BRIDESMAIDS. These are given by the bride to
her bridesmaids a few days before the wedding,
and take the form of fans or jewelry of
some kind that may be worn at the wedding.
A good time to present them is when the
bride gives a farewell dinner or luncheon to
her bridesmaids.
Failing this, they may be sent a few days
before the wedding.
The souvenirs should, of course, be all the
same in value and in style.
USHERS. The souvenirs given by the groom to
the ushers usually take the form of scarf-pins
or cuff-buttons. Sometimes the groom
also gives the ushers neckties and gloves.
A good time for their distribution is at the
farewell bachelor dinner.
SPONSORS. Only relatives and near friends should
be asked to act as sponsors at a christening.
Two women and one man are asked as sponsors
for a girl, and one woman and two men
for a boy, though one man and one woman
are sufficient in either case.
These may be invited by note or personal
call to act as sponsors, and should answer by
note or personal call.
A few days before the ceremony the sponsor
should send a christening gift addressed
to the child, and the giver's card, with a
suitable sentiment written on it, should be
sent with the gift.
A man may give some article of silver, and,
if a wealthy relative, a bank-book for money
deposited in the child's name.
A woman may present the child with a
garment, a carriage, a cradle, or some similar
article.
It is in good taste for the sponsors to call
immediately on the parents, to send flowers
to the mother, and to show that they are
pleased with the compliment.
The godfather at the ceremony assents to
the vows, and later, at the drinking of the
wine, should propose both the health of the
child and that of its mother.
SPOON. The spoon should never be in the cup while
drinking, but should be left in the saucer.
It is used in eating grapefruit, fruit salads,
small and large fruit (when served with
cream), puddings, jellies, porridges, preserves,
and boiled eggs.
SR, The letters SR. (abbreviation for Senior) are
sometimes added to a woman's name on her
card when her son has the same name as
his father, and it is necessary to distinguish
between the cards of the daughter-in-law and
the mother-in-law.
If both become widows, and yet wish to
retain their husbands' Christian names, the
daughter-in-law would add Jr. on her cards.
STAG PARTIES. A party composed of men exclusively
is sometimes so designated. They
are usually informal in character, but may be
as elaborate in detail as desired.
DRESS. The Tuxedo coat and black tie is worn,
unless at a formal stag party, when evening
dress is appropriate.
STATE, SECRETARY OF-HOW ADDRESSED. An official
letter begins: Sir, and ends: I have, sir,
the honor to remain your most obedient servant.
A social letter begins: My dear Mr. Wilson,
and ends: I have the honor to remain most
sincerely yours.
The address on the envelope is: Hon. John
J. Wilson, Secretary of State.