around made it exceedingly difficult for them to concentrate, 
while a running comment of enthusiastic or disapproving 
opinion was ringing in their ears. The by-standers were 
probably innocent of their transgressions, but this must be 
rectified in Shows to come. 
A discriminating man remarked that if these tables were 
really arranged to dine at the only one he cared to sit down to 
for a whole hour was the North Country Club 's dainty arrange- 
ment of spicy Carnations in the Amethyst bowl! 
Everywhere approval was heard of the award of the First 
prize. The Bedford Club's dark ruby-glass and coffee-colored 
linen and that high arrangement of Didiscus, Carrot leaves and 
Chrysanthemums was a masterpiece. 
The North Shore's superb arrangement of Bay -berry and 
purple Grapes was most original and a great favorite, and 
surprise was often expressed that it received no recognition 
until the judges explained that the absence of flowers barred it 
from a contest of flower arrangement ; this was a bit too technical 
for most of us. 
We are so apt to hear only the complimentary comments that 
the following frank opinions will give us food for thought ; they 
should be helpful in planning our future entries. 
One Club member whose opinion we all respect said that 
she was much disappointed in the type of cloths and 
accessories used. The actual arrangement of flowers was lost 
sight of in the abundance of expensive lace, glass and pottery. 
Another said "All the tables were over-laden, therefore, out of 
scale." Yet another shrewd observer said "You have eliminated 
the reprehensible use of showy silver and glass, but you have 
fallen into the error of elaborate lace. If these tables are to 
serve as models of good taste they must be still more simple." 
An answer to some of this might be that the tables were 
exceedingly small for six people. At the Spring Show they are 
to be set for four covers. 
Another, a painter, called attention to how much the color 
of the plates counted, the solid color of the ruby-glass and the 
creamy white of the Wedgewood registering far better than the 
figured plates, though the latter were interesting to people seated 
at the table. This man also said that the North Shore table 
would have been better with dull heavy blue or green pottery 
plates as the fruit center was "superbly massive." 
The arrangement of the yellow and white Orchids on the 
Cincinnati Club's table was in perfect proportion to the size of 
the table and this arrangement was very much admired. 
At the Spring Show we are to have the opportunity of enter- 
ing a decoration for either a dinner table, or for a simple 
luncheon table or for Japanese arrangement. Simplicity hence- 
forth shall be our watchword. 
182 
