There is nothing children love better than a party. It takes so little to
make them happy that the exertion is well repaid by their pleasure. A few
games, a light supper, an inexpensive souvenir, and they have had "a
perfectly splendid time."
For children from five to twelve, the best hours for a party are from
three to half past five. This gives time for all to return home by six
o'clock. Few mothers wish to have their children out evenings at that age.
Where the children are old enough they should write their own invitations.
They should receive their guests themselves, the mother standing in the
background to see that they do it properly and to second their welcome.
The little host or hostess should early learn the lesson that she must
study the pleasure of her guests, not her own, and be taught the
courtesies required of her.
Games.--The first thing is the games, which are suitable to the children's
age. Little ones play romping games, like "Cat and Mouse," "London
Bridge," etc.; those a little older enjoy a peanut hunt or a peanut race,
or supplying the donkey with a caudal appendage. Many novel games are
possible. Or the children may be asked to a doll's party, or an animal
party. To the one they bring their favorite doll; to the other their teddy
bears and cotton elephants.
Supper.--The supper should be simple. Sandwiches, cocoa, jellies, and
fancy cookies not too rich. After the supper they may dance "Sir Roger de
Coverley," or some simple form all know, and then little souvenirs may be
distributed in a way that leads to a hunt. Notes are written and put in a
bag; each child takes one; the note directs where to look. All rush pell
mell to that spot. There they find directions to look somewhere else, and
finally each gets a little card or a note directing a search at some
particular place, say in a basket in the hall or in the dining room, where
each finds and unwraps a little gift. Or a large paper sack filled with
wrapped bonbons is hung between folding doors, each child blindfolded in
turn, given a cane and instructed to hit the sack if he can. Presently the
paper is broken and the youngsters scramble for the contents. Each little
guest should thank the giver of the party and the mother for the pleasure
enjoyed. The little host or hostess should stand where they can make their
adieus, for it is no longer proper to "take French leave" on any occasion
except "a crush."
Games for Older Children.--Older children enjoy a peanut hunt, or a spider
party where they follow a twine through a labyrinth of loopings and find a
small prize at the end, or a book party, where each guest represents the
title of some book. Thus Ouida's "Under Two Flags" could be very easily
represented. Young folks always enjoy "dressing up," and any hostess can
either find directions for some form of fancy dress, or invent something
new for herself. St. Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, May Day, the
Fourth of July, Hallowe'en, have their traditional decorations, and games,
and suggest their own refreshments. Elaborate refreshments have rather
gone out of style.
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