THE Power and Influence of a well regulated home is under-estimated, and nowhere is woman such an absolute ruler as in her own household. The table is a very important factor in the sum total of its various departments; and happy is the woman who has tact, thrift and good sense enough to understand and act up to the merits that lie in this important factor. Everybody knows that plenty of well-cooked nutritious food taken into the system at regular intervals is the great conservator of health and strength. There should be no indifference in regard to this matter. A sound head and sound heart have threefold power and usefulness when dwelling in a sound body, and the housewife holds in her keeping (more than she is apt to think) these conditions for her household.

Table Appointments

The first and absolute essential is neatness. The table, its cloth, knives, forks, spoons, each and every separate dish should be bright, fresh and clean. With these conditions the plainest spread will be to the hungry, appetizing and attractive. On the other hand though the meal be served on costly plush and lace, or richest damask embroidered in all the hues of the rainbow, with neatness and order left out, cheerfulness and the sweet home feeling are apt to go out too. Queen of her household let the housekeeper, whatever her station, not undervalue her high position, but think and work to make better and broader its influence.

The Cloth

Let the quality of the table-cloth be what it may, it is well to have a covering for the table of felt, baize or canton flannel. The cloth, of whatever texture, will look much better and wear longer spread over some thicker cloth surface; however, some people serve meals very tastily without the under covering, using mats instead. The mats may be very expensive, or made neat and tasteful at little expense. Crocheted or netted ones are always nice and serviceable. The daintiest damask is heightened in effect, while the cheaper and thinner varieties spread smoothly over this sub-cover, are far richer in appearance. Another advantage to be gained by this is the deadening of the sound of dishes as they are lifted and replaced.