In Europe it is the custom to begin collecting linen for a girl’s trousseau as soon as she is born, but the American bride cares nothing for dozens upon dozens of stout linen articles.  She much prefers gossamer texture lavishly embellished with equally perishable lace.  Everything must be bought for beauty; utility is not considered at all.  No stout hand-woven underwear trimmed with solidly stitched needlework!  Modern Miss Millions demands handkerchief linen and Valenciennes lace of a quality that used to be put as trimming on a ball gown, and Miss Smallpurse asks for chiffon and less expensive but even more sheer and perishable laces.  Not long ago a stocking was thought fine if it could be run through a wedding ring; to-day no stocking is considered “fit to put on” for town or evening wear unless several together can slip through the measure once the test for one.

=THE MOST EXTRAVAGANT TROUSSEAU=

The most lavish trousseau imaginable for the daughter of the very rich might be supposed to comprise: 

House Linen

One to six dozen finest quality embroidered or otherwise “trimmed” linen sheets with large embroidered monogram.

One to six dozen finest quality linen sheets, plain hemstitched, large monogram.

One to six dozen finest quality linen under-sheets, narrow hem and small monogram.

Two pillow cases and also one “little” pillow case (for small down pillow) to match each upper sheet.

One to two dozen blanket covers (these are of thin washable silk in white or in colors to match the rooms) edged with narrow lace and breadths put together with lace insertion.

Six to twelve blankets.

Three to twelve wool or down-filled quilts.

Two to ten dozen finest quality, extra large, face towels, with Venetian needlework or heavy hand-made lace insertion (or else embroidered at each end), and embroidered monogram.

Five to ten dozen finest quality hemstitched and monogrammed but otherwise plain, towels.

Five to ten dozen little hand towels to match the large ones.

One to two dozen very large bath towels, with embroidered monogram, either white or in color to match the border of towels.

Two to four dozen smaller towels to match.

One tablecloth, six or eight yards long, of finest but untrimmed damask with embroidered monogram on each side, or four corners.  Three dozen dinner napkins to match. (Lace inserted and richly embroidered tablecloths of formal dinner size are not in the best taste.)

One tablecloth five to six yards long with two dozen dinner napkins to match.

One to four dozen damask tablecloths two and a half to three yards long, and one dozen dinner napkins to match each tablecloth.  All tablecloths and napkins to have embroidered monogram or initials.

Two to six medium sized cut-work, mosaic or Italian lace-work tablecloths, with lunch napkins to match.