Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1916-02-25
new DECORATIONS
FOR YOUR TABLE
How to Use Individual Vases In
stead of Central Banks of Flow
rs-Other Attractive Center
pieces. Such as Aquariums and
Little Japanese Trees.


pieces so long used on dinner Ia
bles sets Of small vases in Vene-
tian glass and other beautiful
wares are now being used. One of
these vases, which range in height
from two to five inches, may be placed
In the center of the table if so desired.
AS the largest of them Is not intended
to contain more than three roses or
flowers of about that size, there Is no
danger of interfering with the vision
Of the guests. The large floral piece
in the center of the dinner table had
increased in size and elaboration to
such an extent that 1t was difficult for
diners at the side of the table to see
those opposite or for the host and
hostess to get a glimpse Of each other
without lodging the huge mound of
flowers and foliage.
These slender vases, which are to be
had in sets of three or more, are usu-
ally distributed about the table, placed
at angles calculated not to obstruct the
view. A good effect is obtained by
placing three on a line down the mid
die of the table-one in the center,
with the other two a convenient dis
lance from it. With these may be used
four others, placed near the corners
where formerly the candlesticks stood.
Yet another arrangement calling for
five vases is three down the middle,
with one at two diagonal corners. The
other two corners may be left NORMA
mented, or two branched candlesticks
may be used.
This use of branched candlesticks In
place Of those bearing a single candle
Is another change in table garniture.
One very pleasing arrangement calls
for a rather tall candlestick of five or
seven branches in the center of the ia
BILE, with two shorter ones at diagonal
corners With these may be used two
or ven four slender vases with flow
ers. The object of both the candles
and the flowers is to give to the table
the desired touch of color in a becom-
ing shade of light without interfering
with the vision Of those seated about,
the table.
For breakfast and informal lunches
the ever present fern dish has at last
been driven out and is now superseded
by tiny Japanese trees. These little
trees, some of which are said to be
hundreds of years old, are about the
hardest growing plants that can be
had. Unlike ferns, lack of neither wa
ter o fresh air appears to affect
them. Neither does a superabundance
Of either or both bring forth an appre-
ciable difference. Quaint and unusual
in shape, they appear to remain un-
changed by any and all sorts of treat
ment. In a few instances they have
been known to get a few new leaves,
but, as a rule, they will sit for months
in the center of the table or on some
dark shelf, watered once a day or once
a month, without showing the slightest
change.
Yet another familiar object which is
growing in favor as a table decoration
for informal means is the balanced
aquarium. This is, of course, of
glass, either round, oblong or square,
and when raised about an inch above
the level Of the table, giving one a good
view of the green growing things as
well as of the animal life, the effect Is
very pleasing. With children these
aquarium centerpieces are enormously
popular-so popular, indeed, that in
several instances the aquarium had to
be removed to induce the two children
at table to eat their breakfast. These
aquariums when properly balanced
may be kept for quite a long time with
out change of any sort.