Usually china is put on one table, silver on another, glass on another, laces and linens on another.  But pieces that jar together must be separated as far apart as possible and perhaps even moved to other surroundings.  A crudely designed piece of silverware should not be left among beautiful examples, but be put among china ornaments, or other articles that do not reveal its lack of fineness by too direct comparison.  For the same reason imitation lace should not be put next to real, nor stone-ware next to Chinese porcelain.  To group duplicates is another unfortunate arrangement.  Eighteen pairs of pepper pots or fourteen sauce-boats in a row might as well be labeled:  “Look at this stupidity!  What can she do with all of us?” They are sure to make the givers feel at least a little chagrined at their choice.

=CARDS WITH PRESENTS=

When Mrs. Smith orders a present sent to a bride, she encloses a card reading:  “Mr. & Mrs. John Huntington Smith.”  Nearly every married woman has a plate engraved with both names, but if she hasn’t, then she encloses Mr. Smith’s card with hers.

Some people write “All good wishes” or “With best wishes,” but most people send cards without messages.

=DELAYED PRESENTS=

If because of illness or absence, a present is not sent until after the wedding, a short note should accompany it, giving the reason for the delay.

=WHEN THE PRESENTS ARE SHOWN=

There is absolutely no impropriety in showing the presents at the wedding reception.  They are always shown at country weddings, and, more often than not, at the most fashionable town houses.  The only reason for not showing them, is lack of room in an apartment house.  In a town house, an up-stairs library, or even a bedroom, from which all the furniture has been removed, is suitable.  Tables covered with white damask (plain) tablecloths are put like counters around the sides, and down the center of the room.  The cards that were sent with the gifts are sometimes removed, but there is no impropriety in leaving them on, and it certainly saves members of the family from repeating many times who sent this one, and who sent that!

If the house is small so that there is no room available for this display at the wedding, the presents are shown on the day before, and intimate friends are especially asked to come in for tea, and to view them.  This is not done if they are to be displayed at the wedding.

Very intimate friends seldom need to be asked; the chances are they will come in often, to see what has come since they were in last!