Mrs. Dunwoody's Excellent Instructions for Homekeeping: Timeless Wisdom and Practical Advice

by Miriam Lukken

Mrs. Dunwoody is a character based on the author's great grandmother and other traditional Southern women who believe in the importance of making a house a home.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, History, Self Help, Lifestyle, Gardening, How To

288 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 2003

About the author

Miriam Lukken is a former school teacher and author of four books.

Reviews

[Geneil]

I LOVE this book. It is full of great ideas and recipes and old-fashioned advice. Gives you a look at how homes were run earlier in the century, and it is full of optimistic reminders why homekeeping is a necessary, productive, happy occupation. I feel like it's full of that, anyway--whenever I read it, I feel motivated to do better than I do now.

[Fostergrants]

i love this old fashioned housewifey stuff. did you know that throwing borax on the fire in your fireplace will keep the chimney clean? all kinds of household advice and even some business on how to entertain and make people feel welcome and how to hold a decent conversation or write a thank you note. some of it is completely irrelevant today in most places...like using milk on ink stains - today we have 'spray n wash' but this is what makes the book amusing. having a little glimpse into the lives of our grandmothers is kind of fun and makes you realize how easy some of this stuff is now. i picture martha stewart's gramma writing this book.

[Michelle]

Delightful read! Full of tips and whimsical tips on cleaning and life in general. The advice comes from a multi generational handbook which is handed down in a southern family.
Nice illustrations and even has some sections you can take notes and write in.
There are even some modern day recipes for cleaning green..

[Lisa]

Great timeless tips and a look back at a slower time.

[Edie]

This is a great collection of practical advice from what to do if someone has been struck by lightning to how to be a gracious hostess with topics ranging from keeping a house to recording one's family tree.

[Chana]

This is a book of etiquette, and so much more. It is charming and whimsical to read. It is full of both practical and spiritual advice. It is common sense dispensed with a kind hand. I think this book would make a lovely gift.

[Nicole]

I ADORE this book. Whenever I pick it up, I find something new; whenever I need a lift or inspiration, I can turn to a page and find just what I need. My fantasy life, in print.

[Brooke Simmons]

I've had this book for many years and still pick it up regularly. It's such a treat that throws me back into history with practical solutions that are still relevant today. Makes a wonderful gift.

[Karla Taylor]

I absolutely loved this book! I recommend you BUY it. It is truly a must.

[Lora Sutton]

Most of the tips and advice hold true today and the ones that didn’t were still interesting to read . Pretty amazing considering most of it was written almost 150 years ago! This is a book worth having on your self or coffee table !

[Jess Dollar]

I'm on a cookbook/ homemaking kick lately, especially with a nod to the past. I liked the section on hosting the best.

[Drew and Nichole Wharton]

Great read

I really enjoyed the format was a simple read will be reading it again and again and again. K k

[Winter Arnold]

I really enjoyed this book. It not only gave wonderful home keeping advice but also parenting, marriage, and being a good human advice! I want to give a copy to everyone I know.

[Samantha]

What a fantastic book. I loved the excellent advice along with recipes for food, cleaning and even health.

[Kira]

An absolutely charming and helpful housekeeping book! I loved the vintage feel here and there were some genuinely good tips too 💖

[Jill LaSalle]

Fun

Lots of practical and old-fashioned information on home keeping and etiquette. I enjoyed reading it when I wasn't in the mood for something heavier.

[Stefanie Jones]

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[Kristina Seleshanko]

If you've never had the chance to read a good Victorian home keeping book, then you owe it to yourself to read Mrs. Dunwoody's - a modern book written in the style of the 19th century. Although this book does talk about cleaning and cooking, it's much more about developing a peaceful, loving home atmosphere. A fun read with plenty of practical advice for the 21st century home keeper.

[La Toya]

Love this whimsical book. I saw it on my friend's bookshelf when I was on a mini-vacay out in farm country. I skimmed through every so often while was I there and found that I was still thinking about the book when I went home. I immediately ordered it from Amazon the first chance I got and have been referring to it from time to time when I need some old-timey tips and tricks on housekeeping.

[Kristie J.]

Charming book about keeping your home, written as if a mother or grandmother is passing it down to future generations of the family. Many of the tips are timeless and still relevant today. Makes you feel domestic!

[Bonnie]

Not only does this book offer practical advice, but I really enjoy the theory of homekeeping as an art. Home is a source of emotional nourishment. Should it not require our best energies to create a place of peace and nurture? My favorite advice was: "Trust God and do the next thing."

[Rebecca]

another favorite..

[Katie]

Terrific and handy!

[Maria (Ri)]

Well, I'll never quite be the homemaker that Mrs. Dunwoody was, nor would I want to I think, but this book was still full of gems that I can use.

[Heather]

This was an okay read. There were some interesting parts, but nothing so overwhelming I would tell you to go and have a look.

[Meloney Lindsey]

Loved it! Charming and old fashioned. Fun read!

[Ginnie]

Recommended by Amy.

Good timeless advice for a beautiful home and life.

[Jill Evans]

I love reading old-fashioned homemaking books. This was fun to read.

[Faith]

LOVE this book! I was thankful to get it as a gift too!