Getting into the Entertaining Groove
I just returned from Blog Her food in Seattle where I had many conversations about “entertaining.” Imagine that! LOL :) I guess when people know what you write about, they want to talk about it.
The “ease” of entertaining always comes up … for some it’s easy, for some, well, they don’t really like it because it takes too much work!
I had a conversation with one friend who said that entertaining to her is like exercise. You have to work at it, at first, and then it starts coming naturally to you.
Agree!
I really don’t have to think twice about it any more, as I reach for my standard white dishes and cook up a familiar dish (one I’ve cooked over and over, that I probably have memorized).
I do think, however, that our personalities have a lot to do with whether we’re energized by interacting with people or not.
For me, it feels really good to bring people in, to connect, to make people feel good by filling their tummies (and hopefully their souls).
Do you find it difficult to get into the “groove” of entertaining in your home, and do you think your personality has anything to do with it?
Speaking of fun personalities, we’re headed back to the hotel in this Instagram picture at BlogHer Food conference this past weekend in Seattle. Fabulous friends … Housewife Bliss, Go Gingham, me, and Eat 2 Gather. Oh, and that’s Tickled Red in the background, and somewhere we lost La Pomme de Portland! If you have time, please check out my friends blogs! :)
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...
Gotta say – I hate to entertain. It’s always stressful, and I have help! My husband likes to cook so it’s the two of us, plus my daughter helps. I’ve had some bad experiences. Friends that came and didn’t share that they were vegetarian – when we served a hearty beef stew. Hosting a caroling party and having only 3 people show up out of my church choir. At least we had left overs for a while…I tried to host a few things at church, and was told that my house wasn’t really big enough and to let another couple (who have an enormous house) do the hosting. Ugh. It is so embarrassing thinking about it, I can’t believe I’m even putting this in a comment. Anyway, we pretty much stick to family now, and my son’s teenager friends, who always make me feel like a great hostess they way they clean their plates and ask for seconds and ooh and aah over brownies!
I love to entertain but we have such a crazy schedule all summer with baling hay that it makes it difficult. You make it look so easy.
PS Love that photo, lovely ladies.
You look so cute in that photo with your friends!! I do think personalities have something to do with being open to entertaining, But I certainly don’t think that one should use that as an excuse not to be hospitable to those in a sphere of influence.
It’s true the more you do it, the easier it becomes. I feel at ease with it because I don’t try to impress people with the latest trend or fancy table settings. I look forward to enjoying our friends and family and making new friends feel at home. The easiest way to do that is to be” at home” yourself. When you stop fussing and are at ease, they will be too.
Absolutely! Socializing can be exhausting to me, strangley enough…and I mean just one evening of it. I’m not really sure why this is, other than that I enjoy spending time alone or in very small groups. That’s another hang-up that keeps me from having people over – that, and the fact that I feel like I have to clean Before they get here and then AGAIN when they leave. Yes, I realize I need help.
Sandy! This is my favorite picture from the weekend! I love it. It’s always a treat to spend time with you and I look forward to our next adventure. Happy Wednesday, friend!
I’ll bet you really enjoyed the conference. I have no problem entertaining although I agree that the more you do it the easier it is. If we go for awhile without having dinner guests it seems like I have to think about it more – not uncomfortable with it – but just like doing anything when you are out of practice.
Darla
I had so much fun this weekend, being in a group of people is actually fun for me. Although years of sales meetings and trade shows have broken me in well. Seeing you again was beyond special!! Love you sweet friend!! xoxo
Yes, I definitely think personality plays a part in how comfortable I feel when entertaining! I’m introverted (not shy!) and find being in groups of people draining, especially if I need to be “on” the whole time!!
Thanks for your tips – I’ve learned many gems to ease the difficulties of entertaining…