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Dinner and Evening Parties

1309. In giving parties, it is often the case that a larger stock of glass, china, and plate is required than is possessed by the lady of the house. To meet this demand, the vendors of glass and china let out services to the public; and the silversmiths have generally in large towns an assortment of plate at their service. Chairs and tables may also be hired in most places. 1310. PASTRYCOOKS are in the habit of undertaking to supply all kinds of pastries and the other materials for refreshing the inward man, together with, if desired, plate, china, glass, table-cloths, and all the etceteras required. When, therefore, there is a deficiency of these articles, or when the party is not likely to be often repeated, the plan may be economical, as well as a relief in point of trouble and anxiety. A breakfast or supper party (without wine) may in this way be given at about 4s. to 10s. per head, the former sum finding a very good array of dishes, and the latter being sufficient to insure a very splendid set out. The charge for dinner parties varies from 12s. to £1, 1s. per head, according to the kind of dinner required. 1311. In the present day it is too often the case that dinner parties, as well as those given in the evening, are carried to such an extravagant extent that a serious outlay is involved, which may not always be agreeable to those invited, some of whom are neither able, nor, if able, willing to return such a display. It will, I believe, be found, that on the whole more pleasure is afforded if less expensive feasts are offered, and they are made more frequent, with a smaller number of guests, so as to insure cordiality and comfort. No one should attempt in a dinner party to entertain more guests than the table and room will conveniently accommodate, or than the servants can wait upon without awkwardness; nor should an expense be incurred which will produce an inconvenience to the giver, or entail it upon the receiver when it has to be returned. In this country people do not seem to feel happy until their stomachs are satiated; so that it is in vain to expect the continental receptions to attain popularity. But still a comparatively plain dinner, if nicely cooked, will always be appreciated; while a prettily set out, but inexpensive, supper, is often more attractive than a heavy, though costly, effort of the adjacent pastrycook, or of the home establishment.

COST. 1312. The average cost of an economical dinner party for twelve persons, when of frequent occurrence, and exclusive of the wine, may be taken at £5. Many people spend ten times that sum upon a grand