Ah, fall is upon us yet again. And what does that mean? After reading these party ideas, get out your costumes, rake the leaves, and carve those pumpkins, because . . . 1948: It’s Halloween Party Time! Spooky Welcome: The hostess or chairman of the committee should greet the guests one at a time, in […]
Proper Lighting
When this was selection was originally written, I had just become an aunt (welcoming to the world, little Olivia Rose), my mom had turned sixty, and I hit thirty-five. Much to celebrate in Gemini-land, wouldn’t you agree? With such good cheer in the air it seemed appropriate to have a little birthday party. Good hostess […]
The Birthday Cake
Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me! Yes, it’s that time of year again. Although it would seem that I should be mature and respectable in my old age, I’m not about to give up my birthday party. I decided to do a bit of research to learn more about one important aspect, the […]
Mistress of Ceremonie
To make sure my guests have fun at my party this weekend, I’ve looked up a few tips ~ I am certainly not above giving myself some advice. This one is from Beatrice Pierce’s book titled The Young Hostess. Now if I could just get the boys to wear pirate costumes ~ I’d be all set. […]
Dance ~ Contrived by Evil Minds
Now I bring you a selection from A Virtuous Woman by Oscar Lowry, who recommends in his introduction that “mothers place this volume in the hands of their daughters early in life.” I’m sure daughters (and sons) everywhere would be thrilled to read this passage regarding dancing. Something concerns me, though; the author sounds a bit too […]
A Map To Your Door
Welcome, guests, to Miss Abigail’s new home! I hope my directions were clear enough for you to get here from the old site. I tried to map it out without the help of my father or brother, but maybe that wasn’t so wise, according to this short blurb from Beatrice Pierce’s book entitled The Young Hostess. 1938: […]
The Modern Girl’s Craze for Dancing
In 1920 Arnold Bennett wrote in his book Our Women about everything from the “perils of writing about women” ~ “the idea would not occur to me to write a book about men; the subject would insufficiently attract me, because it would contain no challenging possibilities, I should as soon think of writing about the multiplication […]
Talent for Toy Choosing
I’m heading down to my mom and stepdad’s house in Florida for the long weekend, and part of the purpose of the trip (besides lounging by the pool) is to pick up my favorite childhood toy: a doll so creatively named Big Baby. She’s been part of my life for the last thirty or so […]
Gifts at Christmas-time
Perfect for this time of year, this selection is dedicated to my dear, sweet mother, recently shocked by the words of a rather difficult relative: “The squirrel nut dish is cute. It’s about the fifth one like it I’ve received. I think everyone in the family has hit me with that one once. We sold […]
A Sentimental Gift
Q Dear Miss Abigail: I have a friend that is leaving soon. He is from another country and is going home ~ forever! I really want to give him a sentimental but useful gift. Any ideas? Signed, Charlotte A Dear Charlotte: Oooh! Presents! One of my favorite topics. Here are some gift-giving tips, and some […]