Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-17
TABLE DECORATIONS
CHARMING AUTUMN COLORING
OF OAK LEAVES.
May Be Used Either Alone or Com
bined With Chrysanthe-
NUNS.

Oak trees in their autumn foliage in the
vicinity of the city are being stripped of
their leaves for table decorations for both
formal and informal luncheons and dinners.
Other vari-colored autumn leaves are also
favorites for the purpose and in combina
tons chrysanthemums, particularly the yell
low ones, are the most popular. There is
something exceedingly decorative about the
boldly indented oak leaves which lends
character to any f1orai scheme, and the
rich coloring which Jack Frost imprinted
on them further enhances their beauty.
For a Thanksgiving table decoration
nothing could exceed in effectiveness a
chandelier embowered in autumn leaves,
with a pumpkin center piece holding fruits
imbedded in a nest of them. A fancy
basket of the Japanese wistaria vine hold
ing graceful sprays of vari-colored oak
leaves, is also charming. Many of these
baskets are to be had in various Sizes
This is true of the tall cylindrical-shaped
basket with high twisted handles. Using
large one for the center and smaller
ones at either end of a long table filled
with oak leaves or chrysanthemums makes
original and decidedly ornamental table
decoration for dinner or luncheon.
Whether white. pink or yellow chrysan-
themums are selected for use in vases or
for forms to be placed in the center of a
table, the grouping and designs are mat
ter of individual taste. for this season, &C
cording to prominent florist, there are
to be no set patterns for floral table deco
rations
simplicity is the keynote of artistic or
namentation in flowers and leaves this
year." he says. land every hostess can in
dulge her own fancy in the choice of col
orS as we'll as in the arrangement, the idea
being, of course. that the leaves or blooms
he in ctxyIa hat 10 in piroo
with the surroundings.
THE use of seasonable flowers Is another
essential characteristic of the decorations,
hence the popularity-just now-of chrys-
anthemums, oak and autumn leaves, Or If
desired, red. white or pink roses. that are
always appropriate, whether for Christmas
or for dinner In June.
THE preference just now is naturally for
chrysanthemums, for they are now at the
height Of perfection and show up beauti-
fully on snowy white cloth. whether but
one is placed in vase In the center of the
table, or whether design Is used with au
tumn or oak leaves as an establishment.
Il believe that there are no handsomer
table decorations than huge chrysanthe-
NUNS placed in tall cut-glass vases and
set in the center or at either end of a table.
If the vase Is small one flower will .e
enough, but If the jug is large one, two
or perhaps three will appear to better adj
vantage. 1t must be remembered with
these. with no other flower. that the
the better the effect. Each one must stand
out alone and be SO placed that the fluff
ness of it's petals can be easily seen, for
when crowded together in a small space
half the beauty is lost. The foliage that
is on every stem gives enough green to
make any color chrysanthemum attrac-
tive, but If desired the yellow or white
ones may be combined with oak leaves
and will make a stunning center piece.
I'm planning a center decoration of leaves
and chrysanthemums the size of the table
as well as it's shape must be considered,
for a round ornament Is much more in
keeping with round or oval table than
square piece would be. and vice versa
"a pretty decoration for a round table
may be made by combining chrysanthe-
mums-any color that harmonizes-with oak
leaves, into an oval mass, placing each
flower in the midst of bunch OF leaves
so that it stands out If In bas-relief.
Five or six Of these should be sufficient for
even a large table. From the sides Of this
Intervals with chrysanthemum head
pointing toward the plates as a finish.
Sprays of two large chrysanthemums
tied with a backing of oak or autumn
leaves and placed at irregular intervals on
the cloth are effective, or. If the leaves seem
too heavy, asparagus put under the large
yellow. pink white Chinese flowers are
attractive. For Halloween dinners the darn
red chrysanthemums. fixed in sprays on the
cloth, OF with stems cut short, put in bowls
of water, Will be more in keeping with the
frolicsome and mysterious spirit abroad on
that occasion than the white or yellow
varieties.
IF one or two chrysanthemums placed
in vase seem to be unfinished they may
be made more ornate by tying the stems
with inch and half satin ribbon, any
shade desired. Colors are selected to cor
respond either with the foliage and color
of the bloom or with the color scheme of
the room, and, because of the season. au-
tumn and woodtints are permissible. These
ribbons, when tied in long loops, with ends
that reach to the table cloth. give rich ap-
pearance that Is not to be undervalued.
quite as handsome as groups of chrys-
anthemums are punches of oak or autumn
leaves, placed in low bowls. either of cut
glass or silver and massed in the center
of White cloth. They are effective, too
If pla led in high vases, provided there are
enout h different leaves of various autumnal
tints ,n the branches"