"Dinner dances" have largely taken the place of balls, the latter having
seemingly passed into the hands of clubs and assemblies or being known as
"subscription dances." One must have a very large house, with ball-room,
to give a ball successfully, so it is customary to engage private
apartments at some fashionable restaurant or hotel, where there are
accommodations for such an affair.
Invitations are formal, and of course engraved. If a debutante is to be
presented her card may or may not be, but usually is, enclosed with the
invitation. The patronesses of a subscription dance are entitled to
invitations which they send to their friends, enclosing their card. The
word "ball" never appears on an invitation; its nature is indicated by
"Cotillion," the fashionable name for what was called "the German." The
hostess or hostesses stand near the entrance to the ball-room, and should
see that the guests receive a fair amount of attention. The supper is
provided by a caterer, of course. Two orchestras, playing alternately,
provide music; they are screened behind palms and other plants. Balls
generally begin about eleven o'clock, the hour named on the cards being
half after ten, and everybody waiting in the hope that someone else may
arrive earlier. General dancing is in order until supper is served;
afterwards the cotillion is danced.
At the dinner dance, the cotillion is preceded by a dinner, given by the
hostess at her own house, or by several hostesses at some restaurant,
where each presides over a table. Dinner and subscription dances are much
favored by the younger set, as the hostesses act in the capacity of
chaperons, and the company is gayer.
To bid one's hostess good night--or good morning--and express one's
pleasure in her entertainment is obligatory.
[MANNERS AND SOCIAL CUSTOMS 723]