a certain character and richness.  The chop platter—­among the nice-to-haves and bought as an odd piece—­belongs in the lightning change category, for it may serve us our chops and peas during the first course, our molded jelly salad during the second, and our brick of ice cream or other dessert during the third.  The range in price is from $1 up to $5 and $6 for the choicest designs.  Then there are berry sets of a bowl and six saucers, both being turned to account for different uses, and costing in Haviland as low as $1.75.  And there must be some small bowls or large sauce dishes for breakfast use, if our housewife is cereally inclined, and a china tile or two on little legs to go under the coffee and tea pots.  The china pudding dish, with its tray and its heat-proof baking pan, is a pretty and convenient accessory, saving the bother of veiling the crackled complexion of the ordinary baking dish with a napkin, These cannot be had for less than $3.50 and are made in silver also, minus the tray and plus a cover.  The teapot, true symbol of hospitality, has come down from the high estate to which it was formerly created, and is a fat, squatty affair now.  Dainty sets of teapot, cream, and sugar matching—­a nobby little outfit—­are to be had for $2, in gold-and-white, $3, etc.  There are after-dinner coffee sets, too.  Needless to say there must not be even the slightest acquaintance between fine china or porcelain and the hot oven if you value their glaze.

[Illustration:  Wedgwood pottery, and silver of antique design.]

SILVER AND PLATE

Of the purchase of silver there is little to say.  Unless her friends have been very generous in their gifts of solid ware, the mistress usually acquires it a little at a time, contenting herself with the plated for general use.  Here the souvenir fork or spoon frequently steps into the breach, but in default of any other, good shining plated ware presents just as good an appearance as the solid and serves every purpose until the plate begins to show wear, when it should be renewed without delay.  The plainer the pattern the better.  Medium-sized knives and forks of the best Rogers triple plate sell for $7 a dozen, teas for 10 cents less, fruit knives for $3.  Teaspoons in the dainty Seville pattern, with only a beaded trimming around the handle, are $4 a dozen, dessert spoons $3.25 a half dozen, and tablespoons $3.75.  A gravy ladle costs $1.25.  The infinite variety of odd forks and spoons for various uses is best acquired with the other solid silver.  Plated ware ought never to serve acids nor top salt shakers, since both acid, and salt when damp, corrode the plating.  Solid salt and pepper shakers can be had as low as $1 a pair, cut glass with solid tops for $1 and $1.50.  If individual salt dishes are used, they must be accompanied by tiny solid salt spoons at 35 cents apiece and up.  Very nice though not altogether necessary accompaniments of the bread-and-butter plates are the individual butter knives at $10 a dozen.