While the guests are at supper an old-fashioned spinning wheel should be brought into the parlors in readiness for a spinning contest, which may be conducted as described in the entertainment, "A Spinning Party."
The invitations may be decorated with drawings of small hand-mirrors, tumblers, etc., and for the ornamentation of the house every conceivable kind of glass vessel and mirror may be used. In the table decorations cut or pressed glass should be prominent. In the centre of the table a small mirror might be placed, with a large glass bowl upon it filled with flowers. Red carnations with red candle-shades make a very effective color scheme for the crystal background. Little cakes with red icing, red bonbons, and red place cards may also be used. The refreshments should be served on glass dishes, the waiters using glass trays if possible. Tiny glass bottles each containing a red carnation and a sprig of smilax make very appropriate souvenirs. Should the bride desire an appropriate gown for the occasion, it may be trimmed with quantities of glass beads or the glass drops from a chandelier. Those who assist in receiving might also be similarly garbed.
A good idea for a china wedding would be to have a course dinner and display all one's china. Use china wherever it can be used instead of silver, glass, or other dishes. Have plants and flowers displayed in china. A unique idea would be to give each guest a tiny china cup and saucer as a souvenir.
Any of the parlor entertainments or contests described in this volume may be used to pass the time pleasantly either before or after the dinner.
The invitations to a silver wedding should be headed by the two eventful dates printed in silver.
For the decorations, use any flowers which may be in season, surrounding the mirrors and pictures as far as possible with a framework of green spangled with silver. Cover all the lamps and gas shades with white crepe paper flecked here and there with silver, and suspend balls covered with silver paper from the chandeliers.
Let the daughters in the family, and the granddaughters if there be any, wear gowns of simplest white, with draperies of silver tinsel. If there happen to be any grandchildren it would be well to have them distribute the favors, which may be bouquets of flowers tied with white ribbons.