Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-12-02
WITH CHEER AND CHINA.
The Service at S O'Clock Tea is
Matter of Moment.
Written for The Star.

Written for The Star
AS tea drinker the American woman
is fast following in the footsteps OF her
English sister. and magic manner of serv-
ing this cheering beverage has become one
of her pet hobbies. Now that drawing
rooms are crowded to the doors, many of
mladis unique ideas in this regard are
holding the attention of her afternoon
guests. Souvenirs from the various sum
mer jaunts or foreign travels help to make
these exceedingly interesting. and they Of
fer a common topic of conversation in the
| gable of the feeting minutes when tea
cup is perched 'twixt saucer and lip.
In the first place a subdued light is now
considered positively essential for the after
noon tea In whatever rooms the guests
are received, there mystic rays from shaded
candelabra and opaque eIectroliers shed the
much sought for oriental atmosphere. Tall
candles standing in their sticks at least
three feet from base to flame sometimes
give the only light aside from the blaze
beneath the steaming hot water
Different hostesses brew the tea itself in
various ways, but exquisite little china pots
are a particular fad at present, and the bev-
erage is made in these or brought in them
piping hot from the kitchen For this pur-
pose there come Japanese tea baskets OF
wicker lined with stunnngly patterned silks
and thickly padded, leaving space just
large enough to receive the pot. For tea
party of only two these baskets contain
pretty teapot of Chinese medallion ware
and a couple of cups without handles to
match.
The delicate china pot has also introduced
the use of tea cozies, than which. by the
way, there is no more acceptable GIT. one
is easily shaped from two tai, rounding
oblong pieces of silk, two thicknesses or
sheet wadding being employed to pad either
side. China silk used for window drapSfles
and showing striking oriental monogram or
crest designs covers these effectively, while
a delicate shade of silk forms the lining.
Heavy silk cord trims the curving seam
over the top and around the opening, and
terminates in loop at the left side, with
ends holding large fluffy tassels.
Fascinating among the new teapots are
some importatons from japan. One shows
octagonal sides, each presenting some gro
tesque or hideous face in caricature of he
yellow man. A maze of rich colors mingle
in these odd designs. Another pot is in
white porcelain in tall and gracefully sen-
der shape, with wriggling lizard forming
the spout and a sinuous snake the handle,
both animals being wrought in Delft blue
porcelain.
When pot matches the cups-and this is
most popular at present-the tall, narrow
shape is the seasons favorite. One of the
very new patterns In these complete sets
has caused great deal of comment among
the friends of woman who is lust fresh
from a trip through the orient. OF ex-
tremely thin china, the hand painting on
the outer surface displays a crowding of
lotus blooms in mahogany and peacock
blue, while the shape of the pot, caddie,
ETC.. Stimulates a Mohammedan mosque.
The lightest of traps are employed in car
rying choice china for tea service. and large
fat trays of highly veneered wood
tremely handy Crystal trays also have a
scarlet displays an enormous peony carved
over its upper side.