round, deep pumpkins with a stem, choosing those of a
pretty color and shape. Saw off the tops even, so they may be put back
on the pumpkins as lids, scoop out and line with parchment paper. As
this supper is very informal, sandwiches with various fillings, a rich
chicken salad made with walnut meats and chopped celery, cheese and
bread sticks and coffee may form the substantial part. Stuffed figs and
dates, bonbons and macaroons are served for the sweet course and an
orange ice or snow pudding in little pumpkin paper cases.

A DICKENS' SUPPER.

A happy selection of time for a Dickens party is the Christmas season,
which is so peculiarly connected with so many of Dickens' writings.

Have the rooms brilliantly lighted, and the bright berries of the
Christmas holly against a background of the "ivy green" which Dickens
loved. The hostess might dress in a handsome costume of the time of
Edith Dombey.

The guests can each represent some character of Dickens.

Betsy Trotwood, tall and rigid in stiff gown and tight cap.

Dora, young and blonde, with infantile manner.

Peggotty, buxom and tightly compressed into her gown.

Dick Swiveller and the marchioness.

Mrs. Tizziwig, "one vast substantial smile."

Madame Defarge, stolid and plying her ceaseless knitting.

Joey B., with his swagger, "Sly sir; devilish sly."

Mr. Micawber, bland and portly.

Little Nell and her grandfather, and so on with the characters which
Dickens has made living creatures indeed. Gathered in the reception
rooms the group will make a quaint, lovely picture to the entering
guest. When all the guests have arrived cards are distributed, on each
of which is a water colored sketch of some of Dickens' characters. An
English walnut shell tied with pink ribbon and attached to the corner of
the card holds a quotation from Dickens, and beneath this nut is the
pertinent quotation, "The Dickens to crack." A prize can be awarded to
the one answering most correctly from which books the different
quotations were taken.

Some of the pathetic scenes from Dombey and Son can be read by some one
whose musical voice and gentle face, as well as intelligent reading,
make this part especially effective. The hostess can read an extract
from verses headed "The Christmas Carol" in Pickwick Papers.

"My song I troll out, for Xmas stout
The hearty, the true and the bold;
A bumper I drain and with might and main
Give three cheers for this Christmas o