All Through the House 6
For the dining room table many decorations have been suggested of real and artificial materials. Some take a lot of time, others very little. The busy housewife, or the one who does not like to fashion her own trees and wreaths, may take Christmas balls and arrange them on a silver tray for a truly effective centerpiece. To prevent the balls from rolling about, a few pieces of some such evergreen as cedar or arborvitae may be added as well as bunches of cellophane straws. The difference in form adds interest to the piece. (Drawing 20)
A cellophane box in which an orchid corsage was received may be filled with balls of various size, tied with a red satin bow and placed on a foundation of greens and berries. (Drawing 20) The effect is excellent for so little effort. Both of these decorations may be elaborated upon.
Fresh cut flowers are always a delight. Red roses, red carnations and many others may be attractively arranged with bronzy pieces of leucothoe, begonia foliage, galax or other leaves. A few deciduous branches may be included for form and height. (Drawing 23)
In order to insure their lasting, the flowers should be set in a cool place at night. Certain materials sold to prolong the life of cut flowers do help, as will a pinch of complete fertilizer added to the water. Fresh cuts should be made on the ends of the stems each time they are rearranged, and warm water used in preference to cold. This will expel air from stems and allow more moisture to be absorbed.
For those who do not care to buy fresh foliage through the winter, and yet like to use it during the holidays, there is a way of preserving fall leaves, especially those of the beech. While sap is still flowing, but leaves are turning yellow and brown, branches may be cut and the stems placed in a mixture of one-third water and two-thirds glycerin.
Water may be added if some evaporates. This solution will keep beech leaves indefinitely. With their beautiful rich sheen they make pleasing backgrounds for nut and fruit arrangements and are a charming contrast to greens.
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