Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-12-08

two sprays in a vase or over picture
are very bright and attractive if these
must constitute the entire decorations
In decorations, in all other artistic
work, the whole effect should be con-
sidered first. and the parts afterward
There must be a massing OF colors and
a strong center to which all the parts
are subordinate.
Another way to decorate a room with
holly is to use black patent thread to
fasten the holly from tn chandelier to
the walls. These strings are invisible
when covered with holly, and the holly
has such uneven branches that it is
easily laid over the thread and catches
and holds. y single thread will sustain
many small branches. II is really one
of the easiest ways to use holy.
An attractive and appropriate orna-
ment to place in the house during the
holidays is Yule log. followed out and
filled with holly. Any small log, hol-
lowed out would answer the purpose. y
small, one could be used to hold holly
and poinsettia blossoms as a table deco
ration.
An order including ten or twelve yards
of evergreen roping, several large and
small holly wreaths, either double or sin
gle faced. a large supply OF loose holy
branches. and small bunch Of mistletoe,
will furnish the means for very inter
estins decorations. An easy way to make
evergreen ropes is to use strong, dark
twine for a foundation and tie to it, at
intervals of an inch Or two, sprays cut
from fir branches. The effect is light
and graceful.
A supply of cheap, two-inch-wide red
satin ribbon will help to cover awk-
ward Jennings. to brighten up dark corners
when the supply of holly berries is insult
ficient. and to form effective bits of color
here and there among the garlands In
Vulnerable candlesticks and red candles
are invaluable, both as means of deco
ration in themselves and as a means of
artistic lighting for the other decora-
tons.
At Christmas time red flowers are bet
ter than white ones. The poinsettia, with
it's brilliant red heads and it's large,
graceful leaves. is the most gorgeous
plant grown for Christmas, and conse-
quently is wonderfully effective. 1t may
be had either growing in pots or by the
branch. Its bright color and glossy
leaves are so large and striking, as well
as graceful and artistic, that they make
unusually effective centerpieces in deco
rative schemes. 1t is often treated as a
cut flower. After cutting poinsettias soak
the stems for about six inches in boiling
water. 1t is simply astonishing how Ions
the flowers will remain fresh and beau
tiful. The explanation is that the boil
ing water sends the sap from the stems
up into the flower and so makes it retain
its freshness. After putting the stems
into the boiling water allow them to re-
main in it until the water Is cold. then
place the flowers in a vase of water as
usual.
A pretty way to decorate a room with
ground-pine is to fasten the feathery
sprays on the lace muslin curtains at
the windows. Place them irregularly
several inches apart and fasten with
very small pins. Pine branch with cones
is effective for massing and for informal
decorations Wild smilaX is unrivaled for
lasting qualities among vines used for
foliage effects.
Decorations Of tinsel, red crepe paper,