China Selection
Requires Thought
The purchase of dinnerware is
something most perspective brides
took forward to, but before you
decide on what pattern to use in
jour home, it is advisable to stop
and think a minute. What kind
of china do you want” Do you
want fine china plus a second set
of earthenware or melamine? If
so, what do you expect from them
in the way of performance?
The word ‘'china," in current
use. loosely includes all categories
of dinnerware. such as porcelain,
bone china, stoneware, earthen
ware. pottery, and many others.
The qualities of each vary greatly,
depending on the raw material
used and the degree of firing.
The finest dinnerware you can
buy is china or porcelain — the
main difference between the two
s historical Both are made of
highly refined clays and minerals,
which are fired at such an in
tense heat that the components
melt and fuse into a strong, trans
lucent body. This process is called
vitrification and the color of the
china depends on the clay being
used
Because of its bone ash con
tent. English bone china is char
acterized by a pure white trans
iucency while American china has
an ivory body, achieved by a spe
cial hardening agent.
Despite its appearance, china is
tougher and more resistant to
chipping and breaking than other
ceramics. The glaze will not crack
and even if it does chip, the non
fwrous body won’t absorb food
stains.
When shopping keep these
points in mind:
• Hold the plate in front of
the light: Can you see your hand
through it?
• Balance a plate on three fin
gers and tap it with a pencil to
see if it has a bell-like tone.
• Run a finger around the rim
or foot of the plate: Is it smooth
and glazed?
• Examine the cup handle to
see if it is balanced, so that even
a six-foot bachelor will find it
easy to grasp and holci.
• Test the rim of the cup to
see if it is perfectly smooth with
out any rough or wavy spots.
• Examine the saucer to see
if the depression is designed to
hold the cup securely.
Because it is fired at a lower
temperature and made of clay
vihich is less refined, earthenware
i is not as durable as china even
| though its finer forms closely
| resemble china. Chipping is more
, common apd cracking and dis
| coloration can be caused by ex
I tremes in temperature.
Both earthenware and its still
! less refined porous partner, pot
! ery, are less formal in appearance
and less expensive than china.
Molded plastic or melamine
dinnerware is popular because of
its practical qualities. It resists
chipping and cracking and can
; be placed in a dishwasher without
fear. However, care must be
taken never to expose a to an
open flame. Quality varies con
siderably, depending on weight
and care used in finishing.
Gifts Presented
To Bridal Party
By KATHY HOWARD
Traditional in the wedding pro
tocol is the presentation of gifts
to the bridal party. Included in
this, are gifts to the bridesmaids,
. maid of honor, the best man and
the ushers.
Gifts selected are usually small
tokens that can be kept for their
{sentimental value Many depart
ment stores have consultants to
aid in the selection, however,
many girls usually choose similar
gifts.
The most popular gifts for
bridesmaids include- compacts,
small necklaces in the shape of a
bell or cross, bracelets, charms
! or jewelry cases. The maid or
matron of honor usually receives
!the same gift and also a corsage.
It is not considered proper to give
the girls their dresses as it is con
sidered a privilege to be included
in the wedding party.
! Presents for the ushers
can include jewelry. Often they
; receive a key ring or tie clasp.
. Billfolds are also considered ap
propriate. If the wedding is ex
, ceedingly formal and requires the
men to wear gloves, they are pre
sented to the men as a gift.
; It is also traditional for the
bride and groom to present each
other with gifts. This is a time
for a wide range of choices de
pending on personal interests.
Brides often present their spouses
with pens, watches, portraits of
1 themselves, or cameras.
CASUAL clothes, fashionable at
any time of year, include out
fits such as the ensemble mod
eled by Merilee Somner, a se
nior in art education. Her tur
tleneck turquoise sweater and
matching slacks are perfect for
almost any active sport — even
climbing trees.
Yes,you’ll be proud to say,
"It Came from Carl Crete’'
What an Exquisite
WAY' OF SAYING
I LOVE YOU
These beautiful creations re
flect “three lovely words" in
radiant, lifelong, beauty.
4 Diamond Wedding Ensembles.
A Reading Top to Bottom;
I $150.00
■ $200.00
J $325.00
Take a year to pay!
No Interest!
No Carry Charges!
Pick up a phone . . .
Call Carl Greve . . .
CA 3-7121
it
enneui
ALWAYS FIHST OUAUTV *
! LACE-LOVELY
COMBED
COTTON
GINGHAMS
sleeveless tops,
jamaiccs
298
each
Go gung-ho for
combed cotton ging
hams . . . start with
sleeveless, button
front top, banded
with lace. Partner
with fully lined ja
maicas. Pink, blue,
yellow, orange.
Machine washable.
Sizes 8 to 18.