which were hung on stout cords, forming a canopy most pleasing. Then there were a few lace-paper parasols, fans, screens, and candles with oriental shades.

The thimbles proved to be useful in sewing on little outing flannel gowns, which were to be sent as a thank-offering to a needy child. While fingers flew, the hostess read a charming article on "Things Seen in Japan," then tea was served in cups without handles, and a few chrysanthemum petals were scattered over the top of each, à la japonaise. Japanese rice cakes were served with candied ginger and cherries. Chrysanthemums, one and two in a vase, ornamented the mantel and the piano, and to add interest as well as to preserve the Japanesque character of the afternoon, no chairs were provided in the dining-room; the guests drank their tea seated on the floor.

If one wishes to serve more elaborate refreshments, olives, nut sandwiches, and salmon salad, could be added, and the guests requested to come in kimonos, or the hair combed in Japanese style, with numberless fans and ornaments, which may be purchased for the purpose.

The folded figure napkins always create an interest, for it is a trick to see who can refold them into the original forms. Candied puffed rice is a dainty confection to serve in diminutive lantern holders.

CHAPTER XII.-DECEMBER

Christmas Preparations

something radically wrong not only with an

Tindividual, but in the spirit of the times, when the

assertion is made: "I don't care about Christmas, and I wish the fuss were all over." It always hurts to hear such a statement, and we wish for the power to restore the true meaning of this blessed festival. Oh, that we could or would only get away from the "give and take" theory with which nearly every one seems imbued, and remember that Luther said, even in his remote day, "The heart of the giver makes the gift dear and precious"; that we could learn to be satisfied with doing within our means, so that the joys of Christmas would not be clouded by the dread of those fast-approaching January bills!

When old Father Time brings us the Christmas season, with its preparations, its memories, it is not good for us to indulge long in retrospect, but to remember while there are little children Christmas will always be a merry day; for a child remembers no past, regards no future, but lives wholly in the glorious present. So, be our hearts light or heavy, let us one and all endeavor to make the day gladsome in remembrance of the dear Christ Child. To begin with, here is the description of a tree arranged for a baby and greatly enjoyed by the friends of the household.

A Baby's Christmas Tree

THE color scheme was white and silver; white tarlatan stockings were buttonholed with silver tinsel cord, such as confectioners use, and all packages were wrapped in white tissue paper and tied with silver cord.

Each tiny sprig of the tree was tipped with a popcorn flake, fastened on with a pin, and it took several papers of pins to "snowflake" this tree, but the effect paid for the trouble.

Silvered English walnut shells contained tiny china dolls, one for each little guest. The tree was bountifully sprinkled with silver tinsel, and all the candles were white. Two men friends were personally asked to watch the candles, and there were no accidents; a gaslighter was used to light them, so there were no matches about.

There were quantities of silver stars and silver paper chains interlaced, kindergarten fashion, and electric sparklers. This tree was pronounced a thing of beauty by all who saw it.

Christmas Table Decorations

A TABLE decoration that elicited much favorable comment from the guests was the star flower in the centre of the table; the place cards were star-shaped, bearing appropriate quotations, such as:

"Look how the floor of heaven

Is thick inlaid with patines of bright gold."

"But who can count the stars of heaven?

Who sing their influence on this lower world?"

"Silently, one by one, in the infinite meadows of heaven,

Blossomed the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots of the angels."

"Ye stars, which are the poetry of heaven!"

The ices and cakes were both star-shaped, and the hostess wore a beautiful jewelled star in her hair.

A five-pointed star made from holly or evergreen is a table centrepiece always satisfactory. From this a red ribbon may run to each plate and be attached to a bell-shaped card. Over the table suspend by red ribbons red tissue-paper bells, or a chime of gilt and silver bells. Gold and silver paint are easily applied and are always convenient to have on hand. They