The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-01-25

space, it is the most fashionable idea to
cover one side of the wall entirely with
mowers OF only one variety, and if pos
slole to Introduce light behind them
Inns has been done repeatedly at Mrs.
Nhitncy's annual balls, and the re-
suit has been SO good that the idea has
become an established one and is afash-
ion i'll itself
For tho coming out of the dcbutante
or for wedding or christening the
effect should be neutrality-suspicious.
bright-as is the case if pink carna-
tions, yellow chrysanthcmums or bright
roses arc used. But for ordinary social
gatherings it is prettier to subduc the
tone somewhat and trim with ivy, or, if
it be in the winter. with mis:lctoe and
holly.
A few weeks ago massed holly on
one side of ballroom, and the effect
was SO beautiful that all the guests
were talking about it. The idea was
aftcrward repeated at the Patriarchs'
ball, but was done too spnringly and
was, therefore, not success.
great deal of money is necessary for
anything of this kind, though it may
be said that the people who order such
work done are SO rich that the two or
three thousand dollars necessary for
such adornmcnt seems nothing at all,
For n christening lilies are almost
always chosen. In the spring it is
lilies of the valley. In the fall callas
arc used and later come the Easter
lilies. Just n touch of color is intro
duced in the way of n gayly-colored NIB
bon or bright basket, so that it shall
be plainly evident that the flowers are
intended for Il happy occasion and not
for u funeral.
In sending flowers to an invalid il is
considered the best forn-and best
form is sure to be the trucst politcncss-
to send something which shall seem to
be of special interest to the invalid.
Not two dozen roses all exactly alike,
nor twenty lilies nor fifty violets, but
dashcs of many different kinds of flow
ers. 1t is good taste to put in the in
valid's box very white and very rare
orchid, some mignonette, an cxtraor-
binary rose and SO on until 4 really fine
collection is obtained
In the way of standing orders queer
things prevail. a young man who has
just become engaged will order two
dozen roses sent daily to his bctrothed
young man whose sweetheart is go
ing upon n journey will request that
we keep track of her movements and
will make us promise to sec that she re-
ccivcs n box of carnations or some
flower that will keep on journey two
or three times a week as long as she is
upon her tour.
Standing orders for actresses are
usually for big flowers that can be used
with good effect upon the stage.
In trimming statcrooms for those
about to depart on European steamers
it is the lntcst idea to use vases and
ornamental pots and jars rs far as pos
slblc, because these can be preserved
during the trip after the flowers are
cast overheard. A mass of smilaY or
ivy drawn across one side of state
room like portiere and then stuffed"
out of the portfolio gives beautifully
artistic effect which is the fad with
outgoing tourists. Pots OF picturesque
roses and bouquets of sentimental for
getme-nots are the flowers suitable
for the occasion.
With regard to n floral alphabet, there
is little absolutely set down i'll rules.
The law varies with the woman a
young girl will take fancy for lilies of
the valley. She wears them on all
occasions, has them painted upon her
fan and embroidered upon her gown.
To her they mean everything pure and
lovely. They constitute her alphabet
of love" SO to speak. And, of course,
her admirers know her taste and
choose the tiny white flowers to bear
their unspokcn messages.
AS rule, however, the heart of the
society maiden is touched by mummon,
SO that flowers which represent money
represent also love. AS n pert little
maiden remarked in front of one Of my
windows:
Carnations and love will do for some
girls; but have educated my best boy
up to orchids"
Many orders are left which the Ell
quette of my business will not permit
me to fulfill. For an example, take the
case of man who dropped in here last
week and left ten-dollar bill upon my
counter.
You may send Miss B., of No. 5000
Fifth avenue, a box of pansies. And
er-well-ncvcr mind-er the card, you
know. Just send them anonymously. q"
Now Miss BIS mother is one of our
patrons and Miss d. herself is school
girl of fifteen. So 1 delayed fulfilling
the order until her father happened in
one day. and then I told him about tho
man who wished me to send his daugh-
ter flowers.
"Do not send them!" he Numbered.
"Flowers to my daughter! At her agei
Impossible! Preposterous!"
| did not send Miss b. the flowers, and
when her elderly admirer happens in
again he will be the richer by Il ten