and the butter ball, have taken the place of the tiny butter plate, and
should properly match the meat set. 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