14 BRITISH FLORAL DECORATION 



Decorations being in harmony with them, and what 

 is good for the hostess is surely good for her well- 

 gowned guests. 



It will be found in the lists of contrasts given in 

 this book that scarlets, magentas, and the like have 

 been studiously avoided in nearly every case. A 

 table cannot possibly be made too restful to the 

 eyes, as, it must be remembered, guests have to sit 

 at it for some time. 



I well remember a reply given to a question of 

 mine by Miss Wilmott, who is admitted to be one of 

 the greatest authorities on all matters pertaining to 

 flowers and floral art. I was associated with her as 

 judge of the table decorations at the National Rose 

 Society's Show, and asked her why she disliked a 

 certain table so much, hoping to get a useful hint 

 from her; she said: "Simply because it would get 

 on my nerves to such a degree that I could not sit 

 down to dinner at it." 



There is little more to be said on the subject of 

 Dinner-Table Decorations on a large scale except 

 as regards the placement of the various floral pieces 

 on the table. It is generally understood that the 

 centre of the table is given to flowers, but it is the 

 unfortunate custom of most amateur, and many 

 professional, florists to arrange the minor pieces 



