More on Martha's Homekeeping Handbook

As promised, here's a further take on Martha Stewart's latest tome. Her almost five pound Homekeeping Handbook. As I said before, I was initially underwhelmed. Seemed like a combination of the painfully obvious and the not-so-necessary. After a closer look though, I've decided it's worth putting on your holiday wish list.

Stewart points out that her book is really a continuation of a tradition of books first compiled by the eponymous woman who published Mrs. Beetin's Book of Household Management in 1861. Martha says she received her first copy a hundred years later when she married. Since then, she has kept notes on her own homekeeping and says this is the result of the over forty year effort.

First off, I'm gratified to see an emphasis on taking care of the environment. Many of her cleaning ideas and product selections emphasize choosing the least-toxic options first. Like baking soda instead of oven cleaner. White vinegar and water solution instead of Windex. It's something we all should keep in mind.

It's also interesting to see the tasks she feels should be done daily, monthly, etc. While some seem obvious ("Wipe up spills while they're fresh."), the reminders are nice to have.

A group who will REALLY benefit from the book is a soon-to-be-married couple or someone thinking of moving into a new home. I found the most interesting and useful sections of the book to be the lists of essential equipment and tools. Like pots and pans and kitchen utensils. Small appliances and what belongs in a pantry (and how long you can keep it).

Other things that seemed valuable include: Organizational ideas. An illustrated section on every piece of flatware you could ever imagine. (You can finally figure out whether grandmother's silver including fish forks or not.) A stain-removal guide (again with an environmental emphasis). The best way to care for cut flowers. (I figured out why my amaryllis I purchased recently didn't do so well. You have to fill the hollow stems with water. Who knew!) Even pest control tips.

The last sections reach a bit afield, however. Not sure why there's a photo outlining the "anatomy of an incandescent bulb." Or why there's a chapter on heating and cooling systems. But when Martha sticks to the "homekeeping," there's lots to be learned.

There were a few surprises too. I was thrilled to learn that I actually CAN run my good silverplate through the dishwasher. (Just make sure you don't have stainless steel in the same load. They somehow react to damage both finishes.) If Martha says it's ok, I'll believe her.

If there's a new bride (or groom) on your Christmas list...or if you're looking to restock your home, this is a book to buy. While I think it tries ultimately to be too much for too many, there's still enough good info in it to make it worth a purchase. (Do yourself a favor though. Don't pay the full retail price of $45. Head to amazon.com.)