Is your home ready for guests? With the holidays around the corner, that's a question many are probably thinking about. Also, it's a question that connects to your entertaining style which can range from never entertaining to entertaining all the time.
Once, long ago, when my husband and I hosted a couple from another country, we were surprised to hear that entertaining in one's home was not a tradition where they lived. Instead people met up at local pubs and clubs. In some ways, that was attractive to me since it involved less preparation and decision making. Rather than spend the time inviting and prepping, you simply walk or drive down to the pub or club and enjoy the company of friends new and old.
Yet, there's something special about having people to your home, and there's something special about being invited to someone's home for an evening of conversation, music, games, movie-watching, and more.
When my husband and I were young, we entertained a lot, but when our children were in the busy teen and college years, we spent more time at their events and visiting them than entertaining. Now we're getting back to entertaining more. What does that mean?
First, it's that age-old adage, "a place for everything and everything in it's place." When your home is more organized, it's easier to entertain. I'm still reaching for that example, an example that my mother-in-law created with ease.
Then there's keeping up with the cleaning--it's a lot easier to entertain if you keep your home clean and welcoming. When housekeeping is part of your regular routine, that's more attainable.
And, good rest helps. While teaching full time and raising a family, I was often exhausted and not too eager to entertain, but now that I have more time to keep up with home tasks and get good rest, I'm more enthusiastic about opening up my home to friends and family.
Keeping things simple also makes entertaining more doable. You don't need to be extravagant to have a good time with friends and family. The key ingredient to a good time is welcoming those you care about with attention and positivity.
So today, I'll ready the home to welcome a number of friends from my college days. I'm sure we'll share stories old and new. It's a pot-luck dinner which means there will be a variety of good foods to enjoy. We may add some music or games to the venue too--time will tell. It seems entertaining will be a theme over the next twelve months--a theme I'm looking forward to. Onward.