Occasionally this entertainment takes the form of a matinee party of
ladies only, who adjourn at its close to the hostess's home for a
supper.

Dress for the Opera.

When a gentleman invites a lady to the opera, he should tell her what
part of the house they are to occupy. If it is a box she must at least
wear a light opera cloak, even if she does not array herself in full
evening dress. However, evening toilet, no bonnet and beautifully
dressed hair, are the correct thing. At an opera matinee, elegant
visiting dress and dainty bonnets are always worn. If a gentleman is
to escort a lady to the opera in any of the public conveyances she
must wear street toilet.

Picnic Parties.

Picnics and excursions are delightful summer entertainments. But it is
essential that whoever goes on a picnic should possess the power to
find "sermons in stones, books in the running brooks, and good in
everything;" know how to dress, know where to go, and above all, know
what to carry to eat.

A very great variety of food should be avoided, also soft puddings and
creamy mixtures of any sort, which persistently "leak out." Plain,
substantial food, simple and well-cooked, should ever be chosen, with
a few sweet and simple dainties to top off with. This can be divided
up among the party by the one who is most executive, with the ladies
to furnish the substantials and the gentlemen the beverages. The men
assume the expenses of the boats or other conveyances.

Paraffine paper is indispensable in wrapping up the viands, which are
much more wisely carried in boxes, than baskets, as the former can be
thrown away, and the fewer the burdens on the home-coming the better.
A rubber coat or mackintosh is also a necessity, for no matter how
warm the day, there is a risk of sitting out in the woods on the bare
ground. This can be easily managed in a shawl strap. It is best not to
carry a tablecloth, but if something is preferred to spread upon the
ground, a strip of enameled cloth is the most satisfactory thing, and
whatever is spilled upon it can be easily cleaned off. Japanese
napkins take the place of linen, and wooden plates, which can be
thrown away, are most desirable, like those which the bakers use for
pies.

There are several important items which must not be forgotten, and
among them are hand-towels and soap, combs, hand-mirror, thread,
needle and thimble, a corkscrew and a can opener.

What to Eat.

There should be a clear un