UNEXPECTED GUESTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2603, 3 February 1904, Page 63

UNEXPECTED GUESTS.

It has been the unfortunate experience of most people to chance upon a friend just afc mealtime. This is sure to happen when that friend's store of edibles is at the ebb, and the gue&t causes her much worriment.

In receiving unexpected company, it is the most hospitable plan to offer, without apology, that which is at hand. To apologise for what you set before your guest is bad form.

Be always ready to give your Kest, but 4et it be the bsst'that is your own. Let it bespeak the hospitality of the house, and not forced elegance. >vever offer your wealthy friend? who are accustomed to luxury such a dinner as they have m their own homes, but would never get by chance should they visit you unexpectedly. Hospitality is marked^ not by what is offered, but by the manner in which it is offered. Where does the hospitality come in when one's gue^t is awcre that one is wrecking her nerves and poebet book endeavouring to serve an elaborate dinner when she can afford only a simple one. She is set down as living beyond her means, or the guests, realising that the outlay is for their benefit, are made ur.comforla^e by it.

How niuch more sensible it is for the young matron whose culinary efforts must be limited to oerve a simple dinner such as she sets before her own family, and how much more her guests will appreciate tbe

honour than if she chooses the more estravD \nt method !