31 Days of Breaking Bread: the pretty is okay, too

So we’ve talked about how we should be giving ourselves the freedom to put away the fine china and the linen napkins and to embrace the real and the authentic in each other and our homes. We’ve talked about the importance of inviting for the sake of community and not feeling the pressure for everything to be perfect.

But what if you love the pretty? What if place settings and table runners and fresh runners make you come alive and fire you up? What if you truly the details of entertaining? Then I say that this is wonderful, too.

I love pretty things. When my house is shiny and sparkling and my table is set perfectly, I feel alive! I want to take a picture of it. I want to enjoy it for as long as possible.

And if that is you, and you love the pretty, then you should absolutely enjoy every part of that.

But if perfection causes you to snap at your family or spend your entire day stressing and cleaning, then give yourself the freedom to give it up.

In my opinion, you can love the pretty and not let it consume you and be ready to serve your guests and open up your heart and your home. Or you can love the pretty and be overly concerned with perfection and the gourmet meal that you completely miss it.

Where ever you stand, give yourself the freedom to be there. Give yourself the freedom to throw the fancy party without guilt. Or maybe you’re just tired and worn out from years of trying so hard and you need to give yourself the freedom to give up perfection.

No matter where you fall, though, don’t compare yourself, your home, your style of hospitality to anyone else’s. There is no right or wrong way to show hospitality. Opening the door and inviting is all they need from us.

This post is part of 31 Days of Breaking Bread

31 days of breaking bread

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Comments

  1. Bonnie says

    Thank you for this series on hospitality. I love the pretty! But I also need to give up on the perfection, it just wears me out. I especially love the last paragraph in today’s post – don’t compare! Wishing you a beautiful day!

  2. says

    i really like this post. i feel like i flop between needing it simple and wanting it pretty. 🙂 it’s nice to think it shouldn’t have to be one way all the time. really enjoying your breaking bread series!

  3. Christy says

    We have people over at least once, sometimes two or three times per week. Just love hanging out with our buddies! Even for the “big” events where there are lots of people like bday parties or holiday parties we just always keep it laid back and easy for everyone! Honestly have never put a ton of thought into it. Just happens! But I’m not a Type A stresser or someone that works hard to impress. My friends love us even though we are last minute, laid back, and simple! Glad I don’t have to add any of this stuff to an already busy life. My advice summed up in one word, just “love!”

  4. says

    I have been so exhausted and my house is showing it but you are right we should still entertain! Even if it is just pizza and wine, I miss seeing my friends and dinner at home is always easiest…even if they kids destroy the living room! And I better do it soon before we are trapped inside from the cold!

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