Then St. Valentine’s candle (which is a red candle in a candlestick) may be lit, and placed on a table. Each child, in turn, must be blindfolded and stand ten paces away from the candle. He turns around three times, takes ten steps toward the candle, as he supposes, and then tries to blow it out. The one who is successful in this, will be very fortunate through the coming year.
Next distribute the pasteboard hearts, and let each guest write his or her name on them. Now pass to the right-hand neighbor, who must decorate the heart with pictures cut from catalogues or magazines. For instance, Dorothy’s heart will be ornamented with pictures of dogs, birds, hair ribbons and candy, for these are Dorothy’s favorites. Jack’s heart will be decorated with pictures of automobiles, motor boats, guns, and fishing tackle. Each heart is supposed to show just what the owner is fond of.
Then supper can be served, and since it is Valentine’s Day a “hearty” supper will be just the thing.
Red carnations and red-shaded candles make a pretty decoration, or if mother is willing to take more trouble, a Cupid may occupy the place of honor in the center of the table. From his bow, narrow red ribbons extend to silver cardboard arrows, which are at each place, and serve as “place cards.” “Coup jacques,” for the first course, sound interesting and are as nice as they sound. Fill sherbet glasses half full of small pieces of pineapple, orange and banana, then cover with cherry ice, smoothing the top over carefully. Oysters in heart-shaped pattie shells, heart-shaped sandwiches, heart cakes, and bonbons, and ice cream in the form of hearts, will make a very nice Valentine supper, and there should be a dainty Valentine souvenir at each plate.
When your guests say “good-bye,” they’ll tell you that they have had a lovely time. See if they don’t!
In honor of George Washington,
Who lived so long ago,
I ask you to a party, now;