Part 9
Brown Croquettes Potato Balls Brown Breadsticks Chicken Salad, yellow Mayonnaise Orange Ice Cream, served in orange-peel baskets Chocolate Cake Chocolate Icing Chocolate and Lemon Bonbons Yellow Cheese Balls Coffee, with yellow whipped Cream
MUSICAL EVENING
The invitations should be sent in small imitation music rolls, and headed with a line of appropriate music. As each guest enters he receives a long, narrow strip of pasteboard, bearing a portion of some familiar song, both words and music. Each card bears a number, and the eight whose cards are numbered alike are instructed to get together and practice to sing a verse formed by the union of their eight cards. A bell calls them to order, judges are appointed, and each group sings its song, a pianist accompanying them. While the judges are preparing their verdict, a short musical program may be rendered. A bouquet of flowers may be presented to the group whose musical effort is considered the best. The bouquet may consist of eight small buttonhole bouquets, one for each member of the group. Make a list, numbering from one to twenty, of tunes that are perfectly familiar to every one. "Yankee Doodle," "America," "Annie Rooney," or any of the later popular songs, are some of the airs that are known everywhere. Number as many cards as there are guests, with twenty numbers on consecutive lines. These, with pencils, are distributed to the people as they arrive. An accomplished pianist then plays snatches of each tune, in the order that the list calls for. Just enough of the piece is played to let the melody be indicated. Each person, as the air is played, puts down against the number on the card what he thinks the tune is. At the end the cards are collected, and prizes given to the most successful.
To match partners, write the notes of a bar or two of some well-known melody on the lady's card, and the balance on the gentleman's card.
MUSICAL GUESSING CONTEST
1. Used on a bundle. (Chord [cord])
2. A place of residence. (Flat)
3. A reflection on character. (Slur)
4. Bottom of a statue. (Bass [base])
5. An unaffected person. (Natural)
6. Used in driving horses. (Lines)
7. What makes a check valid. (Signature)
8. What we breathe every day. (Air)
9. Seen on the ocean. (Swells)
10. What betrays nationality. (Accent)
11. An association of lawyers. (Bar)
12. Used in climbing. (Staff)
13. Part of a sentence. (Phrase)
14. Belonging to a fish. (Scales)
15. Used in wheeling. (Pedals)
16. A girl's name. (Grace)
17. Used in flavoring soup. (Time [Thyme])
18. Often passed in school. (Notes)
19. Used in a store. (Counters)
20. An instrument not blunt. (Sharp)
MUSICAL ROMANCE
The young hostess announced that a love story of the Civil War would be related in musical numbers, and to the one who should best interpret them a prize would be awarded. All were provided with cards and pencils and a young woman seated herself at the piano. The hostess then asked "What was the heroine called?" Whereupon the familiar notes of "Sweet Marie" were heard, and it began to be understood that the names of popular airs--given with much spirit by the pianist--would furnish the answers to the questions propounded, to be recorded upon the cards. The story progressed thus:
What was the hero's name? "Robin Adair."
Where was he born? "Dixie."
Where was she born? "On the Suwanee River."
Where did they meet? "Comin' thro' the rye."
At what time of day was it? "Just as the sun went down."
When did he propose? "After the ball was over."
What did he say? "Only one girl in this world for me."
What did she say? "I'll leave my happy home for you."
What did he then bid her? "A soldier's farewell."
What did the band play? "The girl I left behind me."
Where did he go? "Georgia."
Where did he spend that night? "Tenting on the old camp ground."
What did the band play when he came home? "When Johnny comes marching home."
Where were they married? "Old Kentucky home."
Who were the bridesmaids? "Two little girls in blue."
Who furnished the music? "Whistling Rufus."
Who furnished the wedding feast? "Rosie O'Grady."
Where did they make their home? "On the banks of the Wabash."
What was their motto? "Home, sweet home."
Where did they always remain? "America."
The music was a new feature, and the fact that the airs were so well known made it the more enjoyable. The advantage of the winner being so slight, the pleasure of success was the more general.
* * * * *
After supper the hostess said that if they were not tired of guessing she had another game to propose--a sort of fortune-telling game which would give each man present the name that his future wife should bear. It was for him to discover it. The first name was told to make the subject clear--which was that a chemist's wife should be named "Ann Eliza." Then they were told to guess the name of a civil engineer's wife (Bridget); a gambler's (Betty); a humorist's (Sally); a clergyman's (Marie); a shoemaker's (Peggy); a sexton's (Belle); a porter's (Carrie); a dancing-master's (Grace); a milliner's (Hattie); a gardener's (Flora); a judge's (Justine); a pugilist's (Mamie); a pianist's (Octavia); a life-saver's (Caroline); an upholsterer's (Sophy); an astronomer's (Stella); a doctor's (Patience); a fisherman's (Netty); a gasman's (Meta); a marksman's (Amy). Each man could judge, from his occupation, the name of his future wife.
MUSICAL TERMS ILLUSTRATED
Have some one play these songs:
"Star Spangled Banner," "Marching through Georgia," "Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean," "Battle Hymn of the Republic," "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp," "Hail Columbia," "Home, Sweet Home," "Yankee Doodle," "When Johnnie Comes Marching Home Again," "Auld Lang Syne," "America." No titles are announced, but the guests are asked to guess the names and write them in order upon slips of paper.
Following each piece of music some musical term is illustrated. These terms, with the means employed to illustrate them, are as follows: "time," some one hold up a small clock; "measure," a yardstick; "key," a door-key; "flats," two flatirons; "lines," a pair of nursery lines; "sharps," a carving set; "tie," a gentleman's tie; "bars," small clothes-bars; "staff," a cane; "a whole note," a dollar; "a half note," a half dollar; "a quarter note," a silver quarter.
MUSICIANS BURIED
1. There were verd isles and tender blue of summer skies.
2. Maud Muller raked the hay, deny it not, O Judge.
3. The bell in ivy tower rings knell of passing day.
4. I arrive, King, most gracious sovereign.
5. She still wears her old smile--the sweet, modest maiden.
6. The mother of Charlie Ross in idle dreams still clasps him.
7. We berate our neighbors soundly, but excuse ourselves.
8. How famous the cherub in ideal art.
9. There will be no confab to-night.
10. If he asks your hand, Eliza, do not say nay.
11. Be brief; lo, toward life's setting sun, man hastens.
12. You've dropped a beet--ho, vender, heigh.
13. The dog spies a cat, and it makes his tail wag nervously.
14. A beau, berrying, needs a basket and a sweetheart.
15. My chop I never eat with peas.
16. You have found an egg, lucky boy.
17. Liz still improves from day to day.
18. Whoever else leaves, the Co. stays in most firms.
19. Cattle enjoy herbal feeding grounds.
20. I do not care a sou, Sarah, whether you will, or not.
KEY TO MUSICIANS BURIED
1. Verdi.
2. Hayden.
3. Bellini.
4. Rive King.
5. Herold.
6. Rossini.
7. Weber.
8. Cherubini.
9. Abt.
10. Handel.
11. Flotow.
12. Beethoven.
13. Wagner.
14. Auber.
15. Chopin.
16. Gluck.
17. Lizst.
18. Costa.
19. Balfe.
20. Sousa.
_Note:_--The letters composing the names of the sought-for musicians come successively together but the name may begin and end in different words.
MYSTICAL DINNER MENU
_Menu_ _Key_
SOUPS
1. Capital of Portugal 1. Pea
2. An imitation reptile 2. Mock Turtle
FISH
3. The largest part of Sambo's feet 3. Sole
4. An express label 4. Cod
GAME
5. A universal crown 5. Hare
6. Portion of a mountain range 6. Partridge
7. A tailor's tool 7. Goose
8. To shrink from danger 8. Quail
ROAST MEAT
9. A genial English author 9. Lamb
10. A country of the Crescent 10. Turkey
BOILED MEAT
11. One of Noah's sons 11. Ham
12. Woman's best weapon 12. Tongue
VEGETABLES
13. To steal mildly 13. Cabbage
14. Complete upsets 14. Turnips
15. What successful candidates do 15. Beet
16. Two kinds of toes not found on man or beast 16. Potatoes and Tomatoes
RELISHES
17. Pertaining to regions underground 17. Celery
18. Comical performances 18. Capers
19. Elevated felines 19. Catsup
PUDDINGS
20. What we say to impertinent agents 20. Say go
21. Exactly perpendicular 21. Plumb
22. The mantle of winter 22. Snow
23. What the lawyer says to his clients 23. Suet
PIES
24. To walk in an affected manner 24. Mince
25. A relative of the dairyman 25. Pumpkin
FRUIT
26. The historian's delight 26. Dates
27. Water in motion 27. Currants
28. Small shot (plural) 28. Grapes
MYSTICAL PARTY
_The Y. W. C. T. U. Has cordially invited you To the Mystery Reception, Strange and weird beyond conception. At seven-thirty o'clock night fall We will welcome one and all; With solemn rites and grewsome sights, We'll meet you all on Monday night. Street and number._
All those who take part in this should arrive early and have everything in shape when the guests appear. First, each one should wrap a white sheet over her and wear a small white mask. Have all the lights turned low or have candles, and on the gas jets or candles have red paper shades to cast a red, gloomy light over everything. Have each one who takes part stand like a statue, and dispose these statues about the house in corners and in dark places. As the guests arrive have one of the white clothed figures meet them at the door, and without a word, motion them to take off their wraps, and then to enter the next room. If possible get some bones from a medical college and have skulls and cross bones all about the room. In one dark room should be skulls and pumpkins with faces cut in them and candles inside. Do not have any other light in this room. When the guests go into this room have some small pieces of ice wrapped in muslin presented to them to be felt of in the dark. All this time the statues should be quiet and remain so until all the company has arrived. Then seat all the statues at a large table with a small candle or a dish of burning alcohol in the centre and have each one tell a weird story. Have a witch in a dark room with a dish of burning alcohol and have the guests, one at a time, go in to have their fortunes told. Tricks of different kinds can be played upon the guests.
The program for the mysterious company consists of a number of contests in which eyesight gives place to the sense of touch.
First of all the hostess produces a book printed in the raised lettering for the blind and suggests that each guest read ten lines from it. This is no easy matter. To the contestant reading the ten lines correctly in the shortest time a prize is awarded.
For the second trial of skill the guests may gather around a circular table. Beneath the table place a covered box or basket containing the most variously assorted small articles that it is possible to secure upon the spur of the moment, the more unexpected the better. No player must see the articles placed in the basket. When all is in readiness the objects are taken from the basket and passed rapidly from hand to hand below the table, ending in the hands of the hostess, and by her are placed in an empty bag provided for the purpose.
Distribute pencils and ask the guests to write down as many of the objects passed under the table as they can remember. A prize should be provided for the person who hands in the fullest list of the objects.
Next blindfold each guest in turn and place in his hands, one at a time, various objects, the names of which are to be guessed aloud. If curious and unfamiliar objects are selected, this will prove very amusing.
NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY
This is a favorite occasion for a party among young people. It should be a small party, not over twenty-four guests, and it will be the more enjoyable if informal and among those who are well acquainted with each other.
There are as varied entertainments for such parties as for those at other seasons. A pretty idea is to confine the list to twelve young gentlemen and twelve young ladies. The hostess requests each couple to dress so as to represent a particular month, which she assigns them.
Duck trousers, cotton neckties, and white vests are as distinctive of summer for the young men, as shirt-waists, duck skirts, and lawn are for young women, but it will take some ingenuity to devise an effect that will mark a particular month.
The guests should not assemble until nine o'clock. There should be a large clock conspicuously placed in the room, and if possible an open fireplace, with a bright fire on the hearth.
The first part of the time should be taken up in guessing the months, the company gathering before the open fire in a circle. As fast as one month is decided upon, the one who impersonates it rises, makes his or her bow to the company, and recites at least four original lines pertaining to that month. The more ridiculous or witty they are, the better they will be appreciated.
After this comes the supper, which may be as elaborate or as simple as desired, and then a promiscuous mixing of the months will cause some merriment.
Just as the clock is striking twelve, there is a knock at the door. Upon opening it, there is revealed a young man dressed as a baby, in a long white dress tied about with a sash on which is printed January 1, 19--. If properly planned, the appearance of this New Year baby will cause shouts of merriment.
Hand shakings and New Year's greetings follow, and the party is over.
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS
This game is played by providing each guest a paper and pencil, and having ten letters of the alphabet read to the company. These are to be copied, the guests are told to write a New Year's resolution of ten words, each beginning with one of the letters used, in the order in which they are given out. These importuned resolutions, when read, will afford much amusement.
NEW YEAR'S SOCIABLE
As the guests come in, each one is requested to sign his name in a note-book, and to write underneath it a New Year's resolution. An entire page should be allowed for each one, so that no one may know what his neighbor has written. Each guest should be given a card inscribed with an appropriate quotation, such as "Time and tide wait for no man." These cards are numbered. These are passed around among the company, with the explanation that each guest is to amuse the company for the length of time it takes for the sand to run in a minute glass from one end to the other (have a minute glass in room), using for the purpose of entertainment some thought suggested by the quotation on his card. One can recite a poem, another tell a story, another sing a song, and so on until every one has done his share for the amusement of the others, following in order according to the numbers on the cards. After each one has done his part the hostess announces that she will now do hers and proceeds to read each resolution that has been written in the book. The names of the writers being given, it will cause much merriment. Nut shells set sailing two by two in a basin of water may be named, one for a man, the other for a girl. If they keep together, it is an indication that the pair will be married before the year dies, but if they separate, the fate of the twain is sealed for one year.
NINETEENTH CENTURY GAME
In this game of guess the contestants are told that each question can be replied to with the name of a celebrity who has lived in, or whose life has extended into, the nineteenth century. Each guest is given a little tablet with his name written on every one of the pages. Two minutes are allowed to each question. The questioner sits with a big bowl before her, into which, when she calls time, each player drops a slip upon which he has written his answer. This is the list that the questioner reads, omitting, of course, the answers:
Why did England so often lose her way in South Africa? (Mr. Rhodes)
What did the Emperor of China do when the Empress usurped the throne? (Custer)
What did Isaac watch while his father was forging a chain? (Abraham Lincoln)
What is Li Hung Chang credited with being? (Schley)
The lane that has no turning is a what? (Longstreet)
What does a Chinese lover say when he proposes? (Dewey)
What does Aguinaldo keep between himself and the Americans? (Miles)
What happens when the wind blows in spiders' houses? (Webster)
What did Buller unfortunately do? (Bragg)
What do the waves do to a vessel wrecked near shore? (Beecher)
What does a ship do to a seasick man? (Rockefeller)
What did Uncle Sam do when he wanted to know whether England would let him mediate? (Astor)
What is the chair-boy likely to do to the old lady he has to push on a hot day? (Wheeler)
What is a novel military name for a cook? (Kitchener)
What do you do when you drive a slow horse? (Polk)
When do you get up to see a sunrise? (Early)
When Max O'Rell gets on a platform what does he do? (Speaker Reed)
What does a waiter do after he has filled half of the glasses at a table? (Fillmore)
In the settlement of disputes, do the European nations quarrel? (General Lee)
The towns taken by the British generally lacked the what? (Garrison)
What did the Jews say when the mother of Samuel passed? (Mark Hanna)
In Cairo purchases are made at a what? (Booth)
NOSE AND GOGGLE PARTY
To fun-loving people who enjoy the grotesque, great sport will be found in giving a Nose and Goggle Party. Here two objects will be gained: merriment and disguise.
As the guests arrive, disguised as explained below, each is given a card, perforated, with ribbon run through, in order to wear the card around the neck, so that everybody can see it.
The cards must have, on one side, a number by which each guest is known; on the other side, a list of figures, 1, 2, 3, etc. (as many figures as there are guests), leaving space opposite each figure for a name. In social conversation each guest is to guess who his or her entertainer is. With intimate friends, this may be done readily by familiarity with the voice; but in most cases the identification will not be easy.
Each guest wears a false nose and goggles. The nose may be purchased, or made by clever fingers, of heavy cardboard covered with chamois.
The noses and goggles must not be removed till after refreshments, which may be simple or elaborate as the hostess may wish. As you make your guess, place the name opposite the number on your card corresponding to the number of the person with whom you are talking; for instance, if you think you know No. 4, turn your card and write the name opposite No. 4, etc.
NOTED PEOPLE
Cut out pictures of noted men and women from newspapers and magazines, paste on white paper, and number each one. Provide each guest with paper and pencil, having the paper contain a list of numbers corresponding to those on the pictures. The guests are then requested to write opposite the correct number the name of the person whom each picture represents. A good idea is to have pictures pinned upon the wall, curtains, and in every convenient place about the rooms, as the guests will then be obliged to move about, and there will be no danger of wallflowers. After each one has been given plenty of time for guessing, the correct list can be read aloud by one person, each guest passing his paper to his neighbor for correction. A prize may be given to the one who has the most correct answers. In connection with this, the game of noted people can be played. Have small slips of paper with the names of noted people written upon them, and pin one of these on back of each guest; he is to guess whom he represents by means of questions put to him by other guests. This is great fun, and causes much merriment among the young people. As soon as a player guesses whom he represents a new slip can be put on his back. A prize may be given the one who guesses the most names.
NUT CONUNDRUMS
Before the guests arrive hide nuts all over the rooms in every nook and corner. At a given signal have the guests search for them and the one finding the most can be given a small prize.
Take English walnuts, split and take out the kernel; write quotations on small slips of paper, cut in half, put one-half paper in one nut shell, the other half in another shell, gluing each shell together. During the evening give one set of half quotations to the girls, the other set to the boys and then have them hunt for their partners; when found, each pair have refreshments together. Have the following nut conundrums guessed, after which serve all kinds of mixed nuts.
CONUNDRUMS
1. What nut grows nearest the sea? (Beechnut)
2. What nut grows the lowest? (Groundnut)
3. What nut is the color of a pretty girl's eyes? (Hazelnut)
4. What nut is good for naughty boys? (Hickory)
5. What nut is like an oft told tale? (Chestnut)
6. What nut grows on the Amazon? (Brazil nut)
7. What nut is like a naughty boy when sister has a beau? (Pecan)
8. What nut is like a Chinaman's eyes? (Almond)
9. What is the favorite nut in Ohio? (Buckeye)
10. What nut is like a good Jersey cow? (Butternut)
11. What is the mason's favorite nut? (Walnut)
12. What nut cannot the farmer go to town without? (Wagon nut)
NUT PARTY
Invitations may be slipped inside peanut or English walnut shells, glued together, and sent in a small box. The shops are showing big English walnuts, Parisian almonds and Spanish peanuts, filled with confections in imitation of the genuine nut meats, which make attractive prizes or favors. A novelty in silver represents an English walnut (exact size), "All in a nutshell," which contains powder, puff, mirror, miniature scent bottle, and pincushion; a silver peanut contains a "magic" pencil or small vinaigrette; thimble cases, bangles, tape measures, etc., come in nut designs; a small lace-trimmed handkerchief may be folded and slipped inside an English walnut shell. The diminutiveness of the prizes is emphasized if they are wrapped in a series of boxes, each one larger than the next. For finding partners, English walnuts painted and dressed in crimped tissue paper to represent different nationalities may be used, a lady and gentleman being given the same nationality. The menu served may be made up of nuts: chicken and nut salad, peanut sandwiches, salted nuts, nut candies, bisque of almonds, pecan cake, walnut wafers, coffee.
OBSERVATION PARTY