that's (not) entertainment

[anotheranon]

Saturday I had dinner with my childhood friend C. She and her husband A. are rapidly becoming fearsomely good hosts: inventive drinks, tasty homemade and healthy food on good china. It's the kind of environment that's welcoming and fun but not so posh or busy that it intimidates me.

Part of C.'s success is doubtless because she's known me for years and knows about what my speed is, but she confessed she finds it easier to plan entertainment because she no longer works full time. That struck a chord with me - I know some people have the limitless energy and organization to pull down mad hospitality at the drop of a hat, but I can't imagine how anyone could do her epic Halloween decorating after 40 hours at work and regular errands/chores on weekends.

I think this is the real clue as to why I've not had people by in an age. Even though we have maids come in once a month, I lack the energy to make everything perfect. Some stuff I can't even judge - I have two cats and a poor sense of smell, so any cat stink/lingering cooking smells I'm simply not aware of, and what if that offends someone? Will people find the stacked bookshelves and ongoing projects charming "lived in"-edness or suffocating clutter?

In short, I'm so used to my house that I'm terrified I'll guess wrong and present any potential visitors with a pig sty.

It helps that the guest room is looking more like a room and less like a closet, but I've still got a way to go.

Comments

[hadesgirl.livejournal.com]

LOL now you know why I freaked when I had everyone over for that infamous group gathering!!!

Although secretely, I'd love to do it again sometime.

[anotheranon.livejournal.com]

Yes, yes I do. And this is when I expect even one person over!

If you ever host again, I'm so there. Hope one day to have the nerve (and space) to try it myself!

[jlsjlsjls.livejournal.com]

If it's any comfort, I like the lingering scents of past meals (well, provided it wasn't fish) and the sight of a clutter of books and projects and movies and music ... those are the things that make a home and they're very welcoming. And the odd stray dust bunny ... just another pet, right? I find "perfect" interior decorator-type rooms downright creepy because they're so lifeless and sterile.

And the impossibility of having absolutely everything tidy at the same time is why I dislike open plan house/apartment layouts ... separate rooms with walls and doors are everybody's best friends. ;p

[timcharmorbien.livejournal.com]

Ah, cat stink - - only the strong survive!

cat stink

[timcharmorbien.livejournal.com]

I share your fears. I know our house smells of cat and I fear that it is "shack nasty" and would be horribly embarassed for anyone to drop by unannounced. If I didn't work full time I could have a nice clean house. I tend to burn a lot of scented candles. I also fear carrying the cat stink to work with me as the litter box is in the laundry room. I love my cat babies but come warm weather everyone is going outside.

Re: cat stink

[anotheranon.livejournal.com]

Yes! It's not even the cats themselves as the litter. I'd guess that in my case simply putting out fresh boxes when company is expected might cut my anxiety by half.

Picking up the myriad toys & shaking out fur could be useful too. It's easy to let the house get "cat optimized" - they spend the most time here, after all.