Evening star., 1932-12-23

w YHEN fresh flowers are not
available, delightful cen
wv terpiece Of he ly or Christ
Y v mas evergreen may have
tiny colored lights hidden
among the green. The cord from the
light may be drawn down through the
center of the table by opening the CEN
ter leaves of the table slightly. Con-
nection may be made by extension cord
II there is no light plug under the table.
One clever young housewife last year
who could not afford Christmas pres
ents, a Christmas dinner and holiday
entertaining, after carefully checking
over Just what she might spend, elimi-
mated the Christmas gifts and planned
q series of small parties, including every
person she had formerly remembered
with gifts Informal little Christmas
notes were sent out the week before,
including with the Christmas greetings
an invitation to dinner. lunch or tea.
In this way persons who were congenial
were invited at the same time, insuring
a successful affair. The same decora-
tions were used for the entire week and
parts Of the menu repeated.
For the Christmas tree don't forget
the gingerbread Santa Claus and all his
animals, trimmed and edged with icing
to represent snow. The popcorn balls
must be wrapped in red transparent pa
per and tied with silver ribbon. These
make nice gifts to take from the tree
for the little visitors who drop In to see
the tree.
Safety Measures.
As you prepare for the holiday sea-
son this year, let every one give thought
to making Christmas safe for good old
Der Of the household. Give special
thought to the selection and use Of
non -inflammable decorations, and thus
prevent the possible .-sSedy Of a fire.
For instance, before canole Is placed
In the window every precaution should
be taken to make sure that net or other
thin curtains are tied back securely, so
as to prevent them from falling near or
into the fame of the candle 1t Is. Of
course, safer to use electric candles.
As you begin to decorate the house
with holly, pine branches and other
Christmas greens. remember one point
never place any natural foliage, pa
per decorations or Christmas bells
around or near electric light bulbs.
Regular house lamps are too large and
generate too much heat. creating the
possibility Of starting blaze amid the
trimmings.
When the festive holidays are over
do not neglect your Christmas tree. If
it Is a living tree, with roots intact, it
should be planted out In permanent
quarters. If it is not living tree, then
1t may be cut into suitable lengths and
stacked near the fireplace, to be burned
some evening in CHEEKY fashion.
In some cities the safety council,
afflliated with the National Safety
Council and the National Fire Protec-
tion Association, and with the co-opera-
tion Of the Boy Scouts, sees that every
Christmas tree sold on the streets, in
stores and elsewhere carries fire-red
tag. on which is printed the following
instructions to new tree owners. This
Is a method that should be followed in
every city:
Avoid lighted candles in the decora-
ton Of the tree.
use carefully wired electric lights.
Place tree safe distance from stove
or fireplace.
use metal tinsel for trimmings and
mica or flake asbestos for imitation
snow.
Cotton trimmings AMI cotton -whisk-
cred Santa Clauses are very dangerous.
f1re-resistant. Consult your insurance
man about this.
Never leave lighted Christmas trees
unguarded.
do not keep the tree where it will
ohstruct any room exit.
Keep candles and open lights away