"Bright Ideas for Entertaining" for Valentine’s Day

(Another in a series of ideas for entertaining - before the advent of television and computers - from Cassandra’s antique1905 book, Bright Ideas for Entertaining, by Mrs. Herbert B. Linscott.)

"This description of a Valentine entertainment will be welcomed by those who desire novel and original ideas.

"We were received in a room decorated with wreaths, hung in festoons caught up at regular intervals by ribbon streamers. From the centre of each wreath hung hearts of parchment paper, tinted in blue and lettered in gold, each bearing a number and a fate of fortune."

"Suspended from a portiere rod between the hall and reception room were three hearts formed of heavy wire and carefully entwined with evergreen; above each one was a jingle. The first said:  Blow your bubble right through here, and you’ll be married before another year.  Above the second was: To be engaged this very week, number two is the one to take.  And the third had: A sad, an awful fate awaits the one who seeks me, for he or she will ever a spinster or bachelor be."

"On a small table nearby was an immense bowl filled with sparkling soapsuds, and also clay pipes decorated with little hearts. We first threw the bubbles off the pipes and then tried to blow them through hearts one and two with pretty little fans which were presented to us…"

"After this came a still merrier game. A low scrap basket was placed in the centre of the room, and the company arranged into opposing parties, forming two half circles around the basket. Cardboard hearts in two different colors were given the sides, an equal number to each side. We were then requested to try to throw them in the basket…When we had exhausted our cards those in the basket were counted, and the side having the most of its own color won the game."

"After this, a small blackboard was placed on an easel at one end of the room, and we were each in turn blindfolded, and handed a piece of chalk with which to draw an outline of a heart, and to write our name in the centre; the one doing the best to have a prize of a large candy heart."

"The partners for supper were chosen in a novel manner, the men being numbered, and the names of the girls written on slips of paper, rolled in clay in little pellets, then dropped into a bowl of water; the one to rise first belonged to the young man numbered one, and so on until each had his Valentine."

"A “Good Luck” supper was served in an adjoining room. Over the table, suspended from the chandelier, hung a floral horseshoe. In the centre and at each end of the table were fairy lamps surrounded by smaller horseshoes. The souvenirs and everything connected with the supper bore a symbol of good luck, the bonbons, cakes, and sandwiches taking the forms of either a clover-leaf or a horseshoe."

More "Bright Ideas for Entertaining"

As promised, another in a series of ideas for entertaining from my 1905 antique book: Bright Ideas for Entertaining by Mrs. Herbert B. Linscott, a.k.a, Hilda Bates Linscott...

Red, White and Blue Luncheon

"The entire color scheme of this Fourth of July luncheon must be worked out in the national colors; as far as possible the doilies used should be designed in star-shaped patterns, with a border in wash silks of interwoven red carnations and blue corn-flowers. Suspended directly over the centre of the table, a huge liberty bell should be hung, composed of red, white and blue carnations and blue corn-flowers. Descending therefrom should be ropes of red, white and blue ribbon, terminiating at the four corners of the table. The luncheon to be served should be as far as possible in the prevailing colors, the ices might be in firecracker form, and the starry banner should appear wherever it can be introduced. Draperies and pictures indicative of the occasion should be placed in conspicuous places, and do not forget a goodly supply of pyrotechnics to conclude the day. Such a luncheon will certainly commend itself to all, and most particularly to the younger element."

The author goes on to suggest a number of verses to be written on cards and passed around among the guests after they have left the table. Below are some examples which certainly must have contributed to a laughter-filled, fun occasion!

"We'd like to hear you tell today,
Some funny things that children say."

"Your talent gives us much delight,
We wish that you would please recite."

"Your part in this program to help us along
Will give us much pleasure; please sing us a song."

"Tell some joke on yourself, your wife, or your friend.
But we hope that you'll have it pleasantly end."

"Without a bit of gossip sweet,
This program would not be complete.
Be sure that whole the seasons roll,
This crown will never tell a soul."

Bright Ideas for Entertaining

Several years ago at an antiquarian book shop, I found a first edition of this book, authored by Mrs. Herbert B. Linscott, a.k.a, Hilda Bates Linscott of Ohio, and published in 1905 by the George W. Jacobs & Co. of Philadelphia. The book was based on an original publication from 1901 by Mrs. Linscott: "One Hundred Bright Ideas for Social Entertainment; Adapted to Christian Endeavor Societies, Epworth Leagues, and All Other Similar Organizations”. Many of the ideas in this little book were subsequently published in The Ladies Home Journal.






This fabulous little volume, is filled, as listed on the title page, with “two hundred forms of amusement or entertainment [games, themes, recitations, menus, decorations] for social gatherings of all kinds: larger or small parties, clubs, sociables, church entertainments, etc. with special suggestions for birthdays, wedding anniversaries, Hallowe’en, All Fools’ Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and other holidays.” The book is also an excellent commentary on the social and cultural values of the Edwardian era – a time before television, computers, movies and cell phones in which people enjoyed gathering together to engage in wholesome planned entertainment and activities.

From time to time I will be publishing some of these charming “bright ideas” in this blog…

Pie Party

The invitation to this party should be written on three-cornered papers, shaped and painted to look like pieces of pie.

Have each lady bring a different kind of pie, thus securing great variety. The refreshments should consist entirely of pies and hot coffee.

Have each gentleman present write a recipe for the kind of pie eaten by him, also telling how long it takes to bake it. A suitable prize can be given for the best recipe.

A large pie filled with bran may contain a favor for each guest, any little articles that will not be injured in the baking being suitable.