WEDDING GIFTS ON HIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 98, 22 May 1909, Page 4

WEDDING GIFTS ON HIRE.

Vanity is responsible for many strange actions on the part of certain individuals and takes various forms. On the occasion for a wedding, for instance, many articles of silver will be hired and placed among the genuine presents to make a grand show.

A silversmith observed, in connecton with this custom, that he makes more money by loaning articles than in the legitimate way of business. All kinds of silver and fancy articles are borrowed to make a grand show in the presentroom. Many articles still in his shop have realised their value over and over again, and are yet in condition for fur ther service.

For instance, a silver teapot of antique, design has heen out over thirty times, and is as good as now; teaspoons, carvers, and marble clocks are in constant demand, anil as the goods arc merely on show for a few days they come hack unimpaired. Speaking of a recent wedding, the silversmith said: "A description of the wedding gifts occupied half a column of newspaper print, one third of the articles being borrowed from my cstablshjinent. Others wore from different houses, and most likely a dozen or so were really presents." EVEX THE CAKE IS BORROWED— This is not an exceptional case, the loaning of wedding presents! having become quite a trade. Then there is the wedding cake. Few brides arc so humble that they cannot obtain some sort of cake for the occasion, but the grand cake, the huge confection with its lofty ornaments and orange wreaths, it's Cupids and silver leaves, is borrowed. -AXIJ ItRIDAL C.OWXS. AXD VEILS.

Cakes of Hit' massive order may be loaned, which possibly are not cakes' at all. There is nothing genuine about tliem. save the icing anil the sugar Cupids. One bridecake has graced tho breakfast tables of all sorts and conditions of brides, having been on the rounds for over two years, and, with a little touching up, scorns as fresh as ever,

The '-cake" ti simply a round of cork eight inches deep and about the size of a small cheese. This is enamelled white and thinly iced, piles of ornaments crowning it: foliage and (lowers embellish the sides—altogether a magnificent article for purposes of show. As the foe for its temporary possession is some few shillings, it proves a very profitable property.

Oonumo cakes are sometimes hired merely for table ornamentation. When these have lost their freshness they are cut up by the confectioner for sale by the pound. Actually bridal gowns and veils may he borrowed.

Swell bridesmaids, who bring their own elaborate dresses, are also willing to be hired. 'I heir presence anion" strangers i. Mile to elicit wonder and admiration, which is exactly what is wanted.—Home paper.