I seldom focus on hospitality. I'm too busy worrying whether or not the pop is perfectly chilled, whether someone has waited too long for their drink, whether the small stain in the left corner of the tablecloth is noticeable, or whether the dog has yet drooled on anybody to be hospitable.
Instead I run around near frantically, yelling at dogs and hubby, trying to whip everyone into shape. Come on people, this is a soiree, let's get it together dammit.
I know, it sounds completely ludicrous here, but that's what I do. And of course, I don't end up enjoying anything. I mean I love having family and friends over, but I don't actually get to have much of a conversation with anyone, certainly nothing meaningful. I barely get to snap a few pictures of my nephew (to be fair, he moves pretty quickly, but still).
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| The Reluctant Entertainer |
She does offer some more concrete assistance including a list of ten commandments that I found helpful: (Commandment 1 -- Hospitality is not about you. It's about making others feel warm and welcome.) She sings the praises of simplifying and suggests incorporating the five senses to make an overall pleasant experience for your guests.
Most recently I was at the receiving end of supreme hospitality and simplicity. We stopped by the house of our electrician to settle our bill. I waited in the car while my husband sought him out. Within moments he discovers that I am out in the car and runs to me with paper towels and two fresh (absolutely awesome) peaches from his trees. So thoughtful, so sweet, so funny. I loved it. Made me feel special and it didn't take a lot of planning or money or preparation. Just a soul that was looking for an opportunity to be hospitable.
Do you get stressed out when people are coming over? Any tips or techniques to squelch those feelings? Sandy Coughlin also has a blog called The Reluctant Entertainer that you might want to check out.
3 comments:
Oh my. We are two peas in a pod. My mantra in regards to entertaining is "It's just too much work." I can totally relate to everything you said. I spend so much time obsessing that I don't really enjoy the fun parts of it...doing the flowers, setting the table, etc. By the time my guests walk in the door I am exhausted and pissed off at my husband because he is useless. (To be fair he would help if I asked. I don't really ask.) I'm definitely checking out this blog. I go to all the trouble and expense of making my outdoor space inviting and then no one sees it but me. Not too smart. Maybe I should plan a little dinner party and enjoy my deck before it's covered with snow. :o)
Have a great day girlfriend...
Hahahahahahaha! I am THEE prep nazi. It's best if everyone just leaves the house for two days before company arrives. Enter at your own risk.
Oh that used to me too. Then I decided I wanted to enjoy my own parties.
I hated being stuck in the kitchen putting every thing together. So I started cooking items that didn't need any or only a small amount of last minute prep.
I also started accepting help. When friends offer to serve the desert I take her up on it. One year I was serving creme brule and I asked the husband of a friend to help with the blow torch. He loved helping and wants to help every year.
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