For the well-to-do in early 20th century Newport, hosting a dinner party for 32 guests was just a servant call button away. The head butler would receive menu information and seating arrangements from the lady of the house and forward it to the kitchen staff. The event was recorded in menu books to track food selections and guest lists during the busy summer season.
The party represented in the image below was hosted by Dr. and Mrs. Henry Barton Jacobs at Whiteholme on 12 August 1916 at 8:30 PM.
A page from one of three dinner books kept by Mrs. Jacobs, in the NHS collection.