Decorations.—­It is usual to decorate the rooms with flowers, and the services of the florist as well as the caterer are required if it is a large affair.  Cards are usually left, as a token that one has been present, but in this case a card is manifestly not a visit, since it would be absurd for a woman to invite fifty, a hundred, or even five hundred people, who would expect her to call on them afterwards.  Cards are sent by those who do not attend, on the day.  A reception given for forty or fifty people is less formal, perhaps, but requires flowers—­in less profusion—­and refreshments.  The awning may be dispensed with if the day is fine, but seldom is.  The door must be promptly opened, and the maid remains at her post during the affair if there are many guests, to open it for those who leave as well as those who arrive.

HOSPITALITY IN THE HOME.

“There is an emanation from the heart in genuine hospitality which cannot be described, but is immediately felt, and puts the stranger at once at his ease.” 
          
                                         —­Washington Irving.

Were we to look up the meaning of the word hospitality in the dictionary, we would find it defined as the act of receiving and entertaining guests kindly, generously, and gratuitously, without expectation of reward.

According to such a definition, much that passes for hospitality in the social realm does not deserve the name.  Society is a give-and-take arrangement, somewhat resembling the gift exchange we practise at Christmas.  If you do not give you do not get; if you do not entertain you are not invited, unless it is understood that circumstances prevent your doing so.  Then one is asked for what one can contribute in the way of good company, promotion of gayety, and the like.  One “pays her way” by being agreeable, well gowned, popular.  Thus, in a way, much social hospitality is merely social bargaining.  The woman who feels indebted to her circle—­or circles, for these impinge upon each other—­gives a large reception or “at home.”  She can seldom do more than welcome the coming and speed the parting guest.  Her greeting is “So delighted to see you here;” her farewell, “Good-bye; so glad you were able to come.”  Her guests have greeted each other in much the same casual fashion, have had some refreshments warranted to destroy their appetite for dinner; have shown a handsome gown and hat—­and perhaps had the former injured in the crush.  One is reminded of Bunthorne’s “Hollow!  Hollow!  Hollow!!”

Real Hospitality.—­Quite different is this from what we offer when we invite our friends to visit us.  Here is genuine hospitality—­the receiving and entertaining gratuitously those whose companionship we enjoy.  One of the chief joys of having one’s own home is the pleasure of being able to welcome one’s friends and afford them the privilege of enjoying it also.  An invitation