Do you ever go to someone's house and are so relaxed, you just want to put your feet up?
About a month ago, that's exactly the experience our family had.
My cousins had us over for dinner. We usually don't include the kids (they are always invited, they just usually have their own "social life"), but this time we did.
We prioritized our family being together.
Enjoying appetizers
Beautiful view
Touches of hospitality
Simple table setting
Art room set up for my daughter to create
Delicious meal: steak, veggies, salad and bread
Animal entertainment: we love Gabriel
The conversation we had included the kids. The ambience that surrounded us, the tasty food, and the relaxed atmosphere - well, it all made for an evening that dripped with soul.
I'd love to hear about the "feel" of your home? Do your guests feel this comfortable?
My cousin's house also drips with beautiful artwork. She's an incredible artist and her new blog will fill your mind with inspiration and thought-provoking posts about art and creativity.
Remember how Anni taught my Balcony Girls an art lesson?
Check out this quote on her blog:
"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." ~Scott Adams
The winner from my last post is Nel from Driftwoodroses! Congrats on the 2 free prints, Nel!
15 comments:
I love it when you can walk into someone's house and immediately feel at home. Especially when you have kids.
I'll have to check out her artwork. I love to draw and am always looking for inspiration!
Hugs to you Sandy.
Kim
It always makes me smile when I walk into my family room and see someone curled up on the couch conversing with someone else.
I always have little toys or something for the little ones to do. I remember when mine were little and we'd go to other's homes and they weren't allowed to touch anything. That's not how we live.
Thank you for giving everyone the confidence to entertain without stressing out over it!
I sure hope people feel that way at my house. Thanks for this post....just a reminder to make things relaxed and comfortable, not stressed but perfect. Your blog posts always remind me what's most important about hospitality~the people!
Your cousin does beautiful work.
That is exactly what I love about feeling at certain people's homes and the exact feeling I'm trying to create in my own home.
I always feel like my house is never clean enough, never big enough, never [fill in the blank]. But after a couple people told me they felt AT HOME and comfortable in our house, I realized that there's more to hospitality than being able to eat off the floor. (And really, who wants to do that - besides my toddler - anyway?!)
It is a blessing to be in a home like that and I always hope people can relax in mine. My home is not foofie with lots of perfect accessories...more like an updated grandmas house :0) ecclectic. Love the Heron painting...just beautiful!
We try our best to make our home that way - and I believe we succeed most of the time.
We knew we had accomplished a true relaxed atmosphere when our neighbors were visiting over warm brownies and ice cream one Sunday evening. Everyone was just sitting around chatting - in chairs, on the sofa, the fireplace hearth and even the floor. The floor is where our neighbor "dad" had chosen. Next thing we knew, he'd taken a pillow off the hearth and was deep breathing. Yep - fell asleep.
We allowed him his nap. When he woke up, he sheepishly announced, "Well, I guess those were the best brownies I've ever had!" LOL
More than his words, his catnap was one of the best compliments he could have given us!
I sure hope that people feel that way in our home-we hear they do. I love that last comment about someone taking a nap-my husband's dad regularly does this at our house. We love it!
So glad you guys ALL had a good, relaxing time, Sandy.
I LOVE visiting someone's home and enjoying that relaxed feeling. My hubby and I just did that at our pastor's home. His wife prepared a simple southern meal of butter beans and ham, home made corn bread and a tossed salad. The food was outstanding...the company even better. :)
P.S. I LOVE those square plates. Gorgeous!
I hope my home feels that comfortable for my family and friends. That's always my goal.
I love that quote. (And I love your cousin's dishes too. :-)
How lovely. Some of my favorite childhood memories are going to visit our extended family and friends of my parents. It was such a treat to be included and have dinner out.
My guests seem to feel relaxed. I hope they are, and that's the air we try to project... come in and relax.
I so enjoy your blog! You are an inspiration to us all!! Thank you for all you do, encouraging us to throw open our doors and welcome friends and loved ones into our house. (Even when we forget what it is all about!)
My house is lacking in that area. But WE like it!
:)
Hi Sandy,
Sorry this is sOooo late. But Thank You for your kind and encouraging post on our evening together. You guys are always easy going and fun to hang with, so it makes it easy!!! oxox Love you, Anni
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