The San Francisco call., 1896-12-20
Gifts for Christmas.

0ll 10 lOI Olbl loOIlIGS.
tMunifcence of giving may go hand in
hand with practical economy" writes one
authority, but at this season to be practi-
calIy economical is no easy matter, for as
even our most critical of foreign visitors
admit Californians are lavishly generous,
and of course at no season is this SO notice
able as at the approach of Christmas, but
alas this year the hard times will prevent
many of US from sending the usual dainty
or helpful gift TO much-loved friends !;
however, MarceIla has no intention of be-
ing depressing, quite the contrary, she
wants to make few suggestions that may
prove useful to you all whether ricn, poor
or just moderately well off. To begin
with remember that an appropriate gift,
one that shows forethought in its
selection, is far more priced than
one bought in business-like way to
discharge some obligation. l was in
one of our leading Kearny-street stores
purchasing some chiffon not long ago
when my attention was attracted by one
of the most delightful grandfathers
Il am certain he was one). He was looking
at some rarely beautiful collars of duchesse
lace. How carefully he adjusted his glasses
and tried to discover which was quite the
most exquisite of al. He did not have to
give thought to the price, but how he
was trying to secure really the most lovely
to be found, probably intending to send it
in a Christmas box for a bright-eyed
granddaughter, who will prize that bit of
lace long after the giver has passed
out of her life. l wonder if she
will ever know how carefully it was Sc
lected. You see the season is making me
sentimental, for. even if do usually discuss
rufhes and frills, etc., most of the time
am not so awfully matter of fact after all.
l left grandfather surrounded by the lace
collars, but before / leave this subject
wish to suggest that lace will always be
found to be an acceptable gift for women.
A yard or SO will make fascinating cap,
and lace edge of mouchoir never comes
amiss. Even Just scrap will edge the
ends of very fine bit of cambria, thus
completing one of the pretty ties now
so fashionable. For youthful relatives
not blessed with overmuch wealth are to
be seen the sheerest, most Iace-like of
stitchings, on which you can spend as
much as you please SO varied are the
qualities to be had, and the dress patterns
now being shown are to be had in almost
every conceivable fabric, sensible, SER
vceable wooden tweeds, the softest and
most artistic of silks, etc. An acquaint-
ance of mine, who has a small army of
nieces, has purchased several bolts of the
newest and loveIiest of ribbons, and these
she intends to divide in suitable lengths
for the girlies. Who can doubt this aunt's
remembrances will be appreciated2 Oh,
there are thousands of suggestions that
come crowding into my mind. However,
all my space must not be given to cloth
ing, for some people greatly object 10 re-
ceiving anything of the Sort even when
their circumstances are far from flourish
ing, but just a word more on this topic
Cast glance at the fairy-like slippers that
were made for such just tootsies as Ms,
and the warm, softly lined, fur-edged
satin ones that any invalid would be
pleased with; and oh, do not forget that
these days every one requires an um brella.
Did you ever see s1ch an assortment as
are on exhibition And as for gloves, does
any one ever have q sufficient number of
pairsP You know how l love glass and
china, and indeed lives there a real,
flesh and blood woman who does not? So
when in doubt take my advice and, even
if the gift is a small one, seek a first-class
store, and there you will see standing, al
most side by side, the very exquisite little
pieces of cut glass, and the great bowls,
pitchers, plates and dishes that sparkle
and eleam like huge diamonds, Offering
sore mptation to all who can understand
their fascinating beauty; but the small
olive dish, Tor not more than So or 81, is
just as perfect in its way as the more am
bltious articles. Numerous also are the
choice bits of china-for example, a dear lit
lie cafe noir cup will cost no more than
some OF the cards you sent year or so ago.
and there are plaques and plates in be-
wildering mum bers, all worthy to bear our
greetings to even the most fastidious. but
when purchasing for those vino
are commonly alluded to as hay
ing everything you want a real
novelty. one of the most beautiful
which has appeared for many years is the
Vollenden wear. Each piece bears the name
of some well-known artist, and whether it
is gorgeous lamp, a superb vase, an in
cense-burner, or a widen mouthed rose
bowl, each and every piece is a gem well
worthy a place in my lady's cabinet
among her most priced belongings COL
Iected from foreign parts. for let it be
known far and wide that the VoIlenden
wear is an American production. 1t will
never flood the country, so few are the
pieces OF each kind that are ever made. so
in selecting such a present we can feel
certain OF never seeing duplicate; in
deed you will feel as though you wanted
every piece you see, so varied are the de-
signs, so wonderful the coloring, so grace
ful the shapes. Also be sure 10 look at
the great collection OF beer mugs; you can
purchase one very reasonably, or by lit
tie heavier outlay, secure very hand
some one. such sensible tribe for