card upon which is written the name of one of our national holidays, or days which we celebrate in some way, such as New Year, Lincoln's Birthday, Washington's Birthday, Valen- tine's Day, Inauguration Day, St. Patrick's Day, Arbor Day, Flag Day, April Fools' Day, Memorial Day, Inde- pendence Day, Labor Day, Hallowe'en, Thanksgiving and Christmas, The object is to guess the day which NEW YEAR'S LNTEKTAINJ^ENTS 27 each person represents, yet the holder of the name must so guard his conversation as not to let his identity be too quickly discovered. When some of the days have been guessed they can be exchanged, which will prolong the game until you are ready to introduce something else, which will be started by giving to each guest a card eight by ten inches in size, folded in the middle and decorated on the outside with a few falling leaves and a motto, such as ** Turn over a new leaf,'* '' There is no new thing under the sun," or " That the mind of man, pleased with nov- elty, might be indulged." A small pencil should be at- tached to the card by a ribbon tied around the fold. In- side will be a list of questions, each one distinctly num- bered, and on the opposite page a row of corresponding numbers, against which are to be written the answers, the first syllable of each of which has the sound of new, though it may not be necessarily spelled n-e-w. The following are a few questions : i. Nourishing. 2. A disease. 3. Impartial. 4. A New Jersey city. 5. Pertaining to a number. 6. Consisting of air. 7. A post. 8. A nodding. 9. A famous discoverer. 10. A city of Germany. 11. Recently. 12. The old name of a coun- try in northern Africa. 13. Of neither side. 14. That which annoys. 15. An English city. 16. Many. 17. The second king of Rome. 18. A center. 19. To read numbers. 20. A Virginian city. 21. An animal. 22. An inflammation. 23. A covering for the head. The answers to these are: i. Nutritious. 2. Neu- ralgia. 3. Neutral. 4. Newark. 5. Numeral. 6. Pneu- matic. 7. Newel. 8. Nutation. 9. Newton. 10. Nu- remberg. II. Newly. 12. Numidia. 13. Neuter. 14. Nuisance. 15. Newcastle. 16. Numerous. 17. Numa Pompilius. 18. Nucleus. 19. Numerate. 20. Newport News. 21. Gnu. 22. Pneumonia. 23. Nubia. To the one who has the greatest number of correct answers, give a box of numerical chocolates; that is, one in which each piece represents a number. After this the guests will be ready for the leaves, which are cut out of tissue paper and pasted on separate 28 ZNTZ'RTAINJ^LNIS TOK ALL SEASONS squares of cardboard. Of course, if you can paint the leaves in their natural colorings on water-color paper, so much the better ; but if not, the paper ones will do quite as well. The shapes must be very distinct, and each card numbered. The leaves that have the most characteristic shapes are the oak, maple, elm, rose, fern, pine, chestnut, horse-chestnut, violet, apple, cabbage, holly, nasturtium, calla-lily, ivy, grape, willow and chrysanthemum. An- other set of score cards will be needed for this game, and these might be cut in the shape of a leaf, with the motto **The leaves of memory^' on one side, and on the other the numbers, beside which are to be written the names of the leaves corresponding to those on the small cards. The prize for this contest is a passe-partouted photograph of flowers or trees, so much admired by everyone, and so easy to procure. Let the supper menu consist of lobster Newburgh, Newmarket sandwiches and Neuchatel sticks, snow pud- ding or ice-cream with New Year cakes and coffee. Newmarket sandwiches are made by mixing together finely-chopped celery, hard-boiled eggs crushed to a paste with a fork, and a few capers ; this mixture is spread upon the bread after spreading with butter and mayon- naise. For the Neuchatel sticks, clean and cut celery into three-inch pieces and fill the cavities with Neuchatel cheese. The pudding, if that is preferred to ice-cream, is a very simple one, the recipe for which can be found in any recipe book ; but instead of having it in a large mold, serve it in individual forms with a custard sauce. After supper it will be time to take down the snow- balls which have served as decorations. Give one to each guest, who will find, upon opening, the *' stunt" which he or she must perform. This will be found to be a jolly way to close an evening whose entertainment has required nimbleness of the mind rather than of the body. Ill Valentine Affairs A Pink Valentine Party A FRIEND of mine, noted for her original and artistic -^ tastes, wrote me the following description of a Valen- tine Party which her guests are to enjoy : '* There must, of course, be roses, hearts, cupids, arrows and lovers' knots galore. The walls of the dining- room are to be entirely festooned with pink — either crepe paper or cheese-cloth, I have not decided which — and in the spaces where it is caught up there will hang garlands of pink roses — only paper ones, but they will be very pretty. One corner of the hall will be curtained off for a tiny refreshment-room. The draperies and lights will be of pink, as will also the bon-bons, little cakes and lemonade. ^'Two pretty girls in pink will preside, one to pour tea for guests as they arrive, while the other will have a tiny post-office arrangement on the end of the table, with a wicket to hand the valentines through. As guests arrive for a cup of tea, the postmistress will present them with their valentines. Each one will contain the half of a sentimental quotation. Each must find the lady whose incomplete quotation is required to finish out his own. This is the way the guests are to discover their partners for the evening. Some of those quotations will never be matched, for Henry and I intend purposely to mismate several of those given to engaged or soon to be engaged couples. 30 ZNTZnTAINJiENTS FOR ALL SEASONS ** I shall have the most beautiful little cupid you ever beheld for my page, and I shall keep him running about the room, so as to show off to advantage his pretty white wings, spread during part of the evening. The rest of the time his archery will keep him busy. He is to have a small gilded bow and a golden quiver full of pretty gilded arrows, each to be decorated with a true lover's knot of rose-colored ribbon. " I shall have a tree — exactly like a small Christmas tree — on a pedestal at the end of the library. It is to be hung full of pink and gold paper hearts, each with a pretty inexpensive favor fastened to its back. These will be done up in rose-colored tissue paper and tied with rose ribbons. There will be, of course, several collar buttons for prospective old maids and old bachelors, two rings for the soonest to be married, and some dimes for those who are going to inherit money. My little cupid will preside over the tree and hand his golden bow and an arrow to each guest as he ap- proaches to try his luck. Each will have three trials, and if he then has failed to bring down any of the tree's fruit, he will be given one from those that are left on the tree after all have tried. ''Wide pink satin ribbons will come from the ceiling in the dining-room and be fastened to the corners of the table in true-lovers' knots. Besides these will be rings of beautiful pink roses, with a pretty cupid in the center of each. For the centerpiece, there will be a long narrow table-mirror, edged with roses, violets and myrtle — it may be a daring combination, but I am sure it will be lovely. In the center of the mirror will be a silver boat heaped with roses, and in the midst of them will stand a beauti- ful little bisque cupid. This is to typify that the course of true love is sometimes smooth. "All of the table equipage will be pink and white and silver ; the salad will be in pink hearts, the ices pink cupids, the favors pink candy slippers filled with heart- shaped bon-bons, and beside each plate will be one or two long-stemmed roses, tied with wide pink satin ribbon. '* VALENTINE AITAIKS 31 A Heart Party 1X7 HEN the guests were invited to the heart party they ^^ were also asked to write a valentine, and given the name of some character to whom the verses were to be dedicated. It was requested that these should be sent in on February thirteenth, that the readers might have an opportunity of becoming familiar with the handwritings. The house was quite elaborately decorated, hearts, of course, forming the principal feature. In the parlor a row of huge red and gold paper hearts was suspended across the middle of the room ; others were hanging in the arches of the doorways, while smaller ones swung from windows and chandeliers. As the guests arrived each one was handed a small heart-shaped card, tied with a bit of ribbon, and marked in fancy gilt letters with the name of one of the characters to whom valentines had been written, such as Christopher Columbus, Uncle Sam, General Humidity, The Statue of Liberty, Mother Goose, The Venus de Milo, Jack Frost, The Pilgrim Fathers, The Summer Girl, Mother Nature, The Queen of Hearts, and Father Time. Local charac- ters might be introduced, which would greatly add to the merriment. Two friends had been selected to read, alternately, the valentines addressed to the ladies and to the men ; and after each reading the valentine was given to the one who held the card with the corresponding name upon it. Some of the valentines were very cleverly gotten up. One was written on a large pink card-board heart, with long loops and ends of pink ribbon. Another was composed of six or eight paper hearts fastened to- gether with ribbons, like a calendar, and having a verse and suitable illustration on each heart. Some were written on large sheets of paper profusely decorated with cupids, arrows and hearts. One gilt paper heart formed a cover for several sheets of plain paper, upon which the verses were written. The supper-table was decorated with paper hearts of all sizes, and even the sandwiches and cakes appeared in 32 ZNJEnTAINJiENTS TOU ALL SEASONS the shape of Cupid's targets. Nuts and confections were in httle heart-shaped boxes made of card-board and covered with crepe tissue paper. After supper the guests were provided with paper and pencils, and each one in turn was asked to draw upon a blackboard a picture representing the title of a book which was whispered to him by the hostess. The guests were expected to write the title of the book they thought the picture illustrated, and he who guessed correctly the greatest number received a silver heart-pin. Other prizes were a heart-shaped basket, and a pin-cushion, also heart- shaped. Below is a list of book titles which can be easily illustrated ; but if one does not care for these subjects, make a list of various objects, such as a bicycle, a trolley- car, a stove, a piano, an elephant, etc., and have these drawn with eyes blindfolded. This will cause great mer- riment, for whether made by a professional or one unskilled in the art, all pictures will show much of the same touch when drawn with closed eyes. '* Under Two Flags," ''Three Men in a Boat,^' *' Looking Backward," ''Rose in Bloom," "The Lady or the Tiger?" "The Hand and Ring," "Boots and Saddles," " The Daisy Chain, " "Three Feathers," "The First VioHn." A Home-Made Valentine Party *' T LOVE you " is the burden of the missives sent about -*■ on the fourteenth of February. The message is one sweet enough to disarm criticism, however it may be sent. And yet there is certainly an added pleasure in receiving a valentine that is a labor of love. The follow- ing suggestions may be easily carried out by deft fingers, and by fingers not so deft if care is used in selecting appro- priate cards, etc., on which to inscribe the verses. FOR A MAN With a picture frame decorated with hearts, or with a cupid with a drawn bow in one lower corner and an arrow-pierced heart in the opposite upper corner : VALZNTINL atfaius 33 " I would that I might send you Myself to put within, But since I am a maiden 'Twould be a deadly sin, And so I can but send you One little, tender line : For spite of Madame Grundy I'm your loving Valentine." FOR A GIRL FOND OF CHILDREN With a picture of a blindfolded cupid : " Dear maid, all children win your heart ; You cannot but be kind And ope it wide to this small elf, The little god that's blind.'' FOR AN OLD LOVE " I'd send you all my heart, dear, But I've sent that before ; I'd tell you that I love you— I've said it o'er and o'er. *' I've nothing new to send you, And nothing new to say ; St. Valentine won't help me On this his festal day. " But since old things are best, dear, And since there's nothing new. Once more I'll send my heart, dear. And vow I love but you." FOR SOMEONE IN THE PHILIPPINES With a picture of a cupid studying a globe : *^ Poor Dan Cupid, sorry sinner, Sad and woful is his plight; Once he knew nor chart nor compass. Now he studies day and night. " 'Tis the Philippines he's seeking, He must sail across the sea ; Vou have gone to far Manila, And where you are he must be." FROM A SUNNY CLIME With a spray of flowers on one side and something typical of winter on the other, and the verses written between : 34 LNTL'RTAINJ^LN7S FOK ALL SEASONS *^ Sunshine and riotous roses And skies eternally blue — The spendthrift sun, when his splendor Is falling not on you ! " Sunshine and riotous roses And skies eternally blue — I'm longing for bleak New England And snow-filled air— with you!" FOR A GIRL NAMED HELEN A tiny pen and ink sketch of the recipient in one comer, of a female Grecian head in another, if one is clever with one's pen, would be effective with the following : **A Helen of another age Laid Ilium's towers all low; Men died by thousands for her sake, That Helen long ago. "Not so the one I'm singing now — Peace follows in her way ; The world is happier that she lives, My Helen of to-day." A photograph is always an acceptable valentine to send to one's best beloved : "I've sent you all the things before That may be had for pelf ; I send you now what's long been yours, Dear love, accept — myself." Any of the numerous collections of '*Love Lyrics*' make very appropriate valentine offerings, especially if accompanied by a personal note : " Love has been the poet's theme, Since the world was new; 'Tis a clumsy, halting bard Sings the song to you. " Rather take this little book, Read each song apart ; Sweeter far the song to you Singing in my heart." Since the sending of valentines is so gracious a custom, such a bit of pure romance in our matter-of-fact twentieth century, why is it not well to "keep a few in the family" ? VALENTINE AETAIKS 35 The following verses were written originally for a younger brother, but might with equal propriety be sent to a sister, or, for the matter of that, to a son or daughter. The lines might be accompanied by a book, a picture, or anything else acceptable as a gift of love : " I send you all my heart, dear, By good St. Valentine, And in the coming years, dear, When other loves than mine Shall come to claim your heart, dear, As sometime it must be, Oh, think of auld lang syne, dear. And save a bit for me.** ^^ A Wish-Bone Tea FOR SAINT valentine's DAY 'THIS was a most informal affair given by a young girl -'- for a few intimate friends, her own bedroom being used to receive them in. Large red and gilt hearts were used as decorations, hanging from pictures and curtains, while red-shaped lamps and candles gave the room a cheery glow. In one corner stood a small table, from which were served chocolate and sweet crackers, nuts and bon-bons. But the crowning features of the feast were the favors, which were passed around in a basket, over the edges of which were hanging gilded wish-bones tied to yellow rib- bons. Each girl selected a wish-bone and drew from the depths of the basket a yellow garter, the significance of which is doubtlesss well known to all : that if it be faith- fully worn, over the left knee, for a year, the wearer will surely meet her fate during that time. At the other end of the ribbon which tied the wish-bone to the garter was a small paper heart, on which was written a motto which was to be used by the holder as a suggestion for her wish when pulling her wish-bone. Some of the quotations were: " The course of true love never did run smooth." " Love will find the way." *' Love me little, love me long." 36 ZNTE-RTAINJ^ZNTS TOK ALL SEASONS As one or two of the guests had already met their fate, and the garter therefore being unnecessary, a small book of recipes had been prepared for each of them. The covers were of card-board, heart-shaped, and covered with gilt paper. Several pages, on which simple recipes were written, were bound together with these, and tied wdth blue ribbon. On the fly-leaf was this verse : **\Ve may live without poetry, music and art. We may live without conscience, live without heart, We may live without friends, we may live without books, But civilized man cannot live without cooks. He may live without books — what is knowledge but grieving ? He may live without hope — what is hope but deceiving ? He may live without love — what is passion but pining ? But where is the man that can live without dining?" ^^ On St. Valentine's Night CT. VALENTINE will take the hand of any hostess ^ gladly, and whisper her a suggestion for entertain- ment, and any function at which the little god of love makes a bow will be pleasing and a success, surely. It was for such an entertainment that invitations were sent me, and I wondered what sort of an evening '*A Heart Affair '^ would be. This was what it was : Our hostess met us at the drawing-room door daintily dressed in soft, clinging white, with blue chiffon trimming, a blue belt, and some forget-me-nots in her hair. The first thing that caught my attention was a great white heart of heavy paper, stretched to a frame of like shape (this can be easily made by a carpenter to stand like an easel), and on the heart was painted the little cupid of love himself, holding out at arm's length a red, red heart. When all were assembled, our hostess told us we were to hunt for nearts. There was a flutter of merriment at this, and all of us — ten girls and ten men — started on the old hunt-in-the-corner game, which has so many vari- ations, but is always delightful. They were the little wintergreen candy hearts that we found, with sentiments pf devotion inscribed thereon ; and we found them in odd VALENTINE AFFAIUS 37 corners behind bric-a-brac, in vases, or behind this or that picture, amid much fun, until finally a bell ringing called us to a halt. Then it was that we counted our hearts, and took them to our hostess, who exchanged them for little arrows. As these were given to us, each had a tiny- pasting number stuck on it for future identification. For instance, I was told my number was 9 on my hostesses list, and as it was my good fortune to have found eighteen hearts. No. 9 was pasted on all of my eighteen arrows. Then, when all had been numbered of the twenty guests, the bow was produced, and each of us in turn, standing at a given distance, shot our number of arrows at Cupid's red shield. A game of this sort dispels all formality, and there were merry peals of laughter at this failure or that success, until the big white heart was wellnigh full of arrows, and all had had their turn. Then two prizes were awarded, one to the girl having pierced the heart the oftenest, or nearest to it, and one to the most successful man. These prizes were in heart- shape, of course — the man's a heart stick-pin, the girl's a jewel-box in the shape of a heart. Then supper was announced, and a pretty little repast it was. The decora- tions were blue (the color of love). A heart-shaped centerpiece on the highly-polished table held a tall vase of forget-me-nots. (These of course could be substituted by white carnations and other flowers. ) This bouquet was tied about with a blue ribbon bow drooping low, and twenty narrow blue streamers escaped from under its folds to the twenty covers laid. Caught to each end of these was a merry valentine that proved a cheery appe- tizer to the guests. The mats under the blue and white plates were of fancy white paper, in heart-shape. The candelabra held white candles, the soft cream-yellow shades being edged with artificial forget-me-nots. The menu was : Sweet-bread Patties in heart-shaped cases. Scalloped Oysters. Bread and Butter Sandwiches in heart-shape. Ices in little Cupid form, and Heart-shaped Fancy Cakes. 38 ZNTZnTAINMENTS TOK ALL SEASONS So did the evening wear away, as we ate these dainties, with jolly conversation, until the flight of time made the good-bye hour approach, and with our thanks to our hostess and to the little god of love for a pleasant evening, we went to our homes under a starlit sky. ^^ A Village Post Office TJOR a fair whose date falls on the fourteenth of February, -'• a sale of valentines is an attractive feature. A corner of a hall, or chapel, or any odd, left-over space, may be utilized, the place being fitted up to represent as nearly as possible a country post-office. The attendant should be dressed as the proverbial prying spinster, in old-fashioned dress, spectacles and corkscrew curls. The valentines may be comical, serious or pathetic, and should be written, some in prose and some in poetry, in the form of love-letters and prophesies. A number of people ready with their pens should be invited to contribute a dozen or more of these effusions, so that when the sale opens the mail may be well sup- plied. The postmistress should be someone well acquainted in the place, and capable of occasionally placing a par- ticularly telling effusion in the hands of the right person. For instance, a bright-eyed, wide-awake girl might be amused to receive a verse reading as follows : Thy pensive beauty lures me to thy side ; rU ask no hoyden to become my bride. Thy native modesty, and grace, combine To win my heart, and make me wholly thine. Another valentine may take the form of a prophecy, and may read as follows : Thou shalt be a rich man's bride ; In a gilded coach thou'lt ride ; Servants have, at beck and call, Ere another snow shall fall. Poetry need not be used to the exclusion of prose ; only if there be two or three gifted with the rhyming fac- ulty, the poetry makes a pleasing variety. VALENTINE A F FA IKS 39 There should be enough ready wit in the society hav- ing the fair in charge to supply a mail sufficiently large to meet a heavy demand ; but in case it fails to do so, let- ters may be improvised at short notice, if the right post- mistress is in charge. Five or ten cents is paid for postage by the one taking the letter from the office. To make the affair realistic, there should be a stated time for the distribution of mail, and a placard above the the booth, which reads thus : ** Post-office — Mails arrive every fifteen minutes,'' will be likely to attract a line of waiting customers. A Cupid Party " See, your guests approach ; Address yourself to entertain them sprightly." — Winter's Tale. A T the season w^hen cupid's darts and white missives ^ are flying all about us, we catch the spirit of good St. Valentine, and would further his designs in providing a way for the expression of sweet and kindly courtesy. To this end a very charming valentine evening for young people or children may be arranged as follows : Issue invitations to the gentlemen on stiff white paper, or bristol-board of light-weight. Cut this into folding hearts about four inches wide, with the hinge at the top of the heart. Through both sections cut slits near the lower part of the heart and fasten it together by thrusting a gilded paste-board arrow through the slits. Write the name of the person invited across the heart, unless it is to be sent by post in a separate envelope. The invita- tion written within, on one leaf of the heart, is followed by a little footnote, as though it were an afterthought: *^ Please bring the key to your heart, attached to a ribbon of your favorite color." Each lady invited is asked to prepare a heart six inches wide. These larger hearts are single, and made of card-board, decorated on one side with designs in water-colors — as loops of ribbon connecting diminutive hearts, showers of arrows, love-knots caught through the 40 ENTZmAINMENTS FOK ALL SEASONS center by an arrow, tiny-winged cupids tilting on slender flower-stalks. These are easily devised, and furnish quite a field for the imagination of youthful artists. Any quotations referring to the customs of the day may be used. An appropriate device is a winged figure looking through a field-glass, and beneath, in gold letters, the legend : '^ Danger ahead when Cupid's at the wheel !" Through the top of the heart is fastened a narrow ribbon of the lady's favorite color ; at the back, in small type, the initials of her name. On reaching the house each lady guest gives to the hostess the heart she has prepared. When all the guests have arrived these larger hearts are attached to a stout cord of twisted colors stretched across the farther wall of parlors. The company seated, a tiny bow and arrow is produced, and each gentleman in turn shoots at one of the suspended hearts. The one struck by the arrow is taken down, the initials read, and the marksman presents the key of his heart to the lady whose heart he has cap- tured, and she fastens the key and its ribbon to her dress, while the gentleman wears her heart on the lapel of his coat. When all have thus received hearts or keys the company promenades in pairs, to the accompaniment of music, until the hostess places in the hand of each a tiny red heart attached to a red cord. The invitation is given to follow to where each heart leads. Amid tangles and twists of twine, merry hearts and merrier laughter, all finally reach the goal where refreshments are served. These consist of heart-shaped rolls, with oysters scalloped in heart-shaped shells. The plates are white, the napkins large hearts of red tissue paper. Ices and cakes are in the form of hearts. Each guest receives a heart-shaped bon-bon box sim- ply made of white drawing paper and filled with heart- shaped confections. After a toast to St. Valentine and *'the queen of our hearts— ^wr hostess,'^ the hearts and keys thereof hie them home. IV For Washington's Birthday A Washington Evening rvECORATE rooms with flags, banners, bunting and ^ portraits of Washington. Drape the windows and mantels with the national colors. In a prominent place have the Washington coat-of-arms, which is a white shield crossed horizontally by two red bars, and above these, three red stars. This is surmounted by a coronet, out of which rises the head and wings of an eagle. Under this put the motto of the Washington family, **Exitus Acta Probat. ' ' At one end of the hall or parlor have a platform and curtain ready for tableaus. Select two per- sons who can best personate General and Mrs. Washing- ton, asking them to dress in the evening costume of the times. Old pictures will give them the correct ideas. Ask as many others as is thought best to also dress in Colonial costume, giving them a choice between the sim- ple homespun gown and 'kerchief and the more elaborate evening dress, with which the hair should be rolled high and powdered. Arrange so that George and Martha may be seated on a sort of dais, with canopy of flags or bunting over them. As the guests arrive have them escorted by someone dressed in costume, and presented to the distinguished general and his lady, who rise to greet them. To twelve of those presented, who are known to be good readers, the General presents a card, with one of his wise sayings written on it (as given in the following), telling him or her that he will call for it presently. When all have assembled a signal is given and Washington arises, saying: "The flattering distinction paid to the anniversary of my birth- 42 ZNTZJ(TA1NJ^ENTS TOU ALL SEASONS day is an honor for which I dare not attempt to express my gratitude. I will, therefore, give you no set speech, but will call upon some of my friends to repeat to you words from former addresses given by myself, which may possibly be of benefit to some one.'* As promptly as possible, those who have been given quotations will rise, reading slowly and distinctly so that all may hear. The cards should be numbered from one to twelve and read in order. The quotations are as follows : / — *^ I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain, what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an * Honest Man.' " 2 — *' A good moral character is the first essential in a man. It is, therefore, highly important to endeavor not only to be learned but virtuous." J — *' Speak not evil of the absent; it is unjust." 4 — " To persevere in one's duty and be silent is the best answer to calumny." 5 — " It is impossible to account for the creation of the universe without the agency of a Supreme Being." 6 — ** Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called Conscience." 7 — ** I believe that man was not designed by the All-wise Creator to live for himself alone." S—^' Associate with men of good quality, if you esteem your own reputation, for it is better to be alone than in bad company." ^ — *'Be courteous to all, but intimate with few ; and let these few be well-tried before you give them your confidence." 10 — *' True friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appellation." II — *' Religion is as necessary to reason as reason is to religion. The one cannot exist without the other." /^— " The liberty enjoyed by the people of these States, of worshiping Almighty God agreeably to their consciences, is not only among the choicest of their blessings, but also of their rights." During the reading of these quotations, those in charge of tableaus should be making preparation, so that the curtain may be raised at the conclusion and while all is quiet. Have each tableau announced and show each one twice. TOJi WASHINGTON'S SIKTHDAY 43 The following would be appropriate and easily ar- ranged : ''The Landing of the Pilgrims/* "John Alden and Priscilla,'* ''Evangeline," " The Boston Tea Party, " "George and the Cherry Tree,'* "Washington and His Mother,'* "Surrender of Cornwallis,'* "The Minuet" (the dancing of this figure led by Washington and his wife would be a pleasing feature to conclude with). As curtain goes down on the last tableau, have a chorus ready to start "A Star Spangled Banner," in which all should join. From the following distinctively American dishes, make up your menu for refreshments : Oysters. Ham Sandwiches. Baked Beans. Brownbread. Celery Salad. Pumpkin Pie. Doughnuts and Cider. Patriotic airs by a good band will add much to the success of the entertainment. A Cherry-Tree Party 'THE party which I have in mind was one of the most -*- successful I ever attended upon such an occasion. The invitations were written on a leaf attached to the back of a large red cherry, and were very artistic. Upon entering the drawing-room a card was handed each guest, which bore the title of a well-known poem in which a tree is mentioned. In some cases a line or verse was necessary to give ample scope for delineation. Some of those chosen were : ** Woodman, spare that tree." {Morris.) " The Planting of the Apple-Tree." {Bryant.) '* The Arab to the Palm." {Bayard Taylor.) " Under a spreading chestnut-tree The village smithy stands." {Longfellow.) ** Down she came and found a boat Beneath a willow left afloat, And round about the prow she wrote The Lady of Shalott." ( Tennyson.) Large sheets of drawing-paper were distributed and the guests given twenty minutes in which to illustrate the 44 zNrznrAiNJizNJS TOn all seasons titles. Then these drawings, suggestive of the poems, were collected and pinned on the wall. They were awarded to the first ones recognizing the poem depicted. At this point a small tree was placed in the middle of the room. Its trunk was made of brown clay, and it was labeled ''A Cherry-Tree. " The game consisted in seeing who could first succeed in hacking it down, each person going in turn, blind- folded, after being turned around three times. This was no easy task, and when it finally fell beneath the hatchet, the hostess, with a great assumption of sorrowful sur- prise, asked : ''Who cut down my cherry-tree ?" '' It was I. I cannot tell a lie. I did it with my little hatchet," proudly replied the perpetrator of the deed. ^'It's what I have expected," gravely announced the hostess, ''ever since the school books made so much of George's little act ; therefore, I had the cherries picked and made into conserves as a reward for thy truthfulness." As the recipient bowed low over his box of cherries, he vowed to always chop down cherry-trees and tell the truth. With the passing of this absurdly amusing little farce, the hostess announced refreshments. Again a miniature cherry-tree was called into play to serve as a centerpiece for the table. The leaves were of pistache candy and candied cherries hung profusely from the branches. Cherry-colored ribbons were used in decoration, and a deep Jacqueminot rose with foliage lay beside each cover. The menu-cards were in shape like a hatchet, and bore pictures of Washington at different periods of his life ; also of his wife, mother and home ; and a wealth of quotations in his praise. One of the most enjoyable features of the affair was when, during the nuts and coffee, each guest gave, in an anecdotal way, the impression made upon his mind when he first was told the story of the historic cherry-tree, and in what manner it had influenced him. TOn WASHINGION'S SIKTHDAY 45 At the end of the coffee the hostess shook the tree in the middle of the table, showering leaves and fruit before her guests, as if by magic. Then came the expressions of appreciation and the final, * ' Auf Wiedersehen ! ' ' A Martha Washington Tea Party npO the woman who delights in giving unique enter- -■- tainments, no more pleasing way of observing the birthday of ''the Father of his Country" can offer itself than an old-time tea-party — a very different function from the fashionable teas of to-day — at which the guests are asked to wear the dress of a past generation. As a matter of course, in compliment to the day, the hostess will impersonate Mrs. Washington. To simplify matters, it will be well for her to signify in the invitation (which should be in old English script) the character she desires the guests to assume individually. r The company should be asked to assemble ' ' at early candle light," as according to the etiquette of the time they must retire before half-past ten. In an old Virginia cook book we find the following suggestions as to what should comprise the refreshments at a tea-party, also directions for serving : '' Have black tea, green tea and coffee. Immediately after the first cups are sent in let fresh tea be put into the pots, that the second cups may not be weaker than the first. With the cream and sugar send around a small pot of boiling water to weaken the tea of those who do not like it strong, or for the convenience of those ladies who drink only milk and water. When tea is handed around, it is not well to have hot cakes with it, or any- thing that is buttered, or any sort of greasy relishes. Such things are frequently injurious to the gloves and dresses of the ladies, and can well be dispensed with on such occasions. It is sufficient to send around a waiter with large cakes of the best sort, ready sliced, but the slices not taken apart. There should be an almond 46 ZNTL'RrAINJ^ZNlS TOK ALL SEASONS sponge cake for those who are unwilHng to eat cakes made with butter. "Immediately on tea being over, let the servants go around to all the company with waiters having pitchers of cold water and glasses, to prevent the inconvenience of ladies sending out for glasses of water. * * In less than an hour after tea, lemonade should be brought in, accompanied by baskets of mixed cakes, which it is no longer customary to send in with the tea. Afterwards, let the blanc-mange, jellies and sweetmeats be handed around. Next (after an hour's interval), the terrapin, oysters, chicken salad and small French rolls or milk biscuit. At the close of the evening, it is usual to hand around a large plum cake and coffee.'' According to our modern notions, the menu recom- mended by the author of the cook book quoted seems heavier than the occasion demands. But it must be borne in mind that the people for whom those rules of etiquette were written esteemed quantity quite as highly as quality. Consequently, if one attemps to give a real old-time tea-party, the refreshments must include a variety of rich dishes. If the hostess is the fortunate possesser of a goodly supply of homespun table linen and rare old china, her desire to display them will be entirely pardonable. In such an instance, ''though not so much in favor at present," a regular supper-table may be set. The authority before quoted offers the following suggestions for decorating the table : "A table may be superbly decorated at a trifling expense in the following way : Let a carpenter make a foundation of wood, proportioned to the size and shape of the table and the space you wish to fill. This wood, arched at the ends, should be supported on little feet, like those of the pedestal of a clock. Cover this about three inches deep with clay or potter's earth, covered again with gravel, laid out in walks. Plant in this boughs of green, bushes, and all the flowers that can be filled in. Nothing is prettier in the center of a table than this little TOn WASHINGTON'S SIKTHDAY 47 parterre. With so few dishes as are permissible for tea, a large table would look mean and empty ; but with this ornament or dormant it looks richly filled. Variety may be given by adding rocks, vases and columns to the parterre ; vases of flowers at the comers of the table may also be added. ''The various dishes should be arranged upon the table with taste, making the trimmings of leaves harmon- ize or contrast. *' The dishes proper for a handsome tea-table are : Tea and coffee; light biscuit, with honey; cold ham, glazed thickly all over with a mixture of bread-crumbs, cream and yelk of egg ; two smoked tongues, one placed in the center of the platter, the other cut into slices and laid around it ; hot game pie ; chicken or lobster salad ; oyster patties, sweetmeats, mixed cakes, blanc-mange and plum cake.'* J For St. Patrick's Day A Shamrock Luncheon— An Idea for St. Patrick's Day DEOPLE who often entertain are always glad to receive -'■ an idea which may enable them to offer a spice of va- riety to their guests. The luncheon described was the result of much thought, was entirely original, and was a great success. The date most convenient for us happened to fall near St. Patrick's Day ; this decided us to invite our guests upon that day, and to make the occasion as characteristic as possible. The invitations were written upon pale-green note- paper, with a shamrock leaf painted in water-color in one comer. The exquisitely blended shades of this leaf make it an easy and effective decoration. In truth, we encoun- tered some difficulty in finding a leaf to copy ; but a vol- ume 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 card-board, 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 luncheon by finding the holder of the line which rhymed with her own. The score-cards were tied with streamers of narrow white or TO'R ST. PAJKICK'S DAY 49 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 the ice of formality for itself, 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 tables were set with green and white china, and had for centerpiece a pot of blossoming sham- rock. 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 gown 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. ** '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. so ZNTZ'RTAINJ^ENTS FOn ALL SEASONS ^' 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 ! Says 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 dark. " If he wasn't a twin, sure his history 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." ^^ A Unique Score Card Idea CMALL-SIZED medicine bottles and pink and white ^ sugar plums form an attractive way of keeping count of the number of games won or lost at card parties. Tie ribbon around the neck of each bottle, giving pink ones to the gentlemen and white to the ladies. Pass a little dish of pink and white sugar plums, and drop a pink one in each bottle for the game won and a white one for each game lost. Pretty bottles may be purchased for very lit- tle. The ribbon should be marked — Table i, 2, etc. VI Easter Parties and Luncheons An Eastertide Luncheon I HAVE a suggestion to make to the homekeeper who would welcome within her hospitable door those friends for whom she would gladly provide a seasonable pleas- ure. It is that of an Eastertide luncheon, and as this is supposedly arranged for her women or girl friends, whose keen observation makes them easily appreciative of pretty detail, I would suggest a few attractive features which would savor of the spring-time impression one longs to give. Send out your invitations at least one week in advance, and as formality is always formidable, let them be mere friendly notes, which may read as follows : 14 Lathrop Square My Dear Miss Bacon: I am inviting a few friends to an Eastertide Luncheon, on Wednesday, April second, at half past one o'clock. It will give me great pleasure to have you come. Cordially yours, Marion Stone. March twenty-sixth. After your notes have been dispatched, the next thought must be given to the menu, which may be as simple or elaborate as you desire to make it. The following five forms are suggested, but may be altered as suits the convenience or taste of the hostess : Bouillon. Salted Crackers. Oyster Patties (in egg-shaped pastry forms). Or, Egg Nests on Toast. Parker House Rolls. S2 ZNTZRTAINJ^ZNTS FOR ALL SEASONS Or, Boneless Birds. Olives. Chicken Salad The latter served in paper cases, shaped like a flower- pot, with a sprig of parsley apparently growing from it. This gives a charming effect, and is easily gained. With this course, provide thin bread and butter sandwiches, shaped like a shovel or watering-pot. Or, Easter Trifle (a dainty delicious dish). Or, Ices in Flower-shaped Forms. Easter Cake or Angel Food. Fruit. Bon Bons. Coffee. The flower-shaped forms for the ices may be had from any catering establishment. The angel food to have a thick white icing, sprinkled with candied violets. I give here the recipes for the four unusual delicacies suggested: EGG NESTS ON TOAST Separate the whites and the yelks of the eggs, keep- ing the yelks whole. Beat the whites with one-quarter teaspoonful salt to a stifif froth. Heap this froth on small slices of toasted bread, which have been buttered and spread with chopped ham. Make a depression in the center of each mound ; drop the whole yelks in the hol- lows. Place the nests in a moderate oven for three min- utes, then serve on a warm dish. BONELESS BIRDS For this, use a very tender beefsteak. Cut in pieces, about three to four inches wide and five to six inches long. Sprinkle salt and pepper on one side ; put in a narrow piece of bacon, two inches long and one-half an inch wide ; a piece of carrot same size. Now, roll the meat like a thick sausage in the shape of a bird, as much as you can, and wind about with a string. Then rub with allspice, salt and pepper, and roll in flour. Brown well in butter, in which you have grated an onion, tlien add stock or boiling water until covered. Cook slowly ZASTZn PARTIES AND LUNCHEONS 53 for two hours ; then take out the birds, strain gravy and thicken with one teaspoonful of flour, made smooth in a little water ; add a pinch of salt. Untie strings, being careful to retain the desired shape ; garnish with water- cress, and serve hot. EASTER TRIFLE This dish charmingly represents a nest with Easter eggs. This recipe serves six people. Vary proportions of ingredients in accordance with the number of guests to be supplied. Soak a half box of gelatine in a half cupful of cold water, a half hour. Boil two cupfuls of milk, and add to the gelatine, with two level tablespoonfuls of sugar and a teaspoonful of vanilla. Allow it to cool until thick, then add one cupful of cream, whipped very stiff. Wash six eggs ; make a hole inside of shell near the large end ; pour out the whites into a bowl ; break up the yelks with a skewer, and pour into another bowl ready to be used for cake. Wash inside of shells clean and drain them ; set them, with the hole up, in a box of salt or flour (or anything to hold them level); pour the blanc mange in slowly through a funnel, and set in a cold place to harden. Soak the other half box of gelatine, together with half a package of rose-coloring matter, in a half cupful of cold water five minutes ; add a cupful of sugar, and pour over gelatine and sugar a cupful of boiling water ; add the juice of tu^o lemons, with sufficient water to make a cup- ful of liquid. When cool (not cold) pour into a round glass dish, with a coffee cup inverted in center ; set away to harden. When ready to serve, remove the coffee cup ; place small strips of candied lemon peel on sides and top of the jelly nest, to represent straws, then break the egg shells carefully, and place the eggs in the nest, adding, here and there, a flake of whipped cream to simulate feathers. EASTER CAKE. Cream together one cupful of sugar and a half cupful of butter ; add yelks of four eggs and a half cup of milk. 54 ZNTZnTAlNJ^ZNTS TO'R ALL SEASONS Then stir in gradually two and a half cupfuls of flour, sifted with two teaspoonfuls of baking powder. Add a teaspoonful of lemon juice, and stir in lightly the whites of four eggs, beaten very stiff. Bake in four layers, and fill with the following : The grated rind of one and the juice of two lemons ; one cupful of sugar, one egg, one- half cupful of water, one teaspoonful of butter, and a heaping tablespoonful of flour, cooked over hot water until it thickens. Cool before spreading. Ice the top with boiled frosting, and decorate with rings of candied cherries, alternating with seeded raisins and small pieces of citron. Great attention should be bestowed upon the table, for that is the background whereon all that shall appear will gain or lose in proportion to the scenic effect there presented. Have a spotless white damask cloth spread, and in the center of the table place a crystal vase, filled with tall Easter lilies. Or, another clever idea is to make a huge egg of crepe paper, and also a ladder of wire with twisted paper rounds. Tiny, fluffy chicks should be set on the rounds of the ladder, as if they had just '' peeped " from the egg and were coming down. Other chicks should have their small heads thrust out of the eggy ready to make their exit. This egg may hold favors, if desired. Too much care cannot be taken in the adornment of the table. Have the china, glass and silver sparklingly clean and radiant, and the napkins and tablecloth of snowy whiteness. Embroidered centerpieces are no longer in vogue, but if one is desired, use only white on this occasion. A beautiful effect may be gained, if a chandelier hangs above your table, by suspending from it broad ribbons of soft apple-green silk, one for every guest. These are gracefully carried down and invisibly pinned to the tablecloth in front of each plate, and upon the ribbon ends may rest Easter cards whereon the guests' names are inscribed. These may be hand-painted or merely those bought from your local stationer, but they ZASTZn PARTIES AND LUNCHEONS 55 should picture lilies or some other suitable spring-time flower. This will obviate the awkwardness of verbally placing the guests, and is an easy and graceful arrange- ment. Or if the visitors be young girls, an appropriate favor for Easter is a potted maiden-hair fern, which may stand upon the broad ribbon end near her plate, and upon its leaves may be suspended a petal-shaped paper bearing her name. There are numberless pretty accompaniments for such an entertainment, yet the detail of each and all must be guided by the hostess who holds the reins of the family purse. Silver candelabra at the two ends, or four tall silver candlesticks at the corners, should adorn the table and give their added glow, through dainty white shades, to the gas or lamp light which falls from the chandelier. Artificial light is always for such functions an added charm, and daylight, of course, should be temporarily ex- cluded from the room. The hostess might appropriately be gowned in white, and wear a bunch of white violets or lilies of the valley. Let her strive to be merry and natural in conversation with her guests, making each feel abundantly welcome and giving to each the joy of a real- ization that her presence is an appreciated honor. If you are fortunate enough to have two or three musi- cal friends, ask them to give additional pleasure and the finishing touch of their delightful accomplishment, after the luncheon is over and guests have re-assembled in the parlor. They should, of course, be invited before the day of the luncheon, that they may prepare and bring some appropriate selections. Mendelssohn's Spring Song would be an ideal opening number, and some of the old- fashioned Easter carols might form a harmonious finale. " The world itself keeps Easter day. And Easter flowers are springing." Therefore rejoice, and in your pleasures may all my readers have indeed a Happy Easter. 56 ZNTETiTAINMZNTS TOK ALL SEASONS A Lily Luncheon A T Easter time it seems as if Dame Hospitality had -^ many golden suggestions from which to draw. The spring is at her threshold, and to Nature we must ever turn for help and inspiration. The week after Easter is a favorite time for receptions, dinner parties, luncheons, etc. There is nothing really ''new under the sun," it might be said, and a luncheon party is always popular if some small novelty is introduced. Let us whisper, therefore, a few suggestions to the would-be hostess, before she plans for her entertainment. Does she plan for an Eastertide luncheon ? Then let it be a Lily luncheon, and a little ingenuity with the help of a few real Easter blooms will add the beauty that makes any entertainment successful. Of course, silver and glass ware 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 centerpiece 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 crowns 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 a caterer's or made at home very easily. Stiff wire — yet not too stiff 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 EASTETi PARTIES AND LUNCHEONS S7 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 bon-bon boxes. These must be even more conventional, as they have no stems resting directly on the table. The menu should be simple. The following would be appropriate : Bouillon served in cups. Fish baked in fish cases. Broiled Chicken. Canned Peas. Currant Jelly. Mashed Potatoes. Hard Boiled Egg Salad with Dressing. Spanish Cream. Cake. Candies. Coffee. The Spanish cream is simply made and should be poured while hot into egg-shaped molds. They turn out perfectly when cold ; and a pretty little nest to hold them, typical of the Easter custom, can be made out of lady- fingers crossed and interlaced. A lining to the nest of whipped cream is effective as well as delicious. When the luncheon is over and the guests have left the dining-room for the drawing-room, a new edition of the old cob-web game makes merry fun and is arranged as follows : A huge flower-pot is placed on the center 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 inter- cross about furniture and corners of course, and give opportunities for many tete-a-tetes. Here and there some little verses may be tried if wished to add fun in the quest. '* Do not faint, oh, maid, I beg, You shall find a golden " *' Gather roses while you may; Gather them— the Hvelong 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^ which can hold the name of some guest and a tiny 58 ZNrZ'RrAlNJ^ZNTS TOn ALL SEASONS trinket. It can be arranged by the colors of the strings to have a gentleman find a lady's name, and vice versa, and in this impromptu way partners may be chosen for either a game of cards or the introduction to a good-bye dance or so, as the hostess wishes. Let it be a spring-time affair. Yes, and if it does breathe the spirit of spring-time, a success, for new thoughts, new hopes, new plans are stirring in the brown soil of dead things put away, and new pleasures ought to be some of the fairest flowers to have their birth in the newness of things. Easter Suggestions COMEONE has aptly said that ''three-fifths of the joy of ^ eating is in the appearance of the dainties of the table,'* and every hostess must bear this in mind and have the general effect artistic and in good taste, rather than make an expensive outlay for costly food. The week after Easter an Easter Luncheon will be an appro- priate entertainment, and a real treat to those guests who are fortunate enough to receive their invitations about Easter time, written on the back of some pretty Easter card, somewhat in this manner : " It will give me great pleasure to have you take luncheon with me on Tuesday after Easter. " Yours, very sincerely," etc., etc. Then must the hostess prepare her decorations that, on the day appointed, the dining-room will be ''fit for a queen.'' Just let me whisper a suggestion here. Every hostess knows the value of crepe tissue-paper, but many imagine that their particular fingers are not clever enough to give the paper the proper twists to make desired re- sults. "Faint heart" never yet won anything "fair." So try — you will be delighted at your success. Buy one or two pretty favors at a caterer's for a copy, and after a little practice you will not only be able to copy but originate. A glue-pot, some thin cardboard, ribbon, crepe paper, artificial flowers and deft fingers are EASTEH PAKTILS AND LUNCHEONS $9 all the materials necessary, and much expense is saved by having such table accessories home-made. Let the Easter luncheon be arranged in this way: Have five small round tables, each seating four, placed in a circle in the dining-room ; a large potted Easter lily on a small stand is the central object in the room, around which these tables cluster. It is more picturesque to have the light of day excluded and the little tables each lighted by two small brass candlesticks holding lighted tapers. These can be shaded by shades of yellow and white crepe paper shredded in long petal effect. A tall Bohemian glass in the center of each table will be charm- ing, bearing each a bending cluster of daffodils. The tables may be set either on doilies, table covers of damask, or two scarfs crossing each other. The china should be gold and white. The menu might be as follows : Bouillon, in gold and white cups. Fish (baked in fish dishes with cream sauce). Broiled chicken. Currant jelly. French fried potatoes. Finger rolls. Easter egg salad (hard-boiled eggs with shell removed in nest of lettuce leaves, Mayonnaise dressing). Spanish cream (in gold and white cases). Macaroons and fancy white cakes. Bonbons. Coffee. Delightful little souvenirs to place at the covers laid are little china rabbits as candy boxes, or fluffy yellow chickens placed on pen-wipers. Name cards (Easter card with the guest's name written upon it) can be tied by baby-ribbon about these animals' diminutive necks. One daffodil or narcissus tucked in each folded napkin is another pretty touch. When the dining-room is left behind and the parlor, with its Easter blooms here and there, is sought for, a game of Searching for Easter Eggs will provoke merri- ment. Small candy eggs can be hidden in various places in the room. This childish game will have a grown-up interest when the hostess explains that all the charming Easter souvenirs on a side table in the parlor are "for sale ' ' to those bidding the highest number of candy eggs. 60 ZNTZTLTAINT^ZNTS TOjR ALL SEASONS Viewed as currency, the candy eggs assume an added dignity ! The articles for sale may be of trifling cost, but many pretty little fancies make the feature desirable. The richest finder, of course, is the largest buyer ; but some little gifts can be bid for by the less fortunate ones. Candy boxes of crepe paper, little Japanese pictures, china animals, wee vases, etc., can be some of the arti- cles used. Novel Dinner Cards for ILaster A TTRACTIVE and inexpensive place-cards are made ■^ of egg-shells which have been blown and decorated in a unique manner. Some have a fluffy chicken or rabbit done in water- colors on one side, and the name and date on the other. Others are colored in a variety of hues, and when dry have etched on them with a penknife all sorts of cunning and appropriate designs. One which was most cleverly done had an old hen and her chickens on it. Another showed a wreath of white flowers thrown over a cross on a purple background. Birds and flowers make effective designs when etched on the eggs. A novel feature of these name-cards is the quotation or original verse, which is written on linen or rice-paper and slipped inside the egg. Care must be used in order that the verses are appropriate to the recipient. Below are given a number of quotations. For a young bride who has just begun housekeeping and is ambitious to become a thoroughly accomplished housewife, these lines are especially suitable : *' One simple little song we sing To brides but newly wed — Just make the best of everything — Especially of bread." For a newly engaged girl who is blissfully happy use this quotation : *' All skies are fair to trusting hearts." EASTZn PAKTILS AND LUNCHEONS 6\ A newspaper man should have this familiar couplet : " Words are little things, and yet a drop of ink, Used to express a thought, makes thousands, perhaps mil- lions, think." - For an earnest devoted kindergartner nothing could be more suited than : " He who promotes the happiness of a little child is a fellow- worker of God." A man who is called an epicure and is particularly fond of good dinners should have Byron's lines : " All human history attests That happiness for man, the hungry sinner, Since Eve ate apples, much depends on Dinner." The card of a quiet, domestic girl, who is a veritable sunbeam in the home, should contain this sentiment : *' Her talents and gifts the world may not see. But at home what a comfort she'll be." A fun-loving, rollicking girl might have these lines : ** A fine, frank face, an honest eye ; Straight dark brows, a colored tie- Fond of ladies, sincere and free. He's just the very man for thee." For a literary friend the well-known quotation : " The pen is mightier than the sword." VII Fourth of July Festivities A Liberty Luncheon IVTO entertainment throughout the year offers greater or ^^ more effective possibihties than a Fourth of July cel- ebration. Drape the archways with large flags, using smaller ones in every available space. If cards are to be a feature of the afternoon, have the guests met at the door by a small lad or lassie in pic- turesque costume suitable to the occasion, who has two baskets of tiny flags, each of which is numbered, showing which table the guests are to be seated at. Each table can be numbered by a stand of flags, and tiny flags will answer as counters. Instead of punching the score cards, tiny flags already gummed are pasted on the cards. During the afternoon a number of patriotic pieces should be rendered by an orchestra, or even by one of the guests, including '*Red, White and Blue," **Star Spangled Banner," '* America" and ''Yankee Doodle." The color scheme should be carried out in the refresh- ments. Below is given a suitable menu : Cream of Celery Soup. Salted Wafers. Potato Balls in Cream Sauce. Fish Souffle. Crab Apple Pickles. Nut Sandwiches (tied with blue baby ribbon). Nasturtium Salad (garnished with red blossoms). Cherry Ice. Angels' Food. Blue Cream Patties. FOUKTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES 63 At a patriotic luncheon, given two or three years ago where a dozen congenial friends were entertained, the table decorations were most effective. At either end of the table a silken flag was laid diagonally, while the cen- terpiece consisted of scarlet and white carnation pinks and blue bachelor's buttons. The menu cards consisted of tiny silken flags. The cakes were white and baked in small forms, and so iced that they resembled miniature drums. The ice cream was particularly novel and amusing, it being served in various quaint forms to represent Uncle Sam, a sailor, soldier, flags, etc. The guests wore patriotic costumes — the ladies being in white with red, white and blue sashes and stocks, while the gentlemen wore ties to correspond, and tiny flags in their buttonholes. Various appetizing dishes can be prepared for a patri- otic entertainment which will carry out the color scheme nicely. Lobster or tomato salad served on blue china with a white dressing, salted wafers tied with baby ribbon in red and blue, and ices and jellies tinted the desired shades, are all most effective. What could be more picturesque than a Liberty cotil- lion, with figures in national colors? Uncle Sam and Miss Columbia would surely be striking figures. The la- dies in white gowns, and red, white and blue aprons, with shoulder knots of tri-colored ribbon and small flags in their hair, and the men in spangled and striped tiles, making a unique figure. A Cracker Party PATRIOTISM and Entertainment can well make their "'■ bow together on the Fourth of July, and Patriotism has many an historic garment and'accessory of individu- ality with which to bedeck Hospitality, and make such an occasion attractive. To give *' pleasure to others '' is the joy of Hospitality, so let me tell of a Fourth of July high tea that I once attended, which may give a suggestion to 64 ZNTZmAINJ^ZNTS FOK ALL SEASONS Other hostesses. We were bidden to a cracker party to be held on Independence Day at six o'clock in the eve- ning. Our hostess lived in a pretty, old-fashioned house near the suburb of the town, and she received us on the piazza where the western sun glimpsed through the wis- taria vines with pleasing shadow. She was dressed in a simple gown of pure white, an embroidered fichu cross- ing low over the front of her neck. A blue ribbon belt with a double bow of blue and red falling low over the skirt's graceful draperies, a knot of blue and red ribbon also at the throat of her bodice, and a red rose in her hair, made her suitable dress complete. After both ladies and gentlemen had laid aside their hats, in dressing-rooms in the house set apart for that purpose, we sought again the shaded veranda, where we were introduced to the cracker game, which gave the occasion its name, and was a fitting introduction to the evening of pleasure. Each of us were given a packet of fire-crackers, a piece of punk and matches, and instructions. We were to go out on the lawn — the men to stand one side of the gravel road, the ladies on the other (there were ten of each present) — and at a given signal we sent off our fire- crackers, one at a time. Each one must explode before the next was started ; if it did not go off, we had to pick it up and relight it. The man who finished first was to find the girl whose crackers were all gone — the second man the second girl — and so partners for tea were chosen while the fun waxed fast and furious, amid the fluttering of dainty skirts and the mischievous daring of the men, who threw their crackers as far across the pebbled path as they could without actually trespassing on the grass, which was against the rule. Old Glory, meanwhile, floated from the peak of the piazza in approval of the pretty scene. When all the partners were found, we repaired again to the piazza, where five little tables, each set for four, were spread with blue and white striped cloths ; a bunch , of red roses in the center of each table carried out the • ^" color scheme. FOUKTH OF JULY TESTIVITIES 65 We were served with delicious chicken patties in red, white and blue cases, shrimp salad, finger rolls, choc- olate, ices in the shape of cannon and balls, and fancy white cakes with tiny flags stuck in the center of each. An enormous imitation fire-cracker standing at the side of each plate was found to be a candy box. After supper was over, the strains of the piano from within the house floated out, and we all sang the '' Star Spangled Banner," *' My Country, 'tis of Thee," and other patriotic airs, until the shadows lengthened and the stars came out and the night was born. Then we all sat on the steps and watched our host set off the fire-works. We were all gay and happy, and when the last rocket shot its fiery path across the sky and the good-byes were said, our thanks to our hostess for a pleasant evening were in no sense conventional, and the Cracker Party was voted a success. 99 For A Patriotic Lntertainment T N connection with tableaus, or some of the many patri- -*• otic plays written for children, the following drill may prove a helpful suggestion to teachers and others, who so often are called upon to get up something for the children. It is a novel and laughable affair when carefully pre- pared and a pleasant relief from the ''broom drills," *' flag drills," ''fan drills," etc. Six small boys — the smaller the better, if they can learn the drill — are dressed as "fire-crackers," and go through a short and simple drill and march to the spirited music of "ElCapitan," or some other "two-step" which has a catchy air and well marked time. The shorter and more simple the drill the better, as the boys can only see directly in front of them through the eye-holes cut in their " fire-crackers, " and have to depend largely on their sense of touch to tell whether they are marching in a straight line. For this reason forming figures by marching in twos or " single file" is best, and they should « frequently "make their bow" to the audience, as the ^ 66 ZNTLTiJAINJiZNTS FOK ALL SEASONS effect of the big red ^^fire-crackers'* bending solemnly forward with their black arms spread out and their ** fuses" bobbing, is extremely ludicrous. The boys should wear long black stockings drawn up over their trousers, and no shoes. Black stockings, with the feet sewed into a sort of mitten for the hands, should be pulled up over the arms and fastened tightly on the shoulders. Of course no coat should be worn. The ** fire-crackers " should reach a little above the head and down to half-way between the hip and knee. These ''fire-crackers" are made of men's hat boxes fastened together with patent fasteners. Eyes, nose, mouth and arm-holes are cut, and the "fire-cracker" is ready to drill in. The covering and fastening in the "fuse" should be left until the drill has been learned, as much practice is necessary for the boys to become accus- tomed to the boxes, and the outside covering is apt to be torn in putting on and taking off the "fire-crackers" so many times. When the drill has been thoroughly learned, the " fuses," made of clothesline frayed at the end and stiffened with wire, should be fastened in and the ' ' fire-crackers ' ' covered first with white paper, to cover the advertisements or names on the boxes, and then with red tissue paper. Three hat boxes make a good sized "fire-cracker" for a boy of nine or ten years. The armholes should come at the first joint, where the first two boxes are fas- tened together. About five patent fasteners are needed for each joint. The top box should have the bottom left on, and it should be of brown cardboard and not of white, as that makes the proper color for the top of the "fire-cracker" and saves painting or covering with brown paper. ^^ A Red, White and Blue Luncheon nPHE entire color scheme of this novel luncheon must be ^ evolved in the national tints ; 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 cen- TOWKTH or JULY FESTIVITIES 67 ter of the table a huge Hberty bell should be hung, com- posed of red and white carnations and blue corn-flowers. Depending therefrom should be ropes of red, white and blue ribbon, terminating at the four comers of the table. The luncheon to be served should be as far as possible in the prevailing colors, the ices served in fire-cracker form and the starry banner hung in every available nook. Draperies and pictures indicative of the occasion should be placed in conspicuous points of vantage, not forget- ting 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. Patriotic Stars of Liberty 1X7HEN the *' Historical Club^' sent out invitations for ^^ a patriotic spread, to be held al fresco upon the Fourth of July, each recipient hastened to accept, assured that it meant a most enjoyable time. An aromatic pine grove was chosen by the members of the club as a setting, and the trunks of the trees were wound with the tri-color of patriotism. From the branches of a prominent tree fluttered red, white and blue streamers, ending in forty-five stars. As a back- ground was stretched an American flag, the stars only being outlined on the field of blue. Folded slips of paper, the same in number as the guests, were pinned on the stripes of this flag. When the guests had arrived, the hostess explained that the constellation under the tree bore pictures of the national ^'stars'* in our country's history, and that they must be fitted into the outlined stars on the flag in the background by means of some historic mot found there, uttered by these personages upon some important occasion. For example : On the quotation, '^ I am ready for any service that I can give my country,'' George Washington's picture should be fastened; on '' Unconditional Surren- der," U. S. Grant's, and on *' Don't cheer, boys; those poor fellows are dying," J. W. Philip's. The guest 68 ZNTZJITAINJ^ENTS FOK ALL SEASONS placing the greatest number of stars correctly was awarded a jeweled one, wrapped appropriately in red, white and blue. After this exciting feature came the selection of the folded slips on the stripes, those on the red being of a warlike nature, while those on the white partook of peace. A few on the red stripes were : Who was the first boy hero of the revolution ? Nathan Beaman, 1775. What naval commander was lashed to the rigging for safety during battle ? Admiral Farragut. Who opened and closed the Spanish-American war? Admiral Dewey and General Shafter. Who are the modern martyrs for Liberty ? Gen. Cronje and his gallant army. Where are the most ardent lovers of Freedom to-day? In the Transvaal and the United States. On the white among the rest were : Who made our first American flag ? Betsey Ross. Who made the most important invention in this country ? Eli Whitney. Who invented the sewing machine ? Elias Howe. Who constructed the first American locomotive ? Peter Cooper. As soon as a question slip had been selected, the owner at once assumed the character of the name which was its answer, and proceeded to mystify, or make clear, as to his identity. Betsey Ross, Nathan Beaman and Howe held a spirited conversation, and were the first guessed by the others. Mrs. Ross resented Nathan's pride in his heroism, and told him if he had been the means of Ethan Allen's victory, he, personally, was almost forgotten, while her achievement would live for- ever ; that Old Christ Church, in her native city, displayed her emblem on one of its pews always. At this juncture, Howe, who was the first to guess her identity, coolly asked her how long she was in making her emblem with- out the aid of his invention. This disclosed his identity ; and so the suggestive conversation flew back and forth until the assumed characters were all disclosed. TOWRTH OT JULY TZSTIVITIES 69 Then all were seated on cushions under the historic tree, and within a circle of giant fire-crackers, attached in such a manner that one frequently exploded. A historic tale was started by the hostess with the first explosion, and as the next cracker went off a second took up the narrative, and a third and fourth in the same manner, each introducing a new historical character and maintaining a connection until the last fire-cracker had exploded. Then a string was quickly loosened on the trunk of the tree and a star-shaped box let down in front of each guest, containing sandwiches, pickles and sweetmeats. Ices and cakes in patriotic shapes were passed later. A pyrotechnic display at nightfall ended the festivities. A Fourth of July Porch Party A MERICAN women are quick to discern possibilities ; -^ hence, it was but natural that the inauguration of the Porch Party should have followed closely in the wake of the extended and roomy veranda, which is a prominent feature of the modern house. The delights of this form of entertaining, during the season when the heat of lighted rooms renders an evening affair of any sort well nigh intolerable, are more appreci- ated each summer, and the institution bids fair to be per- manent. It remained for Mrs. Blank, a clever young matron, to seize upon the opportunity of combining patriotism with pleasure and issue cards for a Fourth of July Porch Party. In compliment to the occasion, the lettering of the in- vitations was done in red and blue on a background of white. In the left-hand comer of each was tied a tiny bow of red, white and blue ribbon. Upon their arrival, the guests found the porch gayly and elaborately decorated with the Stars and Stripes, brilliantly illuminated by means of numerous small red, white and blue paper lanterns, and comfortably furnished with easy chairs. Suspended from the central arch of the porch was a liberty bell, composed of a framework of 70 ZNTLnTAINJ^ENlS FOK ALL SEASONS wire overlaid with smilax and red, white and blue asters. The beauty of this floral piece vies description, and elic- ited much praise. At nine o'clock the guests took their seats at small tables placed here and there on the porch, and for two hours engaged in that most intellectual of games, dupli- cate whist. The score-cards were of white card-board, decorated with a border of red and blue, done in water colors. Two prizes were awarded : to the gentleman scoring the greatest number of games, a silver snuff-box of colonial design ; the most successful lady player re- ceived a high back-comb of tortoise shell. At eleven the cards were collected, and over each table was spread a handsome lunch cloth. The follow- ing dainty refreshments were then served : Chicken Salad in Lettuce Cups. Olive Sandwiches. Cheese Straws. Orange Frapp6. Lady Fingers. Fruit Punch. After complimentary justice had been done to the menu, the guests were next treated to a short musical programme of patriotic airs rendered by a quartet of se- lected voices. "Paul Revere's Ride'' was then effect- ively recited by the guest of elocutionary attainments, after which, by request of the hostess, all enthusiastically joined in singing "The Star Spangled Banner." And when a few minutes later the guests made their parting bow to the hostess, all were sincere in the expression of their obligation to her for an evening of pleasure, and heartily wished Dame Columbia many happy returns of the day. A Patriotic Sunset Tea 'THE art of making merry is such an old one that it is -'' difficult for a would-be hostess to conceive of a new way in which to give pleasure to others. The month of July is here with its hot sunshine and deep shade, and all nature beckons us to out-of-doors. The labor of pre- paring to give an entertainment indoors is double one rOURm OF JUL^ TESTIVITIES 71 which is planned with Nature's vantage ground as the banquet hall and with her own beauties as decorations while the birds sing to the blue sky above, and the leaves of the trees stir in answer to the breeze. , . ,. , The month of July holds for us a national holiday- and holidays are ever an excuse, and often a permission, for the busy ones of earth to make merry. Let us, there- fore send out our invitations for a patriotic lawn party and that we may combine the ritual of Patriotism with the day's gifts of coolness and beauty, let us call it a Sun- set Tea the guests to be bidden at six o'clock. If one wishes a simple affair this will be sufficient; but to carry on the spirit of the day, a display of fireworks w.l give amusement to the guests and write a finis to the evening. In preparing for the entertainment, the invitations are the first step ; these should be in the form of simple notes. It is extremely poor taste to send a formal invitation for an informal occasion. The notes might read in some- what this way : yuly jst, 1904. My dear Miss Norris : It will give me great pleasure to have you take tea with us on the evening of the 4th at six o clock. We hope, if it is a pleasant day, to have tea at sun- set time on the lawn, and trust that the skies will set us the example of patriotism by showing us their evening beauty in red, white and blue. Yours sincerely, Marion Leslie. The lawn needs but litde preparation to make it at- tractive. Small tables for the serving of the tea should be placed here and there, preferably under the shade of some tree. These should be covered with v^hite cloths-a large bunch of flaming salvia placed in the center of each, either in blue bowls to give the necessary complement of color, or tied with a bow of blue ribbon. From the trees, red, white and blue Japanese lanterns should hang, to give their light when the sun dies behind the hills. 72 ZNTZnTAlNJiLNTS FOK ALL SEASONS And may I whisper a personal hint to the would-be hostess ? In summer-time there is nothing as charming in the way of dress as simple white. Blue ribbons at the belt, in the hair and as a corsage finish to the slightly low bodice. A few sprays of salvia worn in the hair carries out the color scheme. As the night will be warm, pretty favors to grace the tea-tables would be tissue paper fans. Some of these can be made of pure white paper, others of blue, others of red. These are not difficult to make of crepe paper. The supper can be simple. Sweet-bread patties, made in red, white and blue paper cases (these can easily be made at home) ; chicken salad, sandwiches, ices and cake. A punch-bowl on a small table can hold lemon- ade or iced tea for the evening if wished ; but at the sup- per it is perhaps best to serve the tea last, that it may more closely follow the high teas of our grandmothers* days. As the center of the group of tables a flag-pole — not necessarily a large one — should hold the emblem of the country's glory, that we all know and reverence so well. At exactly sunset time the flag should come down, all the guests standing, while the refrain of the national anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner," goes up to the sun-glow- ing sky. Of course, this is so universally known, that it can be sung by all, to lend ceremony to the occasion ; but if one does not mind the slight additional expense, one fiddler does not add materially to the bill, and the charm of the stringed instrument's accompaniment to the fluttering flag as it drops with the dying sun, is almost in- spiring. A few dances on the green also add a delight- ful finish to the evening when the few fireworks have slid their fiery path across the sky. Garden benches should be about in abundance, and a few rugs thrown down on the grass complete the accom- paniment to already furnished Nature. The old-time Virginia reel, "up the middle and down again," is more adapted to the grassy dancing hall ; and with the little merry bursts from the ranks of the stately TOWRJH OT JULY FESTIVITIES 73 dance into the gayer waltz ordwo-step, makes a pretty scene, under the lantern- Ht trees and the star-lit sky, the charm of which is felt even by the dancers themselves. A hostess should never appear to be too anxious to entertain her guests each minute. Let people entertain themselves. Herein is the secret of success. When the dancers' steps are silent and the good-byes are being said, the fiddler's hand can touch his bow to the string and the strains of ^' My Country, 'tis of Thee," can finish the evening in the true spirit of the day. The lanterns can be dimmed and the hostess fold away her red, white and blue ribbons, secure in the thought, as she goes to sleep before the rising of the sun on the 5th, that her Sunset Tea of the 4th has been a delightful affair, en- joyed by all. 99 A Patriotic Luncheon 'THIS should be given on a pretty lawn if possible, and ^ the table, or tables, spread under an improvised awn- ing of red, white and blue. If there is a broad piazza, it might be well to arrange them there. Flags should be everywhere — there cannot be too much of '' Old Glory." Bunting is inexpensive and drapes beautifully. The flowers used should carry out the color-scheme, and tiny flags may be placed at each plate to be used as a bou- tonniere. The name-cards may have patriotic quotations written on one side. The following are suitable and will suggest others : " For aye must our motto stand fronting the sun, * E Pluribus Unum '—though many, we're one." " Day of Glory ! Welcome Day ! Freedom's banners greet thy ray." ". To mark this day we gather round And to our nation's founders raise The voice of gratitude and praise." '' Thou art the shelter of the free. The home, the port of Liberty." 74 ZNTZllTAINJ^ENTS FOK ALL SEASONS ** Breathes there a man with soul so dead Who never to himself hath said This is my own, my native land?" An orchestra may be stationed in a near-by arbor to discourse patriotic music during the repast and would add much to the enjoyment. While waiting for the fire- works, an impromptu chorus may join in singing the "Star Spangled Banner,'* ''America," and others of the good old songs that everybody loves. Miss Columbia's Tea Party TT is to be hoped that all the good housewives who -*■ read this simple chronicle have an emergency closet to which they can turn when any special occasion arises. If so, when the morning of the Fourth dawns, if they have been so remiss as to plan no patriotic feature aforetime, they can draw upon the contents of the closet for the necessary materials to decorate the house and tables. -A roll or two of white-figured crepe paper, one of plain red, and one of the flag and shield paper, with a few yards of red, white and blue ribbon, will go a long way toward making the children happy, and will also furnish quite a patriotic display. It is not how much we spend in celebrating the glorious Fourth, but the spirit in which we spend it, that really counts for much, anyway. Why not have '' Miss Columbia " give a tea party in honor of the children of the family, and invite them all to attend ? The impromptu little affair can be planned for a surprise, if desired, as the speculation attached thereto, upon the receipt of the tiny invitations, will keep the little folks on the ^ui vive of anticipation. The invitations may be written by the mother, sister or auntie on plain white cards with tiny flags crossed and thrust through the corner. They should read as follows : Miss Columbia will be pleased to have her loyal subject, Miss Dorothy Brown, take tea with her at six o'clock on the Fourth. Miss Brown will confer a favor on her Highness if she will come prepared to recite a patriotic verse. TOVRTH OT JULY FESTIVITIES 75 These cards may be laid at the children's plates on the morning of the Fourth, and they will be kept so busy hunting for appropriate quotations that the time between breakfast and tea will pass quickly, and they will not be so anxious to spend every second out-of-doors with fire- crackers. Many fingers will thus be spared from burn- ing, and other accidents averted. Promptly at six o'clock the children and their small friends who have been included in the invitation are ush- ered into the dining-room, singing as they march * ^ The Star Spangled Banner." At the dining-room door, which opens as if by magic when they reach it, they will pause in pleased surprise, for, standing erect at one end of the long table, they will see Miss Columbia in a long white robe with a flag draped about her head, and a large flag in her right hand resting on its staff. The children recognize Miss Columbia as the big sister, and she smiles in welcome as they wave their tiny flags at her. Miss Columbia bids her subjects to be seated, and they take possession of the chairs ranged about the sides of the room. The table in the center, which has a crepe paper flag tablecloth and a centerpiece of flags, is used as a serving table only. The window-shades are pulled down and the candles lighted, which gives a very pretty effect and shows off the red, white and blue decorations to good advantage. Red, white and blue bunting is draped all about the room, and a small table in one comer holds the '^Fourth of July Pie." Miss Columbia herself deigns to serve the **tea," which her two attendants pass. The following dainty re- freshments can be served : Lettuce Sandwiches. Chicken Salad. Cheese Straws. Salted Almonds. Patriotic Ice Cream. Angel Cake. Macaroons. Fruit Punch. The sandwiches are tied with red, white and blue ribbon, while the salad is served in red, white and blue 76 ENTZ'RTAINNENTS TOK ALL SEASONS cases made out of crepe paper. The ice cream is in bricks and also tinted appropriately. First of all, a medium sized platter is passed to each guest with a folded patriotic paper napkin on it, on which rests a horn wrapped in striped paper. When the horn is emptied of the bonbons concealed therein, it is found to be donajide, as is proved by the tootings. The sandwiches, salad and cheese straws are then passed, and the platter will hold them all much better than a dinner-plate. After the ice cream, cake and punch are served, each guest is called upon by Miss Columbia to give a quotation, a bit of verse, or make a speech. Humorous and patriotic sentiments are often combined, and the hour will be spent pleasantly in this manner. The last treat is the "Fourth of July Pie,'^ which stands by itself on the small comer table. Each child is given a red, white and blue ribbon, one end of which a miniature Miss Columbia holds in her hands. When the hostess gives the signal, they all pull their ribbons, and each finds a small papier mache animal with a red, white and blue ribbon tied around its neck. Imitation giant firecrackers for souvenirs may be made of plain manila wrapping paper folded compactly round and round with a heavy piece of cord in the center to represent a fuse. Plain red tissue paper is used for cov- ering the fire-cracker. If desired, another good way is to have bonbon boxes made like fire-crackers. Ordinary talcum powder boxes covered with the red paper, and with a cord thrust through a wound paper fuse, as de- scribed in the foregoing, may be filled with bonbons. Plain white crepe or mottled paper with a border of patriotic paper makes a beautiful table-cloth. Miss Columbia in miniature should also be dressed in such paper, and have a cap and flag to match. For the foun- dation of her pedestal, the pie, an ordinary deep baking dish can be used to hold the souvenirs, and this should have a full fluted ruffle of crepe paper over it and around the edges. The candle shades, too, are easily made by cutting out the shields and flags from the crepe paper. VIII For Hallowe'en The Hallowe'en Party IN decorating for this occasion, one should bear in mind ■'■ that it is an autumn festival, and arrange to emphasize that idea as much as possible. There will probably be many belated summer blossoms in the garden, but I should pass them by, choosing rather to confine myself to the bright berries and tinted leaves of the season — grass plumes and the glorious chrysanthemums in all their shades of crimson and gold, their glistening pinks, and the feathery snowdrifts of the white varieties. The berries and leaves are effective, fastened Dresden fashion to the curtains and draperies of the rooms, and the grasses will fill in any bare-looking comer ; but the chrysanthe- mums — the queens of autumn — should be in evidence everywhere, banked on the mantels and in vases and bowls. With such a range of colors as they show, one could easily arrange a scheme for each room, and it is always in better taste not to mix colors. Pumpkins one must ha^ on Hallowe'en, but with the exception of one or two to hold grasses, I should leave them out of the decorations. Let the dining-room flowers be white if possible, and the shades of the lamps and can- dles crimson and yellow. If one has a penchant for rib- bons, broad ones of the chosen color can be drawn from the chandelier above to the four corners of the table, end- ing in pretty bows, holding two or three white chrysan- themums, like those of the centerpiece, which should be arranged in a clear glass vase. Instead of a square of embroidery or lace, one can use with good effect the au- tumn leaves and berries around the bottom of the vase. 78 ZNTZnTAINNLNTS FOR ALL SEASONS For a menu, I would suggest the following, which is light but very dainty : Peanut Sandwiches. Cheese Straws. Bread Sticks. Waldorf Salad in Apple Cases. Chocolate Ice Cream. Japanese Cream Cake. Hallowe'en Cake. Coffee. Chocolate. I have left out nuts and apples, but as they play quite a part in the festivities of the evening, they will not be missed from the supper. They can be heaped up in suit- able dishes and bowls, and placed here and there, in con- spicuous places in the rooms, for the guests to enjoy at their pleasure. For the peanut sandwiches, butter wafers very thinly, and then spread between them the finely ground nuts, taking care that the peanuts are freshly roasted. CHEESE STRAWS One cupful grated cheese, one-half cupful mixed but- ter and lard, three tablespoonfuls sweet milk and one-half teaspoonful each of salt, cayenne pepper and mustard. Mix with flour to a stiff dough, roll thin, cut into straws and bake in a quick oven. WALDORF SALAD Equal quantities of chopped apple and celery, with nut meats to taste. Mix a little mayonnaise dressing with this, and fill into cases made from scooped out ap- ples. Put another spoonful of the dressing on top and garnish with sprigs of parsley. JAPANESE CREAM CAKE One pound of sugar creamed with one pound of but- ter ; add alternately the yelks of six eggs, with one cup- ful sweet milk and one pound of flour, and lastly the well-beaten whites of the eggs. Divide into two parts, and to one-half the batter add one cupful of raisins, one- fourth of a pound of citron, one tablespoonful grated TOR HALLOWE'EN 79 chocolate and one tablespoonful of mixed spice. Bake in four layers, and in putting together alternate the fruit and plain layers. For the filling, boil together one grated cocoanut, the juice of two lemons, two cupfuls of sugar and one cupful of milk, until the mixture is quite thick. HALLOWE'EN CAKE Bake three layers of any good white cake and use the following as a filling : Three tablespoonfuls of granulated gelatine dissolved in one-half a cupful of boiling water ; then add one pound of confectioners' xxx sugar and two tablespoonfuls of grated chocolate, and beat until very stiff. After spreading the layers, sprinkle with chopped walnuts, pressing them down with a knife-blade. For amusements, I know of no better ones than those used by a party of ihy young friends last Hallowe'en. They are old, but it seems to me an essential part of the pretty observance of the day to keep alive the remem- brance of the old practices peculiar to it. The guests arrived in rather straggling order, and a ghostly array they were, with white masks and each form enveloped from top to toe in a sheet. Hoods made from pillow-cases hid their heads, and each one carried a fright- ful jack-o'-lantern, so this is where the pumpkins came in on this Hallowe'en. As they arrived, they set their jack- o'-lanterns around and about on the verandas to take the place of Japanese lanterns. As they came in, their hostess pinned a name on each back, and not until each identity was discovered were they allowed to unmask. After each young man had drawn the name of the young lady to whom he was expected to play the de- voted, a hunt for fortune was begun. Here and there a knot of red or yellow ribbon was visible, and under each knot began two threads. Following the course of the walls, these clues ran from room to room, some to end on the verandas, others up-stairs, behind pictures, in 80 ZNTZ'RTAINJIiZNTS TOK ALL SEASONS books, or smuggled away behind the palms and flowers. They hunted in pairs, until each thread led to a little scroll — those tied with red for the lassies, and those with yellow for the lads. When all were found they reassem- bled, and the fortunes were read aloud, for the delecta- tion of the company. It requires no little ingenuity to map out some twenty or thirty futures, and while one needs carefully to abstain from prophesying anything like ill luck, still one may introduce any little element of the ridiculous which has no sting ; and the more oi the mar- velous the better. After this, a gypsy in a screened corner of the hall read palms for those who so desired ; in another place was the test of the three saucers, whereby the young men could ascertain whether the partners of their lives would come to them as maids or widows, or if mayhap they were to live single all their days. They were led blind- folded to the table, and their fate was decided by the saucer they happened to touch — the empty one foretell- ing bachelorhood, the one with flour a widow, and that with water a maid. These diversions, with the well-known tests with apple seeds and roasting nuts, filled the time until the refreshments were served, and then came the ever laugh- able feat of bobbing for apples. On this occasion of which I write, the tub was set at a convenient height on a table and filled to the brim with water. There was one apple floating tipsily about for each boy, and in each apple were inserted a three-cornered and square slip of tinfoil, which protected from the water the bits of paper inside, on which were written minute descriptions of the personnel of the future wife and husband of the successful bobber and his evening's partner, and a very circumstan- tial account of the way in which they were to meet each other, even the date, and initials of the name. There are many other schemes which can be used, but I think it a good plan to leave much to the suggestion of the guests themselves. Let the keynote of the evening be informality and innocent merry-making. ion HALLOWE'EN S\ A Hallowe'en Festival TN a certain country home there was given one year a ^ party that, wdth such changes as individual taste would suggest, might serve as a model for the simple, informal gathering a Hallowe'en festival should be. The young hostesses themselves had made all the preparations, in- cluding the decoration of the room and cooking the sup- per, and with no more than the pleasurable excitement of such an occasion, were ready to welcome their guests, at the hour specified, with serene hearts and the conscious- ness that, except for the baking of rolls and making of coffee, they could dismiss **the food question'* from their minds. The decorations of the room did not vary greatly from those in general use. There were long vines of wild white clematis, gathered when the feathery seeds were first formed, and quantities of yellow chrysanthe- mums. The window curtains and the portieres were re- moved and draperies of yellow cheese-cloth substituted, and over these trailed the pale clematises. Among the vines on the mantel were set tall candles with yellow shades ; the old brass candlesticks were brought out for the buffet and side table. The table had no cloth but a large square of fringed yellow cheese-cloth in its center, and there were doilies of the same material under the principal dishes. A tall, old-fashioned lamp with white porcelain shade stood in the middle, with a cylinder of black canvas, covering all but the white shade around it. A single thickness of cheese-cloth over the shade tem- pered the light still further, and the space immediately outside the tall black column of the lamp was in deep shadow. ' Quantities — one might almost say heaps — of clematis vines piled irregularly in this shadowed space gave a still weirder effect to the four witches standing at intervals, with their outstretched brooms, ready to take flight. The witches were jointed dolls, dressed in long black cloaks, lined with yellow, with their hair drawn un- der the high-crowned black hats, and the brooms, the 82 ZNTLILTAINJ^LNIS TOK ALL SEASONS ten-cent toy variety, with their handles painted black. The china was white, with narrow yellow bands ; and there were dishes of pop-corn and small baked sweet apples. Fancy baskets, wreathed with chrysanthemums, held large yellow apples and various kinds of nuts ; there were plates of ginger snaps, oat-meal cookies, little nut- shaped fruit cakes and lemon-jelly tarts, with loaves of sponge and frosted pound cakes ; and there were rolled sandwiches, filled with orange marmalade, and tied with narrow yellow ribbons. Other sandwiches — of highly seasoned minced egg and ham, chicken, and brown bread with cheese — were handed around, after all the guests were seated, with the hot rolls and coffee. Beside each place-card was a small Japanese bowl of yellow and black ware, holding three small white candles — the kind used on Christmas trees — held upright in chestnut bur saucers by means of pins thrust through the burs and into the candles. At each end of the table was a larger bowl of the same ware, covered with a square of black gauze. When the guests had taken their places, they were told to wish for three things : one for each of the candles beside them, and for as many candles as burned beyond the striking of the clock, the wishes would come true, each in order according to the time the candle burned ; the wish belonging to the candle which burned the longest, of course, to come first on the list of good things in the future. It had been necessary to ex- periment with these candles to find the average time of burning, that a sufficient proportion among them should survive the time limit ; and in each bowl a little water was poured — just enough to keep the chestnut burs thor- oughly wet — but not enough to raise them from the china. When the ceremony of lighting w^as over, a hush fell, as the tiny candles gleamed brilliantly on the waiting faces, and there was more than one real sigh as a flame rose, fell, and then, for an instant, rose again, before the final quenching which signified the failure of another wish. The room was absolutely still, save for the crackling of the wood-fire on the hearth, when the clock struck the TOli HALLOWE'EN 83 first note of the midnight chime, and, as if to mark the moment, several tiny flames flickered and went out to- gether. It was before the spell was broken that the black covers were lifted from the yellow bowls, and each guest was asked to choose one from among the nuts that lay therein. These were English walnuts, tied around with narrow ribbons — yellow and white together for the girls, black and yellow for the men — and from each nut the meat had been removed and a selected quotation put in its place. These quotations, a few of which are ap- pended, were as diverse in character as possible, and chanced in some cases to be peculiarly appropriate, and they added not a little to the pleasure of the niidnight feast. *' By a sweet path now thou wanderest." " I pray thee be less good, less sweet, less wise." » "Thoulack'st not Friendship's spell word." " And if for some I keep a nobler place, I keep for none a happier place than thee." "To-morrow? Ay, to-morrow thou shalt buy them." " Lie slumbering, with forgetfulness oppressed." *' Blessed in thy deeds as in thy fame, What lengthened honors wait thy name." *' Lag not now, though rough the way. Fortune's mood brooks no delay." IX Thanksgiving Dinners and Retinions Harvest Home festivities nPHE suburban hostess of November finds a lavishness ^ in nature to help her. Blazing by the roadside, if the fall is late, are sprays of delinquent golden rod. Feathery clematis waves over stone walls and Michaelmas daisies linger to look, with their starry blossoms aglow with faith, into the gray sky. Bittersweet, too, may be gathered for the simple fee of labor. Surely a hostess lacks nothing to aid her decorative art, for Autumn, our handmaiden, is at the door, and the charm of an interior room may be the self- same charm of Nature's larger room, if given sympathetic gleaning and nimble fingers fulfill a mission of good taste. But there are multitudes who have no access to forest, field or wood. The high walls of civilization shut them under city roofs. However, even tiny apartments may often breathe the true spirit of hospitality and prove perfect scenes for the gathering together of happy guests. The autumn is essentially a season tor reunion. Nature itself is being garnered and housed. When har- vests are plentiful, the spirit of the nation is for generosity and good cheer. Whether your home be in the city or country, there is reason to rejoice — is there not? — when Thanksgiving Day, our National Harvest Home, appears upon the calendar of the year. In every heart there should be some special reason for thankfulness. Gather in your friends, then, to rejoice with you. Let me give two suggestions for the autumn hostess. The first for the country woman, the second for her city-bred sister. If we have a late fall, and the November temperature permits, no form of entertainment THANKSGIVING DINNEKS AND REUNIONS 85 could be more representative of a harvest-home rejoicing on the farm than an old-fashioned barn-dance. The hay in the loft is a picturesque addition, yet great care must be taken in the placing of lights, lest the sudden blaze of a lantern lead to a disastrous fire. For this reason, no Japanese paper lanterns should be used within the barn, although they add greatly to the festal air if they are plentifully swung among the trees along the road on which the guests must come. Great shocks of corn may effectively be placed in three corners, of the barn, and in the fourth a picturesque bower for the musican may be created by grouping hem- lock and cedar boughs to form an arched recess. The fragrant, spicy odors become an additional pleasure. Within this retreat Jack-o'-lanterns formed of the mirth- provoking pumpkin should be suspended, and much merriment will arise if the faces of the jovial Jacks are varied by the burlesque wink of one pumpkin eye, or the contagious up-lift of the laughing yellow lips. Upon a primitive three-legged stool within this leafy seclusion an old-time fiddler should hold sway. If he will submit to wearing a costume, the reproduction of that of a court- jester is appropriate. His bright red cap gives a dash of color in the green-wood, and his suspended bells yield a jingling accompaniment to the soaring strains of the fiddle. Old-fashioned dances are best for such an occasion. Waltzes, polkas, the lanciers, a quadrille, and as a grand finale, partners should be chosen for the Virginia Reel. A few games may happily vary the entertainment of the evening. ''Oats, Peas, Beans," ''The Muffin Man,'' *'The Mulberry Bush" and "Little Sallie Waters Sitting in the Sun ' ' will revive the youthful memories of your guests, and bring much added mirth. If there is in the barn an adjoining harness-room, it may be cleared to provide the scene of a corn-husking. Do not forget that the tradition of the red ear gives to the finder the same privilege accorded by the over-shadowing mistletoe of Christmastide, 86 ZNTEHTAINNZNTS TOK ALL SEASONS If the hostess thinks that the guests would not object to a decided preparation of toilette she may ask them to come in Indian costume ; for the blanketed squaws and feather-crowned chiefs are in very true harmony with a harvest-home celebration. Or if preferred, let them appear in Colonial costume, to represent the Pilgrim Fathers, who gave the first Thanksgiving feast to the red- skins of Plymouth. The invitations, engraved or written, may read as follows : The honor of your presence is requested at a Harvest Home Barn Dance. Indian or Wicopee Farm. Colonial Costume. The menu can, with propriety, be a small repetition of an old-time Thanksgiving feast. Cold Turkey. Sally Lunn or Virginia Hoe Cake. Chicken or Celery Salad. Cranberry Tarts. Pumpkin Pie. And as a beverage, sweet cider served in mugs of quaint design. These mugs will be appreciated souvenirs of the occasion, if you care to bestow them upon your guests. The city hostess faces a different problem as she plans in her house or apartment an appropriate November party. Call it, if you will, an Assembly of the Thankful, and ask your guests, as they enter, to write upon a card some special reason for national or individual gratitude. The man and woman who convey the greatest similarity in these expressions of benefits received should become partners for the evening of fun which is to follow. Hallowe'en games may be played. Bobbing for apples, roasting chestnuts, walking backward with a mirror to see the face of a future life-partner, and any or all of the other merriments which abound on Witches' Night. Or an informal musicale will diminish greatly the THANKSGIVINQ DINNEKS AND 'REUNIONS 87 problem of entertainment. A pretty game of forfeits may also be played at the close of the evening. Introduce '' Jack-o'-lantern, Magican and Magistrate/* and forthwith cause to appear a huge Jack-o'-lantern. It may be borne in like a Christmas boar's head, upon a large platter, or may be unveiled where it stands hereto- fore hidden upon an adjacent table. The pumpkin from which it is formed should previously have been divided in as many pieces as the guests number. These sections are replaced by the sticky aid of a thin mucilage of gelatine, or Jack may wear a hair-ribbon or wreath of laurel to complete his perfect amalgamation of parts. Invite the guests to draw a slice, and each will find hidden within a written card telling the finder's fortune and the forfeits each must pay to deserve it. For instance, a few might read : 1. To become rich and prosperous. Dance a jig. 2. To attain fame. Sing your loudest song. 3. To become very patriotic. Sing '^ America.^ ^ 4. To attain a power of expression. Define the sensations of mirth and fear. These may be varied indefinitely. No two should be alike, and as each is drawn from the magic pumpkin the holder, if he or she wishes to attain Jack's promise, must pay the forfeit by the accomplishment of the prescribed feat. For refreshments, serve ices in various fruit forms, whigs (made after an old English recipe), grapes, or plum pudding (alight with flame), raisins, nuts and coffee. In city or country, wherever you become the almoner of the happiness of the guests you favor by invitation, let natural light-heartedness be the spirit of the evening. In true hospitality, as indeed in all the manifestations of social life, reality and sincerity, not pomp and display, are the tests of nobility. Be proud to reign in your domain of home. Let your greetings be sincere, your laugh one of unaffected merriment, your hospitality glad and free. So shall you and your guests enjoy with thanksgiving a happy Harvest Home. S8 ZNTZnjAlNNLNTS TOK ALL SEASONS A Thanksgiving Tea XHE month of November brings to us wonderful golden -*- days of nature — days tiptoeing on the brink of summer and winter. With glowing faces and whis- pered wind secrets, these days come and go as a vision. The corn is stacked in the field ; the leaves, tanned and browned, play underneath the very arms of the naked, storm-stripped trees — and then with the passing of the summer, nature veils herself under impenetrable mists. There comes a lull, and the heart of man pauses with na- ture and says : ** Let us give thanks to the God of the Harvest.^* The Governor's proclamation for a day of prayer and thanksgiving comes at this time. Men in giving thanks assemble together, and it is oftentimes a thanksgiving in the homes for the gathering in of the absent members, quite as much as a national day of rejoicing over the garnered crops. It often happens that a member of a family at home for only a day or so, has but little oppor- tunity of [seeing friends outside of the family. Thanks- giving Day is therefore an admirable time to give a tea in honor of the home-comer, and owing to the nature of the day the decorations and refreshments require but little thought, for certain "gifts of Nature's fields," as well as certain edibles, have come to mean '' Thanksgiving Day." 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 com where the ear is red, tied by means of a bow of yellow ribbon to the chandelier, admits of the same suggestion as the mistle- toe of Christmas time, and makes a pretty spot of color, besides being the cause of much quiet fun. THANKSGIVING DINNEKS AND REUNIONS 89 Tea should be served at small tables, everything being brought from the dining-room table, which, besides the viands which it holds, has nothing to embellish it but a huge bowl of red and yellow chrysanthemums and a trailing bit of smilax wandering here and there over the white cloth. The small tea-tables need have no orna- ment but their white cloths, as everything is served from the dining-room, but tiny pumpkins hollowed out just enough to hold little bunches of red and yellow chrysan- themums make a pretty centerpiece. For an event of this sort the entertainment would naturally be informal, and the gathering about small tables for the refreshments is a much pleasanter way than the old plan of being forced to manage a plate with salad or ice, standing with scarce elbow room, and little excuse for agreeable con- versation with an equally uncomfortable companion. The menu can be simple. Turkey salad with lettuce and cranberry sandwiches. Ices in the shapes of small chickens, turkeys, or an ear of corn or bunch of grapes, would be appropriate, with fancy cakes and coffee. A pretty feature is to have a pumpkin table brought in during the refreshments and 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 : A small, highly polished table (mahogany is perhaps the richest in effect), a dainty embroidered centerpiece upon it, and standing on this either a silver dish which holds a large pumpkin, or the dish may be dispensed with and the pumpkin rest directly on the white cloth. 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 ap- ples, oranges, bananas and grapes ; trailing here and there among them a few red leaves, or if these cannot be ob- tained owing to the lateness of the season, 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 90 ZNT:znTAINJ^ENTS TOK ALL SEASONS the occasion — 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 seeds, which have been gathered together. The prize for the guest that guesses the near- est can be a little hom-of-plenty drinking glass. If one wishes to give souvenirs of the occasion, charming little pencils can be obtained that have the lead pushed out from a miniature ear of corn. This feature, however, is quite unnecessary. Music always ^^ hath charms," and if the hostess can arrange to have her tea part reception and part musicale it will surely be charming. The singing of a hymn of Harvest Home could conclude the music, adding char- acter to the occasion. The Thanksgiving tea will be found by my readers to be a happy idea for this reason : Like all other festivals, the merriment of the day has its tide, its ebb and flow of amusement, and after the dinner of reunion, as the after- noon wears away, the ebb tide becomes noticeable. Therefore, the invitation from outside becomes doubly agreeable. It is pleasant for home-comers to rejoice with other home-comers, and the day of good cheer ending in the giving and receiving of hospitality will be marked by a feeling of thankfulness that comes not only from past benefits bestowed, but from present favors received. ^^ By Way of Decoration *' 1X7 HAT are you going to have on the table for ' ' Thanksgiving ?" was the incessant question asked by the little ones when Thanksgiving Day began to show on their horizon. ** I give it up," replied the lady of ex- hausted ideas. But the question was repeated many times and oft, and the day grew nearer and nearer. The dinner was planned and the guests invited, and as yet no ray of light had appeared. There is always fruit in abundance, and chrysanthemums are in the height of their season, and no THANKSGIVING DINNERS AND 'REUNIONS 91 one need have a bare table with a good dinner on it ; yet an idea and a novel decoration is worth an extra course to the dinner, and not many ideas grow on bushes for the picking, nor are they to be bought. With a blind faith Miladi started for market on Wednesday morning, followed with '* Haven't you found out yet what you're going to put on the table to-morrow ?" ringing in her ears, yet full of a sublime faith that it would be *'all right somehow." She walked on, down this street and that ; she gave the order to butcher, baker and grocer for what had not already been prepared, and found herself on the way home. ** But the table !" she thought with consternation. Just then she passed a toy store, and then and there rose out of her ocean of despair the solution of her trouble, ^'the Mayflower of 1904," fit successor of her namesake that had borne across the mighty waters Miladi' s ancestors — a lot of them. It was only a toy boat, innocent and useless, but it was a brave inspiration, and with her full ship in her head Miladi turned her about, and walked and walked, and handled all the big green squashes in all the stores, until she found one just the size and shape to cut in two pieces to make the hull of her vessel. Then she bought nice smooth sticks from the florist, large enough for mast and boom ; she bought cord and white paper from the stationer, for sails and rigging, and home she went. When Milord came home from business she took him into her confidence, because he was an expert with a carving knife, and had also a nautical education (lim- ited), and as she unfolded the scheme, he quite compre- hended and promised to do his part. When the family was summoned to sit down to the feast, they found ''The Mayflower of 1904 " (so writ upon her mainsail) full rigged, and loaded with a goodly cargo of fruits of all kinds, sailing on a beautiful, smooth sea of looking glass — a big mirror from the upper regions — toward the end of the table, where reposed Plymouth 92 ZNTE'RTAINJ^ZNTS TOK ALL SEASONS Rock, surrounded by the ** rock-bound coast," and an occasional shell deposit (accumulated in journeys from Maine to the Gulf of Mexico). Contrary to the original state of things, lovely ferns were luxuriant around the '' rock-bound coast," and deli- cate "stevia" blossoms hid the ocean's boundaries, but it was '^The Mayflower of 1904," not 1620, and things have changed in a few hundred years. When the little folks and the big folks came to the dinner-table they all said: ''Why, we've never had so pretty a table before," and they all talked about it, and didn't know whether they had a good dinner or not, and praised Miladi for being so ' ' cute ' ' and Milord for being so expert, and for having had a nautical education. A Unique Table Decoration A SCARECROW caricature from a well-known maga- ^^ zine gave the hint which developed into an im- posing sight when the dining-room doors were gently rolled apart and this wonderful vara avis appeared to the waiting guests. A large yellow squash of just the requisite shape came easily into the possession of the decorator, four carrots of sufficient size to uphold the bulk of the bird, and a long, slender carrot very nearly the color of the squash served as the neck of this remarkable specimen. A long, white turnip with red base was the bird's head, and two slices of carrot made the ears. The eyes were cranberries stuck in with toothpicks, and a comb of toothpicks with cranberries on the ends made him a lordly sight. Around his neck was a collar of toothpicks, and a bunch of parsley made a graceful and appropriate tail. The neck was slender enough to vibrate gently when the waitress walked around the room, and altogether, for a thing of its composite make-up, it had a startlingly life-like appearance. A ruffie or circular mat of crimped tissue paper, green in color, was his background, and all around him were THANKSGIVING DINNLKS AND REUNIONS 93 pop-corn balls for him to graze upon should he feel so inclined. Upon various spaces around and about this bird of the first magnitude were lesser marvels in the ornitho- logical line, and some reptiles as well. Red and white onions that had natural tails were adorned with cranberry or raisin eyes and toothpick legs, and assigned graceful attitudes on the green. A cucumber slashed along the side, with red eyes and antenncB of fierce proportions, had a realistic and hor- rible green cockroach effect. Turtles made of fat raisins with cloves for legs and head, were small but effective adornments. Radishes lent themselves to the adornment of the feast, for this was all obtained in a city market, where season does not enter into the consideration of the artist or housekeeper, and cucumbers or other garden vegetables are procurable at any time. Still, these mon- strosities were not indispensable, and His Majesty stood proudly rampant, ^ ' the noblest Roman of them all, ' ' and a monument to the possibilities of a decorative hand and the things which are in nearly all barns and larders in the land at this season of the year. The dinner? What did it matter? Everybody ate all he could, at each round discovering some new specimen of bird, beast or fish that had escaped his glance, and laughing enough to digest anything there was served, even if it had been underdone or dried up in the process of preparation. And then, besides all this, which made talk and laughter and fun, there was this other, which is summed up in the words of the wise man : ^* A dinner of herbs where love is, is better than a stalled ox and hatred therewith." Suggestions for the Church Bazaar T Two Ways of Raising Money ONE WAY — A MEMORY TABLE O those having in charge the planning and work of church fairs and suppers, the soHciting of food or articles for sale is not always a pleasant part of their duties. We who have tried it know that it takes a good deal of courage and perseverance to ask the same people, again and again, to contribute to the needs of the occasion. Consequently, a new departure suggested by one of our members was gladly welcomed. The suggestion was this, that a committee be appointed to look up the names and addresses of those living in other localities, who at some time in the past had been either members of our society or in some way interested in it. To these persons letters were sent soliciting the contribution of any articles they might choose to send that would be suitable for sale. In response to these requests a large number of articles were received, which found a readier sale from "^ the fact that they were contributed by old friends and acquaintances. Our memory sale proved a great success, and a very satisfactory increase in the treasury was the result. ANOTHER WAY Can you tell us some new way of raising money to meet our expenses ? This is an ever recurring question among church workers. SUGGESTIONS TOK THE CHUKCH SAZAAR 9$ To those who are tired of church suppers, sale tables, and the like, the ** Calendar" plan may prove a welcome change. Select some person to represent the year, who for the honor conferred will be willing to contribute one, three or five dollars ; this person must agree to find twelve persons to represent the months ; each of these persons agrees to pay for that privilege fifty cents. Each month is to find four persons to represent the weeks, and each week will contribute as his or her share twenty-five cents. Each week is expected to find seven persons or days ; each day to subscribe ten cents. The sums here named are optional and may be increased or diminished according to the conditions of the society. Nor is it necessary that the entire calendar be represented by different persons ; one person by paying the sums agreed upon may represent not only a month, but also the weeks and days. An Old-fashioned Bazaar T*HE old-fashioned bazaar, with its numerous booths, ^ meant a great deal of work for a small amount of money, and there were almost always many articles left unsold which somebody must be induced to purchase. A much better way is to have a sale of some common article which everybody needs and which can be sold at a reasonable price. One of the most unwise things that people do who have charge of bazaars is to expect their purchasers to pay two prices for some piece of fancy-work for which they have no use. Rummage sales, from which societies have realized so much, owed a part of their popularity to the fact that so little labor, in com- parison to the net return, was expended in getting them ready. An apron sale, at which aprons of every description, from the dainty ruffled ones of figured organdy, for afternoon wear, to the big gingham kitchen apron, are 96 ENTZ-RTAINNENTS FOU ALL SEASONS sold, is much less work than the ordinary bazaar, and usually brings in more money. A sofa pillow sale is sure to be popular, especially if held just before the holidays. One cannot have too many pillows, and very few people find time to make all they would like to have. A handkerchief bazaar, to which the following invi- tation may be sent out, may be made one of the prettiest of affairs : '* GREETING " To our friends, whether far or near, We crave your kind attention ; Do please to lend us now your ear, While we a subject mention. The will hold, On a day not distant far. If we have been correctly told, A ' Handkerchief Bazaar.' So this, then, is our plea in brief, To help along our enterprise. That you shall send a handkerchief, Regardless of its kind or size. To be without a handkerchief You know is quite distressing, And so we ask that one you'll send ; 'Twill surely bring a blessing." It is such a slight request that very few people will refuse it. The result is usually a great many handker- chiefs that can be sold at moderate prices, and perhaps some more elaborate ones which may be sold at auction. The booth where the bazaar is held may be decorated with the handkerchiefs. The big bandannas make very effective backgrounds for the dainty ones of lace and embroidery. Yet the newest and oddest of all is a ^^ Calico Carni- val.^' It is guaranteed to furnish more amusement than any other kind of a social. 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 ; SUGGESTIONS FOR THZ CHUKCN SAZAAK 97 *' 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 — , 19 — , admission fifteen cents. ** Conspicuous courses served in confused compactness : One conglomerated compound circle. One cup communi- cative cordial (containing no chicory), or one cup of Chinese cheer, or one cup of choice churned cream and one cider cured cucumber, and one cup of cold comfort. *' Rules and Regulations: All ladies to wear a calico gown, also requested to bring half a pound of carefully cut carpet rags. All gentlemen to wear a calico tie and kindly requested to bring a thimble. '' 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 con- veniences that will be a constant comfort. ** N. B. — Any person who sits in a corner and refuses to converse will be fined five cents. " This sale of calico conveniences will begin at ." Of course, everybody came. The lines and admissions alone would have paid the ladies for the trouble of getting up the carnival. 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. ^^ A Morning Glory Fair A T a church fair the flower-booth attracted special no- -^ tice. It was decorated with morning glories made of crepe paper, in different colors. The flowers were pro- fusely 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 98 ZNTLKTAINNLNTS TOK ALL SEASONS glory trimming, and were in light summer dresses. Several 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, in cups that 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. There was a Chinese laundry in one corner of the room, w^hich proved an attraction for the children. Five and ten-cent packages were given out in return for realistic pink checks covered with Chinese hieroglyphics. These checks were procured and paid for at an adjacent table, and presented at the laundry, and in return the children received packages resembling laundry bundles. Pink paper checks decorated the booth and the attendant was dressed as John Chinaman. A Walking Grab-Bag A FAIR which can furnish a walking grab-bag for the -^ children will be well repaid in nickels, which will add a neat little sum to the general fund. Unlike the station- ary grab-bag of fifteen or twenty years ago, into which our eager hands used to dive, this has the novelty of never being two minutes in one place, but it is everywhere the children are. The person inside the bag should be bright and lively, as well as original. An old woman in cap and spectacles, with a white kerchief worn surplice fashion, pleases the children immensely. Her dress must contain innumerable pockets in all sorts of funny places — high up for the taller children, and low down for wee toddlers. The bag is more attractive if an old-fashioned hoop- skirt is worn ; this brings the pockets, with their mysteri- ous packages protruding from them, into greater prom- inence, and creates more sport for the little ones. The wearer of this quaint costume is usually kept busy as long as the grabs last. SUGGESTIONS FOK THE CHWRCH SAZAAH 99 If the fair is held in a large hall where there is plenty of room, two people, costumed differently, may represent, one a five and the other a ten-cent grab-bag. It is well for each to be provided with a little whistle, and should the sales lag this will usually summon a fresh crowd of grabbers. The articles selected to fill the pockets should be of uniform value, and as far as possible be worth the money invested. A Measuring Party COMETHING novel for charity functions is always being ^ sought, and some bright person planned a measuring party. The invitations sent out, or the advertisement printed either on circulars or in the local paper, should read some- thing like the following doggerel, which was composed by a young lady for one of these entertainments, in aid of the preaching fund of a small country church : "A measuring party is given to you; 'Tis something novel as well as new. Measure your height on door or wall ; Bring two cents for each foot tall, An extra half-penny for each inch give, And thereby show how high you live. The people of church get the money. They work all the day And get you a supper for very little pay. With music and song and pleasure so hearty We will greet you, one and all, At our * Measuring Party.' " A supper should be provided and some other enter- tainment. Booths may be added for the sale of lemonade, candy, etc. 99 Entertainment for a Church Sociable FVlSTRIBUTE cards or slips of paper on each of which ^ is written a number and the name of some animal, as rat, horse, elephant, turtle, etc., no two being alike. Next distribute cakes of common white chewing wax — obtainable at any confectioner's — to those having cards. 100 ZNTEKTAINNZNIS FOK ALL SEASONS Tell each one to chew his wax and with it make a repre- sentation of the animal named on his card, offering a prize for the best work. A certain time is allowed for doing this, at the end of which the figures with the cards belonging to them are placed on a table set apart for that purpose, and a committee previously appointed decides on the prizes. Something inexpensive, such as a flowering plant, may be given to the best artist, and a five-cent toy animal to the poorest A "Box Table" A T a church fair held annually in a thriving manufac- ^ turing city, a "box table ^' has for several years fur- nished quite an addition to the net proceeds. For those who object to grab boxes, voting-tables, and other lottery schemes, this offers a pleasing substitute ; while at the same time exciting the curiosity which usually ensures a liberal patronage. Although the contents of the boxes are unknown to the purchasers, they are bound to contain something fully equal in value to the price paid, which, at this particular fair, has always been the sum of twenty-five cents. One person finds, on opening her box, that it contains nothing of greater or less value than that of her neighbor, conse- quently no ill feelings arise. The lady in charge of the table asks for contributions of boxes which shall contain some useful or fancy article worth just twenty-five cents. When all the donations have been handed in, they are found to consist of boxes large and small, oblong, square, and of a variety of colors ; these are neatly wrapped in paper and securely tied. The purchasers are given their choice as to size and shape, and are rarely dissatisfied with their bar- gains. Over the table in large letters, is the sign "Box Table," and sometimes a variety of prettily decorated boxes suspended from strings of evergreen render it more attractive. SUGGESTIONS FOU. THE CHURCH SAZAAH 101 The fact that the articles cannot be seen until they have been purchased, lends a degree of mystery which warrants quick sales, and the quarters count up quite rapidly, with the right person behind the table. A Poppy Fair A POPPY fair gives great satisfaction. The decorations -^ present a brilliant effect where each table has its own particular color. While the scarlet poppy is most effective, other colors blend in very prettily ; even black and white, with yellow centers, are very attractive. Paper poppies are easily and quickly made, the large petals requiring less dexterity in cutting than those of smaller flowers. At a fair of this kind, not only were the tables decorated with them, but all the attendants wore poppies corresponding to the color of their tables, in their hair and upon their dress, wherever a branch could be effectively placed. Little flower girls in white, with wreaths of scarlet poppies on their heads, carried baskets of them suspended from their necks by ribbons, and found ready customers for them at five cents a poppy. The supper-room was draped with festoons of poppies in scarlet and black with yellow centers, and the effect was brilliant. Much of the fancy-work upon the different tables displayed poppies either in embroidery or painting. Flower Fetes 'THE Hani-ichi, or open air flower market of Japan, -*- offers a novel suggestion for the arrangement of a flower stall at a fair or a flower show. The stall should be covered with evergreens and brilliantly lighted with paper lanterns. The attendants wear Japanese costumes and have their hair dressed elaborately with chrysanthe- mums and plum blossoms. At this stall chrysanthemums, fern balls and any other Japanese plants and flowers that can be procured are sold. Japanese hop and grape vines 102 ZNTE-RTAINNENTS TOK ALL SEASONS are easily raised from seeds ; they are very graceful and the leaves prettily marked. Plant them in little blue and white china bowls and train up on cane trellises. These vines will have to be planted some weeks in advance of the fair. Bulbs of the gold-rayed lily and packets of Japanese morning-glory seeds may also be sold. The flowers and seeds may be obtained from any reputable seedsman at a discount. This flower stall will be quite attractive at a fair held in a town where these Japanese flowers are novelties, and quite a good sum of money will be realized. Another pretty idea for a flower stall is to have it presided over by Mistress Mary and her fair maidens all in a row. The stall is built like the quaint latticed porch of a cottage, and the cut and potted flowers and plants are arranged on the shelves and steps. Mis- tress Mary, of course, wears a cotton gown with bouffant panniers, high-heeled slippers and a big garden hat. The fair maidens are dressed to represent different flowers. Charming costumes of cheesecloth, tarlatan or crepe paper, may be made with little expense. When the flower stall is to be placed in the center of the fair room, a round summer house with a canopy roof is a most attractive model. The plants and flowers are arranged on a table in the center of the summer house, which leaves the shelf on the top of the railing entirely free for the jars of cut flowers, while the hanging baskets and vases may be suspended from the roof. This summer house is painted white, and swarms of crepe paper butter- flies hover airly and gracefully over the canopy and around the posts by means of invisible wires. The last night of the fair these butterflies are sold, and thus help to swell the profits. The butterflies are an especially appropriate and dainty decoration for a flower stall, besides they cost very little and are not difficult to make. Neat- ness and an eye for color are the only requisites for evolving whole clouds of butterflies from crepe paper. The majority should be of delicate hues, with rings and eyes of gold and colored flitters ; but a few gorgeous black, crimson and blue butterflies will add to the eflec- SUGGESTIONS FOn THE CHUUCH 'BAZAA'R 103 tiveness of the swarms. The attendants at this stall wear a halo of butterflies around their heads, and groups poised over their shoulders. There are two ways of making the butterflies ; the less troublesome way is to cut off pieces of paper, pleat each through the middle and draw through a small clothespin. Then take the stiff paper pattern, put it over the unfinished crepe paper butterfly and cut out the wings by it. Next add antennae and paint the wings. The better way is to make a tapering roll of raw cotton, cover with paper and tie near the top for the head. Pleat up a piece of paper, wind with wire and glue the body to it. When dry cut out the wings, and paint. ^^ A rood Sale 'THIS is more satisfactory than a fair in many ways. It ^ can be quickly gotten up, customers are never want- ing and returns are very gratifying. No extra trimming of booth or chapel is necessary ; and besides replenishing a depleted treasury, those who have invested their money in a good cause have something in return which has made the work at home lighter, and given them a chance to buy something besides the ** baker's stuff'' which one at times is forced to invest in. At several such sales the tables were cleared within an hour ; many going even half an hour later than the time set, were in many instances obliged to return empty- handed. The first one of the sales above mentioned was held by a Hospital Aid Society, and was confined to cake and candy, the latter predominating. The sale was held at the home of a member, and was announced by flyers and by the local papers. The tables fairly groaned beneath their load of sweets, but one customer, Mrs. R , who arrived upon the scene an hour from the opening of the sale, found nothing but candy left. The hostess informed her that she could easily have disposed of twenty more loaves of cake. At this sale, chocolate at five cents a cup was served, also frapp^ at five cents a glass. 104 ENTEKTAINNZNTS FOJi ALL SEASONS The next two sales were also confined to cake and candy, in each case with candy in excess. At last it was decided by the Alliance of a certain church to hold a food sale. Members of the Alliance all promised to contribute some article of food. At two o'clock, the hour at which the sale opened, the tables of the chapel where it was held displayed * ' an array of good things innumerable." There was bread — white, oatmeal, graham and brown ; jellied chicken, ham, tongue and corn beef in slices ; pies of various kinds, jellies, cake and fresh-laid eggs. The cake was sold in sheets, half sheets and quarter, if desired. The bread in the same way, and as it was Saturday, this quickly vanished. Pies were sold in halves, or whole. The oatmeal bread w^as disposed of before it found place upon the table ; and this leads me to remark that bread of the coarse variety is more readily sold than white. Mrs. R made strenuous efforts to attend this sale, and appeared upon the scene early, prepared to pick and choose. The sale had been going on just half an hour, and the sales had been brisk ; she had the following ar- ticles from which to select: Two apple pies, a loaf of white bread, one-half loaf of fruit cake, a loaf of sponge cake and a plate of lemon jelly. As oatmeal bread and cake had been her chief desire, again was Mrs. R doomed to disappointment. She has decided the next time to take a basket lunch and be on hand immediately after breakfast. An Old-time Market for a Fair A RRANGE the tables like market-booths, with a vege- -^ table garden [in which to serve refreshments. Vega- tables are easily made from tissue papers stuffed with cotton. They make pretty souvenirs. Some fresh vege- tables might also be used. The following is a short list of booths : 7. Jack O' Lantern ^ The Rev. Belford Clarke, ^yiemoers oj Missionary at Issaqua, Manitoba. the Society. Janie, Rev. Belford Clarke's Servant. Sarah, Johnnie, A Maid Servant. Brother ^/ Janie. Scene I. — Drawing-room^ elegantly appointed, in Mrs. Wilkins' s house. Discovers Mrs. Wilkins extrava- gantly gowned, seated at table reading letters. It is terrible ! Reports from Alaska to our Home Missionary Society inform us that ' ' the missionaries there are living on pemmican and seal blubber, and holding their meetings in native ice huts. The Rev. Ponsonby de Witt Stevenson contracted a severe cold by preaching from a chunk of frozen snow, and his wife, while wander- ing out on an ice floe with her youngest child, spearing walruses for breakfast, was shot and severely wounded by a hostile Indian, who pretended to mistake her and the child — owing to their fur overcoats — for a polar she-bear and cub. Miss Sarah Samantha Jones, assistant superin- tendent of the mission school, has resigned because of a difference with the chief superintendent, she having ex- pressed a desire to surprise each native child with a 210 LNTZ'RJAINJ^ZNTS FOK ALL SEASONS Japanese fan and parasol from the Christmas tree. Treasury empty, and no money to pay Miss Jones's fare back to Tar Center, N. C. Urgent need of funds.*' Matters even worse in the Indian field. Six hundred Sioux warriors besiege the mission encampment and demand roast missionary for Thanksgiving Day dinner. Troops disperse the malcontents, but missionaries abandon this field and are waiting for funds to pay their fare home. Chinese mob attacks the mission at Chin Pow, and smashes the bamboo village with clubs. The Rev. Jona- than Belton finds his theological library on the cook's kitchen table, and Mrs. Jonathan Belton' s nursery cots floating around in the Chinese laundry on the opposite side of the compound. Urgent need of funds to rebuild missionary settlement. Annual report from South Sea Island field. Great need of money to replant this quarter of the Vineyard. Natives, having forsaken the precepts of former pastors and teachers, return to their old savage habits. Wear nothing but celluloid cuff buttons and palmetto hats. Burn incense to the sun and serve a sailor up in the form of soup, who was unlucky enough to be cast away on their shores. Dear me ! this is shocking ! Loud call for money. ''Your congregation is asked to contribute this year to this great cause. Clothe the naked" — I should think so ! " Feed the hungry. ' ' But not with sailor soup! ''Freely give." Ah, but how little? I mean, how much? What have we in the treasury? \^Lifts elega7itly jeweled vase from drawmg-room mantel and ejnpties contents into her lap] A ten-dollar bill, three dimes and an old copper cent. What's this? A tin tobacco tag? Mrs. Smith's little boy Reginald must have dropped this in ! I wonder [Medita- tively'] if little Reginald would work up well into South Sea soup? Well, I must lay these matters before the missionary meeting to-day. This ten-dollar bill \^Firmly] is to go toward buying a pair of trousers for our missionary in Manitoba. The poor man shall not go without trousers afwther winter, APAKLOnPLAY 211 if I can help it! {^Starts and looks embarrassed'] I mean, of course, winter trousers ! Come in, Sarah. Sarah, The missionary society, ma'am. They're in the Hbrary. Mrs. Wilkins. Show them in here. \_Enter Six Ladies, exquisitely gowned, jeweled, be furred and befeathered. Each carries work bag and bundle of cloth, Mrs. Wilkins greets them effusively. They seat themselves and begin to work. Miss FiSKE unrolls a pair of long striped woolen stockings and knits vigor misty. Miss Harper fits a sleeve into a red flannel shirt. Mrs. Robinson turns up the hem of a checked gingham, apron] Mrs. Robinson. What is the matter, Mrs. Wilkins? You look terribly blue. Mrs. Wilkins. Blue? I should think so ! Read these reports and pass them around to the others. You will see why I am blue. \_Society distributes papers and reads, each m^ember making some sign of surprise and disjnay] Mrs. Wilkins. [Tragically] The whole foreign field seems to have gone to pieces ! Mrs. Robinson. And it looks as if the Lippincott Square Church was depended on to put it together again. Miss Fiske. [Decidedly] Well, if that's the case, let's set Alaska down in the South Sea to warm up that territory a little, and give the Sioux Indians a chance at those Chinese mobs. That would straighten matters out. Mrs. Wilkins. [Dolefully] Ah, but it's no joking matter ! We are expected to do more this year than we did last, or be disgraced forever in the eyes of the mission boards. Miss Fiske. [Calmly] Well, I don't see how they can expect anything more of me. Last year I knit a pair of socks. This year [Holding up her work at arm-^s length] I am making stockings ! 212 ZNTZJiTAINNZNTS FOR ALL SEASONS Mrs. Smith. How much money did we raise last year, dear Mrs. Wilkins? Mrs. Wtlki?ts. [ Counting on her fingers'] For the Madagascar mission, one dollar and a quarter. I remember, because it cost us just a quarter to send the dollar. Fiji Islands, Shanghai and Ecuador, three-fifty each. The calls from these places were very loud. M7^s. Robins 071. {^Meditatively'] I suppose because they are so far away? Mrs. Wilkins. [Doubtfully] I think we divided five dollars among the remaining ten fields. At the end of this fiscal year we have ten dollars and thirty-one cents in the treasury. Mrs. Jones. And ten dollars of that we have pledged ourselves to appropriate to the missionary in Manitoba. We cannot \_Fan7iing he7^self vigo7^ously] lose sight of the articles of wearing apparel which we have decided to give him, for an instant. I take my stand, as vice-presi- dent of the society, on them ! M7'S. Wilki7is. \_Soothingly] Why, of course, Mrs. Jones, we must keep our promises to Manitoba ! M7's. Robinso7i. {Meditatively] That leaves us just thirty-one cents with which to rebuild the Chinese mission settlement, plant a mission colony in the South Sea — islands, I mean, of course — and furnish Alaska with w^hat it seems to need most, base-burner stoves, hot water bags and magnifying spectacles for the hostile Indians, to pre- vent further awkward mistakes. Then there is the fare of the missionaries to be paid from the Rockies to the Atlantic Coast. Miss Fiske. {Alarmed] And I haven't finished this stocking yet ! {Kfiits noisily] {Enter Two Maids with small tables. They set out elegant tea service under silk-shaded la77ips. Serve each lady with refreshments. Russian tea, Vien7Ui chocolate, Turkish coffee, caviare sa7idwiches, pate de foie gras, chicken pates, etc., etc.^ all of stage variety] A PAKLOn PLAY ±\i Mrs. /ones. Such delicious caviare, Mrs. Wilkins ! Mrs. Brown. This pate is perfect ! Mrs. Robinson. How does your chef make his Turkish coffee, Mrs. Wilkins ? I should like mine to have his formula. Mrs. Jones. You got these Dresden plates at the Paris Exposition, did you not, dear Mrs. Wilkins ? My husband actually refused to buy this same set for me. He said if they had been only four hundred dollars a dozen, he would ; but four hundred and fifty was too much! Mrs. Smith. [Severely] You know, Dora, that he bought you the jeweled Bohemian ones. They cost him a thousand dollars for the twelve pieces. Miss Fiske. \_Lisping slightly] Speaking of cost, did you hear that the president of our Free Kindergarten Society had six real solitaire diamond buttons on her white cloth tailor-made frock, which she had made to wear to the Horse Show ! I call that almost extrava- gant. Mrs. Wilkins. Dear little Mrs. Rose! She is slightly lavish. But who couldn't be, on her husband's income? She's awfully good-hearted, though. She made the sweetest little flannnel petticoats for a poor family in Mulberry Hollow. And she actually feather- stitched them all around the hem with real silk floss? Mrs. Jones. [Musingly] Linen floss looks just like silk, and it's so much cheaper. They would never have known the difference ! Mrs. Wilkins: [Brightening] And that suggests something to me ! Why shouldn't this Society make the Manitoba missionary's trousers and save the ten dollars now in the treasury for the remaining four fields? [All clap their hands enthusiastically] Mrs. Brown. An excellent idea ! Mrs. Jones. Bravo, Mrs. Wilkins. You're a genius. 214 ZNTZnTAINJ^ZNTS TOK ALL SEASONS Mrs. Robiiison. [Aside, Sotto voce'] Poor man ! But there, in such a frightfully out of the way place as Manitoba, fashions do not go for much, I suppose. I wonder where Manitoba is, anyway ? [Addresses Mrs. Wilkins'] Do you know where Manitoba is, Mrs. Wilkins? Mrs. Wtlkins. Oh, yes ; it's — it's [vaguely] Oh, up north somewhere, where the map ends in margin. I am not sure, but I believe it's right on the, er — the margin ! Miss Fiske. It's horribly cold there in winter. I've read all about it. How the pocket handkerchiefs freeze on the board while they're being ironed, and people's noses and ears drop off regularly — every winter. Brr! [Shivers and takes a sip of chocolate] Miss Harper. [Timidly] I should think it might be well, ah — to make them, er — fur-lined, wouldn't it ? Mrs. Wilkins. [Shocked] My dear! Fur costs money ! They might [ Thoughtfully] be wadded with cotton. You can get cotton for five cents a sheet. Mrs. Jones. And then the material need not to be so heavy. Cotton [Enthusiastically] is so warm and so cheap ! Mrs. Smith. [Animatedly] The very thing ! Let us appoint a day at once to begin work on them ! This week is taken up with the Horse Show, the opera, Mrs. Waddingham's ball and two dinners. But next week [ Consults her tablets] I have an evening free. Can we arrange for Thursday ? [Guests assent to Thursday unanimously. Prepare to depart, vtaki^tg their good-byes severally to Mrs. Wilkins. [Mrs. Wilkins occupying center of stage alone, loquitur] Black striped cotton denim at ten cents a yard. Lining and wadding, twenty-five cents more. Cotton and sundries, fifteen cents. [Counts rapidly on her fingers] We can make him [ Triiimphantly] a good, warm, serviceable pair for one dollar ! Cxirtain falls. APAKLOKPLAY 21 5 Scene II.— Rev. Belford Clarke's s^udy in Issaqua, Manitoba, furnished simply but in excellent taste. Skin rugs on floor. Deer horns y rods and rifles on walls, \_Enter Rev. Belford Clarke, young, handsome, ath- letic looking— well groomed and wearing plain clothing, but of expensive material and fashionable cut. Takes off fur gloves, ulster and hati Rev. Belford Clarke, This Manitoba weather re- minds me of New Haven. Just about cold enough for old Connecticut. Ah, what's this? Letters? ]^Reads addresses'] ''Rev. Belford Clarke, Issaqua, Manitoba." [Breaks seal of one and reads aloud] " I Madison Square, West. " New York, Nov. 2g. " Dear Belford : Do come home for Christmas. There's going to be sleighing I guess. Daddy's bought such a jolly pair of bays. Old James says you're the only one in the family who can handle them. Your saddle horse is getting so fat. Can't I exercise him for you? Parker does it now. And Parker can't ride for sour apples, if he is a groom. Got your nose frozen yet ? '' Affectionately your brother, Jack." Rev. Belford Clarke. Dear little Jack ! He misses his big brother. And so the old coachman wants me to break in the new pair ? \^Pauses and looks off thought- fully] I shouldn't mind a week of ''little old Ne' York" again, for a change. Who's this from? The governor? What does he say ? {^Reads letter] My Dear Belford : I enclose check for one thousand dollars as per your request. Can't see how a Manitoba parish can spend much where there seems to be nothing but deer trails, sage brush and pine forests. However, I sup- pose you know the needs of your 'people better than I. Your mother is saving up five hundred dollars more out of her pin money, and she wants to know if you need anything for your personal comfort. We've never had a home missionary in the family till you left Yale and were graduated from the Divinity School in that role, but I 216 ZNTZ'RTAINJ^ZNTS TOn ALL SEASONS shouldn't like my boy to suffer for anything. Neither would your mother. '* Your sister says you forgot your silver manicure set and your leather-backed brushes with the monogram. What do you trim your nails with now? And do you find that corn cobs make a pretty good hair brush ? ** Write soon. Affectionately, Father.'* [ Wiping his eyes on embroidered linen handker chief '\ Dear old Dad ! He's a trump ! Hullo ! Here's a letter from the Home Mission Board ! What's all this about ? \_Reads'\ ** Mission House, Nov. jo, 79—. " Rev. Belford Clarke. " My Dear Sir : The Ladies of the Lippincott Square Church have asked for the address of a mission field in Man- itoba, and we have sent to them the name of your parish. You will doubtless hear from them soon. Kindly acknow- ledge receipt of any communications. '* Fraternally yours, ** Sec'y Home Mission Board.^^ Hum. This is good news. Lippincott Square Church is notoriously wealthy. They ought to do some- thing handsome for us. \_Knock at door. Small Girl enters with large paste- board box~\ Hullo, J ANTE. Pretty big box for a small girl. [Janie sets down box carefully on table'] How's mother to-day ? Better? That's good. And did Bob get his fur gloves ? So, now he can go to school without freezing his fingers. We'll have a new suit of clothes for him soon. And that big doll, Janie. Did you think I had forgotten? [ Goes to corner book shelf and takes down parcel. Places it in Janie's arms. Janie unwraps it. Discovers big dolly beautifully dressed] Now run along, little one, and show it to sister Nellie. \^Exit Janie] How little it takes to make youngsters happy ! If my purse were only a mile long! [Walks back and forth , hands in pockets'\ A PAKLOR PLAY 217 Hullo, I had forgotten this ! [ Goes to table y picks up box. Reads address"] " To officiating clergyman of Issaqua Mission, Manitoba. From Lippincott Square Church. Express charges paid." [Opens wrapper. Discloses brown paper package with letter on top. Reads letter] " Lippincott Square Church. Nov. JO, ig — . '* To Clergymayi in charge Issaqua Mission^ Manitoba. ''Dear Sir : Enclosed please to find a contribution, which we have long promised (ourselves) to make. The ladies of the Home and Foreign Missionary Society have taken great pleasure in providing for some of your needs. The winters (we hear) are cold in Manitoba, and it would grieve us to feel that you suffered from any lack of needed comforts. In making personal use of the accompanying articles, we trust that you will bear us in kind remembrance. *'Very truly yours, " (Mrs.) J. W. WiLKiNS, " Pres. Home and Foreign Miss. S^cy, Lippincott Square.^^ [Rev. Belford Clarke, whistling softly^ gazes quizz- ically at the bundle^ takes it out of box^ turns it over, looks from it around the room and critically at his own clothes] Awfully good of them, I'm sure. But I wonder what Mrs. J. W. WiLKiNS would say if she knew that *' Bel Clarke," as her sons used to call me at Yale, was the object of the society's charity? Jack and Tom Wilkins and I lost sight of each other after I entered the Divinity School. But I haven't for- gotten their little sister Madge. Sweet little girl ! She never guessed how near I came to proposing to her on Class Day ! I've never cared for anyone else. Wonder how — \_Pauses and plunges hands in pockets again ; takes a few steps back and forth on hearth rug] Wonder how Madge would like Manitoba? *' Winters are cold in Manitoba, ' ' are they ? Does that mean a ton of coal or a pair of blankets ? How jolly odd to be talked over by the ladies of a missionary society ! Apparently they haven't a notion of my name. Well, here goes. 218 LNrrEnjAiNMENrrs tok all szasons [ Unties string. Takes out half-worn woolen cap such as used by longshoremen^ trimmed with imitation fur ; a pair of woolen mittens tied together by a piece of stringy a frayed woolen blazer of orange and black stripes^ and an oblong bundle carefully wrapped^ Princeton colors, as my name^s Bel Clarke ! \Slips blazer on. It conies half way up his back and sleeves end at elbows'] How's this for a Yale quarter- back ? Wish the old team could see me ! \_Picks up mittens and cap. Turns them over and overy face grow- ing blanker each m>inute. Puts them on\ What's this so tightly tied up ? [ Unwraps bundle and holds up to view before audience pair of quilted black and white striped cotton trousers ^ heavily wadded^ one leg shorter than the other ^ bagging at the knees, puckered at the seam^s and flaring at the anklesy like boy^s sailor trousers. Turns them over slowly, so that audience can plainly see every eccentricity of the garments. Drops thefu and falls into chair, wonder, disgust, wrath and finally amusem^ent jnctured on his face. He bursts into peal upon peal of laughter] \^Enter Janie, after knocking loudly on door for som^e minutes] Come in. \_Gasping and wiping tears from his cheeks] Janie, I am going away and I want to take your brother Johnnie with me. \^Aside] He could just about get into these things, and he'd wear them or anything else to please me. [Janie begins to cry] Don't cry, little one. I am coming back, you know. Now go and send Johnnie to me. [Exit Janie] The very thing ! I'll do it ! [Looks at watch] The train leaves for the East in two hours. [Hurriedly bun- bles trousers, cap, blazer and fnittens into portmanteau. Exit] Curtain falls A PA'RLO'R PLAY 219 Scene III. — Mrs. Wilkins's drawing-room as before. Same Ladies assembled in elegant dress. Festive air over everything'] Mrs. Wilkins. \_Holding open letter"] I am so pleased to be able to report from the Manitoba field. Here is a letter from the missionary in charge there. The good old man seems quite overcome by our thought- fulness and generosity. He says : *' Dear Mrs. President : Your timely and elegant remembrances lie before me on my study table. I have not had them out of my mind a moment since they were received. Waking, they are ever present in my thoughts ; sleeping, they haunt my dreams. I do not know how better to express my opinion of the princely munificence of the ladies of your congregation than by doing so in person. I shall be in the East and in your neighborhood within a few days. May I have the privilege of addressing your society at one of its weekly meetings ? " Very truly, your obedient and grateful servant, ** Clergyman in Charge, ^^Issaqua Mission y Manitoba.'''' Mrs. Robinson. What a very nice letter ! Miss Harper. A pity that he should be old and poor. Miss Fiske. One would suppose that he belonged to our set, wouldn't one ? Miss Harper. And to think that the old dear is actually coming to-night ! [ Goes to window and looks out] It's cold and slippery. I hope he won't fall and break his brittle old bones ! Mrs. Robinson. . {^Aside^ parenthetically and with soft amusement] If he should fall, we may be thankful that his clothes are Hke a foot-ball player's — padded. l^Door bell rings. Slight bustle heard from without. Snickering of Servants, hastily suppressed] [Servant without] Yes, sir. They're expecting you, sir. \^Fetches in card] 220 LNTZnTAINJ^LNTS FOU ALL SEASONS Mrs. Wilkms. \_ Jumping up from her chair"] Yes, my dears, it's he. [Walks toward drawing-room, door^ to meet the Rev. Belford Clarke, faultlessly attired in frock coat, light trousers, white cravat, etc. Ladies look sur- prised and charmed. Miss Harper and Miss Fiske smooth hair in conscious way, settle their gowns and gaze ad^niringly at REV^ Belford Clarke] Mrs. Wilkins. {^Excitedly] Why, Belford Clarke ! Where did you come from ? I am dehghted to see you ! But how funny ! You have stumbled in upon a mission- ary meeting ! Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Robinson, Miss Fiske, Miss Harper — Mr. Bel- ford Clarke, a Yale friend of my sons'. This is our society. [Addressing Rev. Belford Clarke] We are expecting a missionary from Manitoba, a poor, feeble old man whom we have tried to help through the winter. [Laughing] I actually thought you were he ! [All the Ladies laugh] Ha, ha, ha, a capital joke ! Rev. Belford Clarke [ Takes chair, smiling blandly] Ah, I am glad to see that you do not forget the poor, while you yourselves are so highly favored. [Gazes leisurely over appointm^ents of drawing-room- and casually at the Members of the Society, who look flat- tered] Mrs. Robinson. [Sweetly] We have tried a curi- ous experiment this year, Mr. Clarke. I confess I should like to know how it has worked. Rev. Belford Clarke. Ah, The Lippincott Square Church is so well known, I need not ask the nature of the experiment. [Refuses tray of refreshments handed to him by Maid] What was it, Mrs. Robinson ? A new pipe organ for the Manitoba mission ? A Sunday- school library? Or did you raise the debt on the church or pledge yourselves to clothe all the poor of the parish ? A pahloji play 221 Mrs. Robinson. {^Choking with amusement at some thought suggested 3;/ Mr. Clarke's last question'] No, er, well, we did not clothe all the poor of the parish. Not exactly. No. Rev. Belford Clarke. You see, I know something of the needs of missions in Manitoba. Which mission was it ? Mrs. Robinson. Issaqua. Rev. Belford Clarke. Ah, yes, I have been there. Mrs. Wilkins. [Excitedly'] What ? In that remote place ? When ? How ? What for ? I thought you were taking a post-graduate course in mechanical engi- neering in Paris ? Rev. Belford Clarke. [Dryly] No. But come. You have not let me in yet to the secrets of your chari- ties. I suppose you do a great deal, too, in the foreign field ? China ? India ? Alaska ? not forgetting our own frontier ? Mrs. Wilkins. [Triumphantly] Yes, we have made a coup and saved by it nearly our entire receipts for the year, which we can now apply to the special needs of the Sioux mission, China, Alaska, and the South Sea ! Rev. Belford Clarke. [Inquiringly] Ah, indeed ? You have made a coup ? Mrs. Robinson. [Murfnuring] A coup f A pair of them — I should say ! Mrs. Wilkins. Odd that that missionary doesn't come. He should be here by this. [Bell rings with- out. Servant enters with card] Mrs. Wilkins. [Reading] Show him in, Sarah ! [Enter Johnnie, arrayed in cotton trousers, blazer, Uong- shoreman^ s cap, and m^ittens tied around his neck with string. Walks awkwardly toward stage center, and holds his hands out stiffly y like a wooden hnage. Grins broadly. Ladies rise and exhibit different degrees of consternation^ surprise and amuse- menf] 222 ZNTZ'RTAINMZNTS FOK ALL SEASONS Rev, Belford Clarke, [Rising and taking John- nie by the arm\ Is this--ih^ coup, Mrs. Wilkins — Ladies t Enter Johnnie [Enter Madge Wilkins, youngs pretty, blushing'] Why, Belford ! Mr. Clarke ! I am so awfully glad ; I mean I am awfully sorry ; no, so awfully glad. [ Turns A PARLOH. PLAY 223 and looks at Johnnie] What in the world is this? Mother, Mrs. Robinson, Mrs. Jones ? \_Looks appeal- ingly from one to the other. Bursts into uncontrollable laughter'] Is it a scare-crow, or a patent medicine advertisement, or what is it ? Rev. Belford Clarke. [Advancing to stage center, Johnnie keeping step with him] It is the Lippincott Square Church coup— my dear Miss Madge. / am the missionary from Manitoba. These "^Turning Johnnie slowly around from, right to left] are my clothes, ingen- iously constructed for me by the ladies of the Home and Foreign Mission Society \_Bows to Ladies], and gen- erously donated to an imaginary old, feeble and poor servant of the Church. That they should have fallen to me, who am strong, young and comfortably supplied with worldly goods, is a happy accident. You can picture to yourselves how appropriately this costume \_Bows to Ladies again] would have clothed the sup- posititious missionary who was presumed to be old, and not only battling with age and poverty, but also with the rigors of a Manitoba winter. Mrs. Wilkins. \_Faltering] Belford, this is too bad ! I did not know ; I never thought Mrs. Robinson. [Solem^nly] Those clothes, Mr. Clarke, cost us a whole dollar, I do assure you. And we have nine dollars and thirty-one cents left, to divide among foreign savages and our own pet Sioux. I am sure that ought to help on the triumphant progress of the Church Militant! Madge. [Almost crying] What will you think of us, Mr. Clarke ! I am sure you will never forgive — that. [Pointing to Johnnie] Mrs. Wilkins. [Advancing and offering her hand gracefully] Well, Belford, you have taught me a good lesson. An object lesson, I may say. 3frs. Robinson. [Aside, gazing at Johnnie] Object? I should think so ! 3irs. Wilkins. [To Society] Come, we will take up a collection on the spot for home and foreign mis- 224 ENTZJiTAINJ^ENTS WK. ALL SEASONS sions. How much from you, Mrs. Robinson ? I will give one thousand dollars. Mrs. Robinson. You may put me down for fifteen hundred. Mrs, Brown. And me. Mrs. Jones. I will give a thousand. Mrs. Smith. And I. Miss Fiske. You may put me down for a thousand, too, dear Mrs. Wilkins. Miss Harper. And me. Rev. Belford Clarke. This is more like it. I knew your generous impulses must be only sleeping, not dead. [Advances up stage to center with Madge and Johnnie. Members of Society group themselves in rear, con- versing in undertones to Mrs. Wilkins and each otherl Rev. Belford Clarke. [Earnestly^ And may I not put my name down too, Miss Wilkins, Madge ? Madge. [Surprised^ Your name ? What for ? Rev. Belford Clarke. [Smiling down at her'] Can't you guess ? Madge. [Shyly] No. Rev. Belford Clarke. Subscribe myself Yours, Bel- ford Clarke, Home Missionary at Issaqua, Manitoba. Dear, I love you. I have always loved you, you know. Will you marry me? Madge. [Faltering] If I thought you really cared, Belford — Mr. Clarke. Rev. Belford Clarke. [Kissing her hand under cover ^Johnnie's shoulder] I care for nothing else on earth so much, sweetheart. Is it yes or no ? [ Takes both her hands in his] Tell me, Madge ! Madge. It is yes, Belford — dear. Curtain. AU CAT. O'J 1 en.:. AUG 22 19C4