Helen Brown.

The invitation should be promptly answered. Usually, the nature of the
entertainment is not known to the guest of honor until she arrives;
sometimes not until she is seated at the table.

[MANNERS AND SOCIAL CUSTOMS 733]

How Presented.--The more unique the method of presentation the more
amusing the surprise of the guest. The gifts are to be neatly wrapped up
in white tissue paper, tied with ribbons, the card of the giver being
enclosed. Often some sentiment is written on the card, or an original
rhyme; this the recipient reads aloud when the gift is unwrapped.

At one long remembered shower, the centerpiece was a white linen parasol,
beautifully embroidered and the gift of the hostess. This, open, was
fastened upright, the block of wood which held it being hidden under
asparagus plumosus interspersed with pink roses. Under this were arranged
the several packages. Between each course the guest of honor was requested
to draw and open a parcel, the remainder being opened before leaving the
table. At another luncheon the gifts were brought in by a boy dressed as a
messenger, one at a time, as if just delivered. The surprise of the guest
at the first delivery greatly amused her friends. One guest contributed a
handsome lunch cloth, another the napkins to match, each marked with
embroidered initials. An embroidered white linen handbag, for use with a
white gown, was enclosed in a box about a foot square; within this was
another, neatly wrapped and tied, which, opened, contained another and
still another, keeping expectancy at its height. The "Jack Horner pie" has
been used, and the "showered" girl has been handed a white satin ribbon
and been bidden to follow where it led her, discovering at the end the
pile of presents.

Gifts for a linen shower may include towels of all kinds, the monogrammed
damask and initialed guest towels, embroidered linen pillow slips;
centerpieces, doilies, bureau scarfs and many other textile gifts suggest
themselves. The "kitchen shower" suggests the useful; the handkerchief
shower is dainty.

Refreshments.--The refreshments at such an entertainment may be as simple
as one likes, unless the invitations are for a luncheon; in that case they
should be more elaborate. Chocolate and sandwiches with cake and ices;
sandwiches, cake and coffee, are allowable. The guests are seated at a
table, which should be decorated with pink and white flowers. Pink
carnations are