Part 10 (2/2)
A FLOWER TEA.
For early September a flower tea is a most enjoyable affair and is easily arranged with little expense. Have the invitations sent out at least a week before the event.
The parlors should be tastefully arranged and decorated with flowers.
Wild flowers are in abundance at this time and they are always bright and cheery.
Let each guest, as she arrives, be presented with a bouquet of flowers, no two being alike.
For amus.e.m.e.nt there is nothing better and more instructive than the following:
Pa.s.s to each lady a sheet of paper with a pencil, the paper containing typewritten questions. Explain to the company that the contest is to last fifteen or twenty minutes as desired.
The printed questions are to be answered by the name of flowers.
Here are appropriate questions for the contest, with correct answers:
What lady veils her face? Maid-of-the-Mist.
Who is the sad lady? Ane-mone.
What lady weeps for her love? Mourning-bride.
Who is the bell of the family? Bell-Flower.
What untruthful lady shuns the land? False-Mermaid.
What young lady is still the baby of the family? Virginia Creeper.
What lady comes from the land where ladies bind their feet?
Rose-of-China.
Who is the neat lady? Prim-rose.
After the given time expires let each guest sign her name to the paper she holds and exchange with her nearest neighbor. Then the fun begins as one rises and reads the questions and answers.
Each lady should mark the paper she holds and in rotation they rise and give the number of correct answers, not mentioning the name on the paper. When it has been decided which paper holds the greatest number of correct answers, the contestant's name is given as winner, and she is presented with a dainty souvenir, such as a flower vase, or a dainty painting of flowers. Other games and contests may follow, all suggestive of flower land.
The afternoon-tea should be dainty and appropriate. A big doll, literally covered with flowers, makes a pretty centerpiece for the table. Let ice lemonade be served, each gla.s.s having a sweet flower floating on its surface. The cakes should be in the form of flowers and the bonbons, flower candies.
It is pretty to call each guest by the name of the flower given her when she arrives.
If there is music after tea let a song of the flowers be rendered.
AN EXCHANGE TEA.
This style of party is intensely amusing, and will keep a large company interested for several hours of an evening or afternoon, as it is one continued round of mirth-provoking ”sells,” in which everybody is ”sold.” It is not so much in vogue for small affairs, where only a few guests are invited, but where a large crowd is to be entertained it is just the thing to furnish enjoyment and fun.
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