Comments on: Warm Connections {Day 21}: Even in a Messy House

By: Reluctant Entertainer 2011 Round-Up - Reluctant Entertainer I Sandy Coughlin - Lifestyle, Entertaining, Food, Recipes, Hospitality and Gardening

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 20:47:07 +0000

[…] Even in a messy house […]

By: Richella at Imparting Grace

Richella at Imparting Grace — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:21:57 +0000

This is such a message to me, Sandy! I’m afraid that what I do would often fall into the “entertaining” category rather than into the “hospitality” category. I need to learn, as you say, that hospitality is a gift–and realize that no one cares about the mess on the countertops or the dust on the baseboards.

Thank you so much for linking to the Best of 31 Days party! :)

By: 31 Days of Warm Connections - Reluctant Entertainer I Sandy Coughlin - Lifestyle, Entertaining, Food, Recipes, Hospitality and Gardening

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 03:27:29 +0000

[…] a Chance and Chocolate Caramel Bars Day 20: Harry and David, Nostalgia and Hospitality Day 21: Even in a Messy House Day 22: Happy Autumn at the Front Door Day 23: Letting Others Know You Care Day 24: Friends Who […]

By: Mary

Mary — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 01:52:31 +0000

Hi Sandy,

What great advice!

When I was first married, I would become so stressed about having the house perfect before having people over that I put my husband through some unpleasant cleaning frenzies! LOL! Finally, I realized that folks were coming to see us and actually felt better if our home didn’t look perfect (much of this developed in me from reading your blog!) But the best gift was the joy I saw on my husband’s face when I learned to relax and open our home to folks whenever the spirit moved us. :-)

Love,

Mary

By: Brenda Bennett

Brenda Bennett — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 15:32:31 +0000

I love this article because so true. Hospitality is a GIFT and its often what I tell my friends over and over again every time they visit. They always think I cleaned all day and prepared food all day, HA!, farthest from the truth as a mom with 3 kids! I try to make a fabulous meal and make a comfy setting so they are relaxed and peaceful. It doesn’t even have to be super gourmet, most times its the little simple meals and settings that really sparkle!
Great post!

By: StephanieB

StephanieB — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 19:44:54 +0000

Loved the post you did on Simple Mom. I found and subscribed to your blog because of it. Great stuff! It is nice to be reminded that entertaining is about being with and blessing people in your life.

By: Kim {Recipes To Run On}

Kim {Recipes To Run On} — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 12:06:40 +0000

Sandy, what an important post! How many times do we miss an opportunity to invite friends into our homes bc we are worried it’s not perfect. GREAT post and GREAT reminder!

By: Izabela

Izabela — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 12:01:09 +0000

I like this post…the other day our friends came over for an unexpected dinner, and my friend Paula said, “I like that your house is not all clean…that’s what friendship is all about.” At first it freaked me out and I quickly looked around, but then I realized that her comment was a compliment and I didn’t worry anymore. We had a wonderful dinner :)

By: Cara @ WhimsySmitten

Cara @ WhimsySmitten — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 04:20:03 +0000

Got the post up that I was writing when I commented. Here it is if anyone wants more thoughts on the subject. :) http://www.whimsysmitten.com/2011/10/beyond-perfection.html

By: Cara @ WhimsySmitte

Cara @ WhimsySmitte — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 02:10:30 +0000

I’m actually sitting here writing a blog post RIGHT NOW on this EXACT topic — I saw your tweet come up and clicked over… great minds think alike, I guess. ;)

I recently had an opportunity to spend the night at a friend’s house during our move from Texas to Oregon. Her house wasn’t particularly tidy, but her company was delightful and she made a wonderful meal, and we laughed and enjoyed each other’s company all night. It was the best dinner party ever. What struck me was that she never apologized for the state of her home (she has several young children in a small condo) or stressed about the mess (something I know I would do profusely until you were tired of hearing it!) She accepted us the way we were (tired, sweaty, and travel-weary) and offered us a true gift by opening her home without reservation. It’s a gift of true friendship, I think, when you allow people to see the imperfect side of you (and your home!)