Imperfect.
Imperfect hospitality.
This Autumn season, learn to stop doing things that might make you feel like a failure (like over-inviting, over-planning, not being prepared, being too hard on yourself with your cooking).
Every element of entertaining will never be perfect.
As we’re still enjoying eating outside, I’ve decided the simplest plan is the best.
Table set — imperfectly. Chargers, water goblets, paper napkins. (Silverware? my kids set the table).
Late autumn blooms, including Pineapple Sage and Black Eyed Susans.
2 small table torches for early sunset ambience.
The dishes used may not have matched perfectly; in fact, there probably was a chip or two.
Instead of focusing on what I think should look “perfect,” I’m thinking about the things that really matter.
Good food. Good people. Good conversation.
Just being together.
It’s not about comparisons or looks.
People really don’t want to be impressed.
Realistically, I think they like “imperfect.”
It makes us all feel that we are normal.
Imperfect.
Do you think your guests are bothered or encouraged by imperfection?
My mother taught my sisters and I a lot about perfectionism. She was the best role model for us girls, and lived a life of true authenticity and love. It radiated over into many around her, that impressing is for the “now” and has nothing to do with the eternal. (Thank you, Mama!) Today’s my middle sister’s birthday, and here’s a pic of us celebrating and having a good time together last weekend. Happy Birthday, sis!
Catch up on my first 21 Days, HERE. 
Hi, I'm Sandy. Five years ago I stocked up on beautiful glasses from the Dollar Store. As I started writing about dinner parties, I realized that this "icon" portrays a great message. 
I want to share with you some of my favorite places to visit in blog-land, sites that I learn from and am inspired by, and some beautiful friends that I’ve met over the years.
So, everyone should feel right at home with my pink sticky notes marking the damage to the dining set, right?! ha! I love your table and I think you’re right- people enjoy having something nice prepared for them, but if it’s too perfect, it can be a little unnerving!
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That is a great picture…so smiley!
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Hi Sandy…beautiful table! Did you get those “table torches” (fire pots) at Costco last year? My friend has some too…I love them..can’t find them any more however
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Sandy Reply:
September 22nd, 2012 at 4:34 pm
Judy, no, we got them in Indiana. NO Costco. Sorry! I love them … fun and classy!
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Love your table, Sandy! I think guests don’t notice the imperfect things as long as we don’t point them out!
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I try to remind myself that when I go to other people’s houses I don’t notice tons of imperfections. I just have fun with friends and good food. So they probably don’t see all of mine either.
Plus, I would much rather have a host that can laugh off a few minor things than go crying into the kitchen because “the party is ruined!”
Your tablesetting is lovely.
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