HOME PERSONALITY

NZ Truth, Issue 1263, 13 February 1930, Page 21

HOME PERSONALITY

Flowers Play Their Part

X good hostess never leaves the floral arrangements of her household to others. She knows that flowers, though they have a distinct personality of their own, reflect the individuality of the person who arranged them.

j rVERY hostess desires to surprise ■*-' her guests, and decorations- showing taste and discrimination will. earn an enviable reputation. To be appropriate and simple is the golden rule of most things, but, m this art, over-decoration must be avoided at all costs. Remember how charming a orystal howl with a single floating bloom can look amid snowy napery and gleaming silver. '■"':■■' Table vases and; flowers; should be neither too high npj^tboj'low^ The latter, because of monotony, aM the first, because the shortest hiemberi of : the party will be certain to seat?, himself behind the tallest sprig, theVe'^to, play hide and seek and gain a stilt neck, or else bashfully retire and let the conversation pass by. It is useful to know that b(,ue, mauve, and violet flowers^ should never be used under artificial light — they lose all color and effect. Unless you are an experienced hand, it is advisable to stick to one or two varieties, but if many colors are being used, the weaker shades must always be m the majority. The world is always trying someuiiiiiiiiiuiiimiimiiuiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiitiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiniimiiiuniuimii

thing new, and, though flowers are ever popular, there is a certain vogue m London just now for glass novelties, which m the\ shape of flowers and fruit, are lit by electricity. One enterprising hostess decked her table with large bowls m which glass fish of gorgeous coloring and life-like appearance disported themselves. Still, the real thing will always triumph, as witness the Duchess of York, who scorns the made posy, and daily wears a fragrant buttonhole to complete her outfit. Attention to the cutting and watering of flowers is the only way to prolong their all-too-short lives. Always inspect the stalks to see that the water channel is clear, which is rarely if they have been cut by scissors. Only a sharp knife is suitable. Change the Avater frequently, and add a little charcoal to each lot. Hot water is valuable as a reviver, but eventually shortens .the life of the flower. A few minutes each day spent on the treasures from your garden will repay you. Flowers can change the whole atmosphere of a household. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIJIIUIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII^