The garnishing must either be pure white gum paste, or the most delicate tinged jelly, with white flowers. If for a christening breakfast, the paste may be tinged of a very delicate rose, and pink flowers, both being emblematical. In France, a young woman is always married in a crown of white flowers: on the contrary, the child is ornamented with rose colour, and every guest is presented with a cornet or silk embroidered bag, in the shape of a cornucopia, filled with the richest bon-bons. These bills will also answer for cold collations, or standing suppers, by substituting hot or cold soups, or hot dishes (instead of the tea, coffee, and chocolate), removed by cakes, creams, &c. The galantines and tongues may be garnished with handsome silver skewers, filled with cocks'-combs, kidneys, cray-fish, fat livers, oyster, or high-seasoned quenelles, three or four intermixed upon each, and stuck tastefully into the meats: such elegant ways of dishings give great éclat to tables, with little expense. The bread should be handed round, and the bridecakes piled on the sideboard, when they cannot occupy the middle of the table. Wines used at desserts are generally served with these breakfasts, with maraschino liqueurs and noyeau. |