This weekend I found two books that lead me to believe that I need to host an amazing party. The first book is called “The Complete Hostess” by Clara E. Laughlin. Published in 1906, this gem has a little bit of everything. For a flavor of what the book has to offer, this little passage is from the Introduction:
“The purpose of this little book has not been to furnish an encyclopedia of etiquette and entertainment, but to gather together a reasonable number and variety of well-tried social formulae so that a woman who wants to give a birthday party for her five-year-old son, or a lawn tea for her visiting sister-in-law, or who must think up some idea for the church bazaar or Fete of All Nations, shall be able to find in these pages suggestions which her own clever wit will amplify and adapt and make personal and charming.”
The book has chapters on formal entertaining, informal entertaining, outdoor entertaining, weddings, church gatherings, children’s parties, and so much more. What a find!
The second book is newer, published in 1966, is called “All About Entertaining – Everything You Need to Know to Have a Fabulous Social Life” by Kay Corinth and Mary Sargent. Although the theme is similar, this book is completely different from The Complete Hostess. All About Entertaining covers topics like invitation etiquette, table settings, party planning, meeting people in a new neighborhood, and being a fabulous guest.
It was by happenstance that I found both of these books this weekend, and together they make an excellent start to my hostess library.
