Style council

   

    Beverley Nichols expounds his views on flower arranging in Down the Garden Path; amongst those things for which he expresses distaste are the "glass umbrella stand" vase insert which keep stems separate and upright, and its counterpart, wire netting.

    He acknowledges that while yet being "vulgar and hateful", these accoutrements do serve a purpose, but one equally well met by the natural alternative he came up with: earth. He tells us how he half-filled a semi-opaque bowl with garden soil, topped it up with water, then waited for the dirt to settle and the water to become clear. Into the earth went a bunch of paperwhite narcissi which "stood up perfectly, exactly as they stand in their native fields. [...] Through the water shone the stalks of the narcissi, rising from their natural bed, which was bounded by the coarse green glass. I may add that the flowers lasted nearly two days longer than usual."

                                                ~~~~~

    Next up, napery, and once more I am found wanting - I do not have a signature fold:

    I do enjoy those Quintessence videos!

Comments

[Toffeeapple]

One feels that Lady Marchmain would not approve...

I used to work for the Mayor of Newport [South Wales] and had to learn Silver Service and Folding of the Napkins, such a lot of fun was had. We learned those skills so that we would not be found wanting when their Lordships, who were judges at the Quarter Assizes, were in residence. They brought their own cooks and butlers but Mansion house staff filled in for the rest. That is where I first drank Champagne and ate Caviar. Happy days.

[Fran H-B]

Shades of taking my Housekeepers badge as a Brownie. Learnt how to lay a table then, and it was later enhanced by my reading Elizabeth Craig's Housekeeping, a book of my mother's where I learnt ( amongst a great deal else) how to fold napkins in various ways. I loved that book, still have it although I must say I haven't done any fancy napkin folding in a while!

[Mary]

That's hilarious, imagine Morticia Addams giving etiquette lessons! I suppose a signature fold to a bit of kitchen towel doesn't count?

[Spade & Dagger]

My children aged 12 - 14 years old went on Cook Steward courses which included silver service (surprisingly useful for them at future formal functions) & napkin folding. We didn't own large linen napkins so they had to practice with paper ones & yes, the occasional kitchen towel. Sadly free-styling & signature folds were not allowed on the course !!

[Freda]

Her idea and mine of 'keeping it simple' are poles apart - but she does seem to be having fun!