THE ART OF ENTERTAINING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19447, 1 October 1926, Page 9

THE ART OF ENTERTAINING.

How many hostesses pan look back over a big entertainment which thev have given and say that they have nothing to regret ? Very few. There is generally a fly in the ointment in the shape of that little contretemps which occurred when' Elizabeth—most modern of modern girls—wouid, in spite of your frantic signals, discuss eugenics with your young brother before dear old straight-laced Aunt Priscilla. In sheer desperation you started the dancing going before the old lady left—-contrary to the pre-arranged programme, as she is known to disapprove of jazz—and you're not quite sure now how you stand with her. This, or some similar unfortunate circumstance, generally mars our most ardently anticipated and planned functions. It isn't the* amount of trouble we take over entertaining which really counts; some of the iriost successful hostesses take very little, apparently. But you will always find that they have a groat deal of tact Nov. r the obvions thing is not to ask Aunt Priscilla and modern Elizabeth on the same day. Suppose it is a family gathering, and absolutely essential that the former should be asked, then postpone the really gay party, until a few days later, or tell Elizabeth (who is generally one of those people who can be told) that she frankly doesn't " mix " well with the older people, and ;.sk her to drop in for a dance late at night, it you like, when you can have some kindred spirits to meet her. To try and mix oil and water socially for any length of time is simply to court disaster and drive vour husband to end up the " perfect day " with the remark that if there's ;i country in the world which dispenses with social amenities he'd like to emigrate to it. Give up harassing yourself by trying to reconcile irreconcilable guests. Consider your feelings mrfre. and theirs less—to the extent of telling them frankly when it is net convenient to have them, and why; and you will find tfcat you and they have much jollier times in consequence.