TABLE DECORATIONS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIV, Issue VI, 9 February 1895, Page 142

TABLE DECORATIONS.

Somehow one cannot help longing to contribute a little variety by ringing some changes in the shape of our tables. The oblong, the conventional oval, the round, and the square ; so the list ends, to begin again with the same monotony. Of course, it is difficult to say what shape the novelty should assume, but it certainly would be a matter for congratulation if some inventive mind could suggest a deviation from the general rule, just by way of excitement. Surely many hostesses, to whom neither space nor expense is a consideration, would be glad to inaugurate a novel • board ’ to which to bid their guests. The traditional horseshoe table properly rounded (not squared as they often are at supper parties), is most effective when suitably decorated, and is very appropriate to dinners served a la russe ; the narrow space between two vis a vis would also allow the conversation to be rather more evenly distributed among the guests, and the style might well be adopted for dinners, as it has often been for suppers, etc. This same narrow kind of table, contrived with a few curves, suggests some delightfully graceful decorations, and the possibility of decidedly novel and refreshing arrangements. Bat to come to our more immediate purpose. Chrysanthemums, and hardly anything but chrysanthemums, are the order of the day ; still there are such variety of kinds, in such gorgeous shades, that one wonders, every time they come into season again, how one has done without them during the remainder of the floral year. These, together with the warm autumn tints of foliage plants of all kinds, make a most lovely show. Excellent designs can be carried ont at this time of year with a variety of coloured foliage standing on a bed of pure white flowers ; this can be arranged by amateurs with taste for such matters, and could easily be obtainable in the country ; brown foliage interspersed with crimson berries would also work well together, and produce a warm and cheerful effect. For rooms, besides the foliage plants, of which the variety is nothing less than ‘ legion,’there are numbers of the tall slim vases, than which nothing is more graceful. These can be filled with branches of hedge berries, which are to be had even in town, especially the hips and haws, and they are more beautiful and plentiful than ever this autumn. Mixed with natural white pampas, and with old man’s beard falling around the edge of the glass, they make a delightful combination, and last for several weeks. By the way, it is a mistake to mix ivy with these autumn shades, as it spoils the general effect. The decoration of the tall vases is being enhanced by the addition of two shades of ribbon to match the contents : these, falling from the top of the glass, are tied round the base in a large unconventional bow, and look very pretty.