The Savannah morning news., 1900-08-19
AT LUNCHEON AND TEAS
Noticeable Absence of Color in
Decoration.

Decoration.
New York, Aug. 17.-Now that the back
of the summer is broken. there is an in
SEPARATION towards freshness and newne=s
in everything. Especially is this discern
ed in the service of luncheons and after
noon tea, where several little ultra-fash-
ionable points are beginning to make their
way preparatory to autumn gaiety. On
the luncheon table green is still its domi-
nant color. One of the new ways in which
the color is used is the fine, flat wreath
of asparagus spray which is arranged
upon the whole cloth. 1t is an extremely
dainty and unusual decoration. The filmy
spray is broken into bits about six inches
In length and they are then laid so as to
form the wreath. If a more broken effect
than a wreath is desired the little sprays
are equally adapted to form a garlanded
border. 1t should always lie perfectly nat
on the table and small dishes are set upon
it in a way quite regardless of its pres
ence With any sort of floral scheme the
wreath is appropriate, and 1t is by no
means an expensive or difficult decora-
ton.
The newest thing in China that is now
seen and which is regarded as being par
ticularly smart, Is khe "all-over white" 1t
would seem that This style has appeared
as a reaction to the much decorated
wares. But the late fad will only be found
to be desirable when produced in the finest
wares and with all the accompanying ele-
gancies. A set that has recently been
brought to this country Is of the first
quality of minturn and has an exquisite
finish a gray white said to be very new.
About every piece is narrow and seal
loped gold edge. The only other bit of
color that is seen is the arms of the fam
lily done at the sides of the pieces. not in
the center, and in olive green. Belonging
to this set is a beautiful high center piece
for flowers, and four very quaint branch
ing candelabras. When the whole service
is upon the table it produces pure SHIN
meriug effect which is enchanting.
Relishes, green things and ices are more
served now than the ponderous cooking
of the winter. Fruit as OF old frequently
begins a luncheon, but It is served in o
different way The meat and pulp are
no longer left in the skin. The Juice only
is used This is squeezed out and placed
in a small Roman punch glass. To ii
nlaraschino sugar and a brandy cherry or
two are added On the cop floats layer
of crushed ice and candied rose leaves.
Ii is then slipped or eaten with a very
small spoon.
Ham is served in a new way as a rel
ish It is first boiled and cut into very
ainty strips. Then it is broiled over live
Goals until IL curls up little at the edges.
Finally il is dipped and served in heat
ed sauce made of tomato catsup and all
the other ingredients which are used in
the connection of an oyster cocktail.
Now that society's great rush of the
summer is over there is an immense
amount OF informal tea drinking, and at
last we may be thankful that a bit of
comfort besides the tea has become fash
ionable at such times. Tea cups and
doilies and biscuits and cakes are no
longer thrust upon the unfortunates whose
hands are already filled with card cases,
canes and numerous other belongings.
The old-fashioned nests of tables have
crept back to the drawing-room and one
is placed before each individual that de-
cIares his intention of taking tea. A
place Is thus provided for the guest 10
set down his teacup. and these tables are
so small and light that they can be drawn
closely up 10 the chair. Ouly those aware
of the vagaries OF teacups can imagine
the relief they afford TO the nerves This
custom OF individual Tribes which Is rap
idly spreading In this country Is one OF the
good things that a few New York women
have brought away from China. In fact
the Chinese have many things they might
teach US In the service of tea. Nests
of tables OF both Chinese and japanese
designs are therefore quite as much seen
a. the old mahogany ones and can De
%, oduced at the importers of such wares.
Little homemade cakes are now served
for afternoon tea as the almond paste
sandwiches OF last winter have had their
day. This Is also a comfort.