Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1891-02-18
[From our Female Fashion Reporter.
NEW YORK FASHIONS.
MID.WINTER ENTERTAINMENTS TABLE
LINEN-SILvER WARE-FANCY DISHES.

MID. WINTER ENTERTAINMENT TABLE
LINEN-SILvER WARE-FANCY DISHES.
The fancy for orchids or rchrysanthemums
has extended to table linen and high grade
damask now shows them in patterns which
cover the surface we'll. Fzeurs. de-lis are
likewise new, bit being stiff in character
are not likely to rival the graceful outlines
of the two first named designs. More con-
servative leaf and flower patterns, however,
are frequently seen and stylish arrange.
ment of all designs is in successive column ns
extending lengthwise. Three.auarters ia
the usual size for napkins but some per-
sons prefer the French napkin measuring
seven -eights by yard and of course slight
ly oblong.
LUNCH CLOTHS
are in colors, pink, yellow or blue, with
napkins to match aud both are finished by
fringe and likewise usually hemstitched. 1t
is upon tea cloths, however, that delicacy in
finish or beauty in coloring is chiefly ex-
pended, aud from sizes of three quarters
square upwards, they are really objects OF
aesthetic stuay, some being finished on the
edges with more or less hemstitching and
others by both hemstitching and fringe.
But the most expensive cloths are decorat-
ed by Fayal hsndwork, 60 called because
done in the Azore Island of that name.
Fine linen is used, and around the border,
threads are drawn and then filled in with
exquisite skill SO as to form lace like simu-
lations of flowers or now and then birds or
shells;the edges are fringed by the drawing
OF cross threads and bound firmly by deli
cate embroidery or occasionally scallops
hn frsn
doilies to match are beautifully fine or larg-
er doilies are wrought to Place under plates
for lunch when long scarfs to correspond
are used instead of cloths.
NEW SILVER WARE
shows chrysanthemum patterns done In ap.
piled work and entire sets both for tea and
dinner correspond, even down to little salt
spoons. In the most expensive silver ware,
styles are very rich and heavy, showing
elaborate workmanship which now and
then is carried to such a point that small
coffee pot is marked $3.50, an exceptional
one reaching quite beyond the limit of q
thousand dollars. In both, however, the
work is not 80 heavy as 80 fine. Rapousse
work is in favor and rich styles show .
combination of repousse and application.
Loving cups are favorite gifts among the
wealthy, though in truth, more for show
than use, and here the attractions of enamel
afford variety Laminated work is like
wise luxury, this being the working to-
gether of five different metals with q cloud.
ed and streaked effect. A small cup and
saucer is marked $50, and vase shown at
the Paris exhibition is valued at $1,000.
Silver gilt ware Is much esteemed, especial
ly for des ert and wrought in fancy shapes
has the appearance of gold, since the under
lying silver is hidden completely. Ingenu.
ity Is taxed of course In the search after
DISHES SUFFICIENTLY LUXURIOUS
to be served on tables spread with the finest
appointments, and first on the list come
fancy creams. In answer to inquiry. on
this point, it can be added that as original
ity is prime requisite, housekeepers who
take worthy pride in their tables have
full opportunity for invention AID to
"Eleanor Rivers" who desires information
regarding f1avors an emphatic verdict can
be given in favor of Burnett's extracts
since they are chiefly used because of puri-
ty and delicacy while their exceptional
strength renders them most economical.
The fancy shapes in w1ich cream is made,
become every year more of a study among
the 400 who sometimes amuse themselves
by originating ideas or Oftener leave such
tasks to professionals. Flowers continue
in favor and one can imagine the dexterity
required to produce the overwhelmingly
fashionable chrysanthemcm or orchid or
that perpetual Queen, the rose. Dishes in
leaf or other shapes on which the cream is
placed are made of candy and at children's
p.rties candy wagons may be drawn by
donkeys made of crsam and piled with
fruits of similar composition. Even drivers
and outsiders are frozen to order and deft
touches in the way of penciling features or
providing coats of color are done by train
ed men or women who use chocolate or
coffee for darkened lines. pistache for green
and strawberry for reddening. When all
is ready, these ornate additions to the table,
are transported IN ice boxes under the
charge Of trusted employe. who awaits
the signal for release, when they are taken
Immediately into the dining room.