"Dame Curtsey's" book of novel entertainments for every day in the year

Front matter

:t

Book _-

Coipght^l^l

CHAPTER I.— JANUARY . New Year's Day

A Party for New Year's Day

A Conclave of Historical Events

A New Year's Dinner .

A Luncheon for New Year's Day.

A ''Time" Dinner ....

A Twelfth Night Party

Twelfth Night Cakes .

The Wassail Bowl for Twelfth Night

Decorations for a Twelfth Night Table

CHAPTER n.-— FEBRUARY

Candlemas .......

A Dickens Party ......

In Honor of Lincoln's Birthday .

St. Valentine's Day .....

A Valentine Party for Children .

A Pretty Valentine Party ....

A Valentine Thimble Party ....

A Valentine Dinner Party ....

A Social for Valentine Night A Valentine Pantomime Party Valentine Grace Hoops ....

For a Washington's Birthday Party Invitation For Washington's Birthday ....

A Luncheon for February the Twenty-Second A Colonial Reception .....

A Washington Dinner Party.

A Children's Party for the Twenty-Second

A Yankee Doodle Kitchen ....

An Evening with Longfellow

Chapter Iii.— March

In Honor of St. Patrick

A St. Patrick's Day Dinner .

St. Patrick's Day in the Evening vu

A Party for Children on St. Patrick's Day . . 32 Lenten Pastimes ........ 34

A Lenten Party for Elderly Ladies . . . -34

A Lenten *'Kaffee-klatsch^' 35

Poverty Luncheons and Card Parties . . . .36

Charity Luncheons . 36

Mothering Sunday . . . . . -37

CHAPTER IV.— APRIL . " 39 ^ An April Fool Party . 39 \

Two April Fool Games ....... 40

Place Cards for April the First 41

An April Luncheon 41

A Rainbow Party . 41

In Shakespeare's Honor 42

Easter 44

An Easter Luncheon ....... 46

An Easter Party for Children 48

A Floral Card Party for Easter Monday . . .48

A Butterfly Luncheon ....... 49

An Easter Dinner . 51

An Easter Egg Hunt 52

CHAPTER v.— MAY 54 A May-Day Luncheon . 54

A Dinner for May Day ...... 55

A F£te on May Day for Children . . . -56 A May-Day House Picnic 58

CHAPTER VL— JUNE 60

A June Party 60

An Informal Luncheon ....... 61

How TO Give a Correct Luncheon . . . .62

A Luncheon for the Girl Graduate . . . .63

A Flag Party 63

A Rose Luncheon . 64

A June Dinner 65

A Farewell Party 66

A Steamer Letter Shower ...... 67

Two Clever Bon Voyage Gifts 68

A June Luncheon 69

A Novel Travel Party 69

CHAPTER Vll.— JULY 71

A Fourth of July Tea 71

viii

Hints for the Fourth 72

A Patriotic Party 73

A Fourth of July Lawn Party 75

A United States Party . . - 77

A Fourth of July Masquerade 77

A Summer Christmas Party 78

CHAPTER Vin.— AUGUST 80

An Arctic Luncheon 80

An Angler's Supper 81

An English Garden Party 82

A Unique Luncheon 84

An August Luncheon 84

A Sand Party 85

CHAPTER IX.— SEPTEMBER 87

A Labor-Day Party 87

An Indian Dinner 88

A Maizepop Party 88

A New England Breakfast ...... 89

Decorations for an Autumn Dinner Table . . .90 An Indian Luncheon 90

CHAPTER X.~ OCTOBER 93

A Harvest-Home Frolic 93

A Hallowe'en Party . 94

A Hallowe'en Brownie Party 96

Hallowe'en Charms 96

The Egg Fortune 97

The Yarn Test . 97

Telling Fortunes 98

A Hallowe'en Frolic . 98

A Hallowe'en Masquerade icx)

Suggestions for the Hallowe'en Table . . .100 A Luncheon Menu for Hallowe'en . . . -103 A Hallowe'en Dinner . . . . . . .103

Your Fortune in Each Month . . . . .104

A Hallowe'en Luncheon . . . . . .105

Description of Centrepiece for Hallowe'en . .106

CHAPTER XL— NOVEMBER 107

A Novel Thanksgiving Day ...... 107

A Thanksgiving Day Reception . . . . .108

A Thanksgiving Dinner as Served Sixty Years Ago . 109

ix

A Thanksgiving Dinner 109

A Football Dinner no

A Corn Party iii

A Topaz Birthday Party 112

A Chrysanthemum Tea Party 112

CHAPTER XII.— DECEMBER 114

Christmas Preparations 114

A Baby's Christmas Tree . . . , . .114 Christmas Table Decorations . . . ^. .115 The Holiday Post Card . . . . '. .116

A Mistletoe Luncheon 116

The Christmas Barrel 118

A Novel Christmas Box Party 118

Novel Ways to Give Money 119

Out of the Christmas Jar 120

Christmas Invitations . . . . . . ,122

A Christmas Party ....... 122

A Christmas Express and Post Office . . . .124

A Holly and Mistletoe Game 124

A Snowball Christmas . 126

Decorations for the Christmas Tree . . . .126 Christmas Presents on a Clothes Line . . .127 The Origin of the Christmas Stocking . . .127 A Jack Frost Party . . . . . . .128

A New Year's Eve Wish Tree 129

A Party for New Year's Eve . . . . .129

CHAPTER XIII.— MISCELLANEOUS ENTERTAINMENTS

FOR OLD AND YOUNG 131

A Button Party ........ 131

A Curio Exhibit ........ 132

A Book-Title Story ....... 132

A Souvenir Post Card Party 136

A Fad Party 137

A Spool Party 138

An Adjective Game . . v . . . . 139

A Fudge Party 139

An Evening on Mount Olympus . . . . .140

The King of Hunky-Bunky 142

A Bonnet Party ........ 142

Three Games which are Much in Favor with Young People in France ....... 143

For Elderly Ladies 143

A Calico Party 144

A Pie Party 146

A Cake Party 146

An Old-Fashioned Party 147

A Zoological Party 147

A Paper Doll Party 148

A Poverty Party 149

A Lottery Bag ........ 150

A *'Pi'' Party 150

A Pink Bal PouDRi: 151

A Surprise Party 151

Fun with Soap Bubbles 151

The Bird Sellers, A Game for Children . . .152

A Peanut Party 153

A Quaker Tea Party 153

A Chinese Party . . . . . . . . i54

A Hen Party 154

What We Do Not Know 155

"At Homes'' for Children 155

A Retrospect Party 157

a house-w arming 1 58

Children's Parties . . . . . . '159

A Doll Party ........ i6o

A Stork Party ........ i6o

A Christening Party 162

Games for Children . . . . . . .163

An Anecdote Tea Party . . . . . .164

A Hunt for Deer ........ 164

Progressive Candy Jackstraws 166

For an Artist Luncheon 166

Chafing-Dish Suppers 167

A Cinderella Tea 167

A Harvard Spread 168

A Princeton Smoker 168

A Superstition Party . . . . . . .169

CHAPTER XIV.— BIRTHDAY PARTIES — Suggestions for

Luncheons, Dinners, and Teas . . . .170

A Rhyme Luncheon 170

A Cooperative Dinner 171

A Coiffure Dinner . . ... . . 171

A Dutch Supper 172

A Twelve o' Clock Breakfast 172

A Mother Goose Luncheon 174

xi

Content s

Novel Place Cards

A Chocolateier

Stein Suppers

A College Smoker

Five o' Clock Teas

A New Dainty

Birthday Parties .

A Birthday Custom

A Child's Birthday Party

A Party for a Three- Year-Old

A Mother Goose Party

A Baby's Birthday Party

A Mother's Fortieth Birthday

Ways to Choose Partners

To Find Places by Fads

A Reunion Luncheon

Clipped Favors

A Progressive Breakfast

A Literary Luncheon .

After-Dinner Tricks

Your Fortune in a Teacup .

CHAPTER XV.— ENTERTAINMENTS FOR CHURCH AND CLUB — Japanese Affairs .....

An International Tea

For Sweet Charity

A Daisy Fortune Booth

A German Booth

A Measuring Party

A Grab Garden

A States Dinner

An Idea for A Missionary Society ....

A Camp-Fire

A Girls' Club . . . . - .

A Church or Club Entertainment ....

An Evening in Holland

• The Seven Ages of Woman ......

A Candy Booth

A Japanese Dinner

A Japanese Lawn Party

A Japanese Entertainment

A Penny Social ........

A Bandanna Sale ........

A Seven-Cent Luncheon or Supper ....

184^^

192 192 192

193 194 194

195 195 196 196

197 . '

xu

A Mandarin Tea 206

A Colonial Tea . 207

CHAPTER XVI.— ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS, SHOWERS, WEDDINGS, WEDDING ANNIVER- SARIES 208

The Bride's Household Linen . . . . .208 Suggestions for Engagement Announcements . . 208

A Story Announcement .210

A Musical Announcement 211

A Unique Method 212

An Engagement Luncheon .212

Bridal Showers 214

Two Bridal Showers 215

A China Shower 216

A Sachet Shower . 216

A Handkerchief Shower 217

An Apron Shower . 217

Two Linen Showers 218

A Recipe Shower 219

A Miscellaneous Shower ,220

A Pre-Nuptial Luncheon 220

An Afternoon Tea for a Bride Elect . . . .221 A Silhouette Party for the Bride Elect . . .222

Pertaining to Weddings: Wedding-Day Omens ....... 222

Rice at Weddings 226

The Custom of Orange Blossoms 226

A Candlelight Wedding 227

A Bridal Breakfast .227

Wedding Anniversaries 228

The Cotton Wedding 228

The Paper Wedding 229

The Leather Wedding 230

Wooden Wedding Suggestions 231

The Woolen Wedding 231

The Tin Wedding 232

The Linen Wedding 2^^

The Crystal Wedding 234

The China Wedding 235

The Silver Wedding 235

The Golden Wedding 237

CHAPTER XVII.— TOASTS AND SENTIMENTS FOR ALL

OCCASIONS 238

xiii

Illustrations

PAGE

A Rose Dinner Table for Six .... Frontispiece Decorations which may be Easily Arranged : A Strawberry

Centrepiece; For the Easter Table . . . .18

Easter Suggestions 34

Examples OF Correct Service : A Dainty Tea Table; A Place

Set for Dinner ........ 40

An Easter Punch Bowl ....... 44

Place Card Suggestion : For an Easter Children's Party . 47 Place Card Suggestions: For a Good Luck Party; For an

Easter Luncheon . . . . . . . -50

Place Card Suggestions: For a Rose Luncheon; Fleur de

Lis Design 57

A June Table 64

Ways to Serve Sherbet, Ice Cream, or Charlotte Russe . 76 Place Card Suggestion : For April First or a Camp Supper . 83 Fruit Centrepiece, Fall Luncheon . . . . .88 Place Card Suggestions: For an Autumn Luncheon; For a

Clover Tea . • 91

Centrepiece for a Hallowe'en Party 94

Centrepiece for a November Luncheon . . . .98 Place Card Suggestion: For Hallowe'en .... loi Effective Decorations: A Fruit Centrepiece; A Daisy

Table 104

A Thanksgiving Supper Table . . . . . .112

Place Card Suggestions: For Christmas; For a *' Dutch"

Place Card Suggestion : For A Christmas Party . . .125 Dainty Accessories: Candle Shade for a Rose Table; The

Drawing-Room Coffee 138

XV

Illustrations

Place Card Suggestion: For Hallowe'en or an Old Maids'

Party 145

Designed to Transform a Room: A Rose Screen for the

Dining-Room; An Effective Wall Decoration . . 154 Place Card Suggestions: For a Good Luck Party . .165

The Chafing-Dish Equipment 166 ^

Place Card Suggestion : For A Dutch Supper . . .173 Attractive Ways to Serve Sherbet: A Rose Sherbet Glass;

A Crepe Paper Sherbet Cup i82.

Correct Costume for Maids 194

A Japanese Tea 200

A Japanese Costume 202

Place Card Suggestion: For a Wedding Breakfast or a

Christmas Affair 209

Place Card Suggestions: For a Pre-Nuptial Luncheon; For

Two Examples of Effective Decoration : Strawberries with

Powdered Sugar; Grape Fruit with Strawberries , 226 -

XVI

Novel Entertainments for Every Day in the Year

CHAPTER L- JANUARY

New Year's Day

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky, The flying cloud, the frosty light, The year is dying in the night; Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

THAT dear old philosopher Charles Lamb says, ^' Of all sounds, the most solemn and touching is the peal which rings out the old year." This is true, but as joy and sorrow are on very intimate terms in this world, the last day of the year and the first day have always been favorite times to entertain.

On the Continent and in England and Scotland, New Year's Day is one of great celebration; gifts are exchanged, and balls and receptions are in progress.

Very slowly the custom of receiving calls is being revived in this country. Men, when they become of a certain, or, rather, uncertain age, dislike to make calls at night, especially in a city of tremendous distances, and it is pleasing to have one day in the year when, there being no grind of business, they can make the ^^duty" calls, and thus clear the conscience.

In a very old Scotch cookbook there are no less than seventeen recipes for cakes to be served on the first day of the year ; what we would call pies were in great favor ; they were triangular pieces of crust filled with mince-meat.

An orange filled with cloves was a much-favored gift with the young folk in the land of Burns. It signified hidden wealth, and often contained a present; that is, if the orange was artificial. At any rate, it always conveyed some particularly sweet or sacred message.

In this country, rich fruit cake is usually served with French coflfee. No matter what the custom of the family may be, wines or liquors of any kind should not be served to New Year's callers. Imagine the condition of a visitor who pays twenty or thirty visits in rapid succession and partakes even of a small quantity at each place. This is a point upon which all hostesses should agree for at least one day in the year. There are many attractive beverages and many dainty things to serve, but only viands of the lightest character should be the rule.

A Party for New Year's Day

This charming party, to be given on the first day of the year, is called the ^^ Carnival of the Year's Festival Days." The hostess represents the New Year. She is gowned in white, with tiny artificial rosebuds for trimming, and is assisted by four intimate friends, who are costumed to represent the Four Seasons. Twelve guests are asked to come as the Months, the name of the month allotted to each being designated in the invitation. Then there are these special guests: '^Twelfth Night," ^^St. Valentine," ^^Washington's Birthday," ^^St. Patrick's Day," ^^All Fools' Day," ^^May Day," ^^uly Fourth," ^^ Labor Day," '^ Hallowe'en," '^Thanksgiving Day," and 'Xhristmas." In addition to these may be the birthdays of Lincoln, Dickens, and Longfellow. *' Easter" and ^'Memorial Day" may be added if desired.

The costumes for these characters readily suggest themselves, so details are not given. Eggnog, fruit cake, and all sorts of good things suitable to the winter season figure in the refreshments. After a grand march, passing before a personage dressed as '* Old Father Time," a prize may be awarded to the one best representing his or her character. A calendar or leather-bound diary is appropriate.

A Conclave of Historical Events

The invitations said, ^^ Please wear a card decorated in such a way that some great historical event will be portrayed." The date of the party was January first. At the hour appointed the hostess received her guests attired in a costume representing ^^The Earth," while the host caused much merriment as ^'The Sun, Moon, and Stars." Pencils and cards were provided, with the request that the age and "event" of each one be guessed ; the prizes were a small gilt clock and a very readable volume, "Eighteen Christian Centuries." The places were indicated at the table by dainty blotters of scarlet, tied with green ribbon, and on each of the twelve blotters a month from a penny calendar was pasted. The name and date were done in gold ink, and the guests were delighted with these useful but inexpensive souvenirs of a most delightful evening. This suggestive verse was on the top of the blotter :

Days of busy, busy hours, Days of idling among flowers, Days of joys and days of sorrows, Dark to-days and bright to-morrows; Days of health and days of weakness, All make up the year's completeness.

A New Year's Dinner

Set the table for twelve guests; for the centrepiece have a small tree called a ' Vish tree." Make little oranges of cotton and crepe paper, concealing in each one an appropriate quotation and a good wish. From each orange run a ribbon to each place, where it is attached to a bell-shaped candy box on which the name of the guest is inscribed. Twelve candles are placed around the tree; each guest is to blow out one at the close of the repast, giving at the same time a toast to the New Year. Over the table suspend bells of different sizes ; they may be made of wire and covered with vines and flowers, or with crepe paper.

A Luncheon for New Year's Day

The centrepiece was a low glass bowl filled with white rosebuds, the candles and shades were of white, as befitting an affair for the first day of January, a day spotless and new with the freshness that comes only when Old Father Time turns the wheel of fate back for a new start in the game of life.

The place cards were most novel, each representing a month ; January was cut in the form of an hour glass ; a cocked hat with a row of hearts around the crown represented February; a kite for March, with a picture of St. Patrick and a snake; a bird on the branch of a tree, with rain falling, for April ; a tulip-shaped card for May; June was a butterfly with the words, ^^And what is so rare as a day in June?" an American flag with a row of fire-crackers proclaimed July ; an apple tree full of red apples was August ; while a card ornamented with a bunch of grapes and a group of children showed that September had come; the pumpkin Jack o'Lantern represented October; a fat turkey gobbler standing on a piece of pie was November; and a star with holly portrayed December. On the back of each card was written, ^^What is the happiest thing you remember in the past year ? "

A "Time" Dinner

This scheme is seasonable during the early part of January. For the table centrepiece suspend a circle of green or red from the chandelier by broad ribbons or cords wound with smilax ; the circle is the symbol of eternity. Then from this hoop hang toy watches, one for each guest. For place cards use small hour glasses, with a card decorated with a picture of Father Time and the baby New Year bearing the name and date and a pretty quotation. Have the bonbon boxes square, with a calendar pasted on the cover. Make a bell-shaped booklet, then write with red ink the following resolutions, leaving one page blank, on which the guest is to write a set of original resolutions to be read aloud.

"I will be what I wish to be thought.''

"I will live closer to my ideals."

''My best self shall rule."

''Where I pluck out a fault I will try to plant a virtue."

"I will look at life through rose-colored spectacles."

"I will welcome all bits of happiness by the way."

A Twelfth Night Party

The sixth day of January is Twelfth Night, or Old Christmas, and offers opportunities for a most unique entertainment. In England and on the Continent this used to be the time chosen for elaborate masked balls and parties. A ring was concealed in an immense cake, and the guest obtaining it was made "king" or "queen." It is a matter of history that Mary, Queen of Scots, honored her maid Mary Seaton, by robing her in her own royal apparel to be the " Queen of Twelfth Night."

Tradition says that on this day every vestige of Christmas green must be taken down and burned. This is a peace offering to evil spirits, and assures good luck to the household.

Invitations to a Twelfth Night party afford an opportunity for the pen-and-ink artist to show her skill. A bonfire piled high with holly wreaths, or a cake with a ring suspended over it, is a suitable decoration. If there is no open fireplace for the burning of the greens, there may be a back yard, where the decorations may be offered with due ceremony.

Half the fun is to permit the guests to take down the greens from pictures and windows, even to stripping the tree of its ornaments and then of its branches. The crackling fire and the glowing coals offer a fine chance to toast marshmallows ; so provide a number of pointed sticks for this purpose. As each guest casts on his armful of greens, he must offer an invocation to propitiate the Fates, who are hovering near.

A chafing-dish supper, or an oyster roast, with coffee or cider and cake, are the most appropriate refreshments for a party of this kind.

•5

Twelfth Night Cakes

Cakes are to Twelfth Night what the tree is to Christmas. In London, on the night before this festival, there are always crowds before the bakery shop windows to see the wonderful examples of cakes both great and small; these are ornamented with mechanical toys, live birds, and all sorts of grotesque decorations.

With this in mind, an up-to-date hostess might celebrate the Twelfth Night season by giving a Cake Party, such as is described on page 146.

The Wassail Bowl for Twelfth Night

In European countries the sixth of January was sometimes called Wassail Eve, and the wassail bowl was always prominent in the revels of those olden days. It should be served with Scotch shortbread, which may be purchased from the baker, oatmeal cakes, and old-fashioned jumbles with rings or holes in the middle.

Here is the correct recipe for wassail. To each quart of new cider put a saltspoonful of ground nutmeg, six of allspice, and two of cloves, taking care to see that the spices are freshly ground; then add two sticks of cinnamon, the juice of two oranges and one lemon, half a cup of granulated sugar. Bake two sour apples which have been cut in rounds, and then into quarters, until soft but not out of shape, in well-buttered enamel pans. Place them in the punch bow4, pour the boiling spiced cider over, and serve. In ancient times each person took a piece of apple from the bowl, then placed the receptacle to his lips and drank to the health of the assembled company.

Decorations for a Twelfth Night Table

This decorative scheme was carried out in England, and is easily adaptable by any hostess who can imagine how things will look and then carry out the idea. The centrepiece was a court jester's cap made in sections of different colors, with bells on the points. A circle of snapping-cracker paper caps surrounded it. At either end of the table there was a crimson cushion, on which rested gorgeous gilt crowns for the King and Queen. When the cake was passed, the guest who received the bean hidden in the cake, was the King; the pea designated the Queen, and the clove the Court Jester. The other guests appropriated the snapping caps, crowns were donned, and a merry time ensued.

CHAPTER IL- FEBRUARY

Candlemas

THE second month in the year is the delight of the hostess, for not only is the gay season at its height, but there are so many special days upon which she can build her entertainment schemes and offer novelties to her guests. Candlemas, on the second day, affords opportunities for unique decorations, and it is always a pleasure to enlighten one's friends upon the dehghtful significance of this ancient festival. If we go back far enough we find that all our holidays have a religious beginning, and Candlemas was celebrated with the same fervor as Christmas by our remote ancestors. It was the feast of the Purification of the Virgin, the candle being symbolic of the body of the Saviour. In the mediaeval period burning candles on the second of February was supposed to ward off the visits of evil spirits from the house for a year.

The peasants in many portions of Europe believe firmly in the weather forecast made on this day. The Scotch people say:

*'If Candlemas Day be fair and clear There '11 be twa winters in the year."

The burning of candles on this day has for centuries been considered prophetic of the future by people given to superstition; so, as the twentieth-century maiden loves mystery, she will doubtless welcome another day on which to pry into the unseen way, as the flames will divulge her fate on Candlemas. A luncheon or dinner is a delightful way to celebrate, with a congenial party of six or eight, ten at the outside. So much depends upon the guests, and the most enjoyable affairs are always small and informal.

The table centrepiece should be of dainty white flowers, Roman hyacinths, lilies of the valley, carnations, or lilies;

white candles should be arranged around them in a circle (symbol of eternity), with an unshaded candle at each plate, the holders of glass. Maidenhair ferns, smilax, or asparagus vine arranged in delicate tracery over the tablecloth adds greatly to the fairy-like effect. Use white china, and the bonbons and cakes should show no color. The place cards may be done in water colors having a bunch of snowdrops and a lighted candle, in remembrance of the fact that a Franciscan friar said, *^I can light a taper to our Virgin Mother on the blowing of the white snowdrop, which opens its flowerets at the time of Candlemas." If this pure, wax-like blossom is obtainable, use it by all means for this function.

In Paris on the second day of February, the true Parisian celebrates by eating pancakes. The story is told of Madame Sarah Bernhardt, when a private car was her home while en tour in this country a season or two ago, that Candlemas Day came, and the cook was entirely unenlightened as to this very important adjunct to the breakfast menu. For a short time only did the great actress hesitate, then she sent for the cook, and it was amicably arranged that Madame Bernhardt should build her own pancakes on Candlemas Day. Any jelly or jam may be used. These may be served for dessert, or a vanilla ice cream frozen in the shape of candles, with blanched almonds for wicks, which are lighted just when sent to the table. Pass wax matches with which each guest will light the place candle. If a flame flickers without a visible draft, the weather will be windy; if the candle is slow to light, the weather will be rainy ; the first candle to go out foretells an unhappy marriage; the one to burn the longest signifies wedded bliss. Before the candles are entirely burned out let each one rise and walk three steps away, then see if the flame can be extinguished by one puff, for each puff adds one year's delay to a wedding.

A Dickens Party

On February the seventh, in the year 1812, our good friend Charles Dickens was born, so let us remember this beloved author by celebrating his birthday. Ask the guests to come in a costume representing a character from one of his books, or the title of one of them; if it is too much trouble to wear an entire costume, some article may be worn to indicate the subject. All will rejoice in the reunion of David Copperfield, Little Nell, Mrs. Gamp, and Mr. Micawber.

For refreshments have things as English as possible. Use only candlelight, and place all the eatables on the table at once. There should be several cold joints, such as a leg of mutton, roast beef, and a cold fowl. Individual meat pies or chops would be appropriate; and do not forget orange marmalade with seed cakes, also rye bread, and ale served in tankards. As each guest arrives, take the name of the character; when all have assembled pass cards and pencils. Allow a half-hour for guessing the characters represented ; award a framed photograph of Dickens for the first prize, and a copy of one of his books for the second.

There is a charming new book called ^^ Stories from Dickens'' that is meant primarily for young readers, but it is thoroughly enjoyable by any devotee of this matchless writer. Illustrated works of Dickens will give an idea how to dress the characters, also old English prints, which may be seen at a public library. Decorate with the British flag, use English china, Sheffield plate, and any pieces of pewter you may possess. An evening with Dickens is always enjoyable and such entertainments are especially good for church societies or clubs. There are many sketches from his writings suitable for reading aloud, and they may be illustrated by living pictures. All know of the ever-pleasing features of ^^Mrs. Jarley's Wax Works," which have been arranged for production. A masquerade for children could be given by asking each child to come in a Dickens child costume.

In Honor of Lincoln's Birthday

In the hearts of American people, our first martyred President holds a place second to none, though the Government was

lO exceedingly tardy in making the day of his birth a national holiday. It is certainly one of the red-letter days of the month, this twelfth of February, and deserves a characteristic celebration. School children observe the day, but it is only recently that the hostess has recognized it as another day on which to add a spice of novelty and interest to her entertainments. Invitations to a Lincoln party may carry the request to appear in the garb of i860; old fashion plates and histories of that period will afford ample designs for the costumes of both men and women. Extreme simplicity must be the keynote to all the preparations. No lace doilies, fancy shades, or superfluous silver should adorn the table. A plain cloth, candles in brass or pewter holders, and the dinner served in three courses only, the guests doing their own passing as far as possible, the host carving, and the hostess pouring the coffee.