Garden parties

Garden parties are a delightful way of entertaining during July and August. Under the shade of trees, awnings, and huge Japanese umbrellas may be spread rugs, if one fears the soft turf. Within, place all sorts of seats and tables. Upon the latter stand baskets of fruit with knives and Japanese paper napkins ; the fruit interspersed with ferns and flowers. If practicable have a central tent or awning or even a rustic bower covered with the boughs of ever- greens. Under it a pretty maid dressed in a quaint costume may pretend to be a palmist, promising all sorts of brightness and romantic adventures to one guest after another. Should there be at hand a fine singer or player upon the mandolin or banjo, or an amateur jug- gler, press him or her into service. The object is to be hospitable in an al fresco way, without too much fuss and feathers. To aid this the re- freshments should be simple and mostly cold, having been principally prepared the day before.