Suppers: Novel Suggestions for Social Occasions

Editor and Publisher of What to Eat , the National Food Magazine,
Superintendent of Food Exhibits at the St. Louis Worlds's Fair,
Honorary Commissioner of Foods at the Jamestown Exposition.
Copyright 1907
PAUL PIERCE
To that much abused, but very eminent class, the society women of America, this book is dedicated. It is with a realization that they constitute the better half of the best aristocracy in the world—probably the only real aristocracy of the present day. It is an aristocracy of real merit, entree to which is attained by achievement, not by mere inheritance. No titles are inherited there; they are bought with effort and accomplishments. It is an aristocracy of the fittest, not of chance birth. Out of the competition is growing a higher and higher standard for each succeeding generation, and hence it is an aristocracy of ascent and not of descent.
Suppers are the favorite social function of the American aristocrats. Hence it is with the highest esteem of their station, and the honor they reflect on the nation that this humble volume is recommended to their especial protection and favor.
So scant is the information regarding suppers that it has been almost impossible for the host or hostess to obtain authentic knowledge regarding these functions excepting through actual experience as a guest, and even then the prevailing ignorance has led to many erroneous conceptions causing deplorable awkwardness. The publication of this volume was decided upon only after a search of libraries and bookshops everywhere revealed such a woeful dearth of information on suppers and the fact that such information as was obtainable was often misleading and in many cases positively ridiculous. There is no social function that lends itself so admirably for a high class entertainment as the supper.
This volume, therefore, will fill a vacuum in the needs of society; it will supply a long felt want of both men and women, who often, so often, have worried over the proper forms and menus for suppers. The book is complied by Paul Pierce, publisher of What To Eat , The National Food Magazine, an international authority on all subjects pertaining to dinings and other social functions. Mr. Pierce is the Compiler of Dinners and Luncheons, Parties and Entertainments, Breakfasts and Teas, and Weddings and Wedding Celebrations, to which Suppers is a companion. All the other volumes will be found most helpful to the man or woman who entertains on a large or small scale.