Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-16

the time and trouble expended upon fes-
tive preparations richly will be rewarded
if they secure for our children Christmas
something like the delightful times of
which we all have such vivid recollections.
Now as regards these preparations. First
and foremost, of course. comes the all-im-
portant task of decorating the house.
Many women who would otherwise be
only too delighted to see their rooms ac-
quire a proper Christmasy aspect are de-
tered from any extensive scheme of deco
ration by fear of the cost it would entail
Now this is a mistake. A really charming
and most effective decoration can be con-
.trived for the minimum of outlay If only
little forethought and ingenuity be exer
cised Scraps of holly, with or without
berries; ivy, fir, spruce, pine, cedar or even
the humble ferns may all be advantageous
~ pressed into service for the making of
the ropes, festoons, ETC., which are the
most effective features of home decoration.
In the accompanying sketch is a sugges
ton for the decoration of the ordinary
small hall which is to be found in most
houses. The band over the arch, the two
festoons, and the wreath encircling the
handra1 and newell post are all made from
small pieces of evergreens twisted into
ropes by means of fine florists wire, which
is to be purchased on reels for the small
sum of penny. In the center of the arch
is hung the traditional bunch of mistletoe,
and charming touch of color is introduced
by means of three gay Chinese lanterns
swung among the greenery. This. of
course, is only an idea, which may be i'm
proved upon or cut down according to the
individual taste of the decorator. The deco
ration of the house Immediately suggests
to ones mind the decoration of the Christ
mas dinner table, which should, In my
opinion, when children are in question, be
strongly suggestive Of the special day for
which it is prepared. tiny Christmas
tree decorated with silvered or gilt walnuts,
small co.ored candles, little bright balls
crystallized fruit and crackers, always
makes a most effective centerpiece, and
one which is highly appreciated by the
small spectators. 1t may be supplemented
by pretty bright colored table center,
edged with a border of holly and miStletoe
sprigs. and feI crimson and white flow
ers, If liked. A further supply of bright
crackers scattered about the tablecloth
adds to the general brightness CT effect and
incidentally to the joy of the children, who
dearly love the fun of pulling them when
dessert arrives.
The Important
Ceremony Of hanging up the stocking on
Christmas eve Is a charming, fanciful old
custom which never should be allowed to
fail into neglect. 1t need not be at all a
costly affair. The stocking may be packed
with all sorts of inexpensive trif1es, such as
packets of simple homemade sweets, little
cheap toys costing penny or two, oranges,
apples nuts, any little odds and ends, in
fact Such things will give quite as much
real pleasure to the recipient as far more
expensive articles. The real joy lies in the
early finding of the packed stocking, so
limp and empty the night before; the Won-
der of what lies hidden in it, and the de-
lighted turning out of one thing after an
other
Next there is the question of children's
parties, which demands serious attention
1t is difficult to say anything definite about
such affairs, the circumstances and
means of the giver and the age Of the