The table decoration illustrated in the photograph was suggested by some peasant pottery brought from Brittany. The plates and bowls had strong bands of blue and yellow and quaint little Breton figures painted in bright colors. Ordinary linen and table accessories would be wholly unsuited to this primitive ware. The Breton pottery obviously required simple linen to go with it; not white, but a shade which would harmonize with its warm gray tone.

A cloth of blue-violet linen was made to fit the top of the table exactly. Bands of gray linen were appliqued around the edge and to form a long slender oblong in the center. This was, in turn, finished with a tiny crocheted edge in brilliant violet. The napkins were of gray linen with appliqued bands of blue violet and a violet crocheted edge. Pale pink, white, and deep rose peonies were arranged in the center in two-handled copper cups and in a low copper bowl.

Candlesticks and comports were also of copper, the ruggedness of which gave just the right touch and afforded a pleasant relief from the conventional silver which would have been entirely too refined. The candles were also carefully selected. They were of cream white beeswax and of long and slender proportions. The rich tone of the copper contrasting with the violet of the linen and the deep pinks of the flowers made an appealing combination.

Several other sets of linen were worked out for the same tableware. The violet tablecloth was copied in blue, and red geraniums were used with it in the copper vessels. The blue and red and copper made a picturesque setting for the simple pottery, and the geranium decoration came in well when the other garden flowers were out of season.

A third set of linens was made of warm gray Russian crash. Two narrow widths of the material were joined by a coarse crocheted insertion to form a long runner. Round place doilies were made of solid crocheted work in coarsest gray linen threads. The napkins were of the same warm gray with the crocheted edge, but of a softer, finer quality of linen. With this set of linens, some old pieces of pewter were used instead of the copper. A huge pewter platter made a delectable centerpiece for flowers, and porringers replaced the comports. Brilliant violet platycodon was generally considered best with this combination, but zinnias of wonderful salmon shades merging into orange, vermillion, and violet were also used with success. The warm gray of the linen, the dull silver sheen of the pewter, the bright touches of color in the Breton pottery and the glowing mass of flowers, gave a gay and festive appearance to the simple board.

For a breakfast or cottage luncheon a happy and amusing scheme was conceived in deep blue glass, delicate blue Wedgewood, and rose violet linen. To give detail and chic to the rose violet cloth, a broad band of bold blue-and-white checked linen was added, and its four corners weighted with four black and gold Chinese tassels. This gave a modern and piquant touch. There were oblong place doilies of light blue linen with a narrow border of the checks, and the napkins were also blue linen with checked centers. Japanese iris rose out of the blue glass bowls in the center, and black grapes and apricots filled the tall old-fashioned blue glass comports. The soft blue Wedgewood dishes on the blue and rose violet linen was extremely satisfactory. This decoration was used on a small black table with touches of silver, green, and violet.

This same set of blue Wedgewood was used very effectively with handwoven Russian linen in a lacy pattern, silver-plated brass comports and flower vases, and blue delphinium.

For the woman who likes to work out novel and interesting effects in her home and in her table decoration, there are an infinite variety of charming schemes which can be evolved for everyday use and for special occasions with a little ingenuity and a garden. Could anything be more effective on a dark table than a simple yellow linen runner and place doilies, with a profusion of nasturtiums, and yellow china? The same china could be used with ecru linen and purple sweet peas, or lavender linen and marigolds, or yellow checked linen and yellow daisies, or green linen and luxuriantly colored pansies.

The use of colored linen in runners and place doilies will not only be found to provide a fascinating foundation for the development of individual decorations, but it is less expensive than good damask, and the various pieces can be laundered separately, saving wear and tear. These linens can be decorated with a simple cross stitch or finished with a hand-run hem. In a table set for four covers, a linen piece in the shape of a cross, or two runners crossed at right angles in the center, provides a good arrangement. The square tablecloths usually have wide borders of contrasting colors which are appliqued on and break up the monotonous expanse below the rim of the table. Close fitting oblong, round, or square tablecloths are always good if the table has slender and good proportions.

There are many delightful varieties of glassware on the market at present which are inexpensive and can be used to give interesting color effects, if one prefers to use white china. There is opalescent glass with a rose, amethyst, or amber tinge, there is clear glass which comes in the full shades of those colors and is very attractive in candlesticks, bowls, comports, and goblets. When the candles are lit they reflect their tints over the whole table.

Beware of using too many insignificant details. Plan your linens to fit your table, and depend for your effect on the fresh and charming use of color, the piquancy of your china or glassware, and the intelligence and taste with which the whole is assembled.

No table decoration, of course, is complete without fresh greens or flowers. When the garden is flourishing they can be used profusely, but when the florist must be resorted to a more sparing arrangement in a flower bowl after the Japanese fashion can be employed. Odd urns and cups provide effective holders for a few flowers, and there may be always a fernery in a bright dish with diminutive bird sticks to fall back on. The flower decoration should always be low or so transparent that persons sitting opposite each other can be readily seen and the conversation may be general.