My List of Most Beloved and Beautiful Homemaking Books

"Every wise woman buildeth her house..."

~ Proverbs 14:1

Every wise woman buildeth her home library too! After all, knowledge in the areas of homemaking increases our skills and makes us much more valuable in the home. There are so many attributes that go into making a home that it is hard to create a list which doesn't include every non-fiction book ever written. Homemaking encompasses so much! However, here is a compilation of books that I have thoroughly enjoyed that provide lovely encouragement for the keeper of the home (note: many of these are affiliate links). Welcome to my list of my most beloved and beautiful homemaking volumes. I almost feel like these are little treasures I am sharing with you all...

"A truly good book teaches me better than to read it. I must soon lay it down, and commence living on its hint. What I began by reading, I must finish by acting."

~ Henry David Thoreau

Inspirational Homemaking Books

(ones that inspire to you to breathe life, love and special culture into your home)

The Family (aka Home-Making) by J.R. Miller (Victorian classic -- absolutely divine inspiration!)

The Life-Giving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging & Becoming by Sally & Sarah Clarkson (I just finished this book and felt as if I could have written half the volume as it mirrored my thoughts in so many ways!)

Living a Beautiful Life: 500 Ways to Add Elegance, Order, Beauty and Joy to Every Day of Your Life by Alexandra Stoddard (this is the only secular book in this particular category but the author does a beautiful job of pointing out the luscious little details of life that can be enjoyed and I also appreciate her historical references.)

Mrs. Dunwoody's Excellent Instructions for Homekeeping: Timeless Wisdom and Practical Advice by Miriam Lukken (This is a sweet, nostalgic look at keeping the home.)

Queen of the Home: Essays, Poetry and Quotes on the Honor, Nobility, and Power of Biblical Womanhood Compiled by Jennifer M. McBride (Poignant, inspirational essays for the faithful homemaker.)

The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer (A Christian classic.)

Beautiful Handcrafted and Seasonal Homemaking Books

(books which inspire you to "create" in general... your own bath, beauty, pantry and home products and ones with pictures that inspire beautiful living for ordinary days)

The Big Book of Homemade Products for Your Skin, Health and Home: Easy, All-Natural DIY Projects Using Herbs, Flowers and Other Plants by Jan Berry 

The Bath and Body Book by Stephanie Donaldson

Gentle Art of Domesticity: Stitching, Baking, Nature, Art & the Comforts of Home by Jane Brocket (This unique book has beautiful photographs and is fun inspiration for the creative homemaker.)

Gifts from the Garden by Debora Robertson (Gloriously beautiful project book!)

Guide to Natural Housekeeping: Recipes and Solutions for a Cleaner, Greener Home by Christina Strutt (I look through this one all the time for the pretty pictures!)

Hands-on Home: A Seasonal Guide to Cooking, Preserving & Natural Homekeeping by Erica Strauss

Little House Living: Make-Your-Own Guide to a Frugal, Simple, & Self-Sufficient Life by Melissa Alink

Quick Country Decorating: Ideas for Every Season by Country Home Magazine

Sewing Books by Tone Finnanger (These are delightful little sewing project books!)

Tinkered Treasures by Elyse Major (Sweet little craft book using ordinary supplies.)

The Country Store: Traditional Food, Country Crafts, Natural Decorations by Stephanie Donaldson The revised version is called Country Crafts -- it is the same thing.) This is one of my favorite books hands down for seasonal homemaking inspiration. I even wrote a bit about it here if you want to dig deeper.

Homemaking Handbooks

(ones that provide an encyclopedia of information on keeping the home)

Home Comforts: The Art & Science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson

Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook: The Essential Guide to Caring for Everything in Your Home

The Christian Homemaker's Handbook by Pat Ennis & Dorothy Kelley Patterson

Home Decoration Books

(aka Homemaker's Picture Books!)

Cozy White Cottage: 100 Ways to Love the Feeling of Being Home by Liz Marie Galvan

Country Brocante Style: Where English Country Meets French Vintage by Lucy Haywood

Romantic Prairie Style: Homes Inspired by Traditional Country Life by Fifi O'Neil

Shabby Chic Books by Rachel Ashwell (I love them all)

Smart Storage Solutions: Creative Closets, Stylish Shelves & More by Country Living

(Below are older/out of-print books but still delightful to look at if you find them!)

At Home with Country: Bringing the Comforts of Country Home by Christina Strutt

Decorating with Flea Market Finds by Country Living

Decorating with Vintage Style by Christina Strutt/Country Living

Laura Ashley Guide to Country Decorating 

Restore. Recycle. Repurpose: Create a Beautiful Home (A Country Living Book) by Randy Florke (This one was interesting as it shares ideas for decoration and creating a non-toxic home. For instance, I never knew linoleum was natural and derived from flax.)

Romantic Country Style: Creating the English Country Look in Your Home by Victoria Magazine

Romantic Style: Lovely Homes, Pretty Rooms, Gentle Settings by Better Homes & Gardens

Homemaking Novels

(timeless books in which the main character is keeper of the home and is spiritually encouraging)

A New Graft on the Family Tree by Isabella Alden

Little House on the Prairie Books by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Love Comes Softly Series by Janette Oke

Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss

I've just begun another novel in this category and do hope it makes the list!

Cookbooks

(some of these I like to stare at for meal inspiration and some I actually use the recipes! 😂)

At Our Table (and all cookbook collaborations with) by Roxie Kelley & Shelly Reeves Smith (These are just simple recipes that have heartwarming illustrations and are very fun to read.)

Betty Crocker Cookbooks (I have all kinds of versions and appreciate them all for their basic recipes.)

Chocolate Chocolate by Lisa Yockelson (The most beautiful recipe book ever for the chocolate lover!)

Hope's Table" by Hope Helmuth (The best part is that each recipe has an inspiring picture which makes you want to cook the dinner immediately! I absolutely love it! It is one of the most down to earth one's I have seen with normal recipes which are agreeable for all of our family!)

My Prairie Cookbook: Memories and Frontier Food from My Little House to Yours by Melissa Gilbert

Pioneer Woman Cooks Collection by Ree Drummond (Realistic recipes with colorful pictures!)

Herbal and Natural Homemaking

(books that teach you the natural way to make your home and care for your family)

Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health by Rosemary Gladstar

Medicinal Herbs (A Beginner's Guide) by Rosemary Gladstar

Seasons of Aromatherapy by Judith Fitzsimmons and Paula M. Bousquet 

The Big Book of Homemade Products for Your Skin, Health and Home: Easy, All-Natural DIY Projects Using Herbs, Flowers and Other Plants by Jan Berry (Beautiful pictures!)

The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Valerie Worwood

The Complete Illustrated Book of Herbs by Reader's Digest (Gorgeously illustrated book!)

Preparedness, Self-Sufficiency and Simple Living Books

100+ DIY Projects to Make with Fruit Scraps by JES (I couldn't resist adding my ebook too! 😉)

Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills by Reader's Digest

Complete Book of Home Preserving by Ball

Complete Tightwad Gazette: Promoting Thrift as a Viable Alternative Lifestyle by Amy Dacyczyn

Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emory

Just in Case (How to Be Self-Sufficient When the Unexpected Happens) by Kathy Harrison

Little House Living: Make-Your-Own Guide to a Frugal, Simple, & Self-Sufficient Life by Melissa Alink

Naturally Sweet Food in Jars by Marisa McClellan

Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child (A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Natural and Conventional Treatments for Infant and Children) by Janet Zand (I've referenced this book in the middle of the night before Google existed in my home and I truly feel a hard copy of medical information at your fingertips for your children is preparedness.)

When There is No Doctor: A Village Health Care Handbook by David Werner (the same concept from above regarding preparedness. Hard copies of health information may be priceless one day.)

Titus 2 Magazines 

(beautiful Christian homemaking publications with lovely full-color pictures just like a regular magazine - very tastefully done)

Seasons at Home Magazine from Joyous Home (more details here)

Girlhood Home Companion by Remembrance Press 

And finally, I can't let this article end without including a digital magazine for you! The sweet Jenny of Elefanz has put together an online magazine (that can also be printed out) for homemakers. It is just beautiful and I know all of you will love it -- plus it is FREE! Please visit here for The Homemakers Heart: The Digital Magazine for Home Loving Women.

"...nothing decorates a home like books. There they are, waiting to decorate the mind, too!"

~ Gladys Taber

Though I have many more books on my shelves, these are my most favorites! Some I appreciate for the pictures, some I appreciate for the information and others are pure homemaking encouragement and inspiration! I will be adding more books to the list as I continue to read them. What are your favorites that I didn't include and why?

Happily homemaking,

♡ JES

(This is a part of our Romantic Homemaking Series.)