Only intimate friends are asked to a linen shower and the occasion is entirely informal.  The invitations may be couched in this form: 

My Dear Miss Ames—­
I am giving a linen shower for our mutual friend, Miss Gray, who is to
be married next month, and would be very glad to have you with us.  I am
asking a few friends for luncheon on Thursday, January sixth, at one
o’clock, and hope you will be able to come.  As the “shower” is to be a
surprise to Miss Gray, please do not mention it should you see her. 
Very cordially,
Helen Brown.

The invitation should be promptly answered.  Usually, the nature of the entertainment is not known to the guest of honor until she arrives; sometimes not until she is seated at the table.

[Manners and social customs 733]

How Presented.—­The more unique the method of presentation the more amusing the surprise of the guest.  The gifts are to be neatly wrapped up in white tissue paper, tied with ribbons, the card of the giver being enclosed.  Often some sentiment is written on the card, or an original rhyme; this the recipient reads aloud when the gift is unwrapped.

At one long remembered shower, the centerpiece was a white linen parasol, beautifully embroidered and the gift of the hostess.  This, open, was fastened upright, the block of wood which held it being hidden under asparagus plumosus interspersed with pink roses.  Under this were arranged the several packages.  Between each course the guest of honor was requested to draw and open a parcel, the remainder being opened before leaving the table.  At another luncheon the gifts were brought in by a boy dressed as a messenger, one at a time, as if just delivered.  The surprise of the guest at the first delivery greatly amused her friends.  One guest contributed a handsome lunch cloth, another the napkins to match, each marked with embroidered initials.  An embroidered white linen handbag, for use with a white gown, was enclosed in a box about a foot square; within this was another, neatly wrapped and tied, which, opened, contained another and still another, keeping expectancy at its height.  The “Jack Horner pie” has been used, and the “showered” girl has been handed a white satin ribbon and been bidden to follow where it led her, discovering at the end the pile of presents.

Gifts for a linen shower may include towels of all kinds, the monogrammed damask and initialed guest towels, embroidered linen pillow slips; centerpieces, doilies, bureau scarfs and many other textile gifts suggest themselves.  The “kitchen shower” suggests the useful; the handkerchief shower is dainty.

Refreshments.—­The refreshments at such an entertainment may be as simple as one likes, unless the invitations are for a luncheon; in that case they should be more elaborate.  Chocolate and sandwiches with cake and ices; sandwiches, cake and coffee, are allowable.  The guests are seated at a table, which should be decorated with pink and white flowers.  Pink carnations are beautiful for this use.  The guest of honor is seated at the hostess’s right hand and is served first.  She must thank those who have presented the gifts individually, and express to her hostess her pleasure in the entertainment and her gratitude for the trouble she has taken for her.