Morning journal and courier., 1883-01-08
Home Gossip,
From the New York Tim7s.


 Ladies scarcely realize the possibilities ot chamois leather. It is an excellent material for decorative purposes. It takes color we'll and is besides so soft and pliable that it can be very readily embroidered; in addition to this it answers well for designs in dry col. or.
 Several years ago paper curtains were in great demand in England. They were usual ly in imitation of eastern designs, and were, also, lined with paper, the Things being diff ferently decorated. An attempt has been made to introduce them here, but hitherto not very successfully. They are, of course, much cheaper than hangings of worsted ma terials, and, as they have a glazed surface, they can be readily shaken or wiped free from dust.
 A novelty in lace curtains is announced, which consists in the peculiarity of the de. sign rather than in anything special in the fabric itself. It represents, within border of floral design, window with drapery and view in perspective beyond. The idea may be new, but is certainly not artistic.
 The fashionable table lamp to day is mount ed upon beautifully painted vase of spher- old form, and is often of very great value, choice porcelain being selected for this pur- pose.
 Some of the most beautiful carving by ladies is carried out in cedar wood. They are speci. ally adapted for glove boxes and other small articles.
 Tho table d'oyleys are now often embroider- ed in the centre only. An initial letter is frequently selected, and within fauciful or grotesque figure is carried out in raised dot ted embroidery.
 A novelty is about to be introduced for bedrooms in the shape of draped toilet table. The foundation is of ordinary wood, and above the table an upper frame is sup piled with q swinging mirror. The drapery is arranged upon projecting shelf above the frame and festooned round the glass; which Is also decorated with n double ruchinR of the material. Usually paper muslin of light color is selected as a background, and spot. ted Swiss supplies the material of the drapery itself
 Crystal is gaining in favor. Most beauti- full centre pieces for the lunch table are in vogue, deeply cut in this material, and a new shape has superseded the globular. It is not unlike & crescent.
 Iridescent mother, of. pearl is much used now for bouquet-holders, fan holders, &e. It is often richly carved, but still more fre quently inlaid with gold and silver
 Braiding is to become popular again, Rounded soutache will be used, as the de- signs can be executed in raised work by it's use. It Is easy to give eastern effects by carrying out a free design upon muslin, serum or thin materials of any kind
 The effect of applique work, which is given to the popular jute and linen plushes 50 much in use now, is gained by the great attention that is paid to the effect of light and shade. Even without the outline en- broidery in gold thread, which gives them their handsome finish, the same result is largely effected.
 Cushions for deep cane chairs are made of tufted plush or satin, and as an accompani- ment strip of the same material and color is embroidered as scarf for the back and fin- ished of with deep fringe, which is often of rich quality
 A handsome ornament for the parlor wall consists of small cabinet in carved wood, the doors of which open downward and by means of movable supports form 8 writing