BE i R321 Ee LL LL rr rr rp Ee LCE TE EEE CE ECR EET EER RAE Lr LE LL LCL Lr TLL LL LT Le Le LL LL ER LC EE RC TRUE CPR Z © BE oo ~ 5, 3 = dn /m rl # E z o » 3 2 2 << oS Pay THE CORRECTLY SET DINNER TABLE Fruit, holly and candles form a simple and effective decoration (Silver placed for fruit-cocktail, soup, meat and salad courses) (P. 106) TABLE DECORATIONS FOR ALL OCCASIONS i i BY EDNA 8. TIPTON WITH THIRTY-FIVE ILLUSTRATIONS FROM PHOTOGRAPHS y J i: NEW YORK FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY MCMXXIV THE CORRECTLY SET DINNER TABLE Fruit, holly and candles form a simple and effective decoration (Silver placed for fruii-cocktail, soup, meat and salad courses) {P. 106) TABLE DECORATIONS FOR ALL OCCASIONS BY EDNA S. TIPTON WITH THIRTY-FIVE ILLUSTRATIONS FROM PHOTOGRAPHS NEW YORK FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY MCMXXIV Copyright, 1924, by FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY All rights reserved cea ve y ¢ e% indi f € Fes e < ° A ‘ c ali ¥e® pe « ¢ ¢ e vie . : wi ey ,Coreed « ce v wine ¢ € v - . ¢ e OL 000 > © © € * ee eo € * ® ¢e € ¢ € Printed in the United States of America PREFACE Every woman who aspires to make her entertainments ‘different’ is forever striving to achieve something artistically unique in the way of table decorations. The ideas set forth in the text and illustrated by the ac- companying pictures are offered as suitable to informal affairs and, with slight changes, may be adapted to formal occasions. While this book features American holi- days as themes around which to build deco- rations, the suggestions contained herein are adaptable to other countries if the legends surrounding national heroes and national events be substituted for those mentioned in this text. The same holds true of floral decorations. Each nation need only substi- tute its national flower or the flowers in season for those mentioned. The author is aware that she has by no means exhausted the possibilities but ventures v #01954 vi PREFACE the hope that those who seek inspiration may find it in this little book. Acknowledgment and thanks are due and are gratefully given to the editors of Pic- torial Review, Holland's Magazine, Ladies’ Home Journal and Fruit Garden and Home for permission to reprint several of the pic- tures contained herein. CONTENTS PrerAcE 0... INTRODUCTION . « . '. Winter TABLES « . «as Christmas Day—Holly, Star and Candle Decoration —Christmas Table No. 2—Christmas Bell Deco- rations — Christmas-Tree-Light Decorations — Christmas Table No. 3—Miscellaneous Christmas Decorations—Children’s Christmas Tables—New Year's Decorations — Other January Tables— A Tangerine Decoration—A Yarn “Bouquet” Decoration—A “Snow” Party for Kiddies—Feb- ruary Festivities—Lincoln’s Birthday—Valentine Table Decorations—Valentine Day Decorations— Miscellaneous Suggestions Valentine’s Day— Washington’s Birthday — Colonial Tables — A Pioneer Party. SprING-TIME TABLES St. Patrick’s Day Decorations—March Decorations —Easter Tables—M iscellaneous Tables Easter— Wedgwood Ware and Mauve Flowers—Silk “Floral” Decorations—May Tables—Lily-of-the- Valley and Candle Decorations—Lilies-of-the- Valley and Green Candles. vil PAGE x1il 3 25 viii CONTENTS SumMmER TABLES . . June Tables—A Rose SNR White Rose Decoration — The ‘“Sweet-Girl-Graduate”—A Book “Bonfire”’—A Daisy Luncheon—Flag Day— July Tables—A Water-Lily Decoration—A “Box” Luncheon—A Golf Decoration—August Tables— Swimming Parties—A Child's Swimming Party. FaLL TABLES . oil iy September Tables—Oak Leaves, Bittersweet and Bay- berry Decorations—OQak Leaves, Chrysanthemums and Candles—Football Theme—October Tables —Hallowe’en Tables—A Jack-o’-Lantern Party— An Orange Decoration—November Tables—Ar- mistice Day — Thanksgiving — Miscellaneous Thanksgiving Decorations—A Sunday Night Sup- per Decoration. BirTHDAY TABLES . The Birthday Party—A Fonts Box Deion Sun Dial Birthday Decoration—A Stork Decora- tion. THE BriDE oe Announcement Tables — The ‘“Announcement- Shower” Tables—Kitchen “Showers”—A “Hot Weather Shower” — A Garden “Shower” —A Traveler's “Shower’—An Electrical Equipment “Shower” — A Book “Shower” — A Basket “Shower” — A Bridge “Shower” — A Wooden “Shower” — A Crystal “Shower” — A Silver “Shower” — Rehearsal Tables — The Wedding Feast—Wedding Anniversaries— The Paper Wed- PAGE 39 53 67 73 CONTENTS ix PAGE ding—The Wooden Wedding—The Tin Wedding —The Crystal Wedding—A Silver Wedding— The Golden Wedding. MiscrriANEoUS DECORATIONS» + a olan ii0D An Advertising-Party Table Decoration—A Circus Party—An Indian Party—An “Old-Fashioned” Party — A “Going-Away” Party — A Quaker Party—A “Franklin” Party—Entertaining Elec- trically—Breakfasts—The Informal Reception— Afternoon Tea—The Correctly Set Dinner Table —The Bed Tray. BRIDOE SUGGESTIONS . vi a ile vata iu 00 + 103 Man Jonos PARTIES. ws iii, iid, 0100 INDEX, , alia oe i Si ILLUSTRATIONS The Correctly Set Dinner Table . . Frontispiece FACING An Attractive Christmas Table .. oa gli) i” A Winter Table . . oat hE ly AE A Christmas-tree Table. . iJ i sole New Year's Eve, , 0 0. Jia, hi i iio Lincoln's Birthday ©... hai aibigia, 14 Valentine's Day. |, |... 0 0 an tal bd io 14 Foria Children’s Party. '. L000 i i 0g Giige Washington’s Birthday |, 0. 00 0 ani i biage Se. Patricks Day 0 wy L000 al nd Nese diag A Shamrock Table . . 00 ie An Easter Party for Children... ol 30 A Distinctive Easter Table... iii ai 30 A Springtime Table... |... gern al 32 The Mayday Table. 0, Liha 36 For a Midsenson Day... oii aie 36 AJune Table . 0. 0,00 aia a 40 The Fourth of July le ete a TE a A Summer or Fall Table... |, 0, ina 46 A September Table. L700 i Gi 54 ILLUSTRATIONS Yor. Hallowe'en. . . . ,' .. . A Chrysanthemum Table . . . . A Bonfire for Halloween . . . , An Armistice Day Table '. . . . For Thanksgivine Day . . . . . An Old-fashioned Thanksgiving . . The “Anchor” Announcement Table The “Heart” Announcement Table The Rehearsal Table A Shower Table The Wedding Feast Entertaining Electrically . The Informal Reception Table . The Afternoon Tea . The Bed Tray . The Bridge or Mah Jor Table . PAGE 54 56 58 62 62 64 74 74 78 78 90 90 . 104 . 106 . 108 + 118 INTRODUCTION A hostess must possess those faculties which belong to the successful salesman. She must have or cultivate poise, confidence, enthusiasm and interest in those to whom she would appeal; she must surprise and please those whom she would entertain. Even the shy, tongue-tied hostess whose only claim to brilliancy is her charm as a good listener may gain an enviable reputation if she will give forethought to how her table looks, how her food tastes and how it is served! The Decorations The decoration of a table is an “introduc- tion” to what may follow. It may feature a coming holiday, particularly, if the “party” be given informally or for children; it may feature floral or silver decorations of the most elaborate or the simplest type. But xiii xiv INTRODUCTION whatever the mode or whatever the theme, the experienced hostess plans it to the last detail far enough in advance to insure perfection! Thus she gains that confidence and poise so essential to forgetfulness of self which gives her leisure to attend to the wants of others. The embellishment of any table is sure to be more perfect if the hostess attends to it personally instead of leaving its execution to a servant whose imagination is apt to vision clearly only creations of flour, sugar and spice! New ideas form with every effort, so the hostess who supervises her own decora- tions not only gains new ideas for the task at hand but stores away others to be called up out of that useful storehouse—the subcon- scious—at a future date. Decorations which are too high are fatal to comfort—they annoy speaker and listener, alike. Decorations which are too low be- come monotonous to the eye. The ideal in this art, then, is a combination of the two. One artistic hostess claims that all tall deco- rations should be narrow. The candle is an example. INTRODUCTION XV Pitfalls The novice has two pitfalls to avoid—over- decoration and inappropriate decoration. If nothing more were said about the former than that tables thus treated appear “messy” it would call to mind visions which would make any one careful to avoid such creations. The very expression ‘“over-decoration” warns one against it! Inappropriate decorations are those not suited to the occasion. The style of decora- tion is determined by the type of entertain- ment given, by the guests invited, by the occasion and by the station in life occupied by hostess and guests, alike. Children’s parties may feature anything. The more informal the decorations the greater the success of the party. Entertainments for intimate friends may feature “stunt” decora- tions, may be charmingly simple or elabo- rately dignified. Functions for “occasions” such as golf tournaments, ‘“going-away- parties,” “home-coming-parties,” etc., may employ novelty decorations. But when din- ners or luncheons take on a more or less for- XVi INTRODUCTION mal aspect the decorations must be dignified and even elegant. Novelty is out of place. Such affairs may comprise the entertaining of a great hero, a famous artist, a much-talked-of “star,” a statesman or simply acquaintances. Flower Arrangement For the family table nothing is so charm- ing as delightfully arranged fruit or a crys- tal bowl holding a single floating stemless rose. A few flowers tastefully arranged are much more effective than many carelessly placed. The experienced decorator chooses her flowers with care, always remembering the color scheme of her rooms, the shape, size and color of her bowls and vases and the type of entertainment she is giving. She does not place a bunch of flowers en masse into a receptacle but instead places one flower at a time into the piece of crystal, sil- ver or china that is to hold it. She turns the receptacle from time to time as she adds flowers to the bouquet. Thus she secures a well-balanced effect. INTRODUCTION xvii Lighting Nothing lends so softening an effect to deco- rations, nothing is more flattering to the com- plexion, nothing sheds such an atmosphere of romance as candle light. Women love its effect, most men object to its dimness when used alone. Both can be pleased, though, if only side-lights burn when candles are lighted. One hostess turns out all the lights but one in the electrolier above the table and aug- ments its light by burning candles. Needless to say, tactful hostesses omit candle light when arranging decorations for stag dinners! The Food “Good beginnings” whet the appetite for each succeeding course. So it behooves the would-be-successful hostess to give as delight- ful an introduction to the taste as she has already produced for the sight! And once started out on the right path she must see to it that each succeeding dish “makes good” the promise of its predecessor! Too many courses must not be served or xviii INTRODUCTION guests will become uncomfortably filled; the repast must not be composed of too many starches or of too few. It must be well- balanced ; it must be attractive to the eye and faultlessly served. The silver for each course must be correctly placed. It is only the woman with two or more servants at her command who can successfully give an elaborate, many-course luncheon or dinner and be confident that the service will be above criticism. The woman who has only one servant or none should content herself with serving three- or four-course meals, at most, and these meals should be composed of dishes easily prepared or almost-prepared much in advance of the final cooking and serving. In deciding upon her menu she should consider her own station in life, that of her guests and their likes and dislikes, the size of her dining-room, and her supply of china, crystal, silver and linen. The hostess who studies and becomes effi- cient in arranging these beforehand-details and is fastidious in their execution is sure to be a success and being a success she can enjoy her own parties! WINTER TABLES December Decorations Christmas Day January Decorations New Year's Day February Decorations Lincoln’s Birthday St. Valentine’s Day Washington's Birthday TABLE DECORATIONS WINTER TABLES Christmas Day—Holly, Star and Candle Decoration— Christmas Table No. 2—Christmas Bell Decora- tions—Christmas-Tree-Light Decorations—Christmas Table No. 3—Miscellaneous Christmas Decorations— Children’s Christmas Tables—New Year’s Decorations —Other January Tables—A Tangerine Decoration— A Yarn “Bouquet” Decoration—A “Snow” Party for Kiddies—February Festivities—Lincoln’s Birthday— Valentine Table Decorations—Valentine Day Decora- tions— Miscellaneous Suggestions Valentine's Day— Wa ashington’s Birthday—Colonial Tables—A Pioneer Party. CHRISTMAS DAY THE house is rare, indeed, which does not in some way decorate the table at Christmas time. Whether one decorates it in a digni- fied or mirth-provoking style depends upon whether there are many children in the family or not, or whether one is entertaining in a formal or informal manner. 3 4 TABLE DECORATIONS Nothing more dignified and elegant could be imagined than a table adorned with a single candelabra embedded in a large five-pointed star of holly as its centerpiece. Two addi- tional single candles in low candlesticks with bases covered by the same bright berries and shining leaves and placed catercorner at the ends of the table give the graduated line that is now in vogue. A sprig of holly at each place lends a finishing touch to the whole that is further enhanced by the use of hand-painted Christmas-greeting cards as placements. Holly Star and Candle Decoration This arrangement could be so changed that a variety of decorations might be built up with the same materials. The big center-star could have a single tall candle in its center and one at each point; a small holly star at each place would complete the decoration. A candelabra standing in the center of the table might be effectively flanked on either side by holly stars. A holly wreath encircling a can- delabra would look well in the center of the table if used in connection with single candles AN ATTRACTIVE CHRISTMAS TABLE Candelabra embedded in a holly “star” (Table correctly set for dessert course) i A WINTER TABLE Pine-needles, pine-cones, poinsettias and holly have been used here (Table correctly set for after-dinner coffee course) WINTER TABLES 5 encircled in smaller wreaths and placed in front of each plate. Christmas Table No. 2 A pleasing effect is achieved by the use of pine-needles and pine-cones combined with the brilliantly-colored poinsettia when placed in a dark basket and set equally distant from candles on either side of it, lengthwise of the table. A tracery of holly lying flat on the cloth connecting the candles and basket is showy and at the same time in good taste. With this decoration one might use place- ment cards picturing single poinsettias. One could vary this pine-needle, pine-cone- poinsettia decoration by encircling the basket with a tracery of holly and poinsettias and placing candles at the table-ends or surround- ing the basket with them. The pine-needles and cones may be fashioned into a mound flanked at each end by the candles. A single candle embedded in holly symbol- izes the one remaining month of the year and is therefore appropriate to December deco- rations. A single poinsettia under water in a 6 TABLE DECORATIONS crystal bowl is lovely. The air-bubbles which form on the petals sparkle like jewels. One large poinsettia plant flanked by smaller one placed halfway between it and the table ends is effective, especially if the flower- pots be gayly painted in harmonizing colors or be covered with red crépe paper. Another Christmas decoration which would be pleasing could be composed of a basket of holly-bedecked real or artificial fruit en- circled by holly sprays. Holly might be scat- tered over the table. Poinsettia “nut-cups” would add to any table. They could be placed in front of each plate or at intervals the length of the table. To make them trace around an artificial poin- settia and thus secure a paper pattern. Now, place the pattern on red cardboard and draw off as many as needed. About an inch from the center bend the petals upward and encircle them with red baby ribbon. (Poinsettia red- crépe-paper “petals” could be pasted to paper “patty-cups.”) The combination of a low bowl filled with fruit and flanked on either side by poinsettia WINTER TABLES 7 plants connected by delicate tracery of holly leaves and berries would be artistic. A poin- settia plant flanked on either side by holly- trimmed fruit would be charming; a poinsettia plant with high compotes filled with holly standing on either side would be effective. Christmas Bell Decorations Every woman knows so many ways to use Christmas bells that it is hardly necessary to mention them! In passing, however, we might mention the placing of a red Christmas bell on a bed of mistletoe or Southern moss in combination with bell-shaped nut or bon- bon dishes. Christmas bells might hang from an electrolier over a Christmas tree standing in the center of the table. Christmas-Tree-Light Decorations Festoons of Christmas tree lights, their cords concealed by Christmas greens, at each corner of the table or encircling a central decoration of candles, flowers or silver birds make dignified and unique decorations. 8 TABLE DECORATIONS Christmas Table No. 3 A combination of the frivolous and the dig- nified is shown by the use of a single artificial, tinsel-covered Christmas tree standing in cot- ton and mica-dust snow as a center decoration and low silver plates of holly-trimmed fruit mid-way from the center to each end of the table. Holly also partially outlines the “snow” and sprigs of it decorate each place. Miscellaneous Christmas Decorations Another suggestion for Christmas time in- cludes the embellishing of the table with one large Christmas tree in the center flanked on either side by a smaller one; or one might have only the big center tree and then confine the other decoration to the miniature-sized ones at each place. An idea that pleases the children may be developed by having the center decoration a toy sleigh containing a “Santa Claus” driving his reindeer; or the centerpiece may be a “snow-bordered” mirror reflecting dolls on A CHRISTMAS-TREE TABLE This combination is especially attractive (Table correctly set for dessert course) NEW YEAR'S EVE The midnight hour, the old and new candles, the hour-glass, all are symbolic (Correctly set for the dessert course) WINTER TABLES 9 sleds. One might even have a fair-sized doll house with a “Santa” coming down the chim- ney, as the main feature of the decoration. Children’s Christmas Tables A red “Jack Horner Pie” containing gifts and having red ribbons radiating there- from could be a center decoration. Miniature Christmas trees could flank this on either side and smaller Christmas trees could be in front of each plate. Another decoration for children may be developed by placing a filled, fancy ‘‘stock- ing” on a centerpiece of holly. To carry out the stocking idea place doll’s hosiery filled with nuts or candies at each place; or, let the center stocking hang from electrolier, its toe just touching the table. Scatter holly over the table and hang the “doll-nut-and-bonbon socks” on the water glasses. This can be done by means of a paper clip. Slip a sprig of holly through the clip so as to hide it. Children will enjoy a “package decoration.” Place packages of Christmas gifts tied up in 10 TABLE DECORATIONS red tissue paper and bedecked with holly, pyramid-style, in the center of the table. At each place have smaller packages similarly wrapped and trimmed, which contain nuts and bonbons. NEW YEAR’S DECORATIONS NEW YEAR’S DAY is apt to gain distinction in the way of decorations by reflected glory— that is it makes use of Christmas decorations to a certain extent. Holly is always conspicu- ous and sprigs of mistletoe are featured. In the picture a “wrist-watch” was made the center decoration; even the gold clasp, fashioned out of gilt paper, can be distin- guished on the red ribbon band. The calen- dars for the new year, picturing figures dressed to represent different nations, are ap- propriate souvenirs as would be, also, diaries and as are also the “three-minute” glasses which, at this table, were all turned to finish up the timing-process just three minutes be- fore midnight. The idea of the going of the old year and the coming of the new is shown in the picture BE th cscs de as WINTER TABLES 11 by the almost burned away and the newly- lighted candles. Sprigs of holly are scattered everywhere to lend color. Other January Tables A table containing a newly-lighted and an- other almost burned away candle in the center of a circle of holly or mistletoe would be most effective and dignified ; a candelabra similarly lighted and placed in a bed of pine greens would be charming; a clock face with its hands pointing to the hour of midnight might rest on a bed of pine needles and be sur- rounded by them and pine cones and poin- settias. In combination with a central-clock deco- ration give individual favors of gayly-painted cardboard clock covers. (These are something new and are used to cover up the unsightly parts of alarm clocks when placed in bed- rooms. ) For this month as for various others the sun dial would be appropriate as a central deco- ration. Few people realize how well the bright red 12 TABLE DECORATIONS or the delicate pink geraniums lend themselves to table decoration. As plants, as cut flowers, as petals strewn over a festive board they are exquisite! As plants or cut flowers they may be combined with candles or fruits artistically. Crystal candy jars filled with candies of the same color as the flowering-plant and placed on either side of it are captivating! A single, stemless white rose floating in a green bowl which is encircled by mistletoe is most refreshing. Mistletoe may also encircle crystal candy jars filled with green candies and it may connect the jars in tracery on the cloth with green candles in crystal holders. A Tangerine Decoration A pyramid of tangerines with mistletoe peeping through the crevices combines well with yellow or orange candles. With such a decoration, feature orange “cups” filled with bonbons. A Yarn “Bouquet” Decoration In the center of a table one might have a “bouquet” composed of bright knitted or WINTER TABLES 13 crocheted flowers, suitable for wear with serge dresses or for hat or bag adornment. Sur- round these “flowers” with candles. Thus the needed height to an otherwise flat table will be achieved. Of course, these corsages should be given to guests at the conclusion of the repast. A “Snow” Party for Kiddies In the table center place a cotton-mica-dust snow man and on either side of him build cotton-mica-dust fortresses. At each place put a snowball bonbon box. As such a decoration would not show up well on a white cloth evergreen “trees” should outline the “snow things.” This decoration would also look well on a highly polished table. FEBRUARY FESTIVITIES Lincoln’s Birthday No month of the year contains so many holi- days universally celebrated throughout our entire country as does the month of Febru- ary. 14 TABLE DECORATIONS Lincoln’s Birthday is the first big occasion and for some reason (probably its close prox- imity to St. Valentine's birthday) is less fre- quently celebrated than the other two in this month. A suggestion that found favor with one hostess was that of celebrating all three holi- days at one affair! She did this by serving the repast on three tables. The first had a centerpiece of miniature logs with an ax stick- ing in one of them, thus honoring the memory of the “rail splitter.” Candies in individual bonbon dishes at each place were decorated with tiny flags. The second table was centered by a large heart-shaped, candy-filled box with its lid tied securely on by a large festive-looking bow of tulle. At the conclusion of the meal the box was, of course, opened and passed to all the guests. The third table was reminiscent of Colonial Days with its quaint Colonial figure as a cen- ter decoration. A “white-haired,” bouffont- skirted dame concealed a bowl of salted nuts which were passed at the same time the candy LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY The log cabin, with its woodpile and hatchet, makes a truly Lincoln table (Correctly set for the dessert course) VALENTINE'S DAY The bright-red hearts give a joyous air to this Valentine table (Correctly set for the meat course) WINTER TABLES 13 was. ‘Tallow candles” in low, old-fashioned holders further recalled the atmosphere of those far-off days. But for the strictly Lincoln’s Birthday cele- bration what could be more appropriate than the table in the illustration with its log cabin, the evergreen trees showing in the back- ground, the pile of wood and miniature ax? The flag-decorated compotes of candies and olives give the needed height to an otherwise flat-looking decoration. The red, white and blue paper baskets for nuts lend charm to the ensemble. Another Lincoln table might be “dressed” in the now popular “log-cabin shade.” A luncheon cloth or doilies made of it in linen, Indian head or crépe paper would serve the purpose. The log cabin could still be featured as a center decoration. VALENTINE TABLE DECORATIONS AN original-looking Valentine table may be achieved by the simple means of covering a pasteboard box with crépe paper and deco- rating it with small cardboard hearts depend- i6 TABLE DECORATIONS ing from the “letter slot” and hanging at uneven lengths over its sides. Numerous cardboard hearts pasted to the ends of ribbons or crépe paper streamers may radiate from under this box in such a way that the hearts will hang at uneven lengths over the table edge; a circle of larger hearts may surround the box and heart-shaped paper baskets at each place, for nuts or bonbons, may further add to the Valentine atmosphere. The table would be quite as attractive omit- ting the streamers with pendent hearts; it would also be attractive with the circle of hearts surrounding a flowering plant or cut flowers and omitting all other decorations. Valentine Day Decorations A table that the kiddies would appreciate is shown with a centerpiece of lolly-pop “tulips” nestling among ferns as a center decoration and paper hearts again radiating from under them over the table edge. “Crackers” (‘“snap- pers”) containing small souvenirs and caps add a festive appearance, too. WINTER TABLES 17 Miscellaneous Suggestions Valentine’s Day A flower bowl with a single, stemless tulip in it (floating) and a china figure of cupid standing in the center of the bowl would be charming if candlesticks holding two candles each, with figures of cupids at their bases, stood halfway between the bowl and the ends of the table. Two “love birds” in a nest of twigs or a pair of silver “doves” surrounded by flowers or an old-fashioned bouquet composed of heart-shaped candies, would form unique centerpieces for Valentine tables. At a Valentine luncheon one could use card- board hearts of different sizes instead of cloth doilies and centerpiece. The only other deco- ration that would be needed would be some- thing in candles or flowers to give a soften- ing effect. Two intersecting paper or ribbon-covered wire hearts with a cupid sitting on them where they join would be a simple and pretty center decoration for a small party. 18 TABLE DECORATIONS WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY IT used to be that one never decorated a Washington’s Birthday table in any way with- out in some manner displaying the hatchet and the cherry tree, and though this decoration is still employed it has become quite the style to emphasize the period in which the Father of our Country lived rather than the famous incidents connected with his life and career. Before I give suggestions for this type of decoration a few ideas for GEORGE WASH- INGTON tables might we welcomed by the reader. The table shown was set for a child’s party. The center decoration is a market basket cov- ered with many ruffles of red crépe paper and filled with yards and yards of the same, cut in inch-wide strips. This “shredded paper” conceals souvenirs which are to be pulled out by tugging on the red, white and blue streamers hanging over its side. Cherries and hatchets are also featured in this picture. Another suggestion is that one use a pic- ture of Washington as a centerpiece and FOR A CHILDREN’S PARTY Lollypops with paper dresses are always a delight to little guests ; WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY I'he center basket is filled with souvenirs buried beneath bright crépe-paper WINTER TABLES 19 “frame it” with artificial cherries; or that the centerpiece might be a small Jerusalem cherry tree growing in a pot which could be covered by a flag, by bunting, by red, white and blue crépe paper or by painting the pot in these colors. A centerpiece could be a bowl filled with American flags on sticks of graduated lengths so as to have a “good line” in decoration; or American flags, only, could be arranged around a picture of Washington or the Ameri- can shield as was done in the Armistice Day table shown. Colonial Tables A Colonial table might feature a small spin- ning wheel as a center decoration and it might have “Colonial Dame” dolls (covering candy jars) on either side of it halfway between it and the ends of the table. Small knitting bags, containing balls of yarn and pairs of knitting needles, could be favors at individual places. A table with a single candle in an olden- time holder could be the centerpiece and the 20 TABLE DECORATIONS favors could be smaller ones in similar candle holders. The light could be turned off and the room be lighted simply by the center candle and those at each plate when the guests are invited in to partake of the repast. As Indians played a fairly important part in history about the time the Father of our Country lived, something reminiscent of their activities would be appropriate for Colonial Days decoration. Reminiscent of Colonial times one might arrange in the center of the table a Colonial room, featuring the fireplace, suitable minia- ture furniture, small candles in wee candle holders and fireplace accessories. At each place the favors could be reminiscent of the same period. Suitable ones would be: silver shoebuckles, candles, knitting bags, knitting needles, boxes of beauty spots, Indian novel- ties and Indian pictures, candle “snuffers,” Colonial doorstops, “knockers,” etc. If the same idea were carried out at a children’s party the favors could be toy guns, toy swords, fifes, Indian clothes, Indian novel- ties, feathers, shoebuckles, knitting bags, knit- WINTER TABLES 21 ting needles, boxes of beauty spots, ’kerchiefs, caps, wristlets, etc. Instead of using a tablecloth at a Colonial entertainment heavy paper napkins with “sampler borders” could be put upon the table as doilies. A Pioneer Party A pioneer party would be appropriate to this date. Center the table with a “covered wagon”; place cooking kettles over “pretend fires” and at each place set a toy glass lantern filled with candy. SPRING-TIME TABLES March Decorations St. Patrick’s Day Easter April Decorations May Decorations SPRING-TIME TABLES St. Patrick’s Day Decorations—March Decorations— Easter Tables—Miscellaneous Tables Easter—Wedg- wood Ware and Mauve Flowers—Silk “Floral” Deco- rations—May Tables—Lily-of-the-Valley and Candle Decorations—Lilies-of-the-Valley and Green Candles. ST. PATRICK'S DAY DECORATIONS No one entertains in March without in some way honoring St. Patrick unless the entertaining be on some special occasion, as a birthday or wedding anniversary. Green is the color used and shamrocks are always most conspicuous. The dinner table shown has as its center decoration a cardboard pipe whose stem is outlined by shamrock leaves and in whose bowl stand Killarney roses. A tall glass, concealed in the “bowl” and held to it by means of almost invisible wire wound around the outside, is filled with water to keep the roses fresh. At each place shamrock-decorated clay pipes hold nuts. 25 26 TABLE DECORATIONS Green candles stand at either end of the table and give the needed height to the decoration. A color scheme of green and gold was chosen for the luncheon table shown. All the china was bordered with gold and the inverted flower bowl in the center under the candy jar had a gold band around its edge. The butter plates had a green and gold border. The candy jar was filled with hard, green candies and it, the bowl under it and the bud vases were decorated with shamrock leaves. A tracery of shamrock leaves, lying flat on the centerpiece, outlined the bowl. Shamrock plants in pots covered with green crépe paper were placed halfway between the center and the ends of the table. An attractive St. Patrick’s Day table could be achieved by placing a bowl or plant of fern in the center and halfway between it and the table ends large paper ‘‘shamrocks” com- pletely covered with the real shamrock leaves. Or, by reversing it, one might place the large “made” shamrock in the center and the ferns ST. PATRICK'S DAY A cardboard pipe with shamrock leaves and Killarney roses (Table set for courses of soup, meat and salad, the cocktail or oyster course having been served) A SHAMROCK TABLE The color scheme of green and gold is very effective (Correctly set for courses through bouillon to dessert) SPRING-TIME TABLES 27 in the places just suggested for the shamrock- covered papers. Potatoes—the Irish variety—always play an important part in St. Patrick’s Day celebra- tions. For a children’s party one might have the center decoration a basket (covered with green paper) filled with potatoes tied with narrow green ribbons. At each place candy “potatoes” would be suitable favors. , After the repast is finished, one might give each child a potato from the center basket, some paper and toothpicks and then instruct the young guests to make “animals” or “dolls” or “baskets” or some other objects. A prize of a bag of potato chips might be awarded to the one cleverest at imitation. A center decoration of an “Irish hat” filled with Killarney roses, or a “shamrock” com- posed of flowers, or a “Blarney stone” sur- rounded by shamrock leaves lying flat on the cloth beneath, might well form the inspira- tion for more elaborate decorations than here- tofore mentioned. 28 TABLE DECORATIONS March Decorations In March many hostesses like to feature spring flowers as a theme for their deco- rations. Daffodils foretell the coming of spring sun- shine and so are eminently proper for table adornment in this month. They lend them- selves to artistic arrangement as plants, or cut flowers. With an artificial blossom at hand it is easy to construct bonbon cups by drawing daffodil petals radiating from a circle about the size of a wine glass. The petals are bent upward and held together with a yellow rib- bon. These directions apply to the use of cardboard. Even daintier ones may be fash- ioned if one cuts the petals from crépe paper and pastes or ties them to a paper cup foun- dation. Hydrangeas are shown in florists’ shops at this time. They come in plants of single or many flowers. In pots or arranged in baskets or in small porch boxes they make magnificent decorations. They are ideal to use in a rain- bow theme, for their delicate tints of mauve, SPRING-TIME TABLES 29 pink and blue blend with candles of any of these colors. Often Easter comes in this month or so early in April that hostesses begin to feature it within a week of St. Patrick’s Day. EASTER TABLES AFTER the Lenten season of rest the world seems always anxious, once more, to put on its “party clothes” and entertain. It affects young and old alike! The kiddies love tables showing chicks, ducklings, old Mother Hens, Easter bunnies, Easter eggs, etc. So, though we grown-ups may want something more novel we must not forget that the idea of celluloid ducks swim- ming in real water while the hen which sup- posedly hatched them stands squawking on the mossy bank and fearing lest not only those of her family who are already in the pond may meet sudden death, but that their brothers and sisters may, led by their example, take a swim and meet a similar fate, greatly appeals to our little ones. 30 TABLE DECORATIONS In the picture shown a roasting pan was filled with water and placed in the center of the table and then surrounded by a cardboard terrace which was then covered with real moss. At each place little wooden boxes filled with candy Easter eggs was guarded over by a week chick standing on its lid. The luncheon table shows a slightly more dignified aspect of an “animal-set” table. The Easter bunnie has arrived with his array of vari-colored eggs and stands in their midst eating his carrot—the reward given him for faithful service! At each place a doll’s hat box contains candy eggs and the placement cards show pictures of ducklings, chicks, etc. The candles placed at opposite ends of the table lend a height to the otherwise low deco- ration. A rather formal table is achieved by placing stately Easter lilies in a tall vase set in a large bowl which is filled with ferns and violets. Low bowls filled with them and placed mid- way between the centerpiece and the table- ends give an elaborate touch. A novelty is AN EASTER PARTY FOR CHILDREN What more gay than swimming ducks and downy chicks! (Table set for ice-cream course) A DISTINCTIVE EASTER TABLE The dark brown bunnie and the vari-colored eggs form an attractive combination SPRING-TIME TABLES 31 seen in the extra-tiny bud vases filled with two or three violets and pasted to the corners of the white placement cards. Miscellaneous Tables Easter An effective Easter table could have for its decoration a centerpiece made by placing a fancy hat box with lid tied on by a large bow of ribbon and having the smaller hat boxes at each place; or the center decoration could be a large cardboard Easter egg also tied with a decorative bow and having baskets of flowers at each place. One might even use egg cups as vases for violets at each place. A garden hat filled with flowers as a centerpiece and smaller ones (doll size) similarly embellished at each place would be novel and carry out the Easter-bonnet idea. Wedgwood Ware and Mauve Flowers A Wedgwood bowl filled with mauve sweet peas or violets makes a charming center- piece. In combination with this, smaller 32 TABLE DECORATIONS Wedgwood bowls similarly filled and placed on either side of the center decoration or sur- rounding it or at each place are artistic. Paper “jelly glasses” in Wedgwood design are now made which can be used instead of smaller bowls. They are inexpensive and most effective. One can also buy artificial sweet peas so truly resembling the originals that the cleverest are deceived. Silk “Floral” Decorations Candlesticks on either side of center- piece composed of corsage bouquets or single flowers, fashioned of silk, would be appre- ciated novelties, especially if the flowers were given to guests at the end of the meal. Such posies should be so exquisitely wrought that they would be useful for hat trimming or dress embellishment. MAy TABLES MAY-DAY is the next day one wants sugges- tions for. The ancients used to observe the last four days of April, terminating their cele- A SPRINGTIME TABLE Easter lilies and violets give beauty and dignity (The dessert course has been reached) SPRING-TIME TABLES 33 brations on the evening of the first day of May. At this time they did honor to Flora, the Goddess of Flowers and Fruits. Later, it became customary for the youth of both sexes to rise early on the first day of May (usu- ally soon after midnight) and amidst music and blowing of horns to wander to nearby woods and snap off branches of trees and gather flowers and adorn themselves with them. They made garlands and “chains” and at sunrise went home carrying with them their spoils with which they decorated their houses. And from this it may be supposed came the custom of hanging May-baskets on the doors of those who were unable to join in the fes- tivities. Utilizing the May-basket idea it is easy to picture a table for May-Day done in them. The table shown was decorated with baskets filled with pussy-willow and hawthorn blos- soms and further embellished by pasting paper butterflies on the willow branches. As it was also the custom to spend the after- noon and evening of the first day of May in dancing and merry-making the centerpiece of a May table might feature a May pole—also 34 TABLE DECORATIONS used in those early days. With this decoration the May-baskets could be at each place, too. Or one might encircle the center May-basket by a “garland” of flowers and greens, making it large enough to allow a space of four inches between it and the basket. A table for a child’s party might feature the crowning of the May Queen by making a throne, flower-trimmed, and placing a queen- doll on it and surrounding her by her attend- ants on a “carpet of flowers.” Building around the custom the ancients had of decorating their homes with branches and garlands of flowers, one might similarly decorate a toy bungalow and place it in the center of a May-Day table. For further decoration the table could be strewn with petals of flowers or small leaves and entire flowers. Lily-of-the-Valley and Candle Decorations It is said that it is good luck to wear lilies- of-the-valley in the month of May. Certainly it is good luck for a hostess to give a lily-of- SPRING-TIME TABLES 35 the-valley party, for her table is sure to be so attractive that she will gain a reputation as an artistic hostess. A “shower” of lilies-of-the-valley hanging above a low green bowl filled with them blends well with green candles in crystal holders. If corsage bouquets of these flowers be placed at each plate a fairy-like scene is achieved! Lilies-of-the-Valley and Green Candies A mound composed of corsages of lilies-of- the-valley could have candy jars filled with green candies at either end to lend height to the decoration. te - ak a é THE MAY-DAY TABLE May-baskets, pussy-willows, hawthorne blossoms, and butterflies are charming for any spring table FOR A MID-SEASON DAY The ferns suggest cool nooks, the white roses on the table conceal tiny electric-light bulbs w “ u v 5 ww © FAT ed vou LN Cou Joow v yeu Oyu Cove Oi oY, wu uo N Ov SUMMER TABLES June Decorations July Decorations Fourth of July August Decorations SUMMER TABLES June Tables—A Rose Luncheon—A White Rose Deco- ration— The “Sweet-Girl-Graduate’—A Book ‘“Bon- fire’—A Daisy Luncheon—Flag Day—July Tables— A Water-Lily Decoration—A “Box” Luncheon—A Golf Decoration—August Tables—Swimming Parties —A Child’s Swimming Party. JUNE TABLES IT is hard to think of June without pic- turing brides, wedding-bells, etc. But as the word bride also brings up visions of announce- ment parties, ‘showers,’ “trousseau teas,” and rehearsal dinners, and last but not least, the wedding feast itself, a chapter will be devoted to the bride and to table decorations suitable to entertainments given in her honor. Much summer entertaining is done which has no connection with the bride. At this time when flowers are to be had in profusion almost for the wishing, it is not difficult to make the table a “dream of perfection.” 39 40 TABLE DECORATIONS A cool atmosphere is achieved by making the center decoration a large glass bowl of cracked ice, piled high and decorated with fern and hard, colored candies scattered over and through it. Favors consisting of inex- pensive fans add to the cooling effect pro- duced. Vases of June roses flanking the bowl of ice on either side and single roses at indi- vidual places make the table shown an ideal one for the first month of summer. A single flower (peony, water-lily or rose) floating in a low bowl, looks cool because of its simplicity; an aquarium of gold fish as a centerpiece is attractive if encircled by flowers. A simple and charming decoration has recently appeared among us. In the center of the table a tall glass “bowl” is placed. This bowl resembles somewhat those used for gold fish. Flowers, standing in the holes of “flower holders,” are put into the bottom of the bowl and water is then poured in till it reaches the top of the bowl. Air-bubbles form on the flower-petals and sparkle like jewels. These bowls are usually flanked on either side by glass candlesticks holding A JUNE TABLE Roses, cracked ice piled high, and fans for favors make a cool-looking decoration SUMMER TABLES 41 candles the same color as that of the flowers. Of course, compotes filled with candies bear- ing the colors of the flowers would be at- tractive, too. A Rose Luncheon A rose luncheon is appropriate for June. It may be carried out in many ways. One might have stemless roses floating in crystal bowls and flanked either by compotes or candy jars filled with candied rose leaves. Or, rose-colored candles in crystal helders could surround them. At each place, favors could be small bags containing spiced rose petals or tiny pot-pourri jars filled with them. Bottles of rose perfume, rose bath-salts, rose talcum powder or rose sachet would be appro- priate favors. If sachet be given it should be in rose-colored cases. A White Rose Decoration A “rose luncheon” or dinner in red, yellow or white could be made as artistic as one fea- turing ‘“‘rose-color.” A white rose theme would combine charm- ingly with green accessories. White roses in 42 TABLE DECORATIONS green, yellow, or old rose chinaware, or glass with candles and pot-pourri jars of a matching color would be captivating. White roses in blue-and-white Wedgwood bowls would be effective. The “Sweet-Girl-Graduate” The “sweet-girl-graduate” comes in for many honors and much entertaining the last days of May and the first part of June. Her parties consist of anything from swimming parties or hay rides to afternoon teas. One should feature the foretelling of happy futures for these honorées who, at this time, vie with the bride for the center of the stage. As the sun dial records “only sunny hours” it might be a center decoration. A tracery of the class flower could outline it on the table; a “shower” of the same flowers could hang from the electrolier. At each place, inex- pensive favors, attached to “fortunes” or “prophecies” and tied with ribbons of the class color would cause much merriment. Paper baskets made in the class colors could hold bonbons. SUMMER TABLES 43 A Book “Bonfire” In the center of the table books might be placed in such a way as to allow of many crevices through which smoke could escape. This could be arranged as described in con- nection with the table “bonfire” shown in the Hallowe’en chapter. Young folks of the high school age like the idea of burning their books when freed from school duties. This symbolic “fire” might satisfy them and thus save good books from real destruction. Place cards for such an affair could be blotters upon which group-pictures of the class might be pasted. Or, each blotter could bear a kodak picture of the guest who should sit at that place. Another idea is that a table have blotter- ~ doilies instead of linen covers and that pens be used for cocktail and olive “forks.” A Daisy Luncheon As several colleges feature the daisy chain at commencement time a daisy luncheon 44 TABLE DECORATIONS would be appropriate. A bowl of daisies at the table center and yellow candles halfway between it and the table ends on either side would be effective. (The daisies could be used for fortune-telling, afterwards.) Daisy chains could extend the length of the table on either side of the center decoration and daisy pin-cushions could be favors. A daisy salad could be featured. | Flag Day One might celebrate this date, June 14th, either a few days before or a few days after- wards as well as on the date itself. Of course, any of the flag decorations sug- gested for Washington’s Birthday or July 4th would be appropriate. But one that would recall the making of the first flag of our country could feature a “Betsy Ross Doll” bending over a flag and seated near a spinning wheel. Jury TABLES THE hostesses are “few and far between” who do not feature July 4th when entertain- ing in this month. SUMMER TABLES 45 The table shown is one depicting a modern battle scene. The shot-down horses and men, the blown-to-pieces trees, the “sniper” in the tree-top would delight boys and girls, alike. The Liberty Bell hanging from the electrolier 1s reminiscent of the earlier days in our history which made July 4th a day of celebration. An attractive table could be made by adorn- ing the center with cannon crackers and guarding them with tin soldiers; -or, a large mound of candy-torpedoes wrapped in tinfoil and decorated by means of paper flags stuck in the crevices, bound to appear from the piling-process, makes a suitable decoration. At a luncheon, a small flag might lie at each place, and a bowl filled with other flags on sticks could be substituted for flowers. As July 4th is often a picnic day for many, a table might be decorated with filled picnic baskets. The center one could contain a dark cake in its center with nuts and candies sur- rounding it. All three articles of food could be decorated with flags; a huge tulle bow of red, white and blue could be tied on the handle. At each place, smaller baskets could contain foods easily eaten in the hands. Each 46 TABLE DECORATIONS article of food should be wrapped up in oil paper and tied with narrow red, white and blue ribbons. These smaller baskets should hold everything for the meal except dessert. Of course, some of the suggestions given for Washington’s Birthday could also be used for this occasion. A Water-Lily Decoration Water-lilies are plentiful in this month. A water-lily dinner or luncheon would be cool- looking. In the center of the table water-lilies may float in a bowl or wax ones may “grow” on a moss-bordered mirror. Tall compotes containing crushed or cracked ice with green and yellow hard candies scattered through it will lend height and “atmosphere” fo an otherwise flat table. These compotes could be placed at opposite ends of the table or on either side of the “pond” halfway between it and the ends of the table. Water-lily “cups” or baskets might hold bonbons. A “Box” Luncheon A box luncheon would be attractive. A center box with lid half off could contain THE FOURTH OF JULY A patriotic decoration that would be delightful for a children’s party & A SEPTEMBER TABLE A luncheon table with a bowl of fruit and compotes of nasturtiums is most attractive SUMMER TABLES 47 fruits effectively arranged. At each place unique boxes, which would afterwards serve the recipient as sewing-, flower-, candy-, or wafer-box, could contain individual lunches. (Of course, each box should be thoroughly lined with oil paper before placing food therein.) A Golf Decoration At a golf dinner or luncheon the table might have a miniature golf club-house resting on a mossy bank as a centerpiece. A standing flag at each place could serve as “placement marker” and golf bags could contain salted nuts. Another suggestion is to have the table laid off like a ‘“clock-golf-course.” One could substitute the “1gth hole” for the club-house mentioned. AUGUST TABLES AUGUST contains no special date around which decorations should be built, so we are “fancy free” as to our selections for them. About this time of the year we have an 48 TABLE DECORATIONS occasional cool summer day. A reception, tea or dinner on one of these days needs an at- mosphere of warmth and cheerfulness. For such affairs, the table shown, decorated with a string of Christmas-tree lights whose bulbs have been covered with paper flowers to match the real ones in the center vase, is most effective. The fern-covered cord is attached to a socket in the wall so that each paper flower radiates light and warmth. Another decoration which is favored both at children’s and grown-ups’ entertainments is that of a table centered by a box of white sand in which wee Japanese unbrellas have been stuck, with buckets strewn here and there and dolls dressed in bathing-suits reclining upon it. Of course, seashore season is still with us in August, so this decoration is emi- nently appropriate. Swimming Parties Swimming events, which may have been indulged in all Summer long, are still popular in August, whether they be given at pool or at shore! SUMMER TABLES 49 Many hostesses take guests to a club or restaurant for refreshments after the aquatic sports. Few hostesses could refrain from appropriately decorating the hospitable board, since there are now so many unique bathing accessories to feature. One table could have as its sole center decoration a beruffled rubber-skirted doll-bag (so convenient to carry damp togs in). Rub- ber bathing-bracelets would make useful or at least appropriate favors. Another table might use a large rubber bandana as a centerpiece and smaller rubber wrist-’kerchiefs as doilies (these last-named to be given to guests afterwards). On the centerpiece a toy diving-board upon which stood a bathing-girl doll ready to leap would be the only other decoration needed. And still another hostess might feature a Japanese sun-shade as a center decoration and favors of rubber powder-puff bags! A Child’s Swimming Party For a table decoration after a swimming party for children, place a ship sailing in a 50 TABLE DECORATIONS moss-bordered roasting-pan pond in the center and at each plate put such favors as ‘“water- ball” cork balls, rubber earrings, celluloid toys, hair water-guards, rubber caps, bracelets, ships, etc. FALL TABLES September Decorations October Decorations Hallowe'en November Decorations Thanksgiving Day FALL TABLES September Tables—QOak Leaves, Bittersweet and Bay- berry Decorations—Qak Leaves, Chrysanthemums and Candles—Football Theme—October Tables—Hallow- e’en Tables—A Jack-o-Lantern Party—An Orange Decoration — November Tables — Armistice Day — —Thanksgiving—Miscellaneous Thanksgiving Decora- tions—A Sunday Night Supper Decoration. SEPTEMBER TABLES THIS month, also, is devoid of any special date around which to build decorations, unless we consider Labor Day one—and it would be hard to feature since the favorite pastime on this date seems to be automobile trips and picnics. But the variety of fruits and Fall flowers, turned leaves and bright berries lend them- selves to the most stately and exquisite decora- tions of the year. Could anything be simpler and yet in better taste than the luncheon table shown with its centerpiece of fruits and compotes filled with gracefully clinging nasturtiums and vines? 53 54 TABLE DECORATIONS This decoration particularly lends itself to the luncheon table for its reflection on the highly polished table adds to its charm. Rearranging the flowers and fruit of this nasturtium table one may get a variety of effects. A bowl of nasturtiums may be flanked by other bowls or compotes of fruit. Other nas- turtiums arranged as shown may be placed at opposite ends of the table. Again, the fruit may be encircled by nasturtiums in tracery on the table. Brown oak leaves massed in the center of the table and extending in delicate tracery to each corner of it are a wonderful foundatien for decorations featuring orange and rea bitter- sweet and white bayberries! Orange candles, in glass, brass or silver candlesticks, standing at either end of the center decoration, com- plete a most pleasing effect! Oak Leaves, Bittersweet and Bayberry Decorations A candelabra containing orange candles and encircled by a tracery of bittersweet berries and oak leaves is charming. THE EARLY FALL TABLE Oak-leaves, bittersweet and bayberry branches have been used here (Dinner table, with silver laid for oyster, soup, entrée and meat courses) » es 30 FOR HALLOWEEN A “tree” with streamers of black and yellow paper, and inhabited by bats, makes a good center decoration (Table set for dessert) FALL TABLES 33 A black, or a blue or a gray bowl filled with bittersweet and bayberries with orange candles on either side is effective. Chocolate “acorn-candies” in compotes or bonbon dishes would combine well with oak- leaf decorations. A Wedgwood bowl filled with purple or lavender asters and featured with lavender candles suggests itself as a Fall decoration. Another oak-leaf decoration is further em- bellished by large and small chrysanthemums. The bases of the candlesticks are completely covered with the leaves and the placement cards are dainty misses carrying armsful of bright Autumn leaves. A “stunt table” may be developed by using the opening of school as a theme. Place a row of books confined by simple book-ends in the center of the table; halfway down the table on each end stand gaily-colored, shot-filled penholders containing a vari-colored array of pens and pencils. At each corner of the table place miniature lunch boxes containing can- dies or nuts. Let the placement cards be pads and pencils. 56 TABLE DECORATIONS Oak Leaves, Chrysanthemums and Candles One might reverse the order of decoration shown in the chrysanthemum-oak-leaf table. A candelabra could be the central decoration and clusters of oak leaves and chrysanthemums could break the distances between it and the table-ends. A low bowl of chrysanthemums with tracery of oak leaves on the table and connecting with the candles on either side would be exquisite. A center basket of oak leaves with vases of chrysanthemums at either end of the table would suggest itself in Autumn. Or with center basket of oak leaves one might use candles on either side and place single chrys- anthemums at each place. Football Theme In the last days of September one’s thoughts warn to football. The many ways in which this theme may be featured so as to appeal to its “fans” are unlimited. A large ‘“honest-to-goodness” football or an imitation one tied with the colors of a A CHRYSANTHEMUM TABLE Oak-leaves and candles the color of the flowers make an attractive fall table (Silver laid for the meat and salad courses) © < Cec c8c C Cct FALL TABLES 57 favorite team may form a center decoration, while miniature footballs may hold candles or nuts at each place. A doll “team” may be so placed as to seem in the game or about to get into it. Football- player placement cards may be at each place. A football resting on radiating flags of a favorite or victorious team may form a center decoration. Small flags or ribbons of the team colors may be favors at each place. A whole table may be “dressed” in flags of a team. A large flag may be used as center- piece, smaller ones as doilies. The same idea could be carried out by making doily sets of crépe paper, cardboard or cloth in the shape of footballs. OCTOBER TABLES Halloweé’en Tables No one would think of giving an entertain- ment in October without featuring Hallowe’en in the decorations. A grewsome and spooky table is one with a leafless tree set in its midst, weighted down 58 TABLE DECORATIONS with either streamers of orange and black paper or gray southern moss. Bats among its branches and surrounding it add to the weird effect. “Broom” pencils remind one of the fact that on this night witches are supposed to be flying through the air on their broom- stick steeds. Orange paper baskets and place cards featuring the straw man and his sweet- heart are most effective with this decoration. Other suggestions for suitable Hallowe'en decorations are: Place a jack-o’-lantern on a bed of lettuce leaves and put a masked doll on top of it; have masked dolls at each place. Place a “witches’-well” in the center of the table and have it guarded by wicked-looking cats. The “well” may contain gifts or “for- tunes” for all. A more dignified table may be adorned with jack-o’-lanterns filled with bittersweet berries. Orange-colored candles standing in black tin holders will complete a charming effect. Fall is the time of bonfires, so what could be more appropriate or give a more weird effect than to have the smoke of your “table- bonfire” enveloping the witches hanging on FOR HALLOWEEN both unique and extremely attractive (Table set for the dessert course) on A BONFIRE is decorat 18 Th FALL TABLES 50 the ends of streamers which cover your chan- delier? The one shown was made by first placing in the center of the table a pan containing incense pyramids. Over these a wire rack was placed in order to keep the leaves from touching the fire on the incense. The leaves were placed over the wire rack after the incense was lighted. The bats encircling the bonfire com- plete an altogether spooky table. A table upon which flying witches and bats and hump-backed cats formed the doilies and centerpiece would be a decoration in it- self! The only addition required would be a center adornment of a witch’s pot or a witch’s hat or a jack-o’-lantern filled with anything from flowers to “fortunes.” One might have a mirror centerpiece which reflected weird creatures hanging from chandelier and ceil- ing! A Jack-o’-Lantern Party Stand a jack-o’-lantern containing fruits in the center of the table and at each place set a cardboard jack-o’-lantern- containing indi- vidual repasts. 60 TABLE DECORATIONS An Orange Decoration A pyramid of oranges with a bat or a hump- backed cat sitting on top and with small witches coming out of the crevices ready to mount into the sky on brooms would make an effective center decoration. Orange “baskets” could be at each place. Football decorations are still suitable to this month’s entertainments. NOVEMBER TABLES Armistice Day IN November we have Armistice Day and Thanksgiving to celebrate. The former is an all-nations affair so noth- ing is more appropriate than decorations featuring the flags of every nation. The Armistice Day table shown has an American shield made of cardboard from which radiate the flags of the Allies. Red, white and blue paper baskets containing small American flags are souvenirs at each place. These may be filled with nuts or candies. FALL TABLES 61 An Armistice Day table might have red and white roses in baskets whose handles are topped with bows of blue tulle, standing in the places occupied by the compotes in the picture shown and a low bowl of flags of the Allies standing where the American shield is. A candelabra holding lighted unshaded red, white and blue candles as a center decora- tion would combine well with low bowls of the Allies’ flags standing where compotes do in this picture. Thanksgiving One always associates pumpkins, cran- berries and the harvest time of plentiful fruits and foliage with Thanksgiving Day. A pretty table arrangement which features these is shown in the picture containing a cream-colored basket filled with cranberries which is flanked on either side by fruit-filled pumpkin shells. A fruit-cranberry-pumpkin arrangement might feature one fruit-filled pumpkin shell as a center decoration and have baskets of cranberries or tall compotes of them on either side. 62 TABLE DECORATIONS Or, a basket of cranberries could be placed in the center of the table and ears of corn could radiate from it on the cloth. Orange or yellow candles could surround it. As the legend says that our forefathers had only five grains of corn on that first Thanks- giving, and gave thanks for them, we might feature our abundance of this grain, to remind us of our greater cause for thankfulness. Such a decoration could be formed by build- ing a pyramid of ears of corn at the table center. Out of the crevices grapes and flowers could hang. Low bowls of fruit could flank it. Again, featuring the corn, one might place in the middle of the table a huge crystal bowl filled with freshly popped, freshly buttered corn. It could rest on a bed of chrysanthe- mums. Yellow candles could be used for height. The center of the table might have an imitation turkey stuffed with candy or gifts and resting on a parsley or flower-trimmed platter. On either side of this and halfway between the center and ends of the table tall compotes of cranberries should stand. AN ARMISTICE DAY TABLE The combination of shield and Allied flags is simple, effective, and patriotic bd v FOR THANKSGIVING DAY A cream-colored basket filled with cranberries combines well with fruit-filled pumpkin shells (Table set for the salad course) FALL TABLES 63 Any of the before-mentioned Fall decora- tions of flowers and berries are suitable to this month. A table that will please the children is the one shown with a centerpiece of hay (either real or of excelsior or made of finely cut yel- low tissue paper) at the base of which stand toy turkeys, paper pumpkins, and pitchforks. This “stack” might serve as a “Jack Horner pie.” Fern-decorated fruits fill the low com- potes at either end of the table. Miscellaneous Thanksgiving Decorations As Thanksgiving Day was first celebrated in the days of the log-cabin, it would be ap- propriate to place either a toy one or a “made” one in the center of the table. It might be fashioned out of toasted bread-sticks and sur- rounded by a fence made of the same material. A “haystack” in the back yard, guarded by strutting turkeys, would make the scene real- istic. A miniature sheaf of wheat tied with orange ribbon may form a center decoration or a bowl of fruit may be flanked by sheaves of wheat (in miniature size). 64 TABLE DECORATIONS Remembering that our forefathers landed at Plymouth Rock we might build our deco- rations around that historical scene. A Sunday Night Supper Decoration A cozy and appropriate decoration for in- formal affairs such as Sunday night suppers, 1s one whose centerpiece is a “Lazy Susan” holding tempting foods. Bowls of fruits or nuts usually break the distances between it and the table-ends. AN OLD-FASHIONED THANKSGIVING This hay-stack and turkey-gobbler table would be a delight to any child (Table set for entrée, meat and salad courses) BIRTHDAY TABLES The Birthday Party Unique Decorations BIRTHDAY TABLES The Birthday Party—A Jewel-Box Decoration—A Sun Dial Birthday Decoration—A Stork Decoration. THE BIRTHDAY PARTY Most people feature a cake as a centerpiece when celebrating a birthday. The candle- bedecked confection is often embedded in flowers, or encircled by them. Candles on either side of the cake “stand guard” over those smaller ones telling the age of the “honorde.” The hostess who wishes to vary the decora- tion at these annual events may do so in several ways. One hostess had the birthday cake made ring-shape. Out of the hollow in the center came vari-colored balloons on strings (the ends having been wrapped around cardboard and placed under the cake). Around this “marched” animal crackers on cake standards. 67 68 TABLE DECORATIONS The entire function featured circus ideas. The candles usually placed upon the center cake topped individual cakes at each place. At a more dignified celebration another hostess had the candle-trimmed birthday cake as a center decoration and bud vases contain- ing the “birth-flower” of the “honorée” on either side of it. A cake might be outlined on the tablecloth with a delicate tracery of the birth-flower. Corsage and boutonniére of the same flowers could grace each place. A vase or bowl containing the birth-flower, flanked on either side by candles the color of the birth-stone, could be the center decoration and bud vases filled with flowers matching those in the middle of the table could stand at each place. A Jewel-Box Decoration A jewel box containing a gift of the birth- stone or other jewel could be a center deco- ration. Candles the color of the birth-stone could surround it. BIRTHDAY TABLES 69 A Sun Dial Birthday Decoration A sun dial to “record only the sunny hours of life” could be embedded in the birth-flower of the honorée; candles the color of the flower or birth-stone could break the distances be- tween the centerpiece and the table ends; at each place a booklet called “When Is Your Birthday?” could serve as placement “card.” Of course, each booklet would contain the horoscope of people born in the month it featured and would be assigned to one born in that month. A Stork Decoration Children would like as a center decoration a stork carrying a baby doll in its mouth. It could be placed on a rainbow runner; rain- bow-colored doilies could complete the theme. Individual birthday cakes could be at each plate. The “stork” might be in the form of a “Jack Horner pie” concealing gifts under its wings. These could be tied to rainbow ribbons which the guests could pull when it came time to distribute presents. THE BRIDE Announcements “Showers” Rehearsals The Wedding Feast Wedding Anniversaries THE BRIDE Announcement Tables — The ‘“Announcement-Shower” Tables — Kitchen “Showers” — A “Hot Weather Shower” — A Garden “Shower” — A Traveler's “Shower” — An Electrical-Equipment “Shower” — A Book “Shower” — A Basket “Shower” — A Bridge “Shower”—A Wooden “Shower”’—A Crystal “Shower” —A Silver “Shower”’—Rehearsal Tables—The Wed- ding Feast—Wedding Anniversaries— The Paper Wed- ding—The Wooden Wedding—The Tin Wedding— —The Crystal Wedding—A Silver Wedding—The Golden Wedding. ANNOUNCEMENT TABLES OF equal importance with the holiday entertainments of the year are the festivities connected with weddings. Any of the “bridey” tables shown could be used for whatever entertainment is being given in honor of the coming event, but one of these alone is sufficiently dignified for the wedding repast itself—the one containing the mound of roses in the center. 73 74 TABLE DECORATIONS Each is a good announcement table, a “shower,” a ‘“trousseau tea,” or a rehearsal table. The anchor table is particularly appro- priate for announcing that two more souls are “anchored.” The names of the blissful pair are written on the center anchor (which is made of cardboard and hung to the chan- delier by a chain made of wire links covered first with cotton and then with paper). Sweet peas entwine the anchor, the “engagement ring” and the “wedding ring” lying on the table. These rings were made by covering wire with cotton and crépe paper and twining sweet peas around them. The “diamond” in the “solitaire” is a piece of cotton in a “paper cup” pasted to the ring. Anchor placement cards hang on each glass. The “Announcement” The flower-trimmed anchor might be placed flat upon the table and be flanked on each side by one of the “rings.” In the center of each ring a candle or a candelabra might stand. To carry out the idea further life-saver candies THE “ANCHOR” ANNOUNCEMENT TABLE A cardboard anchor hanging from the chandelier has the two names and an interesting date on its “arm” (After-dinner coffee course shown) THE “HEART” ANNOUNCEMENT TABLE Hearts and heart-shaped bonbon baskets are especially featured here (The dessert course is shown) ‘ ANNOUNCEMENT TABLES 73 or candy jelly rings could be put in individual bonbon dishes. The dessert, also the cake, could be ring-shaped. The announcement table containing a “heart” center decoration shows a “groom” standing in a paper-wrapped wire heart push- ing a heart-shaped box towards the little bride, who stands in a similar heart. The place cards are valentines and the “announce- ment” can be tied to the tulips at each place. The “secret” might also be in the heart- shaped box. A heart-shaped mound of flowers as a cen- ter decoration and a “bride’s bouquet” at the place of the honor guest, makes a simple but effective announcement decoration. A “love-nest” (an up-to-date bungalow) with a bride and groom entering it, as a center decoration, and place cards which are book- lets picturing bungalows and the joy of own- ing one’s own home rouse a curiosity which is gratified upon discovering the pictures of the happy pair pasted in the back of the books and an interesting date written beneath. A heart-shaped box containing tulips may 76 TABLE DECORATIONS be a center decoration and heart-shaped place- ment cards with tulips painted on them may contain the announcement on the reverse side. A huge “wedding ring” entwined with flowers may hang from the electrolier and the announcement may be tied to it. At each place favors for the ladies may be bracelets and for the gentlemen key-rings (thus carrying out the ring idea). The announcement might be tied to each favor instead of to the center deco- ration. A miniature “hope chest” opened to display “dainties” embedded in rose petals could be a center decoration and placements could be toy dressers whose top drawers may be filled with rice and whose “bottom drawer” (the English name for “hope chest”) could con- tain a card upon which was the interesting news. One hostess had as a center decoration a train of cars into which small bags and suit- cases had been jammed, and in these along with a goodly supply of rice was found the announcement of a coming wedding trip. A decorated “mailbox” with hearts dan- gling on the ends of ribbons hanging from the ANNOUNCEMENT TABLES 77 letter slot could pique the curiosity which would be gratified only when each guest was asked to pull one of the ribbons and get the news in the letters in the box. A bridal party of dolls is a very popu- lar center decoration. Usually, with this daintily-dressed kewpie dolls carrying a let- ter telling the news are the favors at each place. “SHOWER TABLES MORE frequently than not the “shower” is given at a tea or sewing party and refresh- ments are served either buffet style or by plate service direct from the kitchen. However, table decorations are sometimes needed and the most popular arrangement seems to be that of hanging a parasol from the chan- delier and filling it with gifts for the bride. This parasol is usually trimmed with “showers of flowers” in garland effect. A novel decoration is shown in the “shower” table given. The center decoration, a fitted suitcase (the gift of the hostess), contains, be- sides the “shower” from the guests, a generous 78 TABLE DECORATIONS supply of confetti. The small suitcases at each place are filled with rice or rose petals with which to pelt the bride and groom. The boutonniéres have cigarette holders attached and the corsage bouquets have suitable favors for the ladies. The “hope chest” table described in the an- nouncement parties might serve for a “shower” decoration, too. “Showers” taking place around Hallowe'en might feature a jack-o’-lantern filled with gifts, as a center decoration. One clever hostess hung the gifts on a clothesline above the table. In the center of the table a prettily decorated flower-bedecked “clothes basket” in miniature size was fea- tured. At the conclusion of the meal the bride-to-be was asked to ‘gather in her clothes.” A kewpie “bride” holding a huge shower bouquet may be placed on a high pedestal. Placing her higher than the table allows her bouquet to form a ‘shower of flowers.” A “shower” given around Easter might have a fancy hatbox, tied with ribbons of rainbow hue, as a center decoration and smaller hat- THE REHEARSAL TABLE Hearts and more hearts, sweetheart roses, and a miniature wedding-bell (Silver for soup, meat and salad courses displayed) A SHOWER TABLE Suitcases decorated with tiny “old shoes” and hearts give a unique table (Silver for soup, meat and salad courses shown) ANNOUNCEMENT TABLES 79 boxes, similarly tied, containing rice, at each place. The center hatbox could hold the gifts of the “shower.” A “shower” at Christmas time could have the gifts tied to a Christmas tree standing in the center of the table. Around May-Day one might have a decora- tion similar to the one shown for that date, only the center basket could be market-basket size and contain the gifts. It could be just as effectively decorated with flowers and ribbons as one desired. Of course, showers given around St. Val- entine’s Day could be built around any of the heart-decorations mentioned in the chapter on Valentine's Day festivities. Kitchen “Showers” Stand a dish drainer in the center of the table. Place flowers in between its wires till the whole appears a floral mound. This deco- ration requires only short-stemmed flowers and variety of posy lends an atmosphere of the old-fashioned and makes an appropriate and inexpensive decoration, especially in summer. 80 TABLE DECORATIONS To carry out the kitchen idea completely, food should be served in new kitchen utensils. Oilcloth doilies or tablecloth should cover the table. Jelly glasses may be used with straws for serving water. Tea towels should be the napkins. At the end of the meal everything on the table should be washed up and presented to the honored guest. One may vary the center decoration by placing a sink strainer in the middle of the table. Fill the holes on the inside with flowers of short stems and cover the outside with vines or flowers of long stems. This outside adorn- ment will hide the protruding stems of the inside flowers. A colander whose holes are stopped up with flowers also forms an attractive centerpiece. Another suggestion for a kitchen shower is that guests be taken on a hayride to a farm- house. On a kitchen table, therein, a hay- stack similar to that shown for Thanksgiving may be the sole decoration. The kitchen “shower” may be presented by giving the bride-to-be and her groom-to-be rakes with instructions to find the “shower” in a haystack outside. ANNOUNCEMENT TABLES 81 A “Hot Weather Shower” On a centerpiece of radiating palm-leaf or paper fans set a bowl containing a huge piece of ice. Embellish it with fern. At each place have a different type of fan. Let it be under- stood among the guests that these fans are to be presented to the “honorée” at the close of the meal. Suitable fans are, feather fans, paper fans, silk fans, parchment fans, electric fans, etc. A Garden “Shower” For the bride who is to own or does own her home, a garden shower is effective. The doilies and centerpiece may be flower- bordered paper napkins (of heavy quality). The center decoration may be a plant, a small porch box filled with vines and blooming plants, a watering can holding flowers, a garden basket containing shears, trowel, etc., or one simply filled with flowers. At each place potted plants may be favors or packages of seeds would be appropriate. The repast may be served in miniature garden 82 TABLE DECORATIONS baskets. Tiny flower pots at each place should hold nuts or bonbons. The gifts may be pre- sented in a wheel-barrow. A Traveler's “Shower” As wedding trips and weddings are spoken of in the same breath a Traveler's Shower would be appropriate as a pre-nuptial affair. The table could be set as shown in the suit- case picture. Gifts useful and suitable for a trip could be at each place. Such gifts could comprise, wash cloths, jewel or money bags, cloths for removing cold cream, rubberized toilet cases, soap boxes, handkerchief bags, soiled clothes bags, shoe cases, fitted sewing bags, nail stick and nail brush, etc. Each guest would graciously present her favor to the honored guest. An Electrical-Equipment “Shower” The center decoration may be of fruit which will be passed as dessert. At one end of the table a toaster will stand, at the other an electric coffee pot and an elec- tric chafing dish. ANNOUNCEMENT TABLES 83 Guests will attend to supplying fresh toast to accompany the chafing-dish concoction cooked by the hostess. When the current is turned off from these utensils it may be ap- plied to the coffee. Another Electrical-Equipment “Shower” The hostess may grill chops, bacon or what- ever fancy dictates while her guests at the other end of the table supply waffles made on an electric iron. Coffee may be brewed when the cooking of the meal is completed. This table could have an electric lamp for a center decoration. At either of these electrical showers the utensils, after being cleaned, should be pre- sented to the honorée as gifts from hostess and guests. A Book “Shower” A book “shower” would be suitable for January entertaining. The table decoration could be a set of standard works confined by 84 TABLE DECORATIONS handsome book ends. Candles artistically placed near them would give the necessary height. The placement “cards” could be diaries and the gifts to the bride could be pre- sented on a book stand. These gifts could com- prise a budget-book, recipe book, a kitchen diary, calendars, memo pads, etc. A Basket “Shower” In the center of the table place a waste basket, a small market basket or a sewing basket filled with flowers. (Lilies-of-the-val- ley are said to be good luck!) Upon the doilies, which may be of linen or Indian head, embroider baskets of flowers. (Cross-stitch ones are quickly made.) The napkins may bear a like design. It would be novel to cut out the doilies in basket shape and simply picot the edges. At each place small baskets could hold bonbons. The “shower” could be composed of waste baskets, sewing baskets, market baskets, flower baskets, garden baskets, sandwich baskets and could be presented in a clothes basket or hamper. ANNOUNCEMENT TABLES 85 A Bridge “Shower” A bridge shower may be featured at a card party, a tea, a luncheon or at a sewing party. If given at a card party the table decorations will be confined to individual tables or trays; the centerpieces could be pencil holders hav- ing four bridge pencils standing upright, or simply ash-trays with packages of matches held in the frames above them. At a tea a buffet table could be featured and the center decorations might be various bridge accessories artistically grouped; the same could hold true of luncheon or dinner tables. In any case, at the conclusion of the festivities bridge accessories should be presented on a card table or in a bridge-table cover. Such gifts are, score pads bearing the printed name of the honorée, pencils also bearing her name, tally cards, table numerals, decks of cards, ash trays, table covers, luncheon cloths, bamboo trays, etc. At sewing parties guests should sew upon table covers, tea napkins, covers for score pads, luncheon cloths and present them to the hon- orée at the conclusion of the entertainment. 86 TABLE DECORATIONS A Wooden “Shower” The decorations described for a wooden wedding would be appropriate at a wooden shower. Gifts could be presented in a cedar chest and could comprise everything from furniture to wooden salt dishes. Ice Cream freezers, rolling pins, potato mashers, porch boxes, trays, salad forks and spoons, and wooden beads are among the articles in such a list. A Crystal “Shower” At a crystal shower tables may hold any of the decorations suggested for crystal wed- dings. Gifts to the bride might be placed in a crystal punch bowl. Such gifts could be any or all of the following articles: Crystal book-ends, crystal bell, crystal salt and pepper dishes, ice-tea ‘‘straws,” glass salt spoons, vases, bowls, glass flower holders, crys- tal desk sets, cabinet medicine-bottles, crystal beads, crystal earrings, glass bracelets. ANNOUNCEMENT TABLES 87 A Silver “Shower” Few people give silver showers, yet there are many useful gifts, both expensive and in- expensive, which might be featured at such festivities. The decorations possible are given under silver weddings. A unique addition to the decoration would be that of having as placement favors, silver napkin-clips to which are attached silver bud vases filled with flowers. Or, if one did not wish to use them at each place they might be put on the nap- kins for the bride and groom. These bud- vase-napkin-clips sell at five dollars each. Gifts suitable to silver showers are, silver book-ends, silver electric fans, silver trivets, silver tea-tiles, flat silver, vases, silver wind- shields (for tea service), silver tea caddies, silver tea balls, silver embroidery hoops, sil- ver thimbles, silver ash trays, silver bottle- stoppers. REHEARSAL TABLES IT is customary for some one to give a din- ner when the bride and groom and their attendants assemble for a rehearsal of the wed- 88 TABLE DECORATIONS ding ceremony. This is the last of the pre- nuptial festivities when “stunt” tables are permissible. The simple and effective centerpiece shown represents ‘two hearts that beat as one.” The “wedding-bell” pendent from the top-center of the two hearts, is made of white cardboard and the streamers dangling from the center and each side are pink ribbons adorned with sweetheart rosebuds. At the base of and standing between the two hearts are two kew- pie figures dressed to represent the bride and groom awaiting the congratulations of their friends. Each heart is made of a single piece of wire whose ends extend about two inches beyond the point and are turned out at right angles with the perpendicular and fastened to a cardboard base with gummed tape, the wire being neatly wrapped with pink crépe paper. The base is then covered with crépe paper and concealed with fern. The heart-shaped baskets at each place may contain nuts or candies and the corsage bou- quets, with placements attached, conceal gifts ANNOUNCEMENT TABLES 89 from the bride. At each groomsman’s place is a papier maché cigarette holder decorated with a single sweetheart rose tied to a gift from the groom and to the placement card. One bride and groom had their gifts to their attendants placed in a “ship of matrimony” (a miniature ship set in the center of the table and decorated with flowers and ribbons). At the end of the repast ribbons were pulled over the sides of the ship and the gifts for the at- tendants tumbled “overboard.” The table shown for the “wedding feast” could be used for a rehearsal table. The mound of roses could be composed of sepa- rate corsage bouquets and boutonniéres to which gifts for the attendants could be tied. At the conclusion of the meal these could be separated by pulling ribbons attached and thus the gifts would be distributed. A heart-shaped box containing the bride’s gift to the groom and the groom’s gift to his bride could be embedded in flowers and ferns in the center of the table and heart-shaped boxes in miniature size at each place similarly embedded could hold gifts from the bride and groom to bridesmaids and groomsmen. 90 TABLE DECORATIONS The center decoration might be a large slip- per surrounded by flowers. It could contain gifts to the overflowing point. These, tied with ribbons and adorned with flowers, would make the “ensemble” a larger and more ef- fective centerpiece. Miniature slippers hold- ing rice at the places of the attendants and sil- ver coins (for good luck and prosperity) at the places of the bride and groom would be appropriate. Or, the center slipper could con- tain the gifts of the happy pair to each other while those at each place could hold the gifts to the attendants. THE WEDDING FEAST As I have already said, the table for the wedding feast is usually dignified and stately. The picture shown speaks for itself. It is a simple mound of roses and ferns. The most popular decoration is one having a wedding cake in the center of the table. It may be made ring-shape, heart-shape or be an elaborate creation of many “tiers.” It may be embossed and daintily decorated with “frosting flowers.” THE WEDDING FEAST A mound of sweetheart roses and maidenhair fern make a dignified decoration (Silver correctly placed for oysters, soup, entrée and meat courses) ENTERTAINING ELECTRICALLY This shows a table correctly set for an “electric” breakfast {(P. 103) ANNOUNCEMENT TABLES 91 Flowers usually outline the cake in delicate tracery on the tablecloth. A shower bouquet sometimes hangs from the electrolier above the table at the point where the cake stands and often flowers or flower-petals are strewn the length of the “festive board.” At small, informal weddings, the slipper idea for luck and wealth (described in the previous chap- ter) is used at the places of bride and groom while fancy bags filled with rice or slippers filled with confetti are put at the places of the attendants. The heart-shaped baskets shown on the illustrating table could be filled with nuts or candy or confetti, as one chose. WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES THE most frequently celebrated wedding anniversaries are: The paper, the wooden, the tin, the crystal, the silver and the golden. Teas, luncheons, dinners, dances and other entertainments are given on these occasions. Table decorations may be simple or elaborate, formal or informal. 92 TABLE DECORATIONS The Paper Wedding Paper doilies may cover the table. (These may be of flowered wall paper or simply of white paper.) A silhouette of the person to be seated at each place may be pasted onto the doily assigned her. These can be secured by cutting out a kodak picture of each guest and then tracing its outline on black paper. The centerpiece may be a parchment basket filled with paper or real flowers, a lamp with parch- ment shade, a cluster of paper flowers, paper birds on perches of graduated heights, a paper “pie” containing gifts therein, for guests, host and hostess or simply presents for the honorées. Paper napkins should be substituted for linen ones; paper dishes for china and paper cups for crystal. The Wooden Wedding At a wooden wedding the table could hold in its center a miniature porch box filled with posies; plants with trellises or long sticks sur- mounted by gayly painted wooden birds stuck ANNOUNCEMENT TABLES 3 into each pot could stand on either side of the “box.” A wooden bowl filled with fruits might be placed in the middle of the table and candles in wooden holders could encircle it; “window-wedges” could bear the names of guests and thus be used as “placements.” A pair of painted wooden “curtain-pulls,”” which guests could wear as bracelets, would be ap- propriate favors; strings of painted wooden beads might also be appreciated as favors. Painted wooden napkin rings could serve as placement gifts. A “box-luncheon” as described elsewhere would be suitable to a wooden wedding if fancy wooden boxes were used. The Tin Wedding So many ideas rush into the head as one thinks of this anniversary that it is hard to choose which would work out the best without giving many parties, using all ideas and then featuring only those which most of the guests endorsed ! Any of the ideas given for kitchen showers will be effective as “tin-wedding table deco- 94 TABLE DECORATIONS rations.” The “box-luncheon” idea developed with gaily-painted tin boxes would be suit- able. A pyramid of “tinned goods” (fruits, vegetables, etc., packed in tin cans) bedecked with ferns and flowers might have smaller cans holding flowers on either side, as a center decoration, and small cans filled with nuts at each place. Tin flower pots holding plants could form the decorations. Painted muffin- pans which had had a handle soldered to them could hold sweets and nuts and stand with candles in tin holders, at the table center. If flowers or a large ribbon bow were tied to the handle of the muffin-tins the effect would be lovely. Food and beverages, alike, should be served in tin receptacles. The Crystal Wedding At a crystal wedding the table might hold a bowl of crystal flowers; a bowl of glass flowers and fruits electrically lighted; a crys- tal lamp whose light could be seen through its standard; crystal bowls filled with real or artificial fruits or flowers between candles in ANNOUNCEMENT TABLES 95 crystal holders; crystal ornaments; crystal candy jars or a crystal jewel box. Of course, all food would be served in crystal or glass- ware. A Silver Wedding A table for a silver wedding could be set with Dutch silver mats of various sizes and the silvery-gray pussywillow, in a dove-gray basket could center the table. A silver basket or a silver vase containing mauve flowers and encircled by silver candle holders and mauve candles would be artistic; a mound of silver- cloth flowers, suitable to evening wear, could be flanked on either side by silver compotes holding mauve candies. Silver “love-birds” in a “nest” of flowers could sit between silver ornaments. The Golden Wedding An amber vase or bowl could be filled with fruit or flowers and stand between amber candlesticks. A bowl of gold fish could form a center decoration. A bronze basket with 96 TABLE DECORATIONS bow of golden tulle on its handle might have flowers of a golden hue within it. An antique gold jewel box could be encircled by golden candles in suitable holders. A brass candela- bra filled with golden candles might be ef- fective. A crystal bowl containing gold fish could have a vase filled with flowers of a golden color rising up out of its center. Flowers fashioned out of gold cloth could be used in combination with candles. MISCELLANEOUS DECORATIONS Parties Breakfasts The Informal Reception Afternoon Tea Dinners The Bed Tray Bridge Suggestions Mah Jongg Parties MISCELLANEOUS DECORATIONS (Suitable to Children’s Entertainments, Church Affairs, or Business Men's or Business Women’s Gatherings) An Advertising-Party Table Decoration—A Circus Party —An Indian Party—An “Old-Fashioned” Party—A “Going-Away” Party—A Quaker Party—A “Frank- lin” Party — Entertaining Electrically — Breakfasts— The Informal Reception—Afternoon Tea—The Cor- rectly Set Dinner Table—The Bed Tray. An Advertising-Party Table Decoration IN the center of the table build a pyramid composed of nationally-advertised products. Halfway between it and each end of the table stand a symbolic toy. (Talking-machine com- panies, vacuum cleaner companies and others put out such advertised articles.) At each place have advertising blotters (furnished by local firms) as placement cards. On each blotter write a well-known slogan. Prizes might be awarded to those who could name to whom all the slogans belonged. 99 100 TABLE DECORATIONS A Circus Party Place a cage containing a parrot or other bird in the middle of the table. Set up toy tents equally distant from the center and the ends of the table; at each place put favors con- sisting of “blow-up” animal or clown bal- loons. Boxes of animal crackers might be additional favors. An Indian Party A wigwam may be the center decoration of an Indian party table; Indian dolls, mocca- sins, hatchets, feathers, paints, bracelets, beads, mirrors, etc., could be favors. An “Old-Fashioned” Party An old-fashioned party should be given in the kitchen of a country house. The table cov- ered with red tablecloth should be centered by a bouquet of old-fashioned flowers and oil lamps placed at intervals the length of the hos- pitable board should give the only light in the room. MISCELLANEOUS DECORATIONS 101 A “Going-Away” Party Many hostesses like to feature the horseshoe theme when entertaining a departing friend. With a decoration of this sort one might give magnet horseshoes as favors. The bridal suitcase table shown elsewhere in this book would be suitable to a going-away party. Of course, the bridal symbols would have to be removed for anything except bridal entertainments. A fancy basket or box filled with fruits, bonbons, books and magazines or simply with flowers could be placed in the middle of a table. The lid half off and secured to the basket with a huge tulle or ribbon bow would produce an artistic effect. The entire center- piece should be presented to the honorée at the conclusion of the repast. A Quaker Party Gray linen or gray Indian head doilies could cover the table at a Quaker party; a Quaker doll seated at a spinning wheel could 102 TABLE DECORATIONS center the table; paper ’kerchiefs, paper caps and paper aprons could be the favors; Quaker girl cards could be the placement markers. A “Franklin” Party Since electricity plays such an important part in our entertaining to-day it is not out of place to honor the birthday of its discoverer. Parties featuring decorations suitable to cele- brations of this date may vary. The doilies on the table may be kite-shaped; a picture of some one man who has been in- strumental in harnessing electricity may be pasted on each kite-doily. (Guessing the names of these men may form a contest.) The placement cards may be key-shaped, fashioned of cardboard; the center decoration may be a radio set, an electric cooking utensil, a tele- phone, an electric lamp, an electric oven or radiator or an electric fan. If the fan be used it would be effective to tie a kite to its guard, and turn on the current so that the kite might “fly.” The kite-doilies may be made of cloth or paper. MISCELLANEOUS DECORATIONS 103 Entertaining Electrically In these almost-maidless days entertaining electrically has become quite the fad. “It is done” at breakfasts, luncheons, teas, dinners and “suppers” and the jollity and charm en- suing therefrom make this form of entertain- ing most desirable for either the woman with servants or her less fortunate sister who has not even one! The table shown is properly set for an “honest-to-goodness” breakfast. The electric waffle iron, with the waffle-batter nearby, and the electric toaster, with a plate of bread beside it, are featured on this table. Breakfasts “Breakfasts” are served, often, after swim- ming parties, horseback riding or early morn- ing golf tournaments. They are also fea- tured at morning boat christenings, morning weddings and other events of the early hours. The table decorations may consist of artisti- cally arranged fruit, flowers, or a combination of both. Candles may be used or not as desired. 104 TABLE DECORATIONS Usually at wedding collations, served be- fore mid-day, the wedding cake occupies a place of honor on a side table or buffet—a simple arrangement of flowers seeming a more appropriate table decoration for the morning hours. At small morning weddings, espe- cially informal ones, the wedding cake is often omitted entirely. The Informal Reception The informal reception is a most convenient and delightful affair at which to introduce a visiting guest. The table may have any simple center deco- ration. Services for tea and coffee or choco- late are placed at the ends of the table. Refreshments (cakes, sandwiches, etc.) are placed on the table or buffet as one chooses. This rule holds true for the placing of china, silver and napkins, too. Afternoon Tea There is nothing more conducive to con- versation and friendly relationship than the afternoon tea served informally when friends call or come to spend the afternoon. NAAN THE INFORMAL RECEPTION TABLE Roses, candles and fine linen distinguish the reception table MISCELLANEOUS DECORATIONS 105 At such times one serves toast, sand- wiches, sweets or whatever strikes one’s fancy, with tea. The tea wagon or nest of tables is most con- venient for service of this repast. The “nest” in the picture shows the small tables which will be distributed among the guests, partly drawn out from under the top table. In some countries tea to even two or three friends is served on the dining-room table. In such cases flowers with candles on either side or surrounding them, or a cake with jars of jams and sweets on either side of it form the decoration. In other countries it is served on a large brass tray which fits into folding “legs” that can be whisked into place or hidden away again at will. When these trays are used, the tea service, refreshments, individual china and silver rest upon them when brought into the living-room. The guests are served and must prove themselves clever at balancing tea, refreshments, napkins and plates. In certain sections of our own country tea is served on bamboo trays. These are of all sizes 106 TABLE DECORATIONS but the most useful are 27 inches in diameter. One tray is used for every four people. Four individual places are set with plates contain- ing some of each “dainty” served, and a cup of tea. Bonbons, sugar, cream and lemon slices surround a small bud vase, basket or jar containing flowers, which stands in the center of the tray. (The Wedgwood “jelly glasses” mentioned elsewhere in the text are useful for these decorations.) These trays are deposited upon card tables to which guests are invited to draw up their chairs for a chummy chat— and refreshments! The Correctly Set Dinner Table Simple decorations are always in good taste. Whether the table be set for entertaining or for the family dinner this table centered by a bowl of fruit and surrounded by red can- dles is effective. Sprigs of holly placed among the pieces of fruit suggest Christmas time. A bowl of flowers, a stemless peony or rose or a water-lily floating in a low dish, an 181tors d informally to vi 1S S€rve < B= pt Z Q Q Z, & = = a ~ n 2 ‘THY When afternoon te MISCELLANEOUS DECORATIONS 107 aquarium of gold fish, a filled candy jar or simply a silver or china ornament might re- place the fruit bowl shown in this fruit and holly decoration. A rearrangement of the candles would lend variety to this decoration. The Bed Tray Often one wishes to serve breakfast in bed to a house-guest; sometimes, illness makes meal-service in bed imperative; and some- times just laziness tempts one to avail oneself of this luxury. Whatever the reason, the meal tastes twice as delicious if daintily served and it is twice as easy to handle if placed upon a tray with “legs.” A breakfast consisting of fruit, coffee, cream, sugar, buttered toast, jam and marma- lade and soft-boiled egg gains in appearance by the arrangement of the fruit in compote and the floating rose in the finger bowl. The “coffee-pot- cream-pitcher- sugar-bowl com- bination” saves space. 108 TABLE DECORATIONS BRIDGE SUGGESTIONS THERE are many ways in which the clever hostess may vary the decorations and food service at card parties. She may invite her guests to a spend-the-day affair which may begin at ten in the morning and last till five in the afternoon or later; she may ask them to a luncheon and devote the following hours to “play”; she may issue in- vitations for the afternoon hours only, serving light refreshments at any time from four to six; she may ask guests to dinner with cards afterwards or she may invite them to after- supper games at the conclusion of which they partake of a midnight feast. Her service may take on a formal aspect or not, as she chooses. Of course, formal meals must be served around the dining-room table. Less formality accompanies refreshments at the card table and no formality whatsoever attaches itself to buffet service. One of the newest things is the bamboo-tray service. The trays used come in various sizes, those of twenty-seven inches being the most convenient. Each tray is completely “set” 'THE BED TRAY Dainty china, pretty linen and food appetizingly arranged make a bed breakfast most attractive MISCELLANEOUS DECORATIONS 109 with four individual places and the food of the first course before being brought in and placed upon the card table. In the center of each tray stands some decorative ornament. This may be a souvenir suitable to the occa- sion, a small vase or basket filled with flowers, a single candle, etc. Suggestions for decorations, prizes, and favors for the various months of the year are: January Theme: The New Year Card table cover of unbleached muslin decorated with a sun dial in one corner and an hour glass in another; tally cards, engagement books, or sheets from desk calendar; score ¥pads,” calendar leaves; prizes, diary, a kitchen diary, a recipe calendar, or any other type of calendar, a budget book. February Themes: Lincoln’s Birthday, Washington’s Birth- day and Valentine’s Day. (All three could be featured at one affair.) Lincoln’s Birthday.—Card table and score pad covers “log-cabin shade”; tallies, small 110 TABLE DECORATIONS log-cabin cards; center decoration on refresh- ment tray, a log cabin or one fashioned out of books or toasted bread-sticks; prizes, candles, old-fashioned candle holders, candle “snuf- fers,” books; chocolate “log-candies” might be featured in the refreshments. Valentine’s Day.—Table and score pad covers a dove-gray; tally cards picturing love- birds, lovers, tulips; prizes, “love-birds,” real or wrought in silver, tulip plant, heart-shaped box filled with candies or flowers, heart- shaped pin; refreshments served in “nests.” Washington’s Birthday.—Gingham table and score pad covers (for Colonial days); Colonial dame tallies; prizes, Colonial door- stops, “knockers,” candles, Colonial lamp, Colonial phone girl, fireplace “fixings,” Colo- nial girl candy jar or powder jar top; bonbons in tri-cornered hats. March Theme: St. Patrick’s Day Card table and score pad covers, green and white gingham tally cards, large paper Irish MISCELLANEOUS DECORATIONS 111 potatoes; pencils, green; prizes, Killarney roses, shamrock plants, pipes, candy jars filled with green candies; center decoration of re- freshment trays “Blarney” stones tied with green ribbon, or Killarney roses; Irish flags should be stuck into portions of foods. April Themes: April Showers, Easter Card table and score pad covers in rainbow shades: tallies in umbrella shape; cen- terpiece on refreshment tray, a sprinkling can filled with flowers; prizes, parasol, umbrella, “May flowers,” hydrangea plant (the rainbow flower) ; bonbons in doll rubbers. Easter.—Card table and score pad covers yellow and white; tallies, decorated with Easter lilies; playing cards with Easter lily backs; prizes, Easter lily plant or bouquet of Easter lilies. Center decoration on refresh- ment tray, Easter lily plant. Other Easter decorations may feature the Easter bonnet theme or the Easter Egg. Chicks and duck- lings may form the decorations, also. 112 TABLE DECORATIONS May Theme: May-Day Card table and score pad covers decorated with baskets; tallies in basket shape; refresh- ment tray centered by basket of flowers; prizes, waste baskets, market baskets, ham- pers, sewing baskets, curtain-pulls made of cardboard and sealing wax, in basket shape, bamboo tray. June Themes: Roses, Brides, Sweet-Girl Graduates Rose theme.—Rose-colored covers for card tables and score pads; tallies decorated with roses; “rose” cups for bonbons; prizes, rose bowl, rose plant, spiced rose leaves, candied rose petals, rose sachet, rose bath salts, rose powder, pot-pourri jars filled with rose leaves; center of trays may hold low, small bowls of roses, pot-pourri jars, rose plants, etc. Bridal theme.—Table and score pad covers white with patchwork bride’s bouquets in corners; tallies, picturing bride and her at- tendants; nut “dishes” in slipper form; tray TINT a MISCELLANEOUS DECORATIONS 113 centerpiece, shower bouquets; prizes, trous- seau ‘‘dainties,” housefurnishing ornaments and linens. Sweet-girl graduate.—Daisy theme. Yel- low covers bearing daisies done in lazy-daisy stitch to be used on tables and score pads; tallies, decorated with daisies; bouquets of daisies center decoration on trays; prizes, daisy plants, pin-cushions decorated with daisy designs, lingerie embroidered in lazy-daisy stitch. July Patriotic Theme Card table covers of red and white gingham bound in blue or of blue and white bound in red or even of bunting; score pads covered to match table covering; tallies in shield, flag or fire-cracker shape; red, white and blue pen- cils; red, white and blue zenias in blue bowls or in red ones; (“Wedgwood jelly glasses” are effective as blue “bowls” and are inexpen- sive) ; use cardboard “Uncle Sams” to stick into ice creams or salads; (ice cream may be served in “glasses” just spoken of) ; prizes, for 114 TABLE DECORATIONS men, poker chips (red, white and blue), for ladies, ice-tea “straws,” with red cherry ends also Colonial articles. ) August Seashore Theme Sand-colored table and score pad covers; tallies in sand pail shapes; prizes, water-wings, bathing bracelets, bathing caps, bathing ear- rings, rubber bags, and other bathing acces- sories; tray decorations, bathing-girl “bags,” sandpails filled with flowers. September Themes: Beginning of School, Fall Foliage and Nuts, Football School theme.—Gingham table covers hav- ing on their corners patchwork school chil- dren carrying books under arm, score “pads,” slates; tallies, notebooks; refreshments served in lunch boxes; prizes, blotters, desk sets, pen- cils, pens and thermos bottle. Fall foliage and nuts.—Nut-brown colored table and score pad covers; tally cards pic- MISCELLANEOUS DECORATIONS 115 turing “turned” leaves; central tray decora- tion, bowl of foliage-trimmed nuts, clusters of leaves: prizes, nut bowls, nut crackers, nut picks, pictures of Fall scenes. Football—Table covers and score pad covers in colors of a favorite team; tally cards made in the shape of a flag and bearing the name of a favorite team; center tray deco- ration a football holding nuts or candies; prizes, tickets to a coming game or a chrysan- themum plant. October Themes: Columbus Day, Hallowe'en Since Columbus thought he was going to India and would there secure riches and spices, spice-colored card table covers and score pad covers would be appropriate for a Columbus Day card party. The tally cards might picture ships, old-fashioned folks or field glasses. Bird flower-holders would be appropriate center decorations to the trays since the birds’ appearance meant to those sailors of old that land was close by. Prizes could be compasses, field glasses or articles 116 TABLE DECORATIONS that might have come from India. Such a list would include jewels, turbans, shawls, spices, and golden trinkets. Hallowe'en Card table and score pad covers in black with orange figures in corners; witch, hump-backed cat or bat tally cards; center decoration of refreshment tray a jack-o’- lantern filled with fruit or bittersweet berries; prizes, bittersweet berries, orange-colored vases or bowls, orange candles, baskets of oranges, orange-colored combing jackets or kimonos, or orange-colored sport handker- chiefs. November Themes: Armistice Day and Thanksgiving Day Armistice Day.—Card table and score pad covers, colors displayed in the flags of the Allies; tally cards in flag shape, each flag being colored on one side with the colors belonging to one of the Allies; center tray decoration, a bowl filled with flags belonging to all the Allies; prizes, novelties made in the various countries represented. MISCELLANEOUS DECORATIONS 117 Thanksgiving Day Harvest Time or Colonial Days Theme Card table and score pad covers in harvest colors; tally cards in pumpkin, sheaf or ear of corn design. Since our forefathers gave thanks for five grains of corn in their possession on that first Thanksgiving Day it would be appropriate to feature pop corn in the refresh- ments. Prizes might be jars of cranberry jelly or sauce, or they might be articles used in Colonial days. December Card table covers may be green and have holly sprays in the corners; the covers to the score pads may match these; tally cards might picture “Santas,” Christmas trees, etc. The center decoration of the refreshment tray may be a single red candle in a low holder, as shown in the picture, it may be a Christmas tree in miniature size, it may be a bowl of mistletoe or it may be a plant. Doll's stock- ings may hold candies. Prizes that are suit- able are stockings, bells, mufflers, plants, books, etc. 118 TABLE DECORATIONS Miscellaneous Bridge-Entertaining Suggestions Do not confine the award of a consolation prize to the lowest score only; allow all those who did not receive high-score prizes to cut for it. Give small, inexpensive prizes for high score at each table. When special covers have been made for card table cover or score pad they may be awarded as table prizes after the games; small tray decorations may be given as table awards. Table covers, also score pad and tally covers are effective when made of black oil cloth and decorated with sealing wax flowers. When entertaining an out-of-town guest at a card party, use the plan of progression described in Hoyle. By this method the guest of honor has a chance to play with new partners and new opponents throughout the entire affair. Engagements may be announced, showers may be given, out-of-town guests may be intro- duced, farewell parties, picnics, teas, boating parties, spend-the-day gatherings, trousseau THE BRIDGE OR MAH JONGG TABLE A few flowers in the middle of the tray give a charming festive air MISCELLANEOUS DECORATIONS 119 teas and many other functions are featured at the card party. MAH JONGG PARTIES THE game of Mah Jongg has become so popular that the hostess of to-day feels she must have two or three appropriate decora- tive schemes to “spring upon” guests when they come together to indulge in this fascinat- ing Chinese pastime. One may achieve the appropriate atmos- phere with either elaborate or simple decora- tions. Since the game is of Chinese origin, the symbols and accessories used should be typical of and peculiar to China and not Japan. Cherry-blossoms, Japanese lanterns and Japanese parasols would be out of place! A recent elaborate decoration which ex- cited admiring comment featured an overhead trellis of vines interspersed with Chinese lanterns swinging from Chinese parasols and shading the lights. A pergola was built at the entrance of the room in which the game was 120 TABLE DECORATIONS played. Vines woven through this and lanterns swinging from it added materially to its charm. Spirals of smoke wafting upward from lighted incense further accentuated the Oriental atmosphere. A hostess who has spent many years in the land of the yellow dragon, featured the colors of the new republic in the decorations through- out her home. These colors are yellow, white, red, blue and black. She received her guests in a room done in Peking blue. Black bowls filled with red roses added two more of the Chinese Republic's colors. In the dining- room paper streamers in the five colors hung from the chandelier over the table. The white one fell gracefully among lilies standing in a Peking cloisonné bowl which had been placed upon a teakwood stand in the center of the table. The other colors were pinned one each to the corners of the table. Hand-painted place cards and nut-cups, at each place, pic- tured long-robed Chinese gentlemen of the old monarchy, bowing in true Oriental fashion to the guests. Red chop-sticks at each place added to the Oriental color scheme and at- mosphere. MISCELLANEOUS DECORATIONS 121 In spring the Chinese use quantities of peonies, followed by lotus flowers in summer and chrysanthemums in the fall. So the hostess entertaining at Mah Jongg need only to feature the appropriate flower of the season. Chinese bowls of various sizes and colors may be so arranged as to produce the desired decorative environment. If lacquer boxes be added the ensemble will present a graduated line and color combination quite irresistible! As jade is a Chinese stone and is most popular with our own people, one might carry out all decorations in jade-green. Table favors could be imitation-jade ear-rings, beads or “drops.” . Chinese amber might predominate as the theme. Amber vases filled with peonies could form the decorations and the favors could be similar to those suggested in jade. A grouping of Chinese bowls and other treasures which formed a unique center decoration consisted of a large covered Chinese bowl, and a low tea-pot arranged with an open Chinese fan. They were placed upon a square of Chinese embroidery. 122 TABLE DECORATIONS A black silk sash with fringe and Chinese embroidery on either end may serve as a ‘“‘run- ner” in the center of a table, Upon this a blue bowl! filled with red peonies and flanked by Chinese figures would remind one of the theme being carried out. A few flower-petals scattered over the runner would be an artis- tic addition. A table set with doilies made of cretonne featuring Chinese figures or Chinese scenes would combine well with a center decoration of a Chinese god or Chinese statuette. Tables covered with any of the wonderful linens or gauze pieces made by the natives of China are a delight to the eye at any time but they are especially artistic for Mah Jongg affairs. The variety of these linens comprises embroidered grass-cloth luncheon sets (doilies and centerpiece) in white, blue or natural color; embroidered grass-cloth tea-cloths in the same variety of colors; white grass-cloth luncheon sets embroidered in daffodil-design by cross-stitch method; drawn-work cloths; painted gauze doilies. The painted gauze doilies are done in MISCELLANEOUS DECORATIONS 123 “seasons.” Each doily represents a different month of the year by the flowers it pictures. These luncheon sets are finished with a fringed edge. The Chinese also make very beautiful filet lace. This may be had in piece-lengths, on handkerchiefs or in luncheon sets. The Chinese embroidered “cuffs” in gor- geous color combinations make charming trays when mounted and framed. These could be used to serve meals upon or be given as prizes. Card-cases made of them are unique. One may serve refreshments upon bamboo trays which may be centered by Chinese can- dlesticks, incense-burners, Chinese figures, Chinese vases, small imitation rice-baskets filled with rice, tea-caddies filled with tea- leaves or simply by an open Chinese dish hold- ing candies. Prizes appropriate for Oriental affairs present themselves in dizzy array when we begin to search them out! The list seems almost limitless! Some of the most popular articles are: Chains made of jade, amber or carved- 124 TABLE DECORATIONS seed-beads, ear-rings to match, cloisonné napkin-rings, lacquer boxes, lacquer tea-trays, lacquer picture-frames, Chinese candle- sticks, salad or berry bowls in Chinese ware, Chinese pottery tea-pots, carved bone or ivory letter opener, tea-cozy-basket filled with tea- pot and cups in Chinese style, Chinese mats with embroidered borders and centers, pillow- jars with Chinese evergreens growing in them, Chinese fans of feathers or sandal-wood, Chinese boudoir slippers, Chinese lucky-dog- charm, Chinese change purse, Chinese pre- serve dishes, Chinese parasols, Chi-Chi (Chinese fortune-telling-sticks), Chinese lan- terns, curtain-pulls with long Chinese tassels attached, Chinese tassel book-marks, Chinese letter-seal, crystallized Chinese comquots (tinned), preserved ginger in Chinese jar, wicker basketry-jar filled with crystallized ginger, Chinese nuts in boxes, miniature rice- baskets filled with Chinese nuts, incense- burners. Of course any of the accessories for table decorations just mentioned would be delight- ful prizes, as would also Mah Jongg tables, MISCELLANEOUS DECORATIONS 125 Mah Jongg sets, and Chinese linens, em- broidered runners, coats, robes, or Chinese prints. Chinese rugs and Chinese tapestry are beyond the purses of most of us, but for those who can gratify their taste to the limit, they may be included in the suggestions for creating a Chinese atmosphere. INDEX Afternoon tea, 104 Announcement parties, 73-87 April tables, 29 Armistice Day, 6o August tables, 47 Bed tray, 107 Birthday tables, 67-69 Breakfasts, 103 Bride’s parties, 73-91 Bridge suggestions, 108-118 Children’s parties, xv, 8-10, 13, 27, 29, 48, 49, 63, 69, 100 Christmas decorations, 3-9 Colonial tables, 19 December tables, 3 Decorations, styles of, xiii, xiv Dinner, formal and informal, 106 Easter tables, 29 Electrical entertaining, 103 Fall tables, 53-64 February festivities, 13-21 Flag Day, 44 Flower arrangement, xiv Fourth of July, 44 “Going-Away” party, 101 Graduation party, 42 127 Hallowe'en, 57 January tables, 11 July tables, 44 June tables, 39 Lincoln’s Birthday, 13 Mah Jongg parties, 119-125 March decorations, 28 May tables, 32 Miscellaneous parties, 99-125 New Year’s decorations, 10 November tables, 6o October tables, 57 Reception, informal, 104 Rehearsal tables, 87 September tables, 53 “Showers,” 74-87 Announcement, 74 Basket, 84 Book, 83 Bridge, 85 Crystal, 86 Electric-Equipment, 82 Garden, 81 “Hot Weather,” 81 Kitchen, 79 Silver, 87 Traveler’s, 82 Wooden, 86 128 INDEX Spring-time tables, 25-35 Washington's Birthday, 18 St. Patrick’s Day, 25 Wedding anniversaries, 91-96 Summer tables, 39-48 Crystal, 94 Golden, 95 Paper, 92 Tea, afternoon, 104 Silver, 95 Thanksgiving decorations, 61 Tin, 93 Wooden, 92 Wedding feast, go, 91 Valentine decorations, 15 Winter tables, 3-21 14 DAY USE | RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED LOAN DEPT. RENEWALS ONLY—TEL. NO. 642-3405 This book is due on the last date stamped below, or on the date to which renewed. Reread books yre subject to immediate recall. | 4 Rec. cig. DEC 13 B/S FEB 25 1983 rec'd circ. FEB 2 4 1983 MAR 03 2003 LD 21A-38m-5,68 (J401s10)476B JAN 1 T19 General Library University of California Berkeley —REC'D AAR 2 © 1085 11] Ws ed nov 27 19- ¢ C. BERKELEY LIBRARIES Wii 071008461 o> er er mops | ; r | bi H