NEW STYLES IN CHINA

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22804, 1 September 1939, Page 2

NEW STYLES IN CHINA

VICTORIAN PATTERNS REAPPEAR REPLICAS OF QUEEN MARY’S CHOICE Fashions in china change just as surely as fashions in dress. This year, for instance, while frocks and headwear are typically Edwardian, chinaware is definitely Victorian. Nowhere is this more evident than in the English factories that produce Royal Stafford chifla. Queen Mary herself has given her stamp of approval by buying tea sets of this ware for herself or as gifts for her friends. Many cup, saucer, and plate sets have a decided bias trend. When placed one upon the other, the pattern reminds one of the current frock fashion of floral patterning placed diagonally across blouse or skirt. Gold Lace Patterns Just as the manufacturers of Dresden ware have found what marvels can be accomplished with a lace foundation, so the Stafford ware people have found that a fine patterning of lace superimposed in gold paint over a plain or pastel-shaded background gives a dainty and appealing finish; even the scalloped edging is not forgotten, for in many cases it* shows faintly as a border on the inside of the cup. ley designs in banded effect are to be found on some sets, and reproductions of beautiful old Sevres patterns adorn others. Shapes have conformed to modern ideas—they are tall and,slender —guaranteed to keep tea piping hot. The cake plate, however, has returned to a shape that our grandmothers would recognise with gold bow edges so easy to grasp for passing to ones guests at the tea table. Chintz has reappeared—not only as a dainty and fresh-looking material for curtains or counterpanes, but as patterning on afternoon tea sets. The centre of the plates and saucers, with their dainty rosebud patterning, having a surround of pastel shades — French-blue and salmon-pink being two of the most attractive combinations. . , . Who ever heard of grey as a background for a teacup design? Yet at the D.I.C. —where a shipment of this beautiful crockery was received before the import restrictions came into force—there are the most unusual and beautiful coffee cups just asking to be bought. An enamel finishing of turqupise-blue brings out the beautiful tonings on some of the cups; on others egg-shell blue and lime-green are so beautifully blended with other tonings of blue and green that it is difficult to give them an exact colour name. Royal Purchases Displayed in one of D.l.C.’s windows is a replica of one tea service bought by Queen Mary—its burnished gold being an excellent foil for a - pastel pattern. In the China department is another replica of a Royal purchase—which features pools of deep cyclamen fcombined with one of the popular gold lace patterns. Although many of the tea sets and individual cups and saucers are light in weight—some of them almost as light as Beleek ware, yet they are of very strong china —not the type to be put carefully away in china cabinets and used only on special occasions. They are sufficiently strong for practical everyday use, and are sure of the daily admiration of their fortunate possessors. • — 1 GIFT PARTIES In honour of the approaching marriage of Miss Phvllis Thomson to Mr Frank Kennedy, a “pantry” gift party was held at the home of Mrs R. Beattie, the hostesses being Mrs Beattie and Miss Denzil Thomson. The guests passed the time playing trump whist. Those present were Mesdames R. Beattie. W. Olliver, C. L. Waters, and Dudley Thomson, Misses Phyllis Thomson, Denzil Thomson, Alice Carter, Ella Thomson, Nancy Dickson, Molly Dickson, Clare Blackmore, and Mary Thomson. ~ Another enjoyable party. for Miss Phyllis Thomson was given by Mrs Dudley Thomson at Death’s, each guest bringing cream and green kitchen gifts for the guest of honour. Those present were Mesdames Dudley Thomson, E. R. Thomson, P. R. Kennedy, W. Olliver. Bob Bfeattie, Misses Phyllis Thomson, Denzil Thomson, Ella Thomson, and Alice Qarter.

ENGAGEMENT NOTICES The engagement is announced of Frederick William, only son of Mr and Mrs F. S. Cave, Raymond street; Timaru, and Barbara Jean Cameron, eldest daughter of Dr. and Mrs A. C. McKillop, Sunnyside;' Christchurch.