A kettle-drum is distinguished from a calling day inasmuch as it is a
special, though light, entertainment, and consequently invitations are
given out and refreshments are offered. Naturally there is less formal-
ity at a kettle-drum than at a larger day reception, but courtesy and
high breeding are never out of place, whether the occasion be an
important or an indifferent one ; and although much of the trouble and
expenditure of a formal party can be dispensed with, a lady will take
pleasure in making everything as bright and enjoyable as possible.
Invitations to a kettle-drum may be given solely in the name of a lady.
It is not necessary, as on other occasions, that the name of the husband
should be joined with that of the hostess, but if she has a daughter who
is in society, her name should also be given.
This should be written upon a card and inclosed in an envelope, and
sent by post a week in advance of the entertainment. It is not neces-
sary to send an acceptance for a kettle-drum ; neither are after-calls
obligatory.
The hostess, in receiving at such an entertainment, should, if she sits,
place herself in a conspicuous part of the parlor and remain there as
much of the time as is possible. She is not expected to move about for
the purpose of looking after her guests. They are to seek her. Gen-
eral introductions are not customary at a kettle-drum. With regard to
introductions, the rule is, to always present a gentleman to a lady, a
younger to an elder, an unmarried lady to one who is married, and the
less distinguished to one of greater distinction. It may be permissible
for one friend to introduce another at a party, but it is better manners
to have all introductions come from the hostess. Care should be taken
LITERAR Y DRAMA TIC CL UBS. 57
to pronounce the names distinctly. The lady should not rise, neither 19
she expected to offer her hand. She smiles, bows, and expresses pleas-
ure in making the acquaintance.
The time at a kettle-drum is passed in greeting friends, desultory
conversation, and in listening to music, or recitations. And here good
good judgment is requisite in making the best selections. A cheerful
song, well sung, will always be acceptable, but in listening to instru-
mental pieces there is less intelligence and sympathy. Therefore,
something gay and sparkling, that is appreciated by all, should be
chosen. And here it may not be out of place to say a word in disap-
proval of the very bad habit sometimes seen in " our best society " — the
habit of one guest inviting and urging another guest to sing, to play, or
to recite. This is very bad manners. All requests of this kind should
come from the hostess.
The refreshments usual at a kettle-drum are lemonade, coffee, choco-
late, cakes, ices, sandwiches and oysters. Demi-toilette is all that is
requisite for a kettle-drum for either ladies or gentlemen.
LITERARY DRAMATIC CLUBS.
Page 50
Presented as published in 1886. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
AI-modernized reading of the original text
A kettle-drum is distinguished from a calling day inasmuch as it is a special, though light, entertainment, and consequently invitations are given out and refreshments are offered. Naturally there is less formality at a kettle-drum than at a larger day reception, but courtesy and high breeding are never out of place, whether the occasion be an important or an indifferent one ; and although much of the trouble and expenditure of a formal party can be dispensed with, a lady will take pleasure in making everything as bright and enjoyable as possible.
Invitations to a kettle-drum may be given solely in the name of a lady. It is not necessary, as on other occasions, that the name of the husband should be joined with that of the hostess, but if she has a daughter who is in society, her name should also be given.
This should be written upon a card and inclosed in an envelope, and sent by post a week in advance of the entertainment. It is not necessary to send an acceptance for a kettle-drum ; neither are after-calls obligatory.
The hostess, in receiving at such an entertainment, should, if she sits, place herself in a conspicuous part of the parlor and remain there as much of the time as is possible. She is not expected to move about for the purpose of looking after her guests. They are to seek her. General introductions are not customary at a kettle-drum. With regard to introductions, the rule is, to always present a gentleman to a lady, a younger to an elder, an unmarried lady to one who is married, and the less distinguished to one of greater distinction. It may be permissible for one friend to introduce another at a party, but it is better manners to have all introductions come from the hostess. Care should be taken
LITERARY DRAMATIC CLUBS. 57
to pronounce the names distinctly. The lady should not rise, neither is she expected to offer her hand. She smiles, bows, and expresses pleasure in making the acquaintance.
The time at a kettle-drum is passed in greeting friends, desultory conversation, and in listening to music, or recitations. And here good good judgment is requisite in making the best selections. A cheerful song, well sung, will always be acceptable, but in listening to instrumental pieces there is less intelligence and sympathy. Therefore, something gay and sparkling, that is appreciated by all, should be chosen. And here it may not be out of place to say a word in disapproval of the very bad habit sometimes seen in " our best society " — the habit of one guest inviting and urging another guest to sing, to play, or to recite. This is very bad manners. All requests of this kind should come from the hostess.
The refreshments usual at a kettle-drum are lemonade, coffee, chocolate, cakes, ices, sandwiches and oysters. Demi-toilette is all that is requisite for a kettle-drum for either ladies or gentlemen.
LITERARY DRAMATIC CLUBS.