Edwardian Easter Gifts

Edwardian Easter Gifts

‘Freshness and daintiness are the chief characteristics of attractive Easter gifts, and there is never an occasion when the expenditure of a large amount of money is so unnessary in order to procure a suitable gift. A very little money, the exercise of some taste and the bearing in mind of what the spring festival really means in the sense of the fresh blossoming of nature are the elements needed in the selection of Easter gifts.’ (Los Angeles Herald, 1909)

 

 

 

 

Hand-Sewn Edwardian Easter Gifts

Lingerie, Collars & Boudoir Sets

‘Young girls almost always prefer to make their Easter gifts, and there is nothing more attractive as an Easter memento than a dainty piece of hand work, whether its use be the adornment of the person or of the boudoir of the recipient. Small accessories of the toilette made of fine linen, with trimming of drawnwork, embroidery and lace, are particularly attractive, and among the gifts which girls make for one another at this season there is none more popular than hand made lingerie, handkerchiefs, hand embroidered collars, &c.

Next to these articles in popularity come the charming furnishings of the dressing table and of the boudoir generally. Made of linen, lawn or batiste, they, too, are trimmed with hand embroidery and drawnwork, or, if there is not time for such elaborate decoration, are at least examples of the finest needlework and are trimmed with narrow lace, all, of course, set in by hand.

For Easter gifts flower decorations are the most popular. In embroidery the floral designs are used, and when figured materials are employed those with floral designs are invariably chosen. The Easter colors – yellow. green and white – are much admired for these gifts and make the offering seem particularly appropriate when otherwise its relation to the season might not seem obvious.

Edwardian Easter Gifts - Rose Wreath Pincushion

Pincushions

Schoolgirls very often are so rushed with their studies that there is not much time to make very elaborate gifts. For these girls there are few things more attractive as Easter gifts than the tiny pin cushion, trimmed with wreaths of small flowers, that are among the newest inventions in the line of feminine handiwork. The first requisite for these cushions is a small round pin cushion covered with a pale colored silk – perhaps pale yellow. A covering of white net or allover lace is put over the top of the cushion.

A bunch of tiny roses, buds, or blossoms of any sort, uniform in size, is bought at the milliner’s. The flowers while still tied are spread apart so as to form a circle, in the middle of which the tiny cushion is set. The flowers form a circular frame for the cushion. The stems of the flowers are not cut off. but extend at one side, so that at first glance when lying on the dressing table the pin cushion looks like a bouquet of artificial flowers.

Equally attractive but somewhat more difficult to make and more expensive are the pin cushions mounted on circular or pentagonal brass stands which have little brass feet. The cushion is very solid and covered with flowered silk or brocade. It is fairly high and shaped like the stand upon which it is mounted. A third attractive cushion is made of rose and green satin in a conventionalized resemblance to a double rose or peony. The centre of the cushion, made of shirred pink satin, has a puff of the pink satin all around the shirred centre. Around this pink centre is a band of green satin shirred, and beyond this a big puff of the green satin.

Edwardian Easter Gifts - Rose Pincushion

Scented Heart Pads For The Front Of The Corset

Charming as gifts and very easy to make are the little heart pads for the front of the corset. The pads are small, shaped like a heart and covered with pale colored silk. Over this there is a linen cover with a lace ruffle all around it. The top of this linen cover is slightly fulled, and it is drawn up in the centre with a piece of daisy ribbon. By this means it is possible to remove the linen outer covering and launder it.

Part of the attractiveness of this gift depends on its being presented in a small heart shaped flower box, the exact size of the linen heart. The flower on the box matches in fragrance the scented pad of colored silk which is inside the linen heart. In color also the silk heart should match the flower on the box. That is, if the design on the box is violet the little pad should be covered with violet silk and scented with violet sachet. The tiny ribbon or cord which gathers the top of the linen heart should also be violet.’ (Los Angeles Herald, 1909)

‘Heart-shaped corset pads or sachets are liked better now than the long rectangular ones that have been worn for so many months. The heart-shaped pads hold the corset out in front just at the point in post needs it to keep the steel from pressing against the flesh […] buy prettily flowered ribbon that will lend itself to this particular shape for a sachet. Of course, it is far more elegant to have the design painted on, even if it is a very small one, consisting of a single spray of blossoms and a few scattered petals. The pad should be a little longer than it is wide, and if it is edged all around with a frill of narrow lace, this will give it a dainty finish. […]

Occasionally lace coverings over sating enhance the beauty of these little lingerie novelties, and there is quite an advantage in having the pads made this way, for then the lace covers can be removed and fresh ones put on without going to the trouble of making an entire new pad. When these sachets are worn daily, it is necessary to have a goodly supply in order to have them always fresh looking and freshly scented.’ (The Humboldt Times, 1904)

Women ‘have a novel way of introducing fragrant articles into the wardrobe. A soft mass of pink, blue or lavender is often noticeable glimmering faintly through the front of a dress bodice, and it looks as though it was the satin bows of the lingerie, but it is nothing else than a silken heart deliberately scented with sachet powder.’ (The Jersey City News, 1903)

Edwardian Heart Shaped Lingerie Sachet

Collar Bags & Tie Cases

‘Very simple in construction is the linen collar bag shown in one of the illustrations, and it is a most attractive and useful gift. These bags are attractively made of white linen embroidered in colored flowers or of colored linen with self embroidery.

An equally useful and attractive gift is the case for ties which is shown in another illustration. As a foundation for this case a long narrow box is needed. The box is covered with brocade and has a band of heavy cold galloon sewed all around the edge as a border. Four flaps of brocade are attached to the box – two at the end and two at the sides. The box is lined with plain silk. The flaps are brocade on the outside and plain silk on the inside, with a border of gold braid. The box is not very deep, but is of precisely the right shape for ties. The flaps, which are sewed to the long sides of the box, are nearly as wide and as long as the box. The end flaps are as wide as the box and a little more than half as Iong. When the flaps are closed the two side flaps fold over first – then the two end flaps. Ribbons from the centre of the sides hold the flaps down. […]

Edwardian Embroidered Collar Bag

Opera Hoods

Girls are also making for Easter gifts to their friends charming taffeta silk hoods for wear in the evening. These are meant largely for wear by their older sisters, cousins and friends, for of course very young girls have little use for evening finery. The hoods are like those which have been worn in the winter, except that they are much simpler; and very easy to make. The shape is of the simplest – a full cap with sufficient gathers around the face to make the hood stand up from the hair. The hood is gathered on a hat or bonnet wire so that it stands out from the face, and the circle or oval of wire is large enough not to border the face closely. A shallow ruffle of the silk finishes the hood around the face and at the bottom. At the nape of the neck the hood is gathered up by a narrow ribbon or silk cord. Inside the face ruffle there is a narrow ruffle of fine lace which stands out from the face. Tiny bunches of flounces, rosebuds, violets, &c, are placed here and there on the lace ruffle, catching it back from the face in the middle of the top and at the sides. There are also bouquets of three blossoms at the corners of the hood.

Scented Sachets

Easter gifts are so suggestive of the spring, with its fresh odors and blossoms, that sachets of all sorts are particularly suitable for the occasion. The corsage sachet is now a necessity with most women, and these small affairs are so dainty and also so useful that they are particularly popular with girls who have a talent for the needle. The heart sachet, which has already been described, is only one of many which are being made for gifts.

The small flower sachets which have been popular for some time, although not novel, are so pretty that they still continue very desirable. These are made in two ways, either with small bags containing the scented cotton, the top of the bag being made into the semblance of a flower, or the sachet itself is in the form of a flower whose petals are padded with scented cotton.

Most attractive is the pansy sachet for the corsage, made in this fashion. Satin ribbon is used to make this sachet. The three lower petals have scented padding, between the two satin coverings. The two upper petals, although they are doubled, are not padded. The top side of the petals are painted in water colors to resemble the pansy. Yellow and violet satin is mostly used for these pansy sachets. The painting is not at all difficult. Any one who has been at all used to employing water color paints on fabrics can readily do it.

Envelope Sachets

Sets of envelope sachets are also most attractive for an Easter gift. These may be made quite elaborate or as simple as desired. Girls who can use water colors or draw can, of course, decorate the envelopes in this fashion; but this is not necessary. A set of plain envelope sachets, tied with ribbon and delicately scented, will be an acceptable gift to almost any one, for these sachets are so useful when properly scented that one can hardly have too many of them. Of course it is necessary to consider the favorite perfume of the recipient in preparing them.

To make the gift attractive, a flowered box, decorated with the blossoms which is to scent the sachets, should be procured. The envelopes must fit this box. The envelopes should be in a suitable shade. For instance, the violet flowered box might be filled with violet colored envelopes filled with violet scented cotton and tied with violet flowered ribbon.

The rose flowered box with rose sachets could have delicate gray envelopes tied with gray and rose flowered ribbon. Flower seals may also be used to seal the envelopes or if not then they should be sealed with gold seals or tied with gold cord and sealed in the colors. It is possible also – and not difficult – to make the envelope of the flowered paper, wall paper in a fine grade or other flowered paper being possible.

Work Bags

The newest thing in workbags is developed from a yard square of finely dotted white Swiss muslin, lined with a delicate shade of pink, blue, green, mauve or yellow China silk, so placed that its four corners come between instead of beneath the muslin corners, thus leaving the latter semi-transparent. The eight deep points thus formed are finished with hemstitching bordered with Valenciennes, Cluny or some inexpensive white lace, and at their base the two materials are caught together and shirred to accommodate double draw strings of one half inch satin ribbon, matching the shade of the lining. When these strings are drawn taut the cluster of eight deep points forms a flower petal appearance that is most attractive.

Edwardian Veil Case - Edwardian Easter Gifts

Dressing Bags & Slipper Bags

A collapsible dressing bag that is well adapted for travelling is made of six half yard strips of wide taffeta ribbon joined with cable cording and shirred to a circular cardboard bottom. A satin lining is tacked to the seams of the ribbon panels and the sections thus formed make convenient pockets. Each receptacle has its individual baby ribbon drawstring, and a wider ribbon at the top of the bag pulls it together.

Slipper bags are made of six half yard strips of satin, taffeta or ribbon, with gracefully rounded points that project over the shirring casing at the top. These points are lace edged or herringbone embroidered and faced with plain silk or with all-over muslin embroidery. Small pockets set on the outer side of each panel are for handkerchiefs, talcum powder, vanity mirror and manicure tools.

Model opera bags recently sent over from Paris are of taupe and tan colored ottoman silk, lined with matching satin. The lower edge of each side of the bag is ornamented with small flowers done in vari-tinted baby ribbon, and above is set a small medallion lithograph done on silk and framed in gold braiding. The top of the bag is gathered into an inch wide band of gold embroidery, the bottom is finished with gold fringe and the sides are laced together with gold cordage similar to that employed for the handle.

Another type of opera bag. or “opera bonbon,” as it is formed in Paris, is made of wool satin and has flat sides slightly wider at the bottom than at the top, where they are set plainly into a broad band of fancy silver or gold braid. V-shaped gussets join the two side sections, which have centre ornaments of hand painted medallions, after Watteau, done on silk and framed in tinsel braid. The remaining surface of the sides is decorated with silk and tinsel embroidered butterflies and flowers.’ (Los Angeles Herald, 1909)

 

 

 

 

Edwardian Easter Gifts Made Out Of Paper

Easter Cards

‘It is a very pretty custom to exchange little Easter gifts among intimate friends and members of one’s own family, and often the presentation of such a gift is made especially appropriate when accompanied by a little Easter favor bearing the name of the intended recipient.

Very attractive little cards for such age or which could be sent through the mail can be made at home by clever fingers, one of the simplest of these little Easter cards being illustrated in the drawing. This shows a little chicken breaking through its shell, the head and neck of the chicken being cut from yellow flannel or cloth. The parts of the shell are cut from heavy white paper and the feet of black. These are pasted on an oblong square of gray or green cardboard. The eye and the bill of the little chicken are made black with ink or paint.

Other attractive little cards can be made by painting a face on half an eggshell, using tissue paper for the headdress aud neck drapery. One little card of this sort had a demure little face and parted hair painted on the shell, the face being sheltered by a Quaker bonnet and handkerchief made of white tissue paper, the whole being glued on a gray card.’ (Los Angeles Herald, 1907)

Edwardian Easter Card
Edwardian Easter Card (Busy Hands: Construction Work For Children, 1904)

‘Material: Colored cardboard 4 in. x 5 in.; gold paint or yellow water-color; 8 inches of fine yellow covered wire; fine white yarn; strawboard 2 in. x 2 in.; yellow cardboard 1/4 inch square, a needle, and scissors.

On the colored cardboard outline an egg (Fig. 1) and cut out. (Fig. 2.) Print the words “Easter Greeting” at one side, or an Easter verse […] Decorate the edge of the card with some pretty border. For the chicken, cut a circle one inch in diameter from the 2 x 2 strawboard.

Make a hole in the center of the circle 3-16 inch in diameter. Thread the needle with yarn. Let the thread be double, and long. (Several needlefuls will be required.) Pass the needle through the hole in the center of the one-inch circle; then between the double strands near the knot at the end of the yarn. Pull the yarn tight, so that the knot comes at the outside edge of the circular cardboard. (Fig. 3.) Pass the needle through the hole in the center as many times as it will go through. Do not sew over and over the circle in one place. Go around the disk, covering it evenly.

When the hole is filled, cut off the yarn (carried by the needle) at the edge of the circle. Put one blade of the scissors through the wool so that the blade rests on the cardboard inside of the yarn, and cut the yarn along the edge of the cardboard. Take a double piece of yarn five inches long and press it down between the cardboard and the yarn, and tie firmly around the yarn which passes through the center of the disk. (Fig. 5) Cut out the cardboard circle, and a white ball of yarn results. If the ball is not perfect, trim down the uneven parts. This ball is the chicken’s body.

From the remainder of the square of strawboard cut a circle half an inch in diameter. Fill this small circle as you filled the inch circle. The resulting white ball is the chicken’s head.

Sew the head and body together, and make two ink spots for eyes.

Fold the quarter-inch square of yellow cardboard diagonally and paste it into the wool below the eyes to form the chicken’s bill. Cut the yellow covered wire into inch lengths, and bend each piece in the middle. Tie four pieces together for each foot, letting three toes extend forward and one back. Put paste on the wire and stick the legs firmly into the large ball. (Fig. 6.)

Now fasten the chicken on the card. Two chickens on a card look better than one. (Fig. 8.)

The card may be made in the shape of a rabbit instead of an egg. It may be made into a little booklet by having another cardboard for the back. The leaves should be cut (the same shape as the covers) out of white note paper. Use a paper hinge (Fig. 7) to fasten the covers and leaves together. Easter verses may be written on each leaf, and a little water-color picture painted opposite each verse.’ (Busy Hands: Construction Work For Children, 1904)

Tissue Paper Easter Lily Tutorial
Edwardian Tissue Paper Easter Lily (Busy Hands: Construction Work For Children, 1904)

Tissue Paper Easter Lily

‘Material: Six strips of white tissue or crepe paper 1 1/2 in. x 6 in.; six strips of green tissue paper, 1 in. x 6 in.; one strip of green paper, 1/2 in. x 30 in.; a strip of yellow tissue paper, 1/2 in. x 6 in,; a piece of stiff wire 14 inches long; some cotton thread; a cardboard pattern like Fig. 1; paste and scissors.

Place the pattern on each piece of white paper, mark with a pencil, and cut out. Point each strip of green paper at one end so that its shape will be similar.

Take the wire and strip of yellow paper. Fasten a small bunch of the paper at one end of the wire (3/, Fig. 2), and wind the remainder of paper down the wire.

Three inches from the end on which is the bunch of yellow paper, fasten the six white petals with cotton thread, (c. Fig. 2.) Paste one edge of a petal to the edge of the next petal three inches from the pointed end. (x, Fig. 2.) Curl each petal back 2 inches from the pointed end. {0, Fig. 2.)

Begin to wind the stem with the 1/2 x 30 strip of green paper just where the petals are tied on. (c, Fig. 2.) Put in the leaves as you wind the stem. (Fig. 3.)’ (Busy Hands: Construction Work For Children, 1904)

Edwardian Flower Picture Frame Tutorial

Picture Frames

‘Photograph frames are always desirable gifts, and especially the flowered frames which become soiled in time and must be renewed. In making flowered frames now paper is in quite as much favor as are the fabrics, and indeed for the summer house paper frames are considered more desirable than any other. Girls who are water color artists of some ability have an opportunity of exercising their skill to advantage in making those frames, but unless they are really adepts at this art it is best not to foist it upon one’s friends in the shape of gifts, but instead to make the frames of flowered paper.

There are the most lovely French and English papers which are imported for wall coverings. and if care be taken in choosing the designs the effect is quite as satisfactory as the hand painted designs. Of course the design must be chosen with reference to the shape of the frame and where it is to be cut out for the photograph. One of the points to be most carefully considered in the making of such frames is their suitability to the room in which they are to be employed. When it is quite impossible to find a paper which has the designs in the desired colors so placed that they will fall properly upon the frame then the figures may be cut out and applied to a plain paper frame. It is more often necessary to cut out the figures in making a square or rectangular frame than in a round one, where an allover design seems more appropriate.

Edwardian Candle Shade

Candle Shades

Girls who have mechanical as well as artistic ability may find a new outlet for their talent in the paper sculpture work which is used for the decoration of candle shades, photograph frames, &c. The candle shade in the illustration is made in this fashion, and to girls who are clever in the use of tools this order of handiwork offers a new opportunity for the decoration of gifts. Many Easter gifts are being made in this fashion. The shade is made of ivory colored paper that is heavy enough to permit the cutting of the design in relief. The candle shade is then cut out and the design cut on it so that detail of flowers, leaves, &c, are raised from the background. The design is not cut through, it is merely cut in relief. When the candle is lighted the design stands out boldly. Some of the shades have color added to the cut design, the entire flower or its centre or petals being delicately colored.’ (Los Angeles Herald, 1909)

 

 

 

 

Easter Flowers - Edwardian Easter Gifts

 

Edwardian Easter Flowers & Easter Bouquets

‘The Easter girl of 1904 is far more progressive than her sister of a few years ago, for while one was pleased with floral gifts sent in loose bunches and tied with ribbons, the other wants something more fetching, more chic. In other words, this 1904 girl has progressed in such a fashion that she is best pleased when her pet flower is artistically placed in an intricately woven basket of pussy willows or arranged in one of the multitude of charming and fantastical ways that have come into such vogue.

Orchids

The California girl may love the orchid, but it is not the flower that holds the place of honor in her heart, and very few of the 800.000 that are needed in New York to supply the Easter demand will be needed here. But orchids, when they are sent, are such exquisite blossoms that they need much careful study. […]

Pussy Willow Baskets

Perhaps the most popular way to send orchids to the Easter girl is to mass them in baskets made of young pussy willows. These pretty little things have been forced in hothouses on purpose for the Easter basket, and the florist that has neglected this part of his business has his men out scouring the country for the very earliest ones, and they are being brought to town by the cartload.

Of baskets there is an endless variety, and all manner of odd shapes are being woven, which, by the way, is done, quite systematically as any other method of basketry. A particular fit one is what is known as the nest basket. The pussy willows are woven round and round like a nest, with the pussy heads saucily protruding here and there, to liven the dark green and brown of the twigs. Fitted snugly in the nest is a glass receptacle, and when it is filled with the magnificent blossoms, with here and there a petal straying over the nest, it is a floral fancy that would please the most fastidious and exacting girl on earth.

Another favorite style of basket is the one that is shaped like a diamond, with four handles meeting in the center. Covering the glass in the bottom are masses of violets, and resting serenely on their sweet bed are orchids, tumbling about in artistic confusion. To give the prettiest effect some of the blossoms should be attached to the handles, for they are very graceful and lovely and fall naturally and easily over the edge of the basket.

Easter Table Decorations

These dainty receptacles are not to be used entirely for presenting flowers, for the Easter hostess has had her eye on them for some time, and her luncheon or dinner table will be dressed as it has never been before. Nothing could be daintier or more in contrast than delicate tints of the orchid, the rich shades of the violets and the dark framework of the basket.

Another charming conceit is a large Chinese straw plaque. The flowers, anything in the deep yellows, are fastened firmly on one side and then permitted to droop in any fashion that they please, but the stems are concealed by a great bow of yellow and lavender ribbon that stretches across the plaque and ends in another great fluff-fluff. Jonquils are especially attractive, as their rich yellow blends so prettily with the straw color and the touch of green finishes it off with the chicness that is peculiarly its own.

Violets & Shower Bouquets

The sweet-smelling violet is always certain of favor for the Easter girl. And especially this year as Easter comes early. Tucked here and there in every available nook, set in a framework of lace or fastened on fur, they are always dainty. Corsage bouquets, by the way, are to be tied with an imported corduroy ribbon, which is to take the place of satin ribbon, and the violet or gold cord. The new ribbon comes in green and violet colors, both of which are to be used in tying boxes, baskets, hampers and everything in the floral line that may be sent as an offering of good will.

The shower bouquet, which until very recently has been entirely used at weddings; has been remodeled a trifle, and is to be one of the most becoming features of the smart Easter frock; for violets, lillies of the valley and even pansies can be beautifully arranged by using a narrow green ribbon and instead of being bunched and tied with the regulation bow they will hang gracefully and swing in the breeze.

Garden Hats Filled With Flowers

A charming idea of presenting violets to the sweetest and prettiest girl in the town is to make an immense garden hat of violet crepe paper, having a double frill of white crepe paper about the edge as a frill. Fasten a bow of the violet ribbon at each side and tie a loose bow on the under side. Then turn the hat upside down and fill it generously with the fragrant flowers and plenty of leaves, for they add a pretty touch of green that can be obtained in no other way.

Another clever idea is to give a garden hat, no matter how old or how broken it may be, a generous coat of gilding or silvering, and then turn back the corners to form a square. Fasten the corners with loops of ribbon or cords, or even grasses, and fill with flowers of all colors and descriptions, wild flowers if they are to be had, for they are a vivid reminder of the country with its carpet of green. […]

Edwardian Easter Basket With Flowers

Rustic Baskets

Not only are baskets made of various greens and willows, but rustic work baskets have been appropriated by the up-to-date florist for azaleas, snowdrops and baby roses, and as the baskets come in all sorts of oriental colors and in every imaginable shape, they are always pretty. Particularly so when they are made of a mossgreen wood plentifully sprinkled with flitters to resemble snow, and tied with ribbons of six or seven contrasting colors.

Roses & Glass Vases

Roses will never cease to be popular, especially with those whose purses are not expansive enough to indulge in orchids, and all the newest frills and furbelows that cost a mint of money. The American Beauty, a regal rose in itself, looks its very best when presented in a Bohemian glass vase, but as every one cannot afford that luxury, they are being dressed up with ribbons in oriental design and with great floating ends, for their long stems permit of such treatment.

For the chap who can afford it marvelous vases are a fit gift. One of the prettiest designs is a large pond Iily resting on a huge leaf of mirror glass. Such a vase, filled with lilies, affords the opportunity for presenting an artistic piece of bric-a-brac as well as the flowers, and in this way getting ahead of the stern mamma, for while a costly gift might be bundled unceremoniously home again, flowers and their receptacle could not be returned without positively insulting the giver.

Carnations & Brush Hampers

Carnations lend themselves beautifully to any scheme that the florist may fancy and on account of their beauty and fragrance are a formidable enemy of the rose. A Japanese basket, almost like a vase in shape, may be filled with them and a dull, moss-covered foliage is used as a new background. Of course, milady cannot very well wear them, but she may take out as many as she pleases, and put the basket in her favorite corner to enjoy at her leisure.

The price of the carnation brings them within the means of the average person, and as a consequence the Easter girl will receive them by the bushel in beautiful hampers of brush, the new material for baskets. Generally they are arranged carelessly and the lid is raised partially or entirely, showing the flowers, which look as though they were on the verge of falling out, but in reality they are caught and held firmly in place by wire pins, to the sides as well as to the top. One need have no fear about sending these hampers a long distance, for they, are set in big baskets, which all florists use for sending out such trophies, and they reach their destination without being in the least disarranged or bruised. Frequently, but just as one pleases, a broad ribbon, the same shade as the carnation, is tied around the cover in a broad, flat bow on the back and a bow of the same may be at the corners.

Easter Lilies & Azaleas

Hampers of Easter lilies will probably find their way to many a pretty girl’s door and right well will she be pleased with them. But the prettiest and daintiest of all are the azaleas, which are imported from Holland in the mother earth. They are beautiful blossoms and come in all colors, so that they may be sent out in Dutch wooden baskets, mixed with smilax or ferns, the tall handles covered with vines.

Edwardian Easter Flowers And Bouquets
Indian Basket Filled With Blossoms, Basket With Roses & A Hanging Basket Filled With Moss And Roses (San Francisco Call, 1904)

Blossom Branches

Blossoms are another favorite and certainly they deserve to be, for they are the daintiest of the dainty. In long or short branches one may get them, heavily laden with the rosy tinted petals, but unless they are handled just so they are very apt to look ungainly and as though they resented being torn from the tree. A coarse Indian basket is a good setting for them, for they are great drinkers and fade and die if they are not well cared for. A common tin pail may be set in the basket and the branches arranged and tied, and lo and behold a gift fit to be sent to a queen is ready to be on its way within a few minutes.

Suitcases With Flowers

The laddie that has a lassie in the country has found a novel way of sending his greetings. Suitcases are made of cardboard, but such good imitations that at first glance it is difficult to distinguish them from the genuine leather ones, especially as they are sent by express and are covered with labels and have the donor’s card attached.

Inexpensive Flowers

No matter how much one might like to send flowers they have heretofore been so expensive that only a certain few felt that they could really and truly afford it. But, fortunately, that age has passed. Simple rustic baskets made of wire twigs and leaves have come into vogue and are exquisitely pretty when filled with marguerites or any of the cheaper, simpler flowers which are so abundant. Urn-shaped baskets, shoes and reticules, such as were used in our grandmother’s days, are now and then seen in wire and brush, and probably will continue to be popular receptacles for all the more common, inexpensive posies.

Ferns & Flowering Plants Instead Of Cut Flowers

Cut flowers, no matter how rare they may be, always fade and their loveliness is very fleeting, so there is a growing tendency to present ferns and flowering plants at Easter time, without any attempt at decoration beyond their own beauty. Ribbons, however, probably will be greatly used in trimming the branches of plants and jardinieres.

Although other flowers come and go, the Easter lily will always be the favorite of the Easter girl. Enamel white jardinieres, tied with white or velvet ribbon, will be the best way to send out this stately plant, and if one pleases it is not only possible but very smart to paint a greeting on the white streamers, to give a personal touch of sentiment. Fluted paper, which resembles a fabric, and which comes with a double ruching in two colors at the top, is used as a suitable covering for the pot.

Of fanciful designs there is an endless variety, one prettier than the other. The Crimson Rambler rose is trained into all sorts of pretty shapes, the oddest of which is the basket. To all appearances, the blood-red roses are arranged with their leaves in a pretty basket, but instead it is a rose tree growing in a pot and skillfully trained into the shape of a handled basket. Decorated ceramics form an acceptable, though very expensive, way of presenting flowers, but after all is said and done, a potted fern in a fern dish is about as welcome a gift as can be found in a long day’s journey, although, to be sure, much depends upon the person sending the Easter remembrance.’ (San Francisco Call, 1904)

16 thoughts on “Edwardian Easter Gifts

  1. I love these lovely handmade gift ideas. The thought behind how the person might use the gift was the goal, rather than just giving for the season. What a wonderful sentiment!

  2. Love all of these, but that first cushion sounds wonderful!! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

  3. Just goes to show you there really isn’t anything very new we do when we decorate! Great article. Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *