Day 28. Sit Back: Enjoy and Relax
Dining with others is an intimate act. And as the hostess, once all of the hard work is done (preparing, cooking, and sometimes cleaning) and the guests are eating, it’s time to sit back and to enjoy the best part of the evening.
I love watching others enjoy one another as they eat and drink. Again, it all comes back to my Commandment #1: Hospitality is not about me. It’s about making others feel warm and welcome. (Did you know that you can print out my list of Ten Commandments?)
This frees me up. I don’t have to put on airs, try to be something I am not, or act the part. I can enjoy people for who they are who want to be with us in our home. It becomes about “them.”
Enjoying the moment is like the icing on the cake. It’s sweet and it tastes good. It feels right and it makes my heart happy and thankful when people I love are around me and enjoying themselves.
At this point the tone of the evening has already been set, and as I let go of all of the imperfections (and possibly mishaps throughout the night), I get to sit back and enjoy every moment.
Do you enjoy observing others in your home when you entertain?
Don’t worry if you’ve missed out on the past 27 days in this series, because you can join in, HERE. Also, my blogging friends who are sharing their passions in this 31-Day series are:
31 Days to a Less Messy Nest – Nester, Nesting Place
31 Days to Grace – Emily, Chatting at the Sky
31 Days to More with Less – Jen, Balancing Bedlam and Beauty
31 Days to a Better Photo – Darcy, My 3 Boybarians
31 Days of Autumn Bliss – Melissa, The Inspired Room
31 Days of Living Simply – Emily, Remodeling this Life
31 Days to an Inspired Table – Kendra, My First Kitchen
Pingback: 31 Days to Stress-Free Entertaining! — Reluctant Entertainer
I, too, love standing back and inhaling the sweet sound of my guests talking, laughing and mingling around the house. My husband has caught me standing in the kitchen smiling…just smiling. His words, “You love this, don’t you?” I really, really do! Reaching out to others and making them feel special, loved and welcome is what it’s all about and what you so eloquently are sharing with us. My husband is a great help and I really appreciate all his help but he doesn’t feel the “joy” quite as much as I do. (-: That’s when I seem to be the happiest!
Your table settings are breathtaking! I’m in awe!
It’s nice to listen to the various conversations and sit and observe all that’s going on.
Sandy…this 31 Day Series has been great. I’ve enjoyed all of you girls so much. Thanks for modeling and sharing all your fun ideas for entertaining. We had a great night last night at our home with our small bible study group. It was a simple taco dinner but I fried the corn tortillas ahead of time and my guests just loved the tacos. I enjoyed them too!
We all had a great time getting to know each other a little better over a wonderful and simple meal.
Connie
I love having people over. Its nice to just sit down and relax with friends for a few hours and just catch up on what everyone is doing.
I am really enjoying this series with all of the wonderful bloggers out there. I love sitting down with friends and enjoying good conversation…it actually takes my mind off the little things I think might not be “perfect”.
One of my favorite things, being able to relax with great friends and family…I love after everyone has left too…cleaning up and talking about how much fun we had with everyone…just love this series. Thank you so much for all your hard work!
I love stepping back and listening to the various conversations going on!
There’s that wonderful sense quiet joy when you’re just listening to your guests interact, watching them enjoy themselves, enjoy each other, and be at peace.
So true…enjoying it is what it’s all about and sometimes we miss out on that most important feature. :)