The hostesses in the '50s were hip to that.

Maybe you eat takeout - whatever - six nights a week. But on the seventh, maybe you have people over and have something really fancy - you've got to have an outfit.

They were clearly fashion accessories. And that's what they are now.

Hostesses who entertain much must make up their parties as ministers make up their cabinets, on grounds other than personal liking.

Hostesses will usually divide their guest list between those who shoot the birds and those who shoot the breeze.

I give 'em the hip, then I take it away.