Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-11-03

bloomed as one great cattlya. The pyram-
idal centerpiece of the flowers reached
up to the festoons hanging from the chan
delier. border of exquisite specimens
outlined the covers, and each dish was
wreathed with them. The serving dishes
were similarly adorned. The mantels were
banked with orchids and garlands of them
stretched from the center light to the walls
on all sides. That was the story of one
evening, but Mrs. Westinghouse has had
1t repeated many times.
Orchids have their seasons, and are ex-
pensive or cheap as the period is reache
or passed. OF course If the price Is paid
specimens can be secured almost at any
time, just as real orange blossoms, forget
me-nots or white lilacs understanding and
romantic adjuncts to an up-to-date we'd
ding. But the American beauty, after her
namesake, has no season. Blooms can be
secured all the year around, though the
spell one ought to cast when the snow
flies and blizzard RACES ought not to be
entirely gagged by the dollars represented
Flowers are perishable stock. at all times,
but trebly so when the thermometer fingers
about the zero mark. Then it is that the
high-priced flower gets as much attention
baby. No cruel winds are allowed to
reach 1t and wrappings more secure than
the bundltng-up process of prima donna
are necessary.
The Sweet Smelling Violet.
The modest violet has her season also.
and IS a frost flower to all intents and
purposes. only being fashionable during
the winter and disappearing when the
warm weather comes As a finishing
touch to a street toilet or a house gown
in daylight there is nothing quite to COM
pare with the violet. OF course, the double
variety leads, but whether the blossom is
the smaller or the larger and has the per-
fume, 1t Is hard to beat. The violet does
not look well in artificial light, and there
fore 1t is mistake to wear 1t at night.
The woman who can enjoy the comfort
able knowledge that she Is bound to get
one or more violet punches day is much
to be envied. If she wears them, and only
few could resist the temptation of show
ing off attention of this kind her
toilets have a distinctive touch of a most
pleasing character. 1t got to be the fash
ion some years ago to tie corsage bouquets
with violet ribbons. First narrow satin
was used and then came silk cords and
tassels, which happily did not last long.
If ribbons must be used. the narrow
gauzes are the daintiest and now consid-
cred in the best style and taste.
Brides Bouquet.
The wedding bouquet has its ups and
downs in size and trimming, just as the
fashionable hat. The French bride carries
a small cluster of orange blossoms valley
lilies, or whatever it may be-for she also
carries a prayer book which may be bulky
with its silver mounting. Therefore the
huge bouquet which obtained here some
years back would be in the way. The bou-
quet most in vogue now by those who look
to all the details is the shower bouquet,
which may be simple or elaborate. The
shower bouquet originated in London. As
first made the hanging parts were tied to-
gether with narrow ribbon. Then gauze
ribbons were used and frequently strips of
tulle substituted. The bouquets carried at
the leading events here last June quite
eclipsed anything yet constructed in that
line. The connecting links for the flower
shower were narrow velvet, white for the
bride and blue for the maid of honor. Eight
and ten rolls of the velvet were used, and
as each roll contained ten or twelve yards
the expense of the making Of the bouquet
was a considerable item above the cost of
the orchids and other fine flowers form
ing it.
The mems flower for dress occasions is
the gardenia. Its white. waXy petals and
shiny leaves make pretty mingling,
Though some think the fragrance is
little too decided. Camelas are used too,
but for a general all-round favorite the
carnation comes the nearest to pleasing.
Of course violets are always fashionabls
for a boutonniere.