passion to depart from beaten paths seizes us it is very
easy to make mistakes. Therefore to the housekeeper, accustomed to
conventional china, but weary of it, we would commend as a safe
departure, modern Wedgwood and Italian reproductions of classic
models, which come in exquisite shapes and in a delicious soft cream
tone. If one prefers, it is possible to get these varieties decorated
with charming designs in artistic colourings, as previously stated.

For eating meals out of doors, or in "sun-rooms," where the light is
strong, the dark peasant pottery, like Brittany, Italian and
Hungarian, is very effective on dull-blue linen, heavy cream linen or
coarse lace, such as the peasants make.

Copper lustre, with its dark metallic surface; is enchanting on dark
wood or coloured linen of the right tone.

Your table must be a _picture_ composed on artistic lines. That is, it
must combine harmony of line and colour and above all, appropriateness.
Gradually one acquires skill in inventing unusual effects; but only
the adept can go against established rules of art and yet produce a
pleasing _ensemble_. We can all recall exceptions to this rule
for simplicity, beautiful, artistic tables, covered with rare and
entrancing objects,--irrelevant, but delighting the eye. Some will
instantly recall Clyde Fitch's dinners in this connection, but here
let us emphasise the dictum that for a great master of the art of
decoration there need be no laws.

A careful study of the Japanese principles of decoration is an ideal
way of learning the art of simplicity. It is impossible to deny the
immense decorative value of a single _objet d'art_, as one flower in a
simple vase, provided it is given the correct background.

Background in decoration is like a pedal-point in music; it must
support the whole fabric, whether you are planning a house, a room or
a table.

PLATE XXIX

Shows how a too pronounced rug which is out of character, though
a valuable Chinese antique, can destroy the harmony of a
composition even where the stage is set with treasures; Louis XV
chairs, antique fount with growing plants, candelabra, rare
tapestry, reflected by mirror, and a graceful console and a
settee with grey-green brocade cushions.

[Illustration: _Example of a Charming Hall Spoiled by Too Pronounced a
Rug_]

CHAPTER XXXVII

WHAT TO AVOID IN INTERIOR DECORATION: RULES FOR BEGINNERS

We all know the saying th