New-York tribune., 1900-12-10
HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS GIFTS.
DECORATIVE AND USEFUL ARTICLES THAT
CAN BE MADE EASILY

MY experience last Christmastime taught
lesson" said a Yesterday. she contem-
plated group OF caref, Y selected holiday gifts
'and shall buy no more costly and for the most
part. useless, presents in a haphszard way. The
change OF gifts at Christmas is certainly ? hsauti
full custom. but I think there is considerable
measure OF truth in the small boys definition OF
the season OF peace and goodwill time when
people give things they can't afford 70 people who
don't want them, and have made up my mind to
bear his remark IN mind. I will not give things
can't afford. and I viii try 10 be reasonably sure
that my gifts calculated 10 give little pleas
the recipients
1T is q gracious custom this one Of present Civ
ing and fl ought never 10 be a burden but It will
never be anything else so long as people persist in
giving things they can't afford even those they
can afford. 10 people who don't want them
1T is not the costness Of gift. but the thought
for that IL indicates, which constitutes the
chief pleasure OF receiving It, There is a delicate
hattery in the appropriate gift. showing that the
giver has taken pains 10 observe ones taste that
must be forever pleasant 10 the human soul
The trouble IN these days is that so many pres
ents are given that there is time consider the
tastes Of the recipients. A little reflection might
sometimes reduce the list Of intended victims and
make things easier for those that remain.
a present is. ought TO be. a token OF friend
ship. and those who do not give their friendship
lightly VIII exercise some discrimination in the
making OF presents-'
The shops have already assumed their CHEEKY
aspect Tor the holidays, and many suggestions may
be gathered therefrom for homemade and appro-
PIRATE Christmas gifts Photograph frames abound
either embroidered on linen. decorated with poker
work or by hand in college colors and designs
Perhaps the most novel frames the tapestry
ovals- These in general wreaths in the style
OF the Louis periods. Bits OF tapestry may be oo.
casionally picked Up in the art shops. repro
ductions may be carried in embroidery or ecru
linen, in dull colored silks
Clothes hangers are the latest articles OF utility
10 be made decorative The bar on which the
bodice or coat is 70 hang is padded with cotton
perfu- d with sachet Of selected odor. and covered
with gay taffeta or brocsde in silk ribbon. Oc-
casienally fun knobs Of the same are added to the
ends which are made 10 I'LL out the tops Of sleeves
In this way a delicate perfume is impaired 10 the
garment each time Il is worn.
The Persian or brocaded sash ribbons which OF
late have been produced in such rich designs are
being utilized in number Of ways for Christmas
gifts Some Of the handsonest opera bags are
made from them one yard and a quarter OF ribbon
making two bags Of convenient size. They should
be lined with ivory white or tinted satins and
may be closed with jewelled gate tops or satin
ribbon draWstrlngs- Upon side OF the lining
small powder puf
There are fashions in cushions and sofa pillows,
as wen as IN wearing apparel and the bureau
dressing case OF to-day displays more varied
sortment Of cushions than it did few years ago.