EXTRAVAGANCE IN NEW YORK DINNERS.
Not every one is aware of the extent to which extravagance in dinners is carried in New York. At a dinner given not long ago by Mr. P—, a banker, residing on Madison Square, what served as "dinner cards" for the ladies cost $1,200. They consisted of the best quality of wide ribbons, each different in color, and each long enough for a sash. The ends were exquisitely painted and edged with an elaborately-made fringe. One end of each was drawn over a ring which was fastened below the chandelier, and carried to the lady's place for whom it was designed. These formed a tent over the table, which was very elegant in effect. Each lady, as she seated herself, drew her sash from the ring above, appropriating it as she pleased. At another dinner, at Delmonico's, the table was entirely covered with flowers, except the center, in which was a pond, on which there were two white swans, sailing back and forth at their own sweet will, eating the bread crumbs thrown by the guests, while they were either too well trained or too frightened to splash the water. At another "simple meal" given on Fifth Avenue, to a company of eleven, the large square dinner cards, painted for the occasion, cost $100 each.—New York Letter.