WHY NOT DROP IN THIS EVENING?

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 126, 18 August 1927, Page 5

WHY NOT DROP IN THIS EVENING?

In these days of small flats and many economies, compaartively few of us are able to entertain at home in the 1 spacious manner of the dear old Victorian and Edwardian times. Dinner and luncheon parties are given at hotels, big dances at cabarets; while by joining a convenient dance club we have opportunities for returning the more expensive hospitalities of our friends. But a form of hospitality which is very modern is the casual invitation, given over the phone on the spur of the moment, to “drop in this evening after dinner.’’ And when the guests arrive, round about nine o’clock, no one expects anything in the way of elaborate preparations. If there is a special programme being broadcast “listening-in’’ is probably the order of the evening, or the lounge rugs are rolled back and the new Charleston gramophone records are tried out. Bridge enthusiasts lose little time in making up their tables, or, maybe, the party resolves itself into one of much chatter and discussion, with interludes contrib’ited by the musical members. Offer your guests coffee, and, possibly, a liqueur, when they arrive; and at a later hour fruit cup and r.ther drinks, with dainty sandwiches and little cakes, may be introduced. Anything substantial, or in the nature of supper, is quite unnecessary. Have everything placed ready on a side table, and hand round the plates, etc. A semi-evening frock is usually most suitable to the occasion, and the men of the party may wear dinner coats, or no, as they feel inclined. It is always wise, however, when invited to come in in the evening, to ask your prospective hostess whether the rest intend to “dress,” so that you may follow their example and avoid the possibility of looking conspicuous.