Are You Embarrassed to Entertain at Home?
We recently had a client tell us that she didn’t have any friends over to her house because she was embarrassed by the way her home looked.
She, like many others, left a job to stay at home with kids. Priorities changed and any extra money was used for kid’s activities, vacations and the usual day to day expenses without much left in the decorating budget.
This made me very sad because she didn’t feel her home was worthy of guests. Growing up my parents were big on entertaining. Their friends would come over with their kids and after dinner the adults would sit around and drink and talk and the kids would play hide and seek or spin the bottle and all those games that were not technology related :)
I remember my mom spending the day, cooking, cleaning and setting a beautiful table. She was always in a good mood then because I think it gave her something to look forward to after being home all week with 4 kids.
Image via Oh Happy Day
My sister got the “tablescape” gene from her. She always sets a beautiful table and loves to use place cards to make everyone feel special.
I learned so much from my Mom about entertaining. I think it’s a good lesson for children to learn how to make people feel comfortable and gracious in your home. Offering them a drink and a seat, and not letting their dog jump all over you.
Your kids are watching these things more than you realize.
I think that having people visit your home is about the time you share together, not to “show off your home” (well, maybe just a little bit). It’s natural to want to take pride in your home but if you’re truly “embarrassed” then you need to seriously do something about it!!
If you have outdated colors – paint!! – It’s the most dramatic change you can make spending the least amount of money! One of our favorites - Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue HC143
photo - Design in a Day
If your sofa is old or outdated – add some current throw pillows – it’s amazing what a pop of color or geometric pattern can do to bring it to life!
Clear out the clutter – If it isn’t useful or something pretty to look at - GET RID OF IT!!
Walk into your home with a fresh set of eyes. If your ceramic turkey is still sitting in your dining room from Thanksgiving – GET RID OF IT ALREADY!! Walk into your home with a fresh set of eyes.
Purchase some fresh flowers, a fragrant candle, and have people over for goodness sake!!!
Distract them with great hors devours, drinks and play a game. Game night is a great way to include the adults and the kids. These will be memories your children will cherish.
Recipe for Paula Deen's party popcorn - click here
Now go on and put a date on the calendar for your next get together at your wonderful (not perfect) home!!
Joann