The Community for Catholic Moms

TO ENTERTAIN OR NOT ENTERTAIN...that is the question...

Many people don't like to have company over...some for a good reasons:

1. too much work
2. house is a mess
3. kids are too overwhelming
4. husband doesn't like company
5. they are too introverted or shy
6. don't have the money to really entertain
7. find people annoying
8. too busy

Well we have a little bit of all that in this house...I learned a great little word from the FLYLADY: C.H.A.O.S: which means Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome!!!

I am social by nature...ever since I was a kid. My husband is a quieter soul who would be happy with a good book and comfy couch...not sure why he loves having all these kids!!! We have a very busy household...people coming and going all the time, friends, neighbors, people from church, new friends (even though, my husband announces to me at each place we go---no new friends today!!! ) I just can't help it, I am a magnet to people...I just want to meet new people all the time. I even have made some really close friends from blogging...my teens laugh and say, "mom, what did we say about meeting people online?" Great ladies like Mary and Jo, as well as many others.

I think it is important to have people over, our generation has lost the fine art of hospitality. If you struggle with a messy house like me...than try to keep your front room or hall way clean, so when someone stops by I can welcome them in...offer them a ear to listen or just relax. I also find that having a party big or small...it gives me a good excuse to do some cleaning that I would normally not do...like windows. Isn't it amazing how much we can do for company that we don't do for our husbands...I really try to work on that!!!

So start small and see where the Holy Spirit leads you. Have fun and enjoy your company.

THY WILL BE DONE!!! +JMJ+

Comment

You need to be a member of Faith and Family Connect to add comments!

Join Faith and Family Connect

Comment by Jennifer Raybaud on September 11, 2009 at 11:30am: Since we moved into our new home 2 years ago I am much more comfortable having people over because we have a bit more space and things are just nicer here. I can totally relate to the list you posted Cecilia. Especially when my children were younger and I too wish I lived by Jennifer with the wine and cheese parties. Very fun!

Comment by cecilia sam fatzinger on September 10, 2009 at 8:14pm: wow!!! Wish I lived near you!!! I hate making salads too!!! Can't wait to tell my neighbors your region/wine idea!!! Have fun!!! +JMJ+ Keep me in your prayers-baby a week late!!!

Comment by Jennifer on September 10, 2009 at 2:02pm: Thanks Cecilia. We usually decide the theme, and then when the guests respond and ask to bring something, I assign according to their strengths. If someone makes a killer app, I'll ask for that. If someone likes a particular wine, I say bring it on. I don't enjoy making salads, so I'll usually assign somebody that job. I find that people are so very generous, and take great pride in something done right, like group admiration for their favorite dish!

One of my favorite winter themes is an around the world wine& cheese party. I'll assign a particular region (South America, France, Italy, Germany, California, New York) to each couple and ask that they bring a wine from that region. I'll hit the cheese store and load up on cheeses (from the same regions) and it's a wonderful way to enjoy the cheese & wine combo.

Comment by cecilia sam fatzinger on September 10, 2009 at 12:38pm: Jennifer-that is so good you ask people to bring stuff...too many people try to do it all themselves and get burned out.+JMJ+

Comment by Jennifer on September 10, 2009 at 11:38am: We do a lot of entertaining, especially in the summer because we have an inground pool. We have about three big parties (50 plus people) for Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day. In order to fray costs, I will ask people to bring something, an app, dessert, dessert for the kids, juice boxes, wine, beer. A lot of times, we end up with way too much food! I've found that people just like to go places, it doesn't really matter what your house looks like or even how much $ you spend on the food. Hot dogs are cheap and just everybody will eat them! Also, by inviting people over, you will be invited to their house at some point. All the work pays off with a rich social life!

Comment by cecilia sam fatzinger on September 8, 2009 at 9:06pm: I have friends who say the same thing...trust me I make people feel good alot---now would be a great time to stop by!!!

Comment by Jenny on September 8, 2009 at 2:47pm: Sometimes its nice to walk into someone's house that is as messy as he one I left and remember that we are all in the same place. I wouldn't always want to sit next to a pile of unfolded laundry while I chat, but once in a while its exactly what I need.