Setting Tables For Big Dinners

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 783, 2 October 1929, Page 14

Setting Tables For Big Dinners

BLACK AND WHITE SOME NEW CHINA DESIGNS It Is in her table decoration that the woman with original and artistic ideas gets the opportunity of showing, her taste and ingenuity, states a writer in the “Daily Mail.” Have you ever thought out a. black and white scheme? Unusual /or a table, perhaps, but remarkably effective. White flowers, of any variety liberally interspersed with asparagus fern, should be arranged in black vases or bowls. Silver candlesticks carry tall candles, and are topped with white shades, on which are jolly little silhouetted figures in black. Black china, which is not unusual nowadays, completes the scheme. The table may look a little cold till your guests arrive, but the moment bright dresses are added to the general effect the change is magical. Table-mats of bevelled plate-glass are a novelty which makes for a charming new decorative scheme. They are laid flat upon the polished table top, and one corner c£ each mat is decorated by an enormous tassel of coloured silk which hangs from the table. Menu-holders, candlesticks and candle-shades should, of course, tone with the tassels, and if you do not quite like the idea of the entire absence of linen, square mats in the same colour could he used beneath the glass mats. HEAVY LACE MATS In Paris heavy lace table mats are very much the vogue. Most of the mats are rectangular and the d’oyleys are patterned either in geometrical designs or in a pattern that is asymetrical. The result, is table linen so entirely modern in appearance that it is in complete accord with up-to-date lamp-stands and shades, bowls and table-ware. Cocktail napkins are delightful little accessories that the house-proud hostess will love to buy. They are made in gossamei'-like handkerchief linen decorated with very tine drawn thread work or perhaps a little applique work in a contrasting pastel tone. These two are rectangular and most of them have decoration at one end only. The fortunate possessors of beautiful candlesticks, whether they are of brass, pewter or pottery, should always make use of them for evening meals during summer time. Modern candles of vegetable origin burn without drip, odour or smoke, and they are produced in a fascinating variety of colours. The steady points of light provide just that intimate illumination which gives charm to the dinner table when it is still too light really to switch on gas or electricity. When the number of guests permits, and their places at table allow the arrangement, it is often more effective to give the floral decorations a position at one corner rather than in the orthodox position at the centre. HOME’S NERVOUS SYSTEM Heating, lighting and plumbing are often referred to as the nervous system of the home, and the description is apt. One should always remember, too, that this home nervous system is comparable to the human nervous system in so far as it makes the difference between comfort and misery when it works smoothly as against the condition when it goes wrong. In building a bouse, or in remodelling an old bouse, first and most careful consideration should always be given to this nervous system. No money is better spent than that which goes to the provision of thoroughly efficient lighting, heating and water supply, and no money is more falsely saved than that which Is cut in this direction.

Much can be done with ordinary raffia to improve the appearance of shabby cane or wicker chairs. Make a long firm plait of the raffia, about Jin in width. Keep it of uniform thickness by using fresh strands; the ends showing at the joins can be closely cut. This plait is wound round the arms and legs of the chairs, making them look like new. Secure the beginning with a tack and work over it. Fasten the end by tucking under and tacking down. Raffia may also he used to repair seats and hacks.