LINEN AMONG THE FASHIONABLES

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19030, 27 March 1930, Page 8

LINEN AMONG THE FASHIONABLES

New Notes In Lovely Linen Damask. For graciousness, there is damask. No new loveliness however exquisite or exotic, has been able to challenge it seriously, and of late the vogue for damask has surpassed that of all times.

The soft, mellow days of Autumn, with deepening twilight evenings, suggest the rich beauty of shaded lights on satin damask, chaste silver and sparkling crystal, and all the pleasure of the correctly appointed dinner-table.

The fascination of good linen has been felt in every home down through the centuries. The discriminating hostess has always shown a natural pride in her damask foundation of the table ensemble.

The modern trend to colour has been tastefully acceded to by the introduction of pastel tints into the damask cloths and serviettes. These tints are the result of very exact chemical dye research, and are absolutely guaranteed to withstand all reasonable laundering.

A delightful shade for the formal luncheon occasion is a soft shade of “ Lavender.” Exclusive designs in damask cloths with serviettes to match may be had either plain hemmed or neatly hemstitched, and in correct sizes for the modern oval table.

“ Ivory,” the accepted choice of fashionable London for formal dinner functions, is a wonderfully rich shade, and is an ideal basis for the crystal and silver. Hemmed or hemstitched cloths with serviettes to match in the most recent designs are available at Dunstable House. Among the very comprehensive stocks of beautiful linen damask held by Ballantynes, may be found the hand-made product of a small manufactory that has been favoured by Royal commands. These exclusive damasks are in white only and have an instant appeal to all who see them. Entertaining, the gracious and final gesture of warm friendship, is only successful when everything goes smoothly. This means delicious food, service that moves with quiet precision, and a perfectly appointed table. The first essential of the correctly appointed table is of course the fine linen cloth. In the enthusiasm of formal dinner plans the hostess may inadvertently give sanction to an error capable of producing a disquieting note. The linen damask cloth may have been put on hurriedly or selected without properly fitting the table top. In all cases the minimum drop or overhang should not be less than 12 inches. In buying linen therefore, it is essential to know’ the correct measurements of the table, and in order to obtair. the best results customers are invited to consult Ballantynes on all important matters of Table Furnishings and Red Linen.