There is no easier way to entertain and make certain that no guest is neglected, and that all have a good time, than by giving a card party. Cards may be played at any hour of the day. They, alone, may be the raison d'être for the occasion, or they may precede or follow a breakfast, or luncheon, or form the entertainment after dinner. Afternoon card parties are particularly smart and easy to arrange for. They offer the hostess an opportunity to entertain formally or informally, and with as little or as much expense as she desires, and still be correct socially.
Auction is the most popular card game today, but Five Hundred, Euchre, or any other game played by the friends of the hostess is equally correct.
In preparing for a card party, the wise hostess will look up the correct rules for playing, scoring and progressing, and read them to her guests before the game starts, or else have a copy of the rules typed for each table. This will avoid all discussion and unpleasantness due to misunderstanding of the rules or variations in customs. The latest correct rules for every card game may be found in "The Official Rules of Card Games", published by The U. S. Playing Card Company, Cincinnati, and sent on receipt of 20c.
Another necessary provision for all entertaining with cards is the selection of one or two new decks of cards for each table, as the game requires, and an extra pack or two for emergencies. The cards may be the Bicycle brand—inexpensive but well printed on good stock, with a durable finish—or the de luxe Congress cards, with gold edges and picture backs appropriate for every occasion. The experienced hostess knows that money spent for new cards that slip easily gives her guests more pleasure than the most elaborate decorations, accessories, or refreshments.
Never invite more guests for cards than can be seated comfortably in your rooms, leaving free passage between the tables. It is better to give two successive parties at which the guests can be taken care of comfortably, than one large, crowded affair at which no one has enough elbow room.
