Book of Etiquette, Volume 2

OF THE AFT

e had lived many years in China) brought with him from the Orient a peculiar little leaf which, with a little hot water and sugar, made a delicious drink. At first lordly Englishmen would have none of him-b

better society finally condescended to taste "the stuff"-and lo! before they realized it, it had been unconsciously adopted as their very own beverage! Through two generations the idea of

ternoon tea (and they can certainly be elaborate!). When guests from out-of-town are visiting, the hostess can think of nothing more appropriate than a chummy tea to introduce them

IMPLE

ve you ever drunk a cup of tea?" There is something undeniably heart-warming and conversation-making in a cup of steaming hot tea served with delicious cre

day or on certain days in the week which are known to her friends, to tea, and she lets her friends know just what the hour is and that they are welcome to join for a bite and a little chat whenever they feel so inclined. There may be one or several little tea tables which are brought into the

e table and served with very small, dainty sandwiches and all kinds of qua

rought in ready to serve, fragrant and steaming. The custom of the afternoon tea is confined a

wheeled in from an adjoining room (the dining-room usually). The maid, if there is one, performs this service, the hostess herself if the

ices of lemon, mint leaves and cloves. If the hostess makes the tea herself she adds sugar, cream, lemon or whatever else the guest may desire before she passes the cup. The hos

FORM

e." Invitations must be sent a week or ten days in advance, and if one is unable to attend, a pol

he place of honor (except on very warm days when iced tea or iced coffee may be served). Trays of thinly sliced bread are on the table, and dainty sandwiches in large variety. Fruit salads are

any necessary introductions. As many guests as can be conveniently entertained may be invited to the formal tea; but the refreshments must never be so substantial that they will inter

y used, four guests being placed at each table. It is customary to allow the guests to form their own quartettes, for in this manner they will usually find table companions who will be congenial-and a most unfortunate occurrence at a "h

TEA-

th fine china and gleaming silver, and there are always a few flowers to add to the beauty of the setting. Ferns may

red and planned for the occasion. Candles, dimmed with pale shades, may be on the table when the day is gloomy and dark. In winter, for instance, when the day

be passed easily from one guest to another. If the tea is informal, wicker chairs and tables may also b

AT T

ing. For an informal tea the hostess may wear a clinging gown of silk but she should not dress very sumptuously for her guests will come simply attired and it is hardly hospitable to be a great

more ornamentation there is the less elegance there will be. The materials should be rich bu

. If the affair is a formal one the hair may be as elaborately marcelled as for the evening

worn. Dark colors are rarely worn and the débutante herself should be a fairy dream in a lovely

brown and blue and nearly all shades of gray are irreproachably

ARDEN

that informal entertainments are always more enjoyable than those that are strictly forma

green lawn, a few trees, a fine day and something to eat" constitute a perfect garden party.

ere garden parties are quite the vogue, the invitations are sent weeks in advance, and, if the weather is bad, the party is held indoors. But ordinarily it

uples under spreading trees always make for comfort. Some hostesses have a tent provided on the lawn for the purpose of serving the refreshm

ING TH

guests, however, drive up to the door of the house, are directed upstairs to deposit their wraps (if they wish they may keep them with them), and then are shown to the part of the grounds

they are weary. The hostess must be sure that her lawns are faultlessly mowed, and that the tennis courts are in order. Lawn-tennis has had a large shar

order. Particular care must be taken in serving the refreshments to avoid any accidents or mussiness. There is nothing more disturbing to both hoste

THE

idden by a clump of trees or shrubbery, but near enough to be heard distinctly. In the outdoors music is never too loud to interfere with c

the servants may be. If the hostess does use her own china and glassware, she must never use her best unless she is willing to take the risk of having it broken

riate time to hold an evening garden party is in celebration of a summer wedding anniversary. The grounds are brilliantly lighted with many-hued Japanese lanterns or tiny colored electric lights twining in and out among the trees. Benches and chairs are set in groups or pairs underneath the trees. Music is usually on the porch instead o

EN PARTIES AND

the colorful background of a garden or lawn party. And the lady's escort, in

-trimmed hat. Gay parasols may be carried if they match, or harmonize with, the re

r light comedy. Here, amidst summer flowers, woman's natural beauty is heightened, and the wrong color schemes in dress, the wrong

GARDEN

frock. For the younger person there could be no prettier frock for

and attractive, but the style may be as simple as one pleases. Lilac is a pretty color for the older woman, and su

delicate harmony of color that is nothing short of exquisite. Old rose and Nile green are equally effective. Orchid, for the person whose complexion can bear it, may be combined with such vivid colors as red, green and blue, presenting a contrast

lors from Nature's own palette. And the hat that is broad-brimmed and

T THE GAR

nds of woman, but man may be just as attractive on festive occasions, if he follows the rul

ma hat, and oxfords of white or black, or a combination of white and black. Loose jackets of black and white striped flannel may also be worn with white duc

white shirt and collar and gayly figured tie of silk foulard. Trousers of white flannel would complete this excellent costume for the elder

E PA

for the guests. One need not necessarily be a millionaire to hold a successful house party, but it is certainly necessary to hav

ed to contribute to the entertainment. They may be good conversationalists, or witty humorists, or clever in arranging surprises. A man or wom

THE IN

, mentioning that a train leaves the guest's town at eleven-thirty on a certain day, and that another train leaves for that same guest's town, at a certain hour on the day he is to leave. This gives the guest clearly, and without discourtesy, the precise time he is expected to remain at the home of the hostess, and he may remain the full time without any vague pre

house usually writes a note in the name of her husband and herself both, inviting Mr. and Mrs. Blank to her house for three days or three months as s

the reason should be given. If there is any doubt as to how to get to the house of the hostess;

E GUEST

oon as a guest arrives he is shown to his room for after the long railroad trip one is usually dusty, tired and not in the mood for

ent she arrives and the latter may include this item in her traveling expenses. Generally speaking, the hostess bears all of the expens

ther and daughter may be asked to share the same room if individual beds are provided; but two women, meeting at the h

ay must be one that invites memory-one that by its very cheerfulness and comfort remains fondly in one's memory. The personal tastes of the guests themselves should be ascertaine

-table drawers; stationery, pens, ink, and a calendar should be in the writing-desk. Books, chosen especially for the occupant, should be scattered about. The thought

aid she should attend to it herself and in any case she should keep her own things

NG AT THE

if there is one, is presented. Plans may be made for the next day or two, the hostess offering suggestions and deferring to the wishes of her guests when they have attractive plans to s

me for writing their correspondence, reading a bit, or taking their customary nap. Unfortunately many of our hostesses who entertain lavishly at house parties and spare no expense o

cially, may prefer to forego breakfast entirely and keep to their rooms until just before luncheon. Thus it is always best to start any ente

it an important occurrence. A dance after dinner, a fancy dress ball, or private theatricals are suita

GUESTS AT TH

d meet the guests as they arrive at the railroad station. It is better

orrect thing to do is wire immediately so that the host and hostess will not be awaiting the arrival in vain. Another important rule for the guest is rigidly to follow and adhere to the laws and

k quietly with his hostess, explain the situation and make special arrangements for food that he can eat. This is excusable if he is on a diet prescribed by a physician but not if he is simply expressing a fas

r dislike towards the other guest. To purposely ignore him or her, obviously to show one's prejudice, is very rude. It is most disconcerting to the host for either of them to show discontent or to leave the house party because of the u

rtainment, and again, not to weary them by too much attention. She may go out during the day if she pleases, either to visit friends or

to avail himself of these privileges with delicacy, neither abusing them nor hesitating to use them at all. There are some guests who have a tact of perception, an ease and poise of manner, a savoir faire and calm,

G" THE

o whom they should be given. Attending circumstances, of course, always govern the exact conditions. Very often guests, both men and women, unable to estimate correctly

d of a week's stay). If this maid has also helped the guest in her dressing, and preparing the bath for her, two or two and a half dollars are the customary fee. A tip o

h his tips. The boy who cleans and polishes his boots a

t, and if he has rendered many special services both to the man and his wife, he should undoubtedly receive two or three dollars more. On some occasions the cook is remembered, and the gentleman sends her a dollar or tw

d from offering friends simple entertainment because of someone else's magnificent parties, should cease being discouraged and take pride and pleasure in the knowledge that they are ent

do it. After the visit the guest may send some little gift in appreciation of the hospitality enjoyed. A bit of household linen, a book, flowers, or candy are most

o her hostess. This is simply a grateful expression of appreciation for the hospitalit