Winter Scene.—A good window for winter may be made by cutting down an old tree (or part of one) and placing it in the center of your window. Run cotton over the tops of the bare branches to represent snow, and sprinkle it with flitters. Two or three stuffed robins or sparrows may be placed upon the branches, which will also hold many articles of merchandise.
Twist Crepe Backgrounds.—Trimmers are using crepe paper for backgrounds with good effect. One mode is to cut the crepe paper into three-inch strips, paste together, end to end, until long enough to reach the height of the window. One end is tacked flat to the floor, and the strip is slightly twisted until the curls that are formed are about as close as those in a corkscrew. The strip is then drawn fairly taut and tacked to the ceiling. A few inches away a strip of contrasting color is fastened in the same way, and, continuing, a straight or circular backing is thus formed which is bright and attractive. Sometimes the tops of the twisted columns are centered, and in a few instances the ends are gathered together at the bottom and spread, fan-like, from that point.
Handkerchief Racks.—These racks consist of ¼-inch rods fastened under the back edge of the counter top, running perpendicularly to a height of eighteen inches above the counter, and then forward horizontally eighteen inches. The front end is flattened and pierced with a small hole in which to stick the standard of a price ticket. The bars are placed a foot apart, and run the length of the counter. Handkerchiefs are fastened to the horizontal section by means of clasps or cord, and the effect produced by the display is remarkable, a few dozen handkerchiefs presenting the appearance of a large stock. The bars are common iron, made by any blacksmith, and gilded.
Use of Wall Paper.—Occasionally one tires of the continuous use of cheesecloth for backgrounds, and for variety a window lined with wall paper is effective. Care must be exercised in selecting a small, dainty pattern, and the entire window space—sides, back, ceiling and floor—should be covered with the same pattern, as well as any stands used in the trim. Dark backgrounds, with small white figures, are most desirable.
Holly.—Windows trimmed with sprigs of holly, having the red berries peeping from among the dark green leaves, inspire shoppers with the thought that Christmas is not far off, and thus stimulate trade.