Once upon a time I was a reluctant entertainer. Not reluctant to host friends, but reluctant to host them for dinner. I didn’t know how to prepare what I considered a “guest-worthy” meal. I felt intimidated by friends who produced multi-course dinners, kept spotless houses, and arranged every dish perfectly. It all felt overwhelming.
I realized I’d never meet my own expectations for a formal dinner, so I found other ways to entertain that felt manageable. To hide my lack of confidence (and honestly my lack of desire to become a gourmet cook), I hosted build-your-own pizza nights, ice cream sundae parties, and taco salad bars. If guests assembled their own food, I didn’t have to worry about producing a perfect main course. If their sundae didn’t taste great, that was their own creation — crisis averted.
In hindsight there was nothing to be ashamed of. At the time I felt like an epic failure as a hostess, but really I was finding ways to invite people over that worked for me. Those simpler formats let me focus on what I enjoyed more: decorating and creating an inviting atmosphere rather than spending all my energy in the kitchen.
Choosing authenticity over perfection in both entertaining and decorating eventually inspired this blog, The Inspired Room. I never intended to write a cooking blog — instead I wanted to celebrate creating welcoming spaces, small touches, and honest hospitality. Through the blog I connected with fellow bloggers Sandy and Nester, and together the three of us shared the spirit behind The Reluctant Entertainer.
OK, that last part is a little playful fiction.
Sandy is the author, but I was thrilled to see my name on the back of the book alongside Nester’s. That felt special. This weekend I finally saw the book in person for the first time.
I photographed it at night and didn’t notice a black smudge on the cover until later.
I’ve written countless blog posts over the years but never a book, so having my name on this one is exciting. Nester and I both believe wholeheartedly in Sandy’s central message:
Entertaining isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection.
Giveaway: Book, Apron & Tea Towel
TWO lucky winners.
To celebrate Sandy’s new book, I’m giving away two copies of The Reluctant Entertainer. Each winner will also receive a demi pink sorbet apron and coordinating tea towel from The Hip Hostess. They’re adorable and perfect for inspiring a relaxed, festive gathering.
If you’d like to purchase a copy for yourself or as a gift, the book is available through major online booksellers and retailers.
How to enter the giveaway: Leave a comment sharing your most embarrassing entertaining moment or the thing that makes you most reluctant to host. Share this giveaway with friends on social media or your blog and return to tell me where you posted for extra entries.
Giveaway is now closed.