Domestic Bliss: Simple Ways to Add Style to Your Life [Hardcover]

Rita Konig (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 23, 2003

The low-stress, high-fun way to entertain, shop, decorate and indulge your way to domestic nirvana.

What is domestic bliss? It's bringing the office party home just because you have fresh mint and a secret mojito recipe. It's making your houseguest feel like he's at the Ritz even when he's crashing on your sofa. It's retreating home after a harried day and taking solace in a perfectly placed flea market find.

Home is the new hot spot and in "Domestic Bliss," London's favorite young style expert makes all your nesting fantasies come true. This blueprint for domestic bliss will work whether your posse is coming to your castle or you're planning an evening for one. With wit and savoir faire, Konig shows how to:

Mix family hand-me-downs and new treasures

Tackle clutter with simple solutions

Turn your world around even when you feel fat, lonely and hate all your clothes and furniture.

"Domestic Bliss" is about creating moments of perfection in an otherwise chaotic world.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

It's obvious that a lifestyle how-to book has left Martha Stewart territory when the author announces from the get-go: "I do not believe the modern woman needs to know how to do everything herself; she just needs to know where to get it from." Konig, a British home stylist who writes columns for British Vogue and the Saturday Telegraph, presents her tips on giving parties, performing household chores, wrapping and giving presents, redecorating and the like in a fun and conversational, if occasionally slapdash, way. She does not offer step-by-step instructions for time-consuming arts and crafts projects; instead, she hones in on simple, stress-free details that can make the home a more beautiful and fulfilling place to live. Konig suggests, for example, lining lampshades in tobacco-colored paper in order to create a golden, homey glow, and making sure to have a bowl of potpourri and a few scented candles lying about, because "the ultimate joy is to walk through your front door and be met with the cozy smell of home." She's also big on self-spoiling-for a night in, Konig recommends splurging on a tin of caviar, as "you don't have to offer it to anyone else and you are more likely to be able to afford to eat as much as you want." Even for those who don't intend to follow all Konig's tips-who really has the time to iron sheets and pillowcases with lavender water?-it's still a good read, due in part to her anecdotal style. "I hope," she writes, "that this book puts a smile on your face and I hope that it inspires you." She fulfills her goal admirably.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Emma Hagestadt The Observer (London) Vogue's answer to Martha Stewart, Rita Konig gives chic postmodern advice....Treat yourself to a copy of this gorgeous book. -- Review

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Touchstone; 1st Fireside Ed edition (September 23, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743252136
• ISBN-13: 978-0743252133
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 1 x 8.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,641,290 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Charming Advice for the Young Social Set May 29, 2004

By Baroness Von Grim

Format:Hardcover

I found *Domestic Bliss* to be a lovely and enjoyable book that's well organized with plenty of lists, some colorful line drawings, and lots of common sense ideas told in a breezy, playful manner. The eleven chapters cover such topics as being the hostess with the mostess, pampering yourself, working with contractors, storage solutions, decorating, and ways to clean your home. Also offered is detailed advice on camping and picnics, finding treasures at flea markets, tasty after dinner treats, and choosing the perfect present for practically anyone or any occasion you could think of. There are even a few pages on how to hire and deal with your "staff"...okey dokey.....

Also included: Tips on how to not only make house guests feel at home but pampered. Dealing with sneaky clothes devouring moths. Organizing everyday items with flair. The best ways to communicate with contractors. Suggestions on choosing color, lighting, cushions, second hand linens, and home scents. Imaginative ideas for using various containers, ironing, throwing a memorable party, and wrapping presents.

The author Rita Konig is a British columnist who aims her domestic advise at young British professionals like herself, but most of her suggestions would translate well for the American equivalent. If you are a renter who is not a social butterfly and/or detests the outdoors, much of the content in this book will be useless to you. Same for those who are only wanting ideas on household organizing or home décor. For the right person, though, *Domestic Bliss* provides amiable and stylish guidance for modern living.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book August 17, 2007

By S. Baker

Format:Hardcover

I love this book, there is a lot of everyday information that I will use and some that is outrageous but made me smile. This is a book I will come back to over the years to read and enjoy again and again.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and Entertaining December 28, 2009

By Carolinahat

Format:Hardcover

This book is great for the casual entertainer! It has all sorts of tips about how to make your home a bit more special for you and your guests! Written in an easy-to-understand format with enticing artwork (though few real photos), this is sure to be a keeper on your "house and home" self!