What a housewife must know

What should every housewife know in order to run her home smoothly, efficiently, and with style? Guides, like this 1930s film by McCalls, titled Recipe for the Perfect Housewife, were released to encourage the art of homemaking. I love these instructional, simple but authoritative videos that give a glimpse of life in the past when homemaking was considered a true art form. How lovely does this lady look pottering around her home in the clip below? She is totally chic with her short waved hair and pussybow blouse. 

A housewife must know...

Food, and how to cook: A housewife should enjoy cooking for herself and her family. A few times a week, get creative in the kitchen and hone your culinary skills by attempting new recipes. Each time you make a recipe, make notes on what you could change to improve it or add your own twist. After a few attempts it will be perfected, and slowly you can build up your own menu of foolproof dishes that can be whipped up at a moment's notice. It's also important to know how to economize your kitchen by using up scraps and leftover servings.

How to set her table attractively: Make the effort to set the table nicely with china, silverware, flowers, and candles. Personalize the table's decor by coordinating linens, flowers, and candles to create various color palettes and themes that are pleasing to the eye. Table setting makes your meals feel more special - a reminder to slow down and enjoy your food and to connect with whomever is sitting with you.

How to make her home comfortable and inviting: Each room should be tastefully decorated with no clutter. Things like flowers, candles, throw pillows, antique books, lamp shades, and old paintings are easy ways to bring in charming decor. I enjoy looking at old homes because of the more formal style that the decor seems to have. Each room is decorated with the specific purpose for that room in mind - the table is the centerpiece of the dining room, perfectly made beds in the bedrooms. etc. The homes are not gaping open-plan caves or stark minimalist dwellings - the rooms look cozy, warm, and lived in.

The worth of labor saving devices: Even women in the 1930s used "modern" devices to make their housekeeping more organized and efficient. The goal wasn't to expend all your energy in a cleaning marathon, but to strategically conserve your energy while still maintaining a clean home. Find what appliances, cleaning products, and organizational systems work best for you. Treat your home like a  boutique bed & breakfast that runs on schedule for meals, laundry, and cleaning routines. Getting the housework done smoothly means more time for family, socializing, and hobbies.

Clothes, how to buy and make them: The quintessential housewife always looks put together. Yes, this is an exaggeration, but it's a reminder that just because you work from home doesn't mean you have to neglect style. Get dressed every morning, look at photos for inspiration, and cultivate a sense of dress appropriate for your lifestyle. Regularly prune your closet and add new items as you go. If you sew, you can thrift, upcycle, and mend clothing to stretch your wardrobe and add your own personal touch. 

That she must face death to bring children into the world: Well... that escalated quickly.

To be a companion and sweetheart to her husband: It's the "little things" are the big things here. Treat your partner with respect, be supportive, spend quality time together, and make your marriage a priority. Have fun and make the effort to plan special dates, surprises, and traditions.

To make social contacts: Housewives often had a strong sense of community with other wives in the neighborhood and were encouraged to participate in social events such as community groups, charities, and bridge clubs. With the use of modern technology, you can also cultivate a community of likeminded friends from all over the world - a blessing for the more introverted housewife.

To widen her own horizons and find time for culture: Contrary to popular belief,  housewives were not just mindless domestic drones. Not only were women experts at running a home, but they were also encouraged to seek out the arts and bring culture into their life. Once the daily tasks were finished, finding time to read with the family, listen to music, or pursue an interesting hobby was encouraged. Being able to make interesting conversation, not just exchange local gossip, was very becoming for a lady.  

— TYG