The Benefits of Eating In or Out?
Recently we had a conversation with some friends about the the benefits of eating out, versus eating in. Or the other way around. They asked me what I preferred …
I envisioned people coming in to our home, and the feeling or ambience they would experience versus an occasionally cold, sterile restaurant (but not always).
At home we have our choice of music, we work on our own schedule, there are fewer distractions, and the best part … we control the conversation, the ambience, even a level of intimacy.
Communication is the real connection, isn’t it? Although I know it can happen anywhere, inviting people into our homes and letting them visit and view “our reality” creates a bit of intimacy right there.
We are basically saying, “Come on over and we’ll share our lives with YOU!”
To me that is the most honoring invitation.
It’s real and it’s beautiful. Paul and I have learned more about people around our table than in any other places in our lives (and that includes church). It also teaches our kids the importance of hosting others.
I will admit though, in different seasons of my life, it’s just been easier to eat out. And keeping in mind that whether eating in or out, hospitality is about making others feel warm and welcome.
I believe it can happen anywhere, which is really fantastic.
When you decide to get together with friends, do you prefer to eat in or out?
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
I love eating in for the setting AND the food! It can be fun to go out sometimes, but a restaurant could never foster intimacy the way a home does.
And I’ve found that we eat better at home. We can feed a small group really good food for the same price we’d pay for the exact same thing – for two – at a nice restaurant. Potlucks can supply more variety in one meal than a restaurant could, and even something inexpensive like a simple soup with fresh bread feels cozy and satisfying at home, while the same meal could seem cheap at a restaurant (that’s just the first course there, right??).
While I don’t mind the occassional meal out, mostly on hectic days when mom really doesn’t want to get in the kitchen, I prefer to eat at home when amongst friends (either ours or theirs). We don’t feel rushed, the kids can play/hang out without feeling they need to be on their best behavior and quiet, the conversation is more meaningful (and able to be heard). And, I love trying new recipes or dishes that friends have cooked, sometimes things I would never try.
when the purpose is to connect with others you can’t beat having others in your home or being in theirs! I love the post-meal dash to the couches for deeper conversation, or clearing the table for cards, or bringing out musical instruments while guests help themselves to more drinks as needed.
Eating out, for me, is to put food center stage. It is more about food as entertainment than deepening relationships.
deb meyers
Having dinner guests to share a meal and their stories have been a delight for my husband and I. The coziness of the dining room or breakfast table has made for meaningful discussions that would never have happened around a public table. Therefore, we prefer to dine in with friends.
Also, I’ve found that hosting informal and formal teas have been another avenue of getting to know others through simple hospitality.
Thank you for your posts. I’m the fly on the wall that enjoys your posts and usually doesn’t speak up.
Write on!
Really great thoughts! I like eating out every once in a while, but when it comes to having people in our home and sharing life with them there’s nothing better than that. I love making things special for guests; a great meal, and conversation.
My father and I prefer to eat at home, most of the time…but once in awhile we like to eat out. If we had it in our budget, we’d probably eat out once a week. However, for us, eating out is going to Whole Foods and picking up some of their tasty good breakfast sandwiches, getting something to drink…and taking it home and eating it :) :) Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather :)
My first choice is to always invite people in to our home……it’s a glimpse into who we are and people tend to be more relaxed in a home rather than a restaurant. Plus it gives me an excuse to bake something decadent!
For that reason, I love going to other peoples’ houses. I feel like its an honor to sit in their family room and kitchen, places where much of their private lives take place.
I love having people in our home too, even if it’s just meeting up for a take away with the kids asleep upstairs. It’s so much more relaxed and we don’t have to get a babysitter.
Love those napkins- very cheerful!
My husband and I love to host people at our home. It’s easier for us now that we have a 3-year-old at home so we don’t have to get a babysitter, but even before that we generally preferred to host. You can control the quality of the food and drinks, set the mood, and never have to worry about getting kicked out for staying too late. :)
Sure you have to clean up the next morning, but I find that if you load up the dishwasher & turn it on before going to bed, the cleanup task isn’t quite so rough the next morning.