TABLE DECORATIONS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2142, 6 January 1881, Page 4

TABLE DECORATIONS.

[“Queen.”] Materials for decoration can bo found everywhere in the country by those who look for them, every season bringing its lovely wild flowers, grasses, ferns, or leaves. It is a mistake to think that because moss is green it is of one color; you will find it of every hue —bronze and emerold, shining, golden, and dark purple-green. The best way to collect it for decoration is to pull it in large tufts, which should be well shaken after reaching home, and spread lightly on newspapers for a day or two, and then again thoroughly shaken, to free them from loose bits and from insects- To keep it for the winter, the sprays should bo dipped in water, dabbed dry on a cloth, laid fiat between two sheets < f brown paper, and immediately ironed till quite dry. Tho irons should be of the heat required to smooth linen ; but do not prolong tho process too much, or the moss will become brittle. This process answers for the courser mosses ; more delicate ones should not be ironed, and tho “ maidenhair ” moss should not be put in water, or the golden extinguishers may wash off. Small, naturally mossy twigs—ivy, oak leaves, acorns, lichens—by occasionally being put cut to be refreshed by rain, can be made to last for some time. Tho last need an occasional rain-soaking, as they become brittle and powdery when too dry. The gypsy kettles, that were so fashionable some years ego, may be made into pretty centrepieces by covering sticks and kettle alike with moss, is follows : Hold one of the sticks in the left hand, take a turf of moss sufficiently large to wrap round it in the right hand, and fold th.j moss around and over the end of the stick ; pass a long piece of fine gardening wire round it, securing tho end firmly, and pulling it in tight, so that the moss conceals it ; wild it round once more, and then take a second tuft; let the end neatly the first, and secure it in the same way ; continue till the stick is covered, keeping the moss as evenly and tightly rolled as possible. If too shaggy, trim ic with tho scissors. Secure end of the wire when finished, and, if tightly done, all will remain firm. The bands of the kettle should be done in the same way before doing the kettle. In covering the latter the upper edge of the tufts should bo turned inside, under the tin for holding the flowers, and the first wire tied around close under the top. A very few flowers, arranged in wet sand, will answer for filling the tin. Flowerpots may be oevered in the same way ; and flat strawberry baskets thus concealed, and lined with white paper, make very pretty fruit dishes. A plateau of moss for holding dessert dishes is also pretty. A board of the desired size and shape is requisite ; tho edges may be cut out for the dishes to lit into, or they may staad on it. The moss should bo made as smooth and even as possible, and may be of only one or of various kinds. The common feather-moss is perhaps the best. If liked, a border of gray and orange lichen can surround it, and outside this, a second of small leaves, trailing or ground ivy. Borders of leaves and ferns can be made for dishes, and wreaths of periwinkle runners, ivy, holly, or bright autumn leaves. Ferns can be ironed like the moss, and will preserve their color. Circles or strips of thin cardboard can be covered with leaves and ferns for surrounding dishes, and single ferns arranged in a pattern on tho cloth. Infinite variety can be made by giving time and thought to the matter.