as far as possible, the effect of a
woodland scene. The walls may be entirely covered with branches of
autumn leaves, and mantels and over doorways banked with pine boughs and
greenery of all sorts. Rustic tables and chairs, if available, are most
appropriate, and lights shaded with red or yellow shades. As the guests
arrive, each should be given a peanut shell, glued together or tied with
ribbons. On a slip of paper inside is written the number of table and
partner. To indicate progressions, ribbons may be glued to nuts of
different kinds and one given for each game won. Or little baskets may
be given into which a nut is dropped for each game won. Or if tally
cards for finding partners are preferred, they may be painted to
represent nuts of different kinds, not more than two being alike.

The nutting game itself is played similarly to that well known
children's game, "jackstraws." On each table is placed a pair of bonbon
tongs--the kind that come in candy boxes are best--and a tall tumbler
heaped full of nuts--peanuts are best for the purpose--with one gilded
nut. For the first game, lady No. 1 at all the tables begins play and
after the first game the lady begins who lost in the game preceding. The
gentleman opposing the lady who begins play, carefully turns out on the
table the peanuts and the players proceed as in jackstraws, getting with
the tongs as many peanuts as possible, one at a time, without shaking
the others. The winners progress and change partners, after the bell
rings at the head table. At the head table, as at the other tables, the
winners progress and the losing lady remaining begins play for the next
game. At the head table each player has two chances at the peanuts and
then the bell is rung. The natural-color peanuts count one each and the
gilded one ten.

Suitable prizes are: For the ladies, a silver English walnut thimble
case; a linen centerpiece in chestnut design; a silver almond charm,
"Philopena," which opens with kernel inside; a silver English walnut,
exact size, which opens, containing powder puff, mirror, place for
miniature, small scent bottle and pin-cushion, "All in a Nut Shell"; a
real English walnut shell containing a fine lace-betrimmed
handkerchief, enclosed in a series of boxes, one fitting within the
other; a sterling silver almond set or almond scoop; a silver
vinaigrette in exact reproduction of a peanut. For the gentlemen, a
burnt wood nut bowl, with nut cracker and set of nu