Many small, informal entertainments are more enjoyable than those larger
affairs given for the purpose of paying off social debts. Good will and
jollity prevail, and people "go in for a good time."
[724 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
Card Parties.--The most stringent rule of etiquette at a card-party is to
be punctual, that the tables may be filled up in good season. The second
rule is to keep good-natured, even if your partner fails to return your
lead or trumps your ace. Some people make themselves very disagreeable
over cards, and are avoided as partners. If unfortunate enough to be
paired off with such a person, at least control your own annoyance.
Never descend to the meanness of telegraphing information, hinting at your
preferences in the way of trumps, overlooking a neighbor's hand, or taking
any unfair advantage. A prize thus won is no honor. Nor do such violations
of good breeding pass unnoticed.
At the Party.--If one accepts an invitation to a card party she is
supposed to have sufficient proficiency to play the game proposed with
some degree of credit; otherwise she should promptly send regrets.
Invitations may be formal or informal, or the hostess may send her card
with "Bridge, at half after two o'clock," or "Euchre," or "Five Hundred,"
written upon it. Replies are to be sent at once. Many such invitations are
given by telephone. The guests are assigned to tables by the hostess, the
names being written at the top of the scorecards. Two packs of cards are
on each table, and small pencils attached to the score-cards. Playing
begins when all are present. Or the hostess may fill the tables as the
guests arrive, begin playing at the stated time, and assign late comers to
places as they come in. Hats are kept on at an afternoon card-party. The
usual limit for playing is two hours. The "progressive" fashion requires
the providing of two prizes, the first prize and a consolation prize for
the person having the lowest score. If prizes are given at each table they
should be duplicates. These prizes are wrapped up in tissue paper and tied
with ribbons, and are to be opened at once, displayed, and the hostess
cordially thanked. It is not good form to be ostentatiously generous in
the matter of prizes, nor should guests show themselves too eager to win.
It is customary to engage card tables and chairs for such an
entertainment. The refreshments are served on these tables. Punch is
sometimes served while the game is in progress.
Very often the hostess invites some of her friends who do not play cards
to come in for refreshments at half after four or five o'clock.
Refreshments should not be too elaborate for either afternoon or evening
card-parties. Sandwiches, coffee, and small cakes, or ices and cake, for
the afternoon; salad of some kind with coffee, olives, and some sweet or
fancy wafer, for evening. Men enjoy an oyster stew served hot in the
dining room.
[MANNERS AND SOCIAL CUSTOMS 725]