Emphasize in these papers the beauty and charm of a simple, free hospitality as distinguished from formal and costly entertaining. The welcoming of a child's playmates after school should be considered, the opening of the doors to the young people of the neighborhood, the planning of afternoon parties for elderly women, the bringing together of congenial groups of people, the drawing in of strangers, and the spirit of cordiality in church life.
VII—RECREATION IN THE HOME
1. For the Children—Simple amusements: candy-making, hide-and-seek, and other old-fashioned games. Value of an attic. Tenting in the back yard. Gardening. Children's parties.
2. For the Young People—Small group games: checkers, card-games, chess, etc. Games of mental skill: twenty questions, guessing contests, writing of topical poems and jingles. The billiard-room in the house. Social advantages of the chafing-dish. Young people's dances.
3. For Adults—Reading aloud. Home carpentry. Entertaining: cards, music, dinners, etc.
4. For Everybody—Charades. Tableaux. Plays. The home orchestra. College songs. Discussion: What are the best books for family reading aloud?
Books to Consult—Mrs. Hamilton Mott: Home Games and Parties. Bancroft: Games for the Playground, Home, School, and Gymnasium. Benson: Book of Indoor Games for Young People of All Ages. Hoyle's Games (many editions).
The great point to be emphasized in this meeting is that parents should deliberately make a place in the home life for amusements, from childhood up. Discuss: In how many ways can parents and children share their pleasures, and how may the spirit of mutual enjoyment be fostered?
VIII—VACATIONS
1. Travel—Should we see our own country before going abroad? Preparations for travel. Advantage of reading in advance about places to be visited. How to travel with children. Travel as an education.