The trend toward romantic elegance once popular in the Victorian era is resurfacing today as a prevalent lifestyle motif. Popular with today’s bride are ruffled blouses, an interest in collectibles, a grace in entertaining styles and tra- ditional tableware designs. “Today’s bride revives the styles of earlier periods, par- ticularly the Victorian era, to add an individuality and rich- ness to her tablesettings,” ex- plained Charles Solt, design director for Lenox China, which has made the official White House china service for First Lady Nancy Reagan. “The young hostess has taken the trend for self-expres- sion of the '70s a step further. While in love with the glamour, tradition, and ro- mance of older times, she is also very much the modern woman. : “She prepares her meals with a food processor or cooks in a microwave oven, but en- tertains with a more formal and gracious style.” : ey = Fine china patterns that con- tinue to be popular with to- day’s brides range from elabo- rate floral sprays, etched gold bands and oriental motifs to delicate white-on-white and classic gold or platinum-band- ed designs. ® Today’s bride can select a pattern such as “Autumn,” ago, or “Fair Isle,” with deli- cate floral designs and an up- dated traditional look, from the new Lenox ‘‘Cosmopoli- tan Collection.” “In hand-blown crystal, brides are choosing at least three sizes—a water goblet, wine glass, and the dessert/ champagne—rather than one oversized wine glass, suitable for all occasions,” he states. Tablesetting tips Tips to the bride on creating tablesettings that reflect the romantic elegance of the Vic- torian era are offered by Mr. Solt: 1. Rediscover the old lace tablecloths that you have stored away or purchase a single set of luxurious table linens. This will add elegance to your table. You may also want to con- sider layering more than one tablecloth over your table for a soft and romantic touch. 2. Group smaller posses- candles or figurines, to form a centerpiece or place before each individual setting. Victorian homes were full of collectibles and memora- bilia, nearly covering every surface in view. 3. Keep a wardrobe of ta- bletop accessories organized and easily accessible. several table linens, place- mats, and napkins in a variety of shapes, designs, colors and fabrics; candles in many sizes; vases; baskets; and bowls. 4. Find new purposes for older articles in your home. A basket filled with flowers, or a hand-made bed coverlet used as a tablecloth, are just a few of the limitless possibilities to decorate your table. 5. Don’t be afraid to make a statement with your tabletop design. Decoration of the table adds to the attractiveness and mood of your dinner party and shows your guests that you care. The bridal registry The Lenox designer rec- ommends a visit to a local wedding registry to help the -bride coordinate ‘and register her fine china, crystal and sil- ver choices. p The professional service, offered by most department, gift and jewelry stores, will record the bride’s preferences in tableware as well as kitchen and other home furnishings items, without any obligation to the bride-to-be. Registration with a wedding gift consultant enables friends and relatives buying wedding gifts to know what the bride wants and will use. The consultant keeps up- to-date records as gifts are purchased and helps eliminate the problem of duplicate gifts. Every bride appreciates “a practical shower gift Setting up a new home is fun, but it can be expensive, too. To give a bride a head start, host a housewares shower. You could theme the shower toward a particular room such as kitchen or bath, or let guests choose gifts for throughout the home. Whether you 're hosting or attending a shower, these practical gift ideas are sure to please a bride-to-be: For the kitchen: A good basic cookbook will come in handy in any home. Or gadgets like a whisk, wooden spoons and a spatula/spreader can be packaged nicely in a cutlery tray for a thoughtful gift © For the laundry: A dura- ble laundry basket filled with necessary cleaning supplies is a functional present that will help brighten wash day. Tie a big bow around the basket and include a set of hand towels for an added treat. . @ For storage: No matter how much or little space a new bride may have, good organi- zation always makes life easier. Space organizers, such as a clean-up caddy from look. Rubbermaid, can be filled Riser BRE with household products that J will be used daily. '& / Po you need someone to © For the table: Once new- | belp in making shower, lyweds settle in, their attention ~~ &% turns to entertaining. Serving trays, a lovely crystal water pitcher or a matching ceramic creamer and sugar bowl make nice presents a couple will enjoy showing off. The next time you’re con- sidering a bridal shower theme ~~ 'NNA (or are invited to a shower), remember . . . a practical gift that can be used frequently will be appreciated for a long time to come. That makes the giving even more fun! wedding and honeymoon plans? ‘‘Let us make your wedding special and unforgettable’’ HALMAR SERVICES WEDDING CONSULTANTS 693-0762 P.O. 322 — Wyoming; Pa. 18644 | Choose One of the Most - + Unique Restaurants in the Valley for your Party. The elegant Station can accommodate your Engagement Party, Shower, Ba- chelor Party or Rehearsal Dinner elegantly, to your complete satisfaction! Delight your guests by entertaining ”q them at the “Station”! : For more information, call our GZS J» Mr. Rice at 829-0000 NAAT dADVd
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