Do You Entertain?
Growing up with a big extended family…
where the majority lived in the same city, we found a reason to gather and celebrate every holiday. From Memorial Day cookouts with intense water balloon and egg tosses to Christmas Eve parties where Santa magically appeared, to Easters where we searched for the sought after golden egg, each event was hosted with love, leaving detailed memories ingrained in my heart. Those are the memories that formulated my childhood and where I developed a passion for gathering, entertaining and making each guest feel special and loved. In college, I knew little about cooking, but that didn’t deter me from attempting recipes especially when my roommate and I had an ongoing deal…I cooked, she cleaned. Living together for 7 years we hosted our friends for SATC watch parties, Super Bowls, the final episode of Friends…any excuse to gather and entertain.
Now that I have a family of my own, with 3 little ones underfoot, it makes hosting and entertaining a bit more challenging. Daunting really, especially the day of, but it hasn’t stopped us from throwing our Annual Halloween Party and 4th of July Cookout, holiday cookie decorating and gingerbread house building for the kids, and late nights playing Rummy/Euchre.
Making the decision to plan and host an event in today’s social media driven world can be more of an undertaking than ever. While they may spark great ideas and inspirations, it is very easy to go down the wormhole on Pinterest, Instagram and Etsy and turn the simplest events and holidays into extravagantly detailed and over the top celebrations. Dreaming up the most perfect bridal/baby shower, summer soiree, or family holiday party and having the resources to make those dreams come to fruition at the click of a button, can quickly turn your state of mind from confident to overwhelmed and out of control.
Earlier this year, I read a book written by a close friend of my cousin. The book “Draw a Circle, Not a Line” was beautifully written by Melanie Wolf and encompasses what’s most important when it comes to entertaining; the opportunity to make those dear to you feel special and loved. While reading, she used the term “The Haggard Hostess” which perfectly describes myself frantically running around the house (exactly like the internet memes) in the hours before welcoming guests into our home, especially if I spent more time “scrolling” to find inspiration and less time planning and preparing. The hosting method, which she refers to as PLUM, breaks down each step into the following catagories: Planning/Prep, Lounge, Unite, Meditate.
Keeping the focus on planning/preparation and incorporating just one or two of the “Pinterest inspired WOW factors/detailed touches” your intention for the gathering will shine through without leaving you feeling overwhelmed. By following Melanie’s method and practical advice, you will keep the art of hospitality at the forefront of your mind and feel confident in cultivating a togetherness your guests will feel the moment they step through your front door and long after you’ve said goodbye.
