DECORATED CHRISTMAS BELLS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XI, Issue 51, 23 December 1893, Page 549

DECORATED CHRISTMAS BELLS.

H.u E you seen the newest thing in bells? I do not mean the purely household article, employed for the purposes of communication, but au idea borrowed from the marriagebell of white flowers, so often seen at wedding ‘ At Homes, and beneath which the bridal pair stand and receive the congratulations of their friends. The Cbristm»s bell, however, is made of holly plentifully besprinkled with scarlet berries—real or artificial—with a clapper of mistletoe ; and it is huug in the hall with a pretty effect. It is the invention of lady gardeners, and is a very popular form of decoration just now. Holly berries are very successfully imitated with bunches of red currants carefully tied amongst the holly leaves. Christmas decorations of glistening leaf and bright flower make many a usually commonplace looking home or build ing look quite picturesque for the time ; and none but the most dyspeptic could speak lightly of that sacred institution, the Christmas dinner I At this time, too, what a chance we women folk have of asserting our much w-ished-for importance with the sterner sex, for we certainly are prime movers in all that can help to render home bright and festive at such a time, as the money, though necessary enough, needs a judicious spender on such matters as go to make up the haven home. Puddings ami pies, too, need deft hands to make up the much considered * flesh pot' portion of the ceremonies, and a woman's dainty taste in decorating the table festively with flowers, glass, plate and lights (for we do not all rejoice in a staff of efficient servants to attend to such matters) to enhance the appearance of the good things the culinary genius has composed or superintended.