7/20/09

Surrounded by a Mess!



Having a ripped out kitchen didn't stop us eating! No way! And I always joke with my friends that I never miss a meal!

A few weeks ago my nephew and niece came over with their kids for dinner. They brought the salads and we provided the cheese bread and chicken for the salad.



In the midst of a mess, we all ate around the table and made the best of it. We pulled up extra chairs and bar stools, put the food in the center of the table, and dug in!

And we had a really great time!

One thing I love about hospitality is this:  It doesn't have to be perfect.  The surroundings are important, but they're not paramount.



In this case, surrounded by a mess, it was about our family time together.

Do you let messes stop you from inviting people in? Or have you learned to go with the flow?


(Josh and Addie's sweet family).

17 comments:

Shell in your Pocket said...

It all looks wonderful!!
sandy toe

The Blushing Hostess said...

You are indeed brave - my house is on lock down during revisions!

Kim said...

I would probably invite people in just because I would have an excuse for the mess. We are a messy disaster here, but I am getting better. I love putting the bowls of food on the table too. We serve off the island or stove most of the time and putting food in pretty bowls and directly on the table reminds me of being a kid.

Astrid in Bristling Acres said...

Looks like a lovely meal...I'm so impressed! I can't wait to see more photos of your kitchen reno!

Natalie Meester said...

I agree totally!

Hospitality is sharing of yourself and not putting on a show.

Lucy..♥ said...

Going w/the flow is what I do. Having wonderful family & friends means more than dirty dishes, or dust.

When I did my kitchen redo, I picked the wrong time of year... should have started in the summer as you have. BBQ grill w/a side burner would have solved the dilemma of how to cook w/o a stove (which it did), and the patio a dust free area to eat ;-)

Robin @ The Rendered Nest said...

Oh that salad looks delicious! And I'm so glad you enjoyed being together...even in less-than-desirable circumstances!

Thanks for inspiring me to focus on the important things rather than perfection...I always need that!

Jess said...

Hi Sandy,

I thought it's about time that I left a comment on your blog... I'm your cousin Peggy's DIL and she emails me links to your blog every once in a while. You've done a fantastic job with your blog! I enjoy keeping up with you! :o)

Hayley said...

I envy you - I so desperately wish that the mess would not hinder me from having people over...but, it does!

Lori said...

Thanks to your blog and recent heart trouble, I have made an adjustment to my hospitality attitude. And you know what? They really don't see the mess or the simply meal you put before them. They are there for you! Thanks for our gentle persistent hints to bring those hungy souls in!

Kirstin said...

We always went with the flow!!!

Donnetta said...

Becoming more and more comfortable with the way things are if it means welcoming people into our home and lives for fellowship and friendship.

Holly Campbell said...

I let the mess keep me from inviting (adult-type) people over. My husband would be appalled. . .The girls have friends over all the time-go figure?

Renee Nay said...

Sandy do you by any chance have recipes for your spinach salad, and cheesy bread and also do you make homemade dressing or just use bottled?

How wonderful you make everything even when there is alot going on.

Renee
WAHM of four
rbrown7997@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

This is how memories are made. You will always remember that meal amidst the mess, and so will your guests!

Pamela said...

I agree, my husband always wants a clean house for guests...and although that is great, sometimes it prevents his from enjoying the evening.

miranda.strong said...

Wow, the cheese bread looks amazing! Is there a recipe for this somewhere?