CANDLES FOR THE DECORATIVE SCHEME

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 18, 5 February 1937, Page 14

CANDLES FOR THE DECORATIVE SCHEME

No housewife who prides herself on her table decorations can atford to overlook the medium of candles which, although they may have outgrown fcheir usefulness with the coining oi more modern lighting schemes, yet remain oue of the most effective mediums for introducing colour and softuess and an intimate, cosy air to the luncheon or dinner table. The iovely lines of the old silver candelabra aro being reproduced more simpiy for the modern kome, wher«» soine of the old brancked elaborations might appear rather in th© light of au anachronism. Modern reproductions oi Sheffield plate canjllesticks are amcng the loveliest of decorat:ons but, at the same time. there are simple holders of more modern designs which very effectively answer the demands of th« modern establishment. From overseas, by tlie way, comes the announcemcnt of a new fadeiess candle, dyed. all through which may be relied upon to withstand, without the slightest tendency to patchiness and mustiness, tbe ravage3 of time. Some very charming decorativp schemes may be worked out with a little f'orethought and imagination with the help of candles. When planning a luncheon or • dinner in late spring or early summer, for instance, one notices that green and pale shade* nsually predominate. Salmon and cucumber, lamb and mint sauce, asparagus, giooseberry or rhubarb tarts, all emphasise the summery note in the menu. When you wish the first course to introduce the green note, make it grapefruit in' a green dish, or a grape fruit cocktail, or serve clear soup gar nisbed with green peas, • and so • on. Green candles. set in deep amber holders to match amOer or bcige mats, and a cluster of golden marigolds or yellow pansies in a low gfeen bowl, would prove a charming decorative motif for such a. table. Sets of holders, to match water jugs and glasses in the most p'-puJar shades, green, ambcr and a very soft. and lovely peach toimgi, are obtainable in many attractive shapes fhey tend, on the whole, to be shortstemmed, with broad, flat bases, and wide tops. Very attractive is a set' of candle sticks made very low and wide, ehapcd rather like two sweet bowls, then bases pJaced together. A deep crimson candle made a lovely colour contrast, and suggested an attractive motif which could be carried out with liat amber bowls filled with red roses or carnations, and beige or amber laeo mats on the table. Grapefruit decOrated with cherries, tomato 6alad, strawberries and cream, would provide an appropriate colour noto in the menu tor this scheme of decoration.