The Washington times., 1895-02-10

toned stripes or colonial silks is moro than
pretty. This curtain is hung without full
ness from the ceiling molding by hooks.
Far down near the manfel place a mirror
or long bas-reief Of plaster, such as Dona-
tello's cherubs, the Parthenon frieze or any
one of like ilk whose price is not over SO.
An oval mirror, with narrow black or gilt
frame, sells for SIS or so, but the most ef-
fective are those divided with gilt pilasters
into three parts. These are initiated Ter
mirrors of "ye olden time. by deft-iin-
gered cabinetmaker, at small cost.
Do not burden the mantel wall with orna-
ments in pairs. Have individual articles dis
family placed, and you will be. as artistic as
the japanese. In the land of the fan only
one object OF value is brought out at time,
and placed for admiration in niche. More
would be artistic sacrilege.
Ii one does not care for the Persian tones,
a background can be supplied of finished
Burlap: put on as closely as wall paper it
forms an excellent panel.
A scarf of bright hu d Liberty silk on the
mantel board is pretty, twisted in heroic
sailors knot in the center, and the ends curv-
ing along the board.
In the matter of ornaments. remember that
Royal Worcester and other bowls and vases
of china, are no longer in use. A Bohemian
bowl, a dozen exquisitely framed photo
graphs, pair of candelabras are in good
taste The decorators object to even SO many
things. Severe simplicity should rule the
shelf, they say; two good bits of bric-a-brac,
at most, serving the purpose.
Some housewives are placing a divan under
the mantel. If the air gets its heat from
register. this plan serves, and the varied
cushions heaped TO the overhanging scarf
lends color. 1t is better taste, however, TO
display the fireplace, arranging it in decor
ative fashion. Small placques let in for tiles
make the best adornment. If these are too
nj flanf n OIn
German or English script on solid back
ground.
Mrs. Thomson, who owns ali elegant Madi-
son avenue home, has the whole history of
the house that Jack built told on white por-
celaln tiles in blue letters. This could be i'm
itated by black letters on an old blue painted
background. She also has some of Aesops
fables done in like manner. 1t is sanovel dec
Grafton. and one that Is surprisingly effective.
If the architecture of the mantel is an
abomination board of quainter style can be
found by investigation. Women have picked
up old colonial affairs. and have had them
substituted for the ungainly ones.
The higher the shelf, the better the style,
and if it is upheld by small colonial pillars
the effect is perfect
DIsPoSING OF THE TABLE.
To happily arrange table is high art
The nature Of Its decoration its location. The
one in library or sitting-room can bear a
heavy burden. A rich cloth and the reading
lamp and books should cover it. But what
must one do with the drawing-room article?
Obeying the decorators you would never put
cloth on it, but buy it of such excellent
wood that its unpublished surface would be
sufficient adornment. However, if very
fine scarf or square needs showing of, the
center table is good place to display it. The
rule against Worcester or any pottery holds
good here, but very large lamp is an ever
| happy inspiration. The huge Satsuma vases
with tankards hold aloft the most expansive