Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-17

SuD1ect OF nome Du1lQin&, nome FURNISHING,
home decorating and home managing should
be included In the reading matter acquired
at this time.
Even the person of excellent natural taste
will be led into expressing herself poorly in
her purchases or in her household posses
sfons because undriiled in what constitutes
the desirable. what is best and most avail
able In her day and generation.
Today the whole impulse Is toward the
well made. the simple, the hygienic and
therefore the most attractive and the best
1t Is the age of reviving handicrafts. And
there are endless incentives in the way of
literature to stimulate the amateur to I'M
dertake home decoration herself, Ii her
mental bent or her needs demand this of
her.
Good handbooks of permanent value are
becoming increasingly numerous. A dozen
or more volumes contain practical princi-
pies and omit all mere fads and succinctly
inform hquirers along lines OF permanent
value.
Such books seldom come under general
reviewing, but some idea of them may be
had by writing for reliable list from any
large metropolitan bookseller. few prac-
teal books covering the literature of the
house VIII prove to be one of the most real
of economies on the part of the wise and
enterprlsing house mistress
The Guest Room.
The name carries with 1t visions of old
time hospitality. and wherever 1t is possible
to preserve this relic of bygone days it
should be done. 1t emphasizes the fact
that the whole world is kin. and that. like
King Arthur's round table, the family circle
is capable of expanding to admit others
within the charmed ring.
In the country home and that of the small
town 1t is the one important means of
agreeable companionship and entertain
n.ent, and the fitting up of the guest cham
Der should be study in making a tempor-
airy home that will breathe a welcome to
ones friends.
Given the fundamentals of an agreeable
sleeping apartment, there are certain little
touches that must be added that are real
necessity to the comfort of the guest In
many cases these little additions are to be
made just before the guest arrives and with
direct reference to her individual taste and
habits.
The mail table furnished with pen and
ink should be supplied; it will save her the
annoyance of asking for those things, and
feeling that she is causing extra steps. A
visitor must write some letters, for she
must keep in touch with her home.
A few books and late magazines should
also be found in the guest chamber. There
are times during the day when the hostess
will be occupied with household duties and
errands. and the guest can entertain her
self If such things are placed convenient for
her.
A pitcher of ice water is another import
ans adjunct to her room; there Is no great
e. comfort than to find drinking water al
ways within easy reach. 1t Is by little
thoughtful acts that the tactful hostess
Is distinguished, and 1t marks the difference
between too much freedom and too much
formality In entertaining a house guest. It
is possible to so overload a guest with at
tenton that she will feel that she has upset
completely the household regime and be
fort at1 in
e5s may likewise be so lacking In little at
tentions that the visitor will be conscious
of the neglect. The nice point in entertain
ing house guests is to leave them enough
freedom to make them feel that they are
one of the family circle for the time being
and still give them all the attention that is
necessary for their comfort.
A proper fitting up of the guest chamber
Will do much toward contributing to the
little comforts of the guests without them
being conscious that special effort Is being
made in their behalf
Furniture Stains.
Have ready three pieces of wooden cloth:
dip one into linseed oil. rub the spot brisk
ly, wet the second with alcohol and apply
to oily surface, rubbing quickly, as too
much alcohol will destroy the varnish, and
finally polish with the third cloth, moistened
with oil or furniture polish
Another way is to use equal parts of
vinegar. sweet oil and spirits of turpentine;
shake all well together In bottle; apply
with flannel cloth and rub dry with old
silk or linen.
Sweeping.
Before sweeping rooms the floors should
be strewn with good amount of wet news
papers wrung nearly dry and torn In pieces
or fresh cut grass. These collect the dust
and do not soil the carpet.