{"product_id":"perfect-hostess-1946-westmorland-sterling-booklet","title":"The Perfect Hostess by Nancy Prentiss (1946) Westmorland Sterling Booklet – Mid-Century Entertaining Guide","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"452\" data-end=\"510\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"456\" data-end=\"510\"\u003eMid-Century Entertaining Meets Sterling Elegance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"512\" data-end=\"774\"\u003eA charming and highly collectible 1946 booklet issued by Westmorland Sterling, \u003cem data-start=\"591\" data-end=\"612\"\u003eThe Perfect Hostess\u003c\/em\u003e offers a fascinating glimpse into post-war American entertaining—where proper table settings, polished silver, and gracious hosting defined the art of gathering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"776\" data-end=\"997\"\u003eCreated as both a practical guide and a subtle marketing piece, this booklet blends etiquette, menu planning, and product education, reflecting a moment when hospitality and home presentation were elevated to an art form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin: 22px 0 14px 0; padding: 8px 14px 6px 14px; border-left: 3px solid #334FB4; background-color: #f8faff;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #334fb4; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.2px; margin: 0 0 6px 0;\"\u003eCollector’s Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 6px 0 4px 0;\"\u003eMid-century promotional booklets like this were often distributed through bridal registries, direct sales representatives, or as gift-with-purchase items—making them both ephemeral and surprisingly scarce today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 6px 0 4px 0;\"\u003ePieces tied to specific brands such as \u003cstrong\u003eWestmorland Sterling \u003c\/strong\u003eare especially desirable, as they document not only social customs but also the marketing strategies and domestic ideals of the period. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2066\" data-start=\"1830\"\u003ePublished in 1946 by the \u003cem\u003eWestmorland Sterling Division\u003c\/em\u003e in New Kensington, Pennsylvania, this first edition booklet was designed to guide hostesses through every aspect of entertaining—from informal family meals to formal dinner parties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2484\" data-start=\"2068\"\u003eInside, you’ll find detailed instructions on table settings for various occasions (breakfast, luncheon, dinner, buffet, and company service), along with guidance on selecting and caring for silver, glassware, linens, and dinnerware. The booklet also includes suggested menus and a fascinating section on different styles of service, including formal “Russian Service” and practical adaptations for modern households.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2688\" data-start=\"2486\"\u003eInterwoven throughout are references to Westmorland’s sterling patterns—such as George \u0026amp; Martha and Milburn Rose—making this both a functional guide and a branded piece of mid-century marketing history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin: 22px 0 14px 0; padding: 8px 14px 6px 14px; border-left: 3px solid #6A7A8A; background-color: #f4f6f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #4a5560; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.2px; margin: 0 0 6px 0;\"\u003eHistorical Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 6px 0 4px 0;\"\u003eWestmorland Sterling was produced during the mid-20th century through a partnership associated with Wallace Silversmiths, often sold via direct-to-consumer channels and bridal programs. Publications like \u003cem data-end=\"3931\" data-start=\"3910\"\u003eThe Perfect Hostess\u003c\/em\u003e were part etiquette manual, part lifestyle guide, and part product catalog—encouraging consumers to build complete table settings around coordinated silver patterns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3048\" data-start=\"2833\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003evivid purple cover \u003c\/strong\u003ewith a pink orchid and ribbon adds a distinctly elegant and feminine mid-century design touch. The title page includes a penciled former owner inscription (Ray Seyfried, Cincinnati), adding a layer of personal provenance typical of mid-century household guides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3048\" data-start=\"2833\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGood vintage condition\u003c\/strong\u003e. Light fraying along the spine and general foxing throughout, with localized moisture-related staining to a few interior pages (most noticeable along lower margins). Some brown spotting to the first pages consistent with age and handling. Structurally sound and complete.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our collection of \u003ca title=\"Books \u0026amp; Magazines | Vintage Works on Paper | Cookbooks \u0026amp; Culinary Pamphlets\" href=\"https:\/\/thetownhouseantiques.com\/collections\/books-magazines-ledgers\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(43, 0, 255);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBooks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/a\u003eto shop for more cookbooks, culinary pamphlets and recipes by category.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e","brand":"Westmorland Sterling","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43102123589699,"sku":null,"price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0114\/3262\/4186\/files\/PerfectHostess013.jpg?v=1775064201","url":"https:\/\/thetownhouseantiques.com\/products\/perfect-hostess-1946-westmorland-sterling-booklet","provider":"The Townhouse Antiques \u0026 Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}