Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1884-12-27
THE HANDY HOUSEWIFE.
HOW SHE PROVIDES ORNAMENTS FOR THE CHRIST
MAS TREE-cANDLEs, POPCORN AND CANDY.

A Christmas tree may be prettily trimmed at
very little expense. OF course it is best to get
a good tree. Not necessarily large, but with
branches close together and of az conical a
shape as possible. A box of candles, more
than sufficient to allow one for each branch
can be bought for ten cents, and nice little tin
holders, ready to pin on the tree, for five
cents dozen. About three or four dozen will
be needed. The next thing to think of is the
popcorn. A tive-cent cob will make a large
quantity. To pop it have a very hot fire, put
the corn in good, large pan, if you have not
a pepper, and shake over the fire until popped,
taking great care not to burn Have ready a
cup of water, in which little maple syrup or
moasses and sugar have been mixed. Sprinkle
little of this over the corn and pour it on a
large dish. Then take strong thread and a
very long needle and string yards OF the pop
corn. This Is very effective. and should be
draped Enthusiastically over the tree in every
direction. Some people however, prefer to
use raw cotton, as it more closely resembles
snow.
After trimming your tree with the popcorn
and candles the next thing will be candy
Bright colored sticks and canes, baskets, and
chocolate rats put on by the tail are the best
and cheapest to get. Put them on with odds
and ends OF bright-colored ribbons and bits of
sill, which will heighten the effect. OF course
a few wax balls of green and crimson make
the tree look prettier, and as many may be put
on as desired, although there is such thing
as having too much on tree. The green
should predominant The chldren's stock
ings should be hung uIHiHt the same room in
which the tree is to be pNled, and their pres
ents grouped about the foot of the tree For
81 or $3.50 very handsome tree all decorated
can be had.
Always dress your little girls doll. Nothing
will make her more sad than to receive a doll
attired in a night-dress. Ii you have not some
kind young lady friend who will undertake
the job, do it yourself. Hunt up one of the
babys old embroidered petticoats and in half
an hour you can turn it into beautiful white
dress for dolly. Then make her jacket and
muff out of piece of velvet or cloth, and a
tiny little princess bonnet or hat with a small
piece of an ostrich tip for the plume. little
handkerchief and tiny hair-brush and comb,
which costs only ten cents, will greatly delight
the little girl.
If you cannot afford to buy a beadstead for
the doll, you can easily make one at home.
Get an old cigar box. or larger box if you
can, and after removing the cover nail on the
bottom four empty spoos all of the same size,
These will do for the legs Then take the cover
and saw off one-thlrd. Take the two-thirds,
round the two top ends and nail the bottom on
to the box for the head of the beadstead. Take
the other third and tack on to the bottom. and
you will have very pretty bedstead. Cover
with coating of paint ii you have it, if not,
varnish with shellac. Then make a little mat
tress, bolster and pillows, with sheets, blankets
and spreads.
very pretty trunk for Dolly's clothes can
be made out OF a pasteboard box, by covering
it with red Turkey cloth or piece Of plush or
velvet.-N. Y. Journal.