Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-09-04

pieces, while the tableclotn Itself has been
nearly concealed beneath The silk chrysan-
themums, vlolets and ferns that have been
a conspicuous feature of the dinner table.
These are often very pretty and artistic but
If the same time and labor We're spent in
embroidering handsome initials or mono
grams on rich damask tablecloths and
napkins, the result would be more perna-
nently satisfactory. One fastidious hostess
whose New York and Newport dinners are
unrivaled in style and outlay, rever per-
mits any silk upon her table, not even in
the embroidery of the linen. She has held
fiji lnly to this code throughout the epidemic
OF ribbon bows, satin covers and silk
bt oideries, and at last she sees the pen
cLlum of approval swinging back to her
standpoint: for damask unadorned, except
with initials, moncgrams and crests has
been restored to its high colonial tank.
Early Ornnmeatation.
Yet there is very old authority for elab-
crate characterization of the tablecioth. In
the early stages of its existence, the dining
table was rarely left uncovered. and soon
after the middle ages these coverings as
sumed the NEST sumptuous character. in
accordance with the love of coiol that thea
prevailed. Turkey CARPETS most in
use and We're of such great value they were
often provided with other CLOTHS to protect
~
at Hampton Court, records! in 1892 by a
French visitor, was garnished with gold.
pearls. and other precious stones. Perhaps
this was in Shakespeare's nina when he
wrote, in Tanning of the ShrcW,
Fine linen.
Turkey cushions. 'boSs'd with pearl.
Nalence Of Venice, gold in neeGlework."
The covering for these table carpets was
of linen, embroidered and fringed with
great magnificence, and to them we trace
- IA lGpla he nf
time. W bile ours are not edged with Ven
ice gold" or " 'boss'd with pearls they
are sometimes nlaid with Venetian lace or
scattered with satiny spots that might
wei be compared to pearls. and they are
on damask so rich and glossy il makes the
plainest dinner seem a feast
Only the Best Should Be bought.
1t is true economy to purchase the best
quality Of table linen. Not only are the
patterns more beautiful, but 1t wears bet
ter and when it does come to a darning
stage it still! retains its elegance and dig
nifty. But the new designs of the more
ordinary grades are very handsome and of
great variety. Stripes and checks and zig
Tag streaks are less in demand since the
old patterns have been revived Among
these is the pride of the past generation
shower Of pearls Diane di Poictiers'
single feur de lis. Jardin d etc." punches
of flowers knotted with ribbons "prairie'
pattern, small wild flowers
Luncheon cloths shown in plain
damask, made round to suit round tables
with border of deep, heavy lace They
are not 50 much admired, however as those
OIL the usual square shape that are hem
stitched and inserted with two rows of the
very strong Venetian or Russian lace.
Again, the lace may be inlaid, which means
that the linen follows the flowers and
leaves OF the pattern. To do this the lace
is firmly basted over the damask and
fastened by the edges of the pattern with
II Inn tnr hole -sst Al,
edges of the insertion are neatly clipped
of and the damask underneath is cut
away.
Attractive and Realistic
There is a wealth of imagination in the
newest tablecloths. The designs are very
large; lotus leaves, realistic in size. gigan-
tic pansies and magnificent peoples. A dis
unct novelty in damask patterns is rare.
but one has come from the looms this sea-
son that is perfectly charming-a bunch of
ichg-stemmed roses thrown diagonally
across the cloth. CresceUts. checks sea
shells and other such striking designs NAV
please the fancy of the moment but the
l1Een that defies time and fashion that
is worthy to become an heirloom for
granddaughter brides to value is the fine
double damask woven in wild roses. clover
blossoms, morning elories-the flowers that
nave been loved always.
Many families whose wealth is of long
standing have had their table linen of one
patterns throughout generations. The Roth
sohilds are notable example of this faith
fulness: an AN over pattern of field flow
ers, with large daisies forming the border
is the only one ever used by them The
leading linen house of New York has fur
nished to a distinguished Enickerbocker
family the same pattern during more than
half century-sprays of wheat and feath-
cry grasses.
In Washingtons day it was the southern
custom to have the family crest woven in
the center of tablecloth and napkins, but
when hotels adopted that idea to the extent
or name or initials it lost favor in private
life.
Coats of Arms and Crests.
coat of arms, crest monogram or
initials delicately embroidered in white or
colored cottons are the ornamentation con-
sidered quite desirable now. Monograms
ana initials may be large or small, broad
ana trailing, or arranged to have a square
erect according to personal taste: but as
II Is customary to let them follow the STYLE
1or stationery, this year they are small and
placed within frame-like circle On the
taDieciofh they should be near the center
though not so near to be hidden by the
mowers; on the napkins they should be i'm a
corner. not too far from the edge
To crafty a fondness for color. a combj
hation OF rose, pale blue and deep purplish
RED may be safely used, as all these lovely
si-ades are furnished in embroidery cottons
that will not fade under the most vigorous
washing. 0"S