The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1892-01-01
LUNCH EoN AND THE LUNCHEON
TABLE.

The character of lunch company var
les greatly with the purpose for which it
is given. 1t may be an elaborate affair,
in compliment to some distinguished
guest, or a simple, elegant little collation.,
served to three or four of ones chosen
friends. In our large cities, too, where
ladies who are associated together in
chariety work oftentimes live at cOrsid-
cradle distance from one another, an in
formal luncheon frequently proves
most convenient occasion for the discus
sion and formation of plans of work.
Perhaps it is because the lunch company
admits of so much variation, and may be
made to serve so many purposes, that it
ranks as one of the most popular of
ladies' entertainment.
Table decorations for these occasions
are less elaborate than formerly. Less
color is used and fewer flowers. A hand
some centerpiece, embroidered in white
or delicate shades of silk, upon which
rests cut glass bowl filled with flowers,
is considered fare more elegant than the
elaborate decorations so long in vogue.
The table linen is as rich and fine as
the purse of the hostess will warrant.
The tablecloth may be bordered with
deep hemstitched hem, or with tied
fringe. Careful housewives regret this
revival of fringed napery, as it is far
less durable than the hemstitched bord-
cred, and requires painstaking work on
the part of the laundress if it is to retain
its beauty. An unusually handsome
lunch cloth has twelve inch insertion
of Venetian cut work through the center,
extending the entire length of the cloth.
The beauty of the embroidery is enhanc-
ed by strip of colored satin fastened
underneath-in this instance of delicate
gold color, but which may be changed at
any time to harmonic with the prevail
ing color of the decorations. Occasion
ally one sees handsomely polished table
used without cloth. The result is not
altogether pleasing, however, as the num-
erous doilies large and small, which seem
essential upon bare table, are likely to
produce rather spotted effect.
The most desirable china for the lunch
table is of ivory white, with delicate dec
orations in dull and FURNISHED gold. A
little color is frequently introduced, also,
but the simple white and gold patterns
are Just now most in favor The dainty
Dresden ware, powdered with tiny flow
ers, is another favorite and appropriate
china for the lunch table. An effort has
been made by some importers during the
past year, to introduce the more substan-
tial English ware, but notwithstanding
it is said to be more durable than that of
French manufacture, and though it is
brought in very attractive shapes and
patterns, it has not yet come into general
use, the majority of purchasers prefer
ring the fragile, less expensive French
china. Elegant simplicity is the order of
the day, for these pretty entertainments,
and the heavy, elaborate patterns so popu-
ldl III JuO CulIlt VI ySdl VI IWO dSO, are
little seen now. Unfortunately for ones
purse, however, simplicity does not mean
economy in this instance, for the present
styles will be found quite as expensive as
the more ornate ones used in the past
An advantage which dealers urge in their
favor is that, whatever may be the fashion
of the day, they will never seem outland-
ish, many of them being exact copies of
designs in use more than hundred years
ago.
1t is customary in laying the table for
luncheon to arrange at each plate all the
knives, forks and spoons, that will be re-
CURED Besides these, on the left, stands
the bread and butter plate, upon which
have been placed ball of butter, and two !
small sailed waters which are to be eaten
with the SOUP. Sailed almonds are some
times served in tiny, fluted, white paper
baskets, such as confectioners furnish,
and are placed at the right of each plate
when the table is laid, and are allowed to |
remain until the table is cleared for des-
sert.-GoOd Housekeeping.