The hostess receives on the lawn, and hats are retained.  Games, like lawn tennis, archery, croquet, should be provided.  Guests wander about and entertain each other, and seek the refreshment tables when so inclined.  The supper may be served under a tent or in the house.  Seats are provided, and rugs spread on the grass.  No matter if the weather is unfavorable the guests are expected to present themselves, as the hostess will quickly transform her out-door fete into an in-door affair in case of rain.

Refreshments.—­A hostess is not expected to use her best china and linen at a garden party.  She should have an ample supply of napkins, plates, cups and silver, but the expense of hiring them from a caterer is offset by the danger of breakage and loss.

She may serve salads, sandwiches, cakes, ices and ice creams, fruit, and claret cup; or sandwiches, cakes, ice cream and lemonade and fruit punch.  Hot tea should be provided for those who prefer it, especially if rain drives the guests in-doors.  The young matrons are invited to pour it.  The maids should remove soiled dishes and napkins promptly, and keep the tables looking fresh.  Music is usually provided.

AT SMALL ENTERTAINMENTS.

Many small, informal entertainments are more enjoyable than those larger affairs given for the purpose of paying off social debts.  Good will and jollity prevail, and people “go in for a good time.”

[724 Mothers’ remedies]

Card Parties.—­The most stringent rule of etiquette at a card-party is to be punctual, that the tables may be filled up in good season.  The second rule is to keep good-natured, even if your partner fails to return your lead or trumps your ace.  Some people make themselves very disagreeable over cards, and are avoided as partners.  If unfortunate enough to be paired off with such a person, at least control your own annoyance.

Never descend to the meanness of telegraphing information, hinting at your preferences in the way of trumps, overlooking a neighbor’s hand, or taking any unfair advantage.  A prize thus won is no honor.  Nor do such violations of good breeding pass unnoticed.

At the Party.—­If one accepts an invitation to a card party she is supposed to have sufficient proficiency to play the game proposed with some degree of credit; otherwise she should promptly send regrets.  Invitations may be formal or informal, or the hostess may send her card with “Bridge, at half after two o’clock,” or “Euchre,” or “Five Hundred,” written upon it.  Replies are to be sent at once.  Many such invitations are given by telephone.  The guests are assigned to tables by the hostess, the names being written at the top of the scorecards.  Two packs of cards are on each table, and small pencils attached to the score-cards.  Playing begins when all are present.  Or the hostess may fill the tables as the guests arrive,