The Hidden Art

Have you read Edith Schaeffer's book, "The Hidden Art of Homemaking"? In it she outlines creative ideas for enriching everyday life. Her writing is real and practical, yet she is quick to encourage adding little details to make home a special place to be. Each chapter describes elements that she believes should be focused upon in a home: art, music, interior decoration, gardens, flower arranging, food, writing, drama, recreation, clothing, integration of others, and the environment. Edith speaks fondly of children and of a mother's role in creating elements in a home that provide color, texture, shape, repetition, and line. Baking bread becomes a communal connecting point in a family, and the always present table centerpiece is created from objects readily available during any season in nature. Her writing draws the reader into her home with statements like this: "The kitchen should be an interesting room in which communication takes place between child and mother and also among adults. It should be interesting in the same way as is an artist's studio, as well as being a cosy spot in which to have a cup of tea while something is being watched or stirred, or while waiting to take something out of the oven." Most of all, the author reminds each reader that we are to extend hospitality especially to those whom we may not normally extend it, as Jesus said doing "for one of the least of these" is as though doing unto Him. If you haven't read this book yet, take a moment to find a copy and enjoy an afternoon read.

*Tyndale Press 1971

Thank you for visiting Gracious Hospitality. Please come back soon!

Taken from http://www.gracioushospitality.blogspot.com/