Middletown transcript., 1906-12-22
CHRISTMAS FASHIONS il NEW YORK

Mich Of the holiday sbifit which rsr
yades us all at Ghriz,tnas Is fostered b,
the eves-pfesent sight Of the Christmas
decorations. TIE eliasen eolors, led and
green are everywIleie and seem TO have
an insigoratilg and cheering influence,
no matter how dreary the weather.
Those WHO We IN the country or rural
communities eau get branches OF ever
green or laurel and sprays Of snmacll or
bittersaeet 10 trim their houses. Fort the
city dweller, crepe paper made into aiIi-
fetal anwers aud leaves can be substi-
. tuted. Clusters or chains of cranberries
combired with trimmings from The
Christinastree can be used for wreatlis
Popcorn Chains with red paper circles or
squares at intervals are sonleN lrat effec-
tive. Popcorn balls to represent SNOW
balls may ornament the table-the chill
dren will later enjay eating tLese ltin,-
mings.
Laying tne 1aple
In la, ing the table it is well to carry
out one general idea as far az possible.
For instance, il the hostess has a goodly
showing OF silver, cut glass or decorated
china, let one # these be predominant
aud the bright centfppiece aud candles
will giveiust The variation required. Red
shades are the most timely, though white
wreathed with holly are very effective ard
more transparent.
Eapery
Beautiful untTinimed damasks and
plain linens continue in vogue, bat year
BY year more trimming has crept into
this department OF household belongings,
until nov lavishaess is the only word
with which to describe some OF the ex-
.quisite cloths and eentrepieces seen in the
shops. Eyelet embroidery, Clnny, Irish
and Italian flet are all used in their dec
oration; in many instances two or more of
these are combined in some of the most
elaborate dinner cloths. Even Duchesse
lace has been used for this purpose.
Centrepieees
While some centrapieces embroidered
in different colored silks are shown, those
in white only have the preference. The
CIuny in open designs is the embellish-
ment on some of the showiest luncheon
cloths which are very handsome on a
highly polished table and they are
usually made to fit it exactly. The
Italian tilet, which is embroidered hand
made net combines beautifully with eye
let embroidery for elaborate dinner
cloths. A very pretty table decoration
for any and all season o[the year, is small
moulds Of jelly in fancy shapes and colors,
set among dishes or bower stands and it
goes without saying that experienced
housekeepers use for this purpose Knox's
gelatine, the superiority OF which scarcely
needs comment.
Novelties
An importation that may interest many
is the English engraved glass, shown in
many slmps. While not SO dazzling as
ths cut glass it is very handsome and its
price is about the same. For presents
there is nothing quite equal to cut glass
and this season exquisite pieces are-
shown. Beautiful comports and bowls,
grape fruit sets or dainty violet-bowls
make excellent gifts.
Fancy Pitchers
An odd cream pitcher is in the form
OF silver COW, her tail curied over her
back forming the handle and her mouth
fixed for a .'inoo," furnishing the pit
cher's mouth; this little novelty comes
from Holland. For the sincere teadrinker
the tea ball has been superseded by the
being perforated spoon. with
a lid that snaps with a strong spring. 1t
is far more satisfactory than tea ball and
comes in Bickleware that is quite inex-
pensiye. Odd little teapots have been
seen in New York made of china and cost
ing quarter, which represent dog or
cat. In this case, the spout was made Of
an extended paw and the lid Of the head.
The>efect must be peculiar when pussy
and puppy gives one scalding tea instead
Of pleasant handshake. But it makes
quaint and novel table accessory.
Lucy CARTER.