I am enjoying a wonderfully busy week helping my daughters settle in Washington, so I invited my friend Sandy from Reluctant Entertainer to share some lovely, practical ideas about hosting. If you think hosting beautifully is only for professionals, stay with us — Sandy’s approach is warm, simple, and very doable.
Through her blog, Sandy encourages readers to focus on connecting with people rather than trying to impress them. When we shift our priorities this way, we give ourselves permission to welcome neighbors and new friends despite imperfect homes, busy schedules, or whatever else might hold us back.
A beautiful life is about the authentic life we live and how we share it with others.
As we head into the weekend, please welcome Sandy, who describes her idea of a perfect summer evening. I love that it involves inviting friends over for dinner.
{the rest of this post was written by Sandy, Reluctant Entertainer}
Let’s imagine my friend Melissa Michaels and her family are coming for dinner tonight
For several years our families lived only four hours apart. Since Melissa moved to Seattle, that four-hour drive has become seven, and our chances of getting together are slimmer. We wish we had made more time for each other when we lived closer.
Yes, hosting takes effort. Yes, you have to make it happen. It doesn’t happen on its own.
So I’m going to pretend …
It’s lovely in southern Oregon right now — cool nights and warm days, perfect for an evening outdoors.
I’m setting the table with one of my favorite French oilcloth tablecloths. Imagine a tablecloth you don’t have to launder: wipe it clean with a damp sponge and it looks like new. These are far more attractive and practical than the old vinyl cloths our mothers used to use. They’re beautiful and perfect for entertaining.
I’m setting the table for our family and for Melissa, her husband, and son. If her daughters and son-in-law stop by, that will make the evening even more fun. I love being spontaneous — the more the merrier!
Simple place settings, a few votive candles, and snips of iris from the garden create an inviting table.
The menu is straightforward: halibut that practically melts in your mouth and a crisp salad picked fresh from the garden. Melissa is bringing dessert, which is the beauty of delegating.
The backyard is ready for guests with relaxed lighting and comfortable seating. The kids are prepared to play together, music is playing softly, and the evening is young.
More than the ambiance or the tablescape, what makes hosting meaningful is the connection: the conversations that happen, the relationships that grow, and the intimacy shared across a simple meal.
Reaching out to new families and welcoming them into our homes is how we make a real difference in our communities.
This is real entertaining for real people.
When was the last time you invited a new family over for dinner?
Please share your thoughts in the comments and any links to your own ideas for hosting.
{photos: Paul Coughlin}