Dinners, ceremonious and unceremonious and the modern methods of serving them1890
The success and pleasure of a ceremonious dinner depends upon a judicious selection of guests who are harmoniously contrasted in their tastes, talents and ages, and upon grouping them happily together. A party wholly made up of exceptionally interesting and ambitious talkers not infrequently stirs a babel of voices, but the subjects about which they are eloquent are not as clearly intelligible as a host would have them. They are discreet entertainers who invite such men and women to sit at meat together as are inclined to talk and listen, alternately with others who are not exceptional conversationalists, but are quick to appreciate a nimble wit and a fine sentiment. Many of ones dearest friends have little to bring to a dinner party but discriminating smiles.