In the matter of furnishing, I find a certain absence of ugliness far worse than ugliness.

Men are merriest when they are from home.

Hospitality consists in a little fire, a little food, and an immense quiet.

People can say what they like about the eternal verities, love and truth and so on, but nothing’s as eternal as the dishes.

Every man has a lurking wish to appear considerable in his native place.

Every house: temple, empire, school.

At the worst, a house unkept cannot be so distressing as a life unlived.

Being offended is the natural consequence of leaving one’s home.

Charity begins at home, and justice begins next door.

One who is frivolous all day will never establish a household.