HINTS FOR HOSTESSES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 226, 24 September 1938, Page 14

HINTS FOR HOSTESSES.

Do Your Guests

Enjoy Your Parlies?

Tim e ai f so many ways of entertaining, from after-theatre snacks to formal dinners, but only olio way to entertain well, ami that, in for the hostess to really enjoy playing her [mrt, says a writer t<> a. Melbourne paper. Those cheerful poiil« who adoje having people about them are usually natural-born hostesses. It's n pleasure for them to seo their- friend* gathered about their board, and that "ple«.seil to have you"' spirit, iri the secret of success; guest* feel it and begin to enjoy themselves, too. Au<t tlwt's all a hostess wants, isn't it ?

Besides this genial atmosphere of wclcmne, there are otlier details that guests appreciate: most women like to take a look at themselves when they arrive, so give them a little time to prink before a mirror before the party begins. Meanwhile. you can be handing round drinks to the men—it seems to bring |>eople togethei;—and be prepared for all tastes here. "Something for everyone"' might be taken an the motto of the perfect hostess, aiul there should always be fruit drinks or, perhaps, dry ginger ale with <i slice of lemon for those who don't eare for cocktails.

At parties of any kind, guests rightly export, "everything found," and that include* cigarettes, in two or three different brands, to suit varying preferences. And for truly contented guests-, a plenitude of ashtrays ehould be scattered here and there, one at each smoker's elbow if possible.

There ehould be adeqimte and comfortable seating accommodation: if someone haa to perch on the piano stool or the fender-box all evening, they'll grow weary of the party before it's halfway through. So count over your chairs beforo sending invitations to a party at your home.

Lovely flowers there should' be, wellarranged and skilfully placed out of everyone's way.

Start the "business" of the evening (bridge, games and so on) without much delay, once everyone is settled and knows at least the people near at hand. It's better to break off conversations than let them drag off into awkward silences. .As for introductions, introduce everyone to everyone, if it's a small party, but in a rather casual way, and sit a Stranger down by tho best talker among your friends, who will make her feel at ea«e quickly. If there are a number of guests, avoid a long string of introductions—they serve no useful purpose, aa names are rarely remembered. Two or three introductions will do to begin, and add others as the evening progresses.

Most important of all . . . food. People are so fond of it! Bright conversation is a great asset to a hostess, bSt good cooking will cheer her guests even more. Most hostesses' reputations are made at table and, especially, by the savouries served, so have a number of interesting varieties of these—they're easy to make, anyway. Have some little cake* and nibbles, too, for the sweet-tooth 9, for the good hostess remembers all her guests. Fussing is unforgivable In a hostess —just as unforgivable as neglect. Both are rather terrible sins.

There U one thing to ba meticulous about: hot coffee, if served, must l>e really bot. Lukewarm coffee spoils the entire supper. The same applies to hot savouries.

And last of all, for your convenience and theirs, don't encourage your guests to overstay their welcome —you'll be giving other parties soon, since this is suoh a success!

Engagements Announced.

McLachlan—McAlpine—The engagement ia announced of Dorothy Mary, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. C. McAlpine, of Trinity Street, Herne Bay, and Edgar James, only son of Mr. and -Mrs. J. E. McLachlan, of Karetu Road, Green Lane.

Jahnaen —Stwin. —The engagement is announced between Florence Laura, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Elwin, Pukekawa, and George Arthur, only eon of Mr, and Mrs. J. B. Johnson, Bellevue Road, Mount Eden. •• -a • •

Stewart—Goodwin.—Mr. and Mrs. W. F. 8. Goodwin,' of Tirau, announce the engagement of their eldest daughter, Avice Millicent,) to William Murray Alexander, second son of Mr. and Mrs. W. K. A. Stewart, of "Dalkeith," Nortlicote, Auckland.

Price—Hiacocks. —The engagement is announced of Frances, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hiscocks, New Street, Ponsonby, to William, eldest eon of Mr. and Mrs. W: Price, Cockburn Street, Grey Lynn. # « • •

Dunn —Moore. —The engagement Is announced between Eileen, only daughter of the late Mr. and Mri. Moore, of Napier, and Leonard, only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Dunn, 40, Kelmarna Avenue, Herne Bay. Auckland. . •" • • •

Andrews—Rowland. —The engagement is announced between Laura Millicent third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. Rowland, Glen Eden, to Walter (Cedric) Andrews, second son of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Andrews, St. Helier's.

Gray—Featherstone.—The engagement iri announced of Nancy Inglis, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. Gray, of Mount Albert, and Sidney Herbert, eldest son of Mr. H. L. Featherstone, of Mount Albert.