I've loved "etiquette" books ever since I received "Emily Post's Etiquette: The Blue Book of Social Usage" sometime in the 1960's. It has survived my many book collection cuts. The table setting pages were some of my favorites. I have no idea why this appeals to me. I guess it's just the beauty and order of things.
We recently went through my dear mother in law's things. She passed away almost a year ago and we had the sad duty to clear the house out to sell. We went through her many many books and got rid of many but one I kept for my own personal collection, a book I want to one day pass on to my sweet grand daughter (who turns 9 in March) is the 'New Book of Etiquette' by Lillian Eichler. It was published in 1933. Tucked in side the book is Mom's book mark, a piece of silk ribbon. I treasure that all the more. My mother in law was 83 when we lost her suddenly last April. I will miss her always. But I know that she used this book. There are many pages underlined and notes in the margin...Mom had wonderful manners and taste. I do not know (I don't think) any of that came from a book, I think it is something you are born with, but just knowing she was trying to 'improve' herself with this book as a girl makes me smile. Thanks Meredith. Your blog is always a pleasure. You make my day. Hope you are feeling better and that your Valentine evening is wonderful. Roxie
Roxie, lost my grandmother last April, too. We are going to start the process of going through her things this summer, it is hard touching her things, her handwriting. She too had a 1930s cookbook with little margin notes; I read it every time we go to the house, now.
Meredith, ha! we modern girls think decorating with Kale is so new and fresh looking : ) thanks for the vintage glimpse.
This is totally unrelated to the etiquette book (where we find some tips that are timeless so the book is still of value) but I was just reading your old blogs and there is one dated March 25 where you talk about "the birthday boy". Didn't Andrew just have to cancel or postpone his birthday party??? I'm confused as to when his birthday is!!
WHY can't they write good, practical books like this anymore?? Our homekeeping and the related arts are just that, ART. ahem. I agree that you have the eye for this kind of thinking outside the box, Meredith! Case in point were your Valentine apples just a few posts ago :) Margo
Thought you might enjoy this advice from the table decoration chapter:
14 comments:
Holy Cow - girl! That's too complicated for me! LOL.
Happy V. Day
Sandy
I know--we are much more relaxed these days, aren't we?
I just thought it was fun to show that even the most expensive items aren't always the best or most suitable.
(Music to this frugal mama's ears!)
Simple things--regardless of cost--can be appropriate on any table.
I just love old books.
Meredith, you should write a modern-day book on the topic of frugal decorating...
I've loved "etiquette" books ever since I received "Emily Post's Etiquette: The Blue Book of Social Usage" sometime in the 1960's. It has survived my many book collection cuts. The table setting pages were some of my favorites. I have no idea why this appeals to me. I guess it's just the beauty and order of things.
We recently went through my dear mother in law's things. She passed away almost a year ago and we had the sad duty to clear the house out to sell. We went through her many many books and got rid of many but one I kept for my own personal collection, a book I want to one day pass on to my sweet grand daughter (who turns 9 in March) is the 'New Book of Etiquette' by Lillian Eichler. It was published in 1933. Tucked in side the book is Mom's book mark, a piece of silk ribbon. I treasure that all the more. My mother in law was 83 when we lost her suddenly last April. I will miss her always. But I know that she used this book. There are many pages underlined and notes in the margin...Mom had wonderful manners and taste. I do not know (I don't think) any of that came from a book, I think it is something you are born with, but just knowing she was trying to 'improve' herself with this book as a girl makes me smile.
Thanks Meredith. Your blog is always a pleasure. You make my day.
Hope you are feeling better and that your Valentine evening is wonderful. Roxie
Roxie, lost my grandmother last April, too. We are going to start the process of going through her things this summer, it is hard touching her things, her handwriting. She too had a 1930s cookbook with little margin notes; I read it every time we go to the house, now.
Meredith,
ha! we modern girls think decorating with Kale is so new and fresh looking : ) thanks for the vintage glimpse.
dm
I have a small but beloved collection of vintage etiquette books. I love this sort of gem.
can you imagine that "in the same way....." until "entertaining" is actually just ONE sentence??!! *lol*
I just love books like these, just to remind me that I have nothing to complain about...ever ;) Entertaining is so much easier now!
This is totally unrelated to the etiquette book (where we find some tips that are timeless so the book is still of value) but I was just reading your old blogs and there is one dated March 25 where you talk about "the birthday boy". Didn't Andrew just have to cancel or postpone his birthday party??? I'm confused as to when his birthday is!!
"Some people have a flair"...sounds like you, Meredith!
You had me looking longingly at kale this afternoon at the grocery!
WHY can't they write good, practical books like this anymore?? Our homekeeping and the related arts are just that, ART.
ahem.
I agree that you have the eye for this kind of thinking outside the box, Meredith! Case in point were your Valentine apples just a few posts ago :)
Margo
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