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

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.