Wisdom for Guests

This vintage advice for guests is so true, and clearly has been taken to heart by my most faithful houseguest, the lovely Elyse, who came for a week after Christmas. I have such fond memories of cooking together with her here, and I know to lay in lots of garlic before she comes, because she *will* need it. She has also been known to fold mountains of clothes and replace broken toilet seats.

"If you stay longer than overnight in a servantless house, you should arrive at a firm understanding with your hostess about doing your fair share of the domestic chores. Don't volunteer for these tasks in a half-hearted way but consider them as an obligation. You should help with the dishes and make your own bed and your husband's. If your hostess insists on performing these tasks herself, find other ways of helping, such as driving the car, looking after the children, or working in the garden [or, I would add, mincing garlic]. Anyone who is particularly good at cooking certain dishes or making small household repairs should offer to exercise his or her talent. The longer you stay, the more useful you should try to be."

--Homemaker's Encyclopedia: Etiquette for Everybody (1952)