Luncheons: A Cook's Picture Book

"Luncheons: A Cook's Picture Book" by Mary Ronald is a culinary guide from the early 1900s, designed as a companion to "The Century Cook Book." It zeros in on recipes and methods for crafting a variety of luncheon meals, offering useful advice to homemakers on creating attractive menus and presentations. The book begins by exploring the characteristics of a luncheon, noting its variations in formality being anything from casual meetups to fancier events akin to dinner. Ronald points out that luncheons usually involve women and highlights the significance of beautiful presentation, covering aspects like table arrangement, guest seating, and menu choices. She also gives tips on garnishing and serving dishes in a way that boosts their visual charm, blending practicality style and offering a peek into the culinary scene of that era.