Making a Home: Housekeeping for Real Life

Now this is a book we can use. My husband and I both "keep house," and we both need help. This book is so well organized that I've already learned I can quickly turn to whatever I need. The book is blissfully brief also as the information is boiled down into clear but simple tips. I expected lots of cleaning and care information, which the book includes, but I was pleasantly surprised with the bonus information on buying furnishings or appliances, setting the table, writing a thank-you note. I liked the section on organizing and storage too. My only complaint is that the book came shrink-wrapped, so I couldn't see what I was getting (and how complete this book is) until I paid for it and opened it up. I bought it on faith because it was done by the Better Homes and Gardens people, and I'm glad I did. This book is solving one other problem for me----what to give friends for birthdays or what to take to wedding showers. It's a great gift book.

I noticed an earlier review that compares this book to Comforts Of Home. I disagree about which book is better. THIS book--Making A Home--is far better than Comforts Of Home, because this is so easy to use. I like the looseleaf binder style with its tabs (just like my favorite cookbook). I haven't begun to use this whole book yet, but I know I will. (Regarding Comforts Of Home, I received Comforts Of Home as a gift, and I have found that book to be very hard to use. It's so wordy and is like a hard to read and hard to use textbook. In contrast, Making a Home is really useful. I can find the info I want quickly, and the writing is concise and to the point. I hate to sound like some sort of an ad, but Making A Home winds, hands down.)

What a great resource this book is! The editors of Better Homes and Gardens have done a superb job of compiling everything you need to know about setting up and maintaining an orderly home.Well organized with tabs for quick reference, MAKING A HOME covers cleaning, house systems, home environment, entertaining and etiquette, records, and of course ...... organization. Whether you're organizationally challenged or think you've got it together,I predict that MAKING A HOME will become your cookbook of organizing.

I would like to write about what this book covers, but that would take too long. What doesn't it cover? It seems to have everything you need to live well and comfortably in your home (or apartment). I like the information on buying stuff (lamps, cookware, furniture, you name it) and on cleaning everything. I fear that I will be referring a lot to the stain removal tips! Giving a dinner party, setting a table, and other niceties also are included. I like the focus on de-cluttering your place and storing our stuff. This is the ultimate reference book for anyone who wants to live better. It's as simple as that. This book is making my Xmas shopping easier, because I will give several copies to friends and family. It's one of those must-haves.

I am 25 and I purchased this book right after I got married and moved into my new home.... The timing could not have been better. This book has been my bible for the past few weeks as it has guided and helped me choose furniture, host a dinner party, get my home organized, etc. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to make their residence feel like a real home. This book offers very sound and some-times "not so common" sense tips on everything in a well-organized, easy to read book. Not just for homemakers, but a good buy for all.