Part 8 (1/2)

Instead of using the orthodox square at home cards, write the invitations on long, thin, narrow slips of paper, the lettering running from the bottom to the top and from right to left; a few queer birds, the suggestion of a lantern and a falling chrysanthemum splashed in carelessly in sepia, are very effective touches. The cherry-blossoms are used in decorating, which are simply little, round, white paper petals with the edges dipped in red dye, fastened to boughs and put up everywhere, as are also the fluffy chrysanthemums, dainty b.u.t.terflies, and a profusion of cheap little fans.

A huge j.a.panese umbrella hangs over the tea-table, at which four girls dressed in kimonas preside, while two others are in the drawing room.

The kimonas, which are very easily made, are all different in color, although a two-color scheme would, perhaps, be prettier--say white and yellow, or white and mauve, with chrysanthemums to correspond.

The refreshments are, perhaps, the most novel part of the whole idea.

Instead of the conventional salads, ices, cakes, etc., the guests are served with delicious tea, in the daintiest of j.a.panese cups, and hot b.u.t.tered baps. During the afternoon have selections from ”The Geisha,”

”The Mandarin,” ”The Little Tyc.o.o.n,” and ”The Mikado.”

A j.a.pANESE TEA. 3.

At a j.a.panese Tea, several small tables are used, set at intervals in the room; these are generally presided over by the hostess and the ladies who receive with her, each being furnished with a tea service.

They are laid in white damask or linen embroidered in a j.a.panese design, the center is occupied by a circular mound of red blossoms which symbolize the emblem of the Flowery Kingdom's flag, combining the national colors also red and white.

In the middle of the mound, slightly elevated, there is placed a ”Jinriki-sha,” which is the riding vehicle of j.a.pan, a two-wheeled affair resembling our modern dog-cart; it is drawn by a man in costume and seated in it is a woman, also in costume, holding above her and large enough to extend over the table, one of those grotesque paper umbrellas, which are as much a part of that country as its rice and tea.

The edges of these are festooned with red and white flowers and hung with the smaller sized, globe shaped lanterns that are used profusely about the room also, for decorating and lights.

Candelabra likewise is used, and it should be of that quaint looking black material that is decidedly Oriental in appearance and is the latest thing in such bric-a-brac. White tapers with red shades show off to advantage above this dark fancifully wrought metal, shedding a softly subdued radiance, at once pretty and restful to the eye.

The chrysanthemum, while not the national flower, is the imperial favorite and best beloved bloom of the people, therefore it is the proper one for decoration, united with potted plants, palms, vines, etc.

All hues and kinds may be combined in the general adornment of room or rooms (the red and white being confined to the tables alone), for twining, banking or bouquets, just as fancy dictates, and the furnis.h.i.+ngs admit. The chrysanthemum, gorgeous in itself and lavishly employed, makes a superb decoration, and if, for a background, the walls, doors, windows, etc., are draped in j.a.panese tapestry goods, with friezes of the flowers, the result will prove singularly striking and beautiful.

Of course, j.a.panese china is used, and as to the things to eat there can be offered thin sardine sandwiches, delicate wafers, fruits, confections. This is merely a suggestion; individuals use their own ideas, and at different places customs change. Ices served should be in oblong squares with round red centers to represent the flag of j.a.pan.

Souvenirs for guests, if any are given, ought to be small cups and saucers of the genuine ware or fac-simile in candy, tied with red and white ribbons.

CHAPTER VIII.

TWO VALENTINE TEAS.

Here's to a cup of tea. It holds intoxication great for me.

I find it makes me want to dare Do bold things right then and there; To steal a kiss from Phyllis fair, as she pours tea.

Pink is the color scheme; the invitations are written on rose-tinted cardboard, cut heart-shape and adorned with floral love-knots. The hostess can wear a pink gown and the rosy-hue effect is also carried out in the dining-room decorations. On a blank s.p.a.ce of the wall have two hearts formed of pink carnations and smilax, and pierced by a gilded arrow. Beneath, on a pink cardboard, lettered in gold, have this verse:

”Love always looks for love again; If ever single it is twain, And till it finds its counterpart It bears about an aching heart.”

The long table, covered with snowy cloth, has the valentine idea in heart design used as much as possible in the decorations. The candles are pink and the paper shades in the shape of roses; pink bonbons bearing appropriate mottoes and tiny cakes covered with pink frosting, are in heart-shaped dishes; around the dishes are garlands of green, caught in a bow-knot with a narrow pink satin ribbon. In the center of the table is a large heart-shaped cake, fringed with smilax and pink roses, and on the top, pink figures numbered from one to sixteen.

Before the cake is cut, a silver tray holding corresponding numbers is pa.s.sed, with the explanation that one of the pieces contains a tiny gold heart, and that the finder will surely succ.u.mb to Cupid's darts before another year. In another piece is a dime which will bring the lucky possessor success, wealth and happiness.

The place-cards consist of heart shaped booklets with the name of the guest in gold, and an artistic sketch of Cupid equipped with bow and arrow. On the leaves are the following conundrums: