ive a fair amount of attention. The supper is
provided by a caterer, of course. Two orchestras, playing alternately,
provide music; they are screened behind palms and other plants. Balls
generally begin about eleven o'clock, the hour named on the cards being
half after ten, and everybody waiting in the hope that someone else may
arrive earlier. General dancing is in order until supper is served;
afterwards the cotillion is danced.

At the dinner dance, the cotillion is preceded by a dinner, given by the
hostess at her own house, or by several hostesses at some restaurant,
where each presides over a table. Dinner and subscription dances are much
favored by the younger set, as the hostesses act in the capacity of
chaperons, and the company is gayer.

To bid one's hostess good night--or good morning--and express one's
pleasure in her entertainment is obligatory.

[MANNERS AND SOCIAL CUSTOMS 723]

GARDEN PARTIES.

Jupiter Pluvius apparently has a grouch against garden-parties, so often
does he shake his sieve with deliberate intent to spoil the affair, which
is after all, merely afternoon tea out of doors. The hostess anxiously
consults "the probabilities" as to weather, and if storm threatens must
hastily convert her garden fete into an in-door function. If blessed with
a bright day, a garden party is a pretty affair. The women wear beautiful
light gowns, en train by preference, and their flower-laden hats and gay
parasols contribute to the charm of the scene.

The garden-party is the special prerogative of the out-of-town hostess.
She has the lawn and the trees without which a party of this character
cannot be undertaken. Invitations may be formal, or the hostess may use
her card with the hour and the date and "Garden Party" written in the
lower left hand corner. If guests from a distance are expected to arrive
by train or trolley they must be notified of the train or car which will
be met by carriages or automobiles she provides.

The hostess receives on the lawn, and hats are retained. Games, like lawn
tennis, archery, croquet, should be provided. Guests wander about and
entertain each other, and seek the refreshment tables when so inclined.
The supper may be served under a tent or in the house. Seats are provided,
and rugs spread on the grass. No matter if the weather is unfavorable the
guests are expected to present themselves, as the hostess will quickly
transform her out-door fete into an in-door affair in ca