Note.—For further stunts see Helen Ferris’ “Producing Amateur Entertainments.” Dutton & Co., N. Y.
Dinner Table Amusement.
There are so many hostesses at dinner parties, to whom the preparation of the dinner and its serving are not the awful bugbear. That honor goes rather to the painful silences that spoil the best dinner ever served. There is only one thing more painful. That is a very evident attempt to make conversation, and to force a social atmosphere.
The following “Dinner Table Amusement” has been given every conceivable test as to real ice-breaking capability. It has been found, too, that much of it can be used to just as good advantage at church and school and club and community suppers, as at smaller affairs in the home. Where there are several tables or very long tables it is a good plan to have one person at every table or every section of a long table, who is responsible for putting on the various stunts.
All of these stunts are included in other chapters of this book. The following are examples:
1. Crystal gazing. This trick is infallible. It has never yet failed to gain the most helpless laughter of the evening. Instead of having the victim kneel, however, when this is done at the table, ask him to put his hands on the table, with fingers spread out wide. A good time to bring this in is just after dessert has been served, particularly if that dessert is tempting. Your victim is utterly helpless, and it is not an unheard of thing for another guest to calmly eat the delicious apple pie that stands idle.
Another good time to do it is just after dinner is over, and the other guests depart, leaving Mr. Unfortunate to sit alone for a moment to reflect on his sins.
2. Virtues. This may be put on between courses, but partners are not changed.
3. Mimic. Vocal gymnastics are possible, but because guests are seated, no “funny steps” are used.
The following may be used just as they are: