A Patriotic Dinner

A Patriotic Dinner By NELLIE G. COLEMAN

PATRIOTIC dining is strictly American, and can be given on a simple scale, or in a most elaborate style—for a few people at a private table, or for hundreds served in a banquet hall. For début parties, or for extending hospitality of any kind to a large number, it is peculiarly appropriate, and for such days as commemorate national events. It can also be used in the "progressive" order, which means an exchange of places between each course, by the guests, the same as in euchre, thus agreeably mingling all present, and bringing every one to a seat of honor beside the host. The style of invitations is left to the fancy of individuals, but a pretty idea is to have them in the form of the American shield, printed in the trio of colors. The menu cards are in the shape of the eagle with outstretched wings; behind this is a plain white card with the names of the viands, and on the reverse side a national song or poem. These two are held together by narrow ribbon tied about the eagle's neck. The table itself is laid in the regulation white, the material of the covering what one chooses to use, and this is striped on the length with red flower-petals to imitate the flag, the center is occupied by a circular mirror, simulating water, its edge banked around with blue blossoms intermingled with star shaped white ones, of which kind there is an infinite variety, obtainable at nearly all seasons. On the mirror is a square base with an eagle on each corner, and, surmounting this, the fancifully created figures of Uncle Sam and Miss Columbia, holding a flag staff, from which waves the American flag. Other flags may be subordinately employed. To the right of the center is a miniature edition of the battleship Maine, flying Old Glory, and with tiny marines disporting themselves. This should be illuminated in red, white, and blue lights, electric if possible, but gas or candles will answer. The light ought to come from above, rather than be placed on the table proper. At the left end, representing the Army, as the ship does the Navy, stands a cannon, its carriage decked with flowers, and also supporting a flag. Similar, but smaller, pieces of artillery, filled in with delicate vines and starry blossoms, are placed at intervals over the board, and also little launches and skiff shaped boats, ornamented in like manner, containing fruits, nuts, small confections, etc. Stacks of choc-