Hostess Entertaining Tips from the 1930’s

I stumbled upon a publication of Sunset’s Western Hostess Guide, first published in September, 1938, describing proper hostess entertaining tips. There were so many examples written, I’ll stick to just one for this particular post offering outdoor entertaining ideas.

My interest in vintage books developed by going through my grandmother’s books. I came across multiple publications on entertaining, housekeeping, homemaking, etc. This discovery gave me so much insight into her world. To my surprise, I even came across one with her signature in it!

Over the past few years, I’ve learned more about my grandmother and how she strived to learn about housekeeping and entertaining. How to keep her home neat and tidy and the proper way to dress a table. I remember when I was very young, she hosted a backyard wedding. No doubt, her hostess books provided her tips.

In this post I’ll describe the hostess guide to entertaining with tips on how to throw a terrace and garden party from the perspective of our 1930’s hostesses outdoor entertaining ideas. Here is what I learned.

I have to admit, it is incredible to read the expectations set upon our young ladies during this time period. On one hand, I completely embrace the idea of a simpler time and the art of entertaining, which I believe is lost. On the other hand, some of the language is so completely passive it makes me think, wow, times have certainly changed! Most of the article I captured below is paraphrased, but where I found it to be unique and worthy of sharing, I included it verbatim. Mostly because it was so incredible, I couldn’t resist sharing it in it’s entirety.

According to our vintage hostesses, to ensure success of an outdoor party, several things should be considered. I’ve captured a list of do’s and don’ts from this 1939 print of the Sunset’s Western Hostess Guide:

 

How to plan garden parties

• Plan garden parties when your garden is at its loveliest.
• The table and table settings should be a part of the natural setting and your table coverings and dishes should embody the spirit of your garden.
• Whether your yard is a small corner or formal garden, there should be a pleasant harmony between the table accessories and the garden background.

Summer outdoor entertaining

• Place your table where it is sheltered from the wind and out of the sun–check in advance to be sure the sun won’t creep around to your table in the middle of your party.
• Use awnings or a canvas tea umbrella to keep off the glare. This will add a nice note of color and gaiety to your party as well.

Outdoor entertaining essentials

• Fix teetering tables and chairs and be sure they are placed on a level ground.
• Stitch a heavy dress weight into each corner of the tablecloth for a “non-fluttering” table setting.
• Use trays and baskets for carrying the service from the kitchen.
• Oiled silk covers for bowls and pitchers will keep any stray insects away.
• Oven glass or pottery platters and casseroles will keep food piping hot in transit to the garden.

I found this unique charcuterie board online (I’ve added a link) and I think it offers a great vintage appeal.

Backyard entertainment ideas

Having a connection to electric source is a fine idea if you entertain outdoors often. You can use it to make coffee or toast, grill sandwiches, or keeping a dish hot for second servings.

How do you make an outdoor party special?

Terrace tea party

• You will need a small table and a few chairs.
• Make sandwiches, in advance, wrapping them in a damp towel; arrange cakes on a plate, and set all necessary equipment on a tray in the kitchen.
• Just before serving, brew your tea, strain it into a heated pot and carry the tray, with everything on it, directly to the garden.

I found similar items to our entertaining essentials (I’ve added links here):

Porcelain Service Teapot and Cups

Acacia Wood Serving Tray

Afternoon garden party

An afternoon garden party is larger and much more dressed-up. The invitations are usually written on visiting cards, saying “at home in the garden” with the date and hour.

• Place a long table against an effective natural background in some sheltered spot.
• The table should not be too far from the house for easy serving.
• Cover the table with a long, well weighted cloth with a flower centerpiece (from your garden).
• You will need to ask two guests to pour, one on either end of the table, while you and your daughter and her friends who are helping to serve, are all dressed in extremely flattering garden party dresses, possibly fresh sheer cotton ones in white or pastel.
• Serve tea on one end of the table, iced with plenty of mint and lemon, and perhaps fresh pineapple wedges.
• Serve iced coffee on the other end of the table.
• In between the party table will be where you arrange sandwiches and cake.

Where to find vintage entertaining books, magazines, or guides?

I find most of mine by going through my mother’s things, but also, in antique shops, estate sales, and perhaps online stores, like Etsy. Sometimes you may luck out and find one in a thrift store. I found this particular publication in an antique store in Redlands, California.

COPYRIGHT 1938, LANE PUBLISHING CO., SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, pages 22-23

This post was all about a hostesses guide to entertaining with tips on how to throw a terrace and garden party. The tips were offered from the perspective of a 1930’s hostess outdoor entertaining ideas. I hope you are inspired with these party hosting ideas and enjoy an outdoor garden party as well!