"There should be an atmosphere of cheerfulness and hospitality about the simplest places in which we eat . . . Sunlight and air should be considered in locating the dining room. If it is not placed where the sunshine reaches it much of the day, the color of the walls and hangings should suggest sunlight--yellow, for example. If the room is sunny, softer tones in grays or greens may be a wise choice."
"Ready for Work in the Kitchen"
"The efficient worker includes getting ready for her job as part of her work. Handling food requires absolute cleanliness. Everyone who is to prepare food must, therefore, meet the exacting requirements of cleanliness.
What one wears in the kitchen--inexpensive house dress, or smock, or apron--should be washable, attractive, and of course spick-and-span.
Shoes should be comfortable and neat.
Hair should be out of the way so that it will not be falling in the eyes or into the food. Such an arrangement can and should be becoming.
Handkerchief should be placed safely in a pocket.
Hands, especially the nails, should be thoroughly clean before handling food, and of course hands are never clean unless they have just been washed.
A hand towel should be conveniently placed so that hands may be washed frequently. Never fail to wash your hands after using a handerchief, going to the toilet, or soiling the hands in any way.
"Oh, yes . . . and you're a stage manager, too! You set the mood for a child, alternating gay activity with periods of calm. You help a child get to sleep by providing a restful atmosphere, cool air, drawn blinds, and maybe soft music. You see that mealtimes are pleasant and serene with the emphasis on sociability, not manners or punishment. You arrange a child's playroom so he has several different type things to do, seeing that it's bright and sunny and generally appealing. And you change scenes, too. You sense the moment when your child is becoming bored with indoor amusements . . . And then you lose no time is getting him outside for play. And you sense approaching fatigue in time to remove him indoors again . . ."
"Most people's lives are made up of little things. On the whole, in spite of battle, murder, and sudden death, most of us are concerned, day in and day out, with work and play, food and rest; and one day is pretty much like another. If this is an accurate picture of your life, and you are looking forward eagerly to more of the same, you're contented. You're also either lucky or very wise--or both, and probably blessed with good health."
"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."
"The living room is colorful and cozy. It is the kind of a room where friends love to bring their mending and spend an afternoon sewing and visiting around the generous tea table. There is everything a man needs to work comfortably at this slant-top desk."
