172 The Amateur's Book of the Dahlia 



centre cloth. In the centre is a low bowl of 

 ancient Spanish lustre holding three or four rose- 

 tinted dahlias and a few ferns. The dark wood 

 of the bare table is relieved by the quaint service 

 plates in green and lustre. One can talk across 

 such a centrepiece, and the whole looks inviting 

 for a friendly meal. How does it compare with 

 the usual white cotton tablecloth, cheap china, 

 plated candlesticks with pink shades which are 

 provided; among which you are expected to place 

 a tall vase holding a bunch of flowers looking for 

 all the world like a feather duster, and at the 

 base of which are arranged flowers to look like a 

 funeral wreath? 



Arrangements of flowers in bowls and baskets 

 should, if possible, be placed on pedestals and 

 tables of various heights, according to the 

 manner in which they may be shown to best 

 advantage. This gives a wider scope to the 

 design for these arrangements. 



A tall urn holding a few large dahlias may have 

 some showering, trailing vine, intended to hang 

 below its base. This requires a high pedestal. 

 A flat bowl with a few dainty blossoms needs 

 to be on a lower level for closer inspection. 

 Some massive arrangements in baskets may 

 either be set on the floor or on a stand not more 

 than two feet high. 



