Entertaining in the Home

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 30, 7 February 1930, Page 33

Entertaining in the Home

The Perfect Hostess. has Ability to Entertain both Young and Old Successfully.

UCH a pity, it seems, with so many charming homes scattered up and down the country, that more hostesses do not entertain in their own homes: Hospitality is probably the oldest law in the world, and

while it is true that lack of domestic help has forced many to do some of their entertaining in hotels, restraurants, and the like, it is certain it can never be so welcome, so intimate, and so flattering to a friend as to entertain at¢home. It should in some measure, too, relieve the monotony of which so many young wives complain-with some justification, too, let it be admitted, where they have been taken from a large circle or big family with its varied interests, So many housekeeping helps are now at her service, that if she will only think, plan and arrange, she need ‘not fear the extra work, O the would-be hostess, I would say, first of all, have rooms that do not spoil, and then don’t be too fussy. If _ you have one large, comfortable room at your disposal, you can always entertain to advantage. Have some small tables (not the little, fussy ones, laden With knick-knacks, but reasonably-sized Ones), that can be stood out of the way, When not required, or drawn up with Some chairs round them, for an impromptu game, without upsetting the whole household. While on the subject of games, while We cannot all boast a billiard table or a tennis lawn, we can keep handy a set of chessman, drauguts und board, and a clean pack of cards. A gramophone, or better still, a good radio combination, will provide all the music that is needed to set the young people dancing, and if you cannot spare a room for a stage or theatricals, cover in a part of the veranda, that opens on to a room. Even the most grown-up of young people love dressing up and acting, and if you have not an old chest of clothes for them to draw on, they will usually manage by changing their clothes with each other with equally good effect. If you have leisure, enjoy it with them, if not leave them to themselves, but in any case make a proviso that they do the clearing up. not make the mistake of going in (= more elaborate living than you can aword. Carry on in the usual way, introduce some novelties if you can and your own household will enjoy them with the guests. Incidentally, home entertaining relieves the strain of home-life, especially when the members of the household vary in ages, and the wear and tear of one’s nerves upon the other. GHOULD one or some of your guests be late for breakfast, don’t worry abéut all the housework getting behind, and don’t save’ breakfast for them. Pop itonatray. Any square of pretty coloured linen makes a traycloth, and dainty cups and saucers are cheap ,enough. If they don’t get enough to eat, they will get up in time to-mor-row! Flowers are an entertainment to many in themselves, and a few nicely

arranged in the bedroom you are giving your guest will voice a welcome and show a forethought of their comfort. Also for the lazy one, put a table with writing materials in the bedroom, and see that the light is good and well placed. It is difficult to choose books for a

guest room, but a magazine will usually fulfil the purpose of occupying those few moments between. sleeping and waking, or waking and sleeping, as the case may be. ASTLY, if children are coming to stay, and there are none in the house to make them feel at home, it is a good plan to have a few old toys ‘and children’s books put by in a cupboard, and even a sponge in the bathroom, made in the shape of some small animal, or a floating toy for the bath, will make them feel that you know all about them, Don’t be chary, then, of issuing those impromptu invitations. There is a lot of pleasure waiting for the informal but thoughtful hostess, as well as for the guest.