Here is a list of books I recommend for learning more about manners for girls and women:
Finishing Touches by Anne Oliver, Bantam Books.
This is a wonderful, thick book full of everything you need to know about etiquette from the beginning to the end of your life. Although it is quite technical, there are spots in it that will become your favorites. If you can find this book, have a look at the chapter on the dinner party. "No lady leans back in her chair," it says, "and the feet are never to be entwined around the legs of a chair." Chapters include skin care ritual, how to look after your hair, correct posture, walking gracefully, clothing styles, letters, entertaining and etiquette for the arts. This would be a great textbook for a Refinement School. The author started "cultural weekends" for young ladies, where they were taught many of these things.
Christian Charm Course by Emily Hunter. Harvest House.
A basic book that has withstood the test of time in providing young girls in the teen years good instruction regarding appropriate clothing for the occasion (church, home and social events), taking care of skin, styling hair, posture, sitting, standing, walking, table manners, Bible reading and conversation skills. It should also be included in a Refinement School, should one ever be established.
Colors for Brides by Lauren Smith. Avon books.
This book has a middle section containing color charts for the four seasons and covers styles named Romantic, Classic, Natural and Dramatic. It contains worksheets to help the woman make plans and lists. It is a wonderful instruction book on conducting your own wedding, seating guests and so forth. Even if you are not a bride, this is a nice book to read, and you will pick up information that may help you in everyday life.
Beauty and the Best by Beneth Peters Jones. BJU Press.
This book will help young ladies develop good manners, decorum, grace and modest clothing choices. The author also has a video on how the Christian woman should dress, called "Christian Distinctives in Clothing," available from the same publisher. It has illustrated drawings on the right and wrong way to stand, sit and walk so as to not draw undo attention to yourself and not be offensive to others. This would be required reading also!
Dear Princess by Mary M. Landis. Rod and Staff Publishers, Inc.
Written for girls, this is a great training manual on how to behave yourself and be nice to people! It is written in the form of stories about fictional girls who have good or bad habits and the effect it has on their lives. It has a great spiritual message and shows how one must always be pleasing to God, for He sees everything that we do. It teaches obedience, submission, self-discipline, helpfulness, loving your home, loving work and being a keeper at home.
Peonies
Charles E. Perugini
You May Order This Art Print through AllPosters.com
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