If you were coming over to my house for dinner tonight,
you would probably:
Be warned to step over a few toys that are scattered on the floor.
Be served on paper plates.
Be given directions to the beer fridge in the garage, the soda fridge out back, and offered whatever we’re mixing in the kitchen.
Be served in plastic Tupperware cups (except for Darcie. She loves glasses like I love my plastic cups).
Be on the lookout for sticky chairs. Jack has spilled some glue on them lately, and I have found myself stuck a couple of times.
Be entertained all night by my boys – they show off for friends.
Be served a yummy, tried and true favorite recipe of ours.
Be laughed giggled at if you asked to help. Either get up and help, or relax and let me (happily) do it for you :)
Be aware of some floating dog hair, because it’s impossible to get it all up with the vacuum/Swiffer this time of the year.
Be asked if you would like to roast marshmallows with us, rather than enjoy a fancy homemade dessert.
Be spending time with us.
Because if I invite you to my house, I consider you a friend.
And I don’t want to serve you, I want to spend time with you.
I hope that doesn’t make me a bad hostess.
I used to clean the baseboards and get the best dishes out for company.
I used to scrub the cabinet doors.
I used to worry about making a unique and perfect dinner.
I used to run around making sure your cup was filled, plated was picked up, and your belly was full.
But my house?
My house and I are busy.
We’re busy making lots of memories.
And we want you to be one of them.
So now I have a “my house is your house” kind of attitude.
So invite yourself in,
grab a soda. Or a beer.
Or help yourself to anything else you find in the fridge.
And come spend some quality time with me.
This way of hostessing took me 10 years to figure out. I hope you can enjoy it much sooner in life than I did :)
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I love it! I’m trying to be better at that way of hosting… it’s much more comfortable for guests (at least any friends of mine) and ME!!
Sounds perfect…when can I come? lol
I love that kind of hosting, the low key and “friendly” type that takes the stress off everyone involved.
Kellyn´s last [type] ..No Words
I have three boys myself and I cant’ wait to come over! Can we bring the graham crackers and chocolate squares??
I invite you to my house to bless you, not impress you. :)
Works for me! I love it… and always feel at home in your home! <3
I kid you not, we have that same popcorn maker. This post is great!
You were never brought up in a house that you could eat off the floors. It would be ok if you can afford a housekeeper – but then you are working so hard to pay for that housekeeper, you can’t enjoy your house. And it never really gets dirty because you are working so hard and never home. So, let the dishes go – you can always get to them tomorrow – cat and dog hairs? What the heck. You ate worse in the dirt and mud you used to play in when you were little. I am a little crazy when it comes to clean sheets and towels and no dust bunnies under the bed and the shower has to be disinfected almost every day, but, you have two boys that are growing up too fast, spend as much time with them as possible. Because in a blink of an eye they will be 10 and 6 and then another blink 16 and 12 and then…well, you know…..I don’t have to tell you, so let the mess begin and if people are real friends, they are at your house to see you and your family, they won’t even notice the dog hairs and dust bunnies.
I love this! Great advice!
Are you in town? I’ll be inviting myself over soon :)
Chelsea´s last [type] ..Barefoot Books Review Giveaway-
I love this! You have such away of making everyone who visits your home feel welcome.
I like your way. Too bad I don’t live closer…I’d totally invite myself over.
Kristenkj´s last [type] ..She’s wrong about you
Yea, your house rocks. Thanks for sharing these tid-bits of wisdom…great reminders!
Eileen´s last [type] ..Happiness
That sounds THE best!
I love this! Very well said.