A touch of gold with any china
decoration gives it a certain character and richness. The chop
platter--among the nice-to-haves and bought as an odd piece--belongs in
the lightning change category, for it may serve us our chops and peas
during the first course, our molded jelly salad during the second, and
our brick of ice cream or other dessert during the third. The range in
price is from $1 up to $5 and $6 for the choicest designs. Then there
are berry sets of a bowl and six saucers, both being turned to account
for different uses, and costing in Haviland as low as $1.75. And there
must be some small bowls or large sauce dishes for breakfast use, if
our housewife is cereally inclined, and a china tile or two on little
legs to go under the coffee and tea pots. The china pudding dish, with
its tray and its heat-proof baking pan, is a pretty and convenient
accessory, saving the bother of veiling the crackled complexion of the
ordinary baking dish with a napkin, These cannot be had for less than
$3.50 and are made in silver also, minus the tray and plus a cover.
The teapot, true symbol of hospitality, has come down from the high
estate to which it was formerly created, and is a fat, squatty affair
now. Dainty sets of teapot, cream, and sugar matching--a nobby little
outfit--are to be had for $2, in gold-and-white, $3, etc. There are
after-dinner coffee sets, too. Needless to say there must not be even
the slightest acquaintance between fine china or porcelain and the hot
oven if you value their glaze.

[Illustration: Wedgwood pottery, and silver of antique design.]

SILVER AND PLATE

Of the purchase of silver there is little to say. Unless her friends
have been very generous in their gifts of solid ware, the mistress
usually acquires it a little at a time, contenting herself with the
plated for general use. Here the souvenir fork or spoon frequently
steps into the breach, but in default of any other, good shining plated
ware presents just as good an appearance as the solid and serves every
purpose until the plate begins to show wear, when it should be renewed
without delay. The plainer the pattern the better. Medium-sized
knives and forks of the best Rogers triple plate sell for $7 a dozen,
teas for 10 cents less, fruit knives for $3. Teaspoons in the dainty
Seville pattern, with only a beaded trimming around the handle, are $4
a dozen, dessert spoons $3.25 a half dozen, and tablespoons $3.75. A
gravy