large number of guests are invited to meet some distinguished
stranger, engraved invitations are issued.

Five days or a week's notice is usually considered sufficient, but if
distinguished wits and scholars are to be secured, it is well to give
a longer period, since their time, always in demand, should be
bespoken well in advance. A reply to the invitation is a necessity,
because the hostess wishes time, in case of non-acceptance, to secure
another guest.

Where the breakfast is less stately in character, an informal note,
written by the hostess, in the first person, is a pleasant method, or
simply written on the lady's visiting cards under the name in this
form: Breakfast, Tuesday, ten o'clock, February fifteenth.

Artificial light is out of place, and sunshine should flood the
apartment, while a certain airiness and daintiness should pervade the
table appointments, quite the opposite of the elaborate display that
characterizes the dinner party. Flowers should form the decorations of
the table. Breakfast parties are a very convenient mode of social
entertainment for those whose limited means will not admit of a more
extensive display of hospitality.

Ten o'clock is the usual hour, though it may be as late as twelve,
thus differing from the luncheon, which is never earlier than one.

Breakfast parties are a favorite reunion with literary people, who
generally take the morning hours for leisure, leaving brain work until
later in the day. Sidney Smith said he liked breakfasts, "because no
man was conceited before one o'clock in the day."

In serving breakfast the bill of fare, unless for special occasions,
should never be elaborate, but rather dainty and attractive, as the
appetite usually needs tempting at this early hour; fewer courses of a
more delicate variety should be served than at other meals. The
hostess dispenses the coffee, tea and chocolate from the head of the
table; the substantials are set in front of the host, who may help the
plates and hand them to the waiter to serve; the vegetables and other
dishes may be handed from the side table.

Concerning the Viands.

It is well-bred to serve the breakfast with as little formality as
possible, and with as few attendants; one servant, a maid, or man
servant is sufficient unless the party is unusually large.

If grape-fruit be used for a first course, or orange skins filled with
juice, a wreath of smilax on each plate makes a pretty decoration.

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