THE IDEAL HOSTESS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10092, 4 March 1911, Page 4

THE IDEAL HOSTESS.

Two tilings are essential to a successful party—agreeable guests and a good hostess. The first can be found quite easily—most people are willing to be entertained. The second—well, look out for a good hostess; she is as rare as strawberries in winter.

The good hostess is she who likes entertaining—people generally do the things they like well. She likes having people— that is tho great secret. She makes everyone feel that they have given her pleasure by coining to her home, therefore she possesses the first great essential—geniality. There is no don't-care whether you-come-or-not eart of style; there is a warmth in voice and manner which spells "welcome" to the guest. The atmosphere then is warm.

But this is not enough; it must be kept at an even temperature. Everything likely to chill or to inflame must be carefully excluded. Tho good hostess wants her guests to enjoy themselves, and she lays her plans so that it is their own fault if they do not. The people who want to meet each other are brought together, and left together. Tho good hostess never fusses, although she has a quick eye to see when people have had enough of on© another. She monopolises no one, but she finds an opportunity of giving a little of her own time to each guest. No one is allowed to go away feeling that he must have .been asked to "fill up." She distributes her favours evenly. She makes it her business to see that her guests have a good- time, and she leaves nothing to chance. Her plan of campaign is mapped out beforehand, although she has no "feeling" In the matter if her scheme is suddenly upset. She knows that the happiest parties are the impromptu parties. Finally she feeds her guests: no one comes home " just starving." The procedure is quite simple really. The good hostess just remembers, that the party ia for the guests. She takes no pains to amuse herself, and consequently can give all her time and attention to them.