Hello Friends!! I can’t believe that Christmas is in less than 2 weeks! I feel like I say this every year, but every time we get this close to Christmas I find myself wishing time would stand still, and in disbelief at how fast yet another year has gone by. Last weekend I had the pleasure of going to Christmas party hosted by my friend Jen from Migonis Home. It was sort of an informal get together for some local bloggers and readers to meet in person, celebrate the holidays, and enjoy a meal together. Honestly, it was more of a blessing than I anticipated, and it reminded me of what it’s like when we allow others to bless us with the gift of gathering. So I wanted to share a little bit more with you all on here, because it truly is a gift we can all receive.
I talk a lot in my book – The Gift of Gathering – about how we offer a gift to those we invite over to gather. Whether it’s a formal sit down meal, or a casual get-together, we not only give the gift of fellowship, but we give the gift of love, when we spend time with one another.
Nothing reminds me of this gift that we give more, than when I’m on the receiving end. I will be honest – I do love to host. I love all parts of it – the planning, the welcoming others in to our home. Planning out all the tiny details that will enhance their experience. Trying out new recipes, and serving up some household favorites too – I love it all. So much so, that it’s easy for me to always offer up our home for others to come over and enjoy.
Yet I forget sometimes, when doing so, just how much is blesses others to be able to give that same gift back to me. It truly is an act of love to invite others in, and serve them with the gift of hospitality, and sometimes I get so wrapped up in the “doing” and the excitement of planning a gathering, that I overlook their desire to reciprocate that same gift back to me.
Sometimes it’s easy to be the one who always hosts because, well for starters I enjoy it. And don’t get me wrong – I love to plan out a gathering, but if I’m being honest, it’s also because I like being in control. I can focus on the details all I want, because after all I’m the one hosting, but that also means that sometimes perfection can creep in and take control.
Sometimes I have to remind myself to give other people the opportunity to shower my family with love in the gift of gathering, which means not always being the host home.
When I remind myself that I need to give others the chance to show hospitality, and maybe even grow in their gifts, I’m also reminded just how good it feels to be the one on the receiving end as well. It’s a chance to let someone else pour the same love back into my life, that I so love to pour out into others. Sometimes I forget that. I get so wrapped up in the details and the excitement of hosting, I forget to give others the chance to open up their homes.
I’ve never met a friend that only liked to be on the receiving end of the friendship. No, true friendship is about being able to both give and receive, and if we are only the ones giving, we never give our friends the opportunity to give back.
Here’s a photo I snapped real quick of the beautiful table Jen set for us that night.
Honestly, I gasped out loud, not only because it was so beautiful to look at, but because my heart felt the gift of hospitality she serving that night, and all the time and effort that went into making us feel welcome.
Jen is a busy mama, not only running a business, but she also has 4 young children at home – 2 of which are twins they recently adopted. Jen greeted us with a smile, and hosted the evening like it was a breeze, yet I know the time that went into preparing for this evening, and the feelings of wanting everything to be just right.
I am so thankful to Jen for hosting this night, and allowing the chance for us to all come together. It was such a fun night, so much so, that we all agreed we need to do this more often. I was reminded too of how much of a blessing it is that we give to others when we invite them over.
We do have so many gifts – to give and to receive – come to light when we open up our homes and our hearts and welcome people to our tables. So much gladness awaits, and I pray that we all remember that as we gather this holiday season.
I agree with this wholeheartedly, however, it is difficult when a family member hosts, but puts zero effort into it. I try to focus on the “togetherness” and not the details when this happens. On special holidays it is hard to not have it feel special when it should. As much as I love to host, I do like the break, I guess that is the other positive about not hosting! Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Oh Leslie, I completely agree, and have one of those family member too 🙁 It is SO hard, especially when we love the details, and making things extra special when we host. I’m with you, I appreciate the break, and just repeat to myself over and over “it’s ok, give grace” 🙂 he he, and just know that when we invite others in, it truly is a gift we are giving. Merry Christmas Leslie!! xo, Bre
In my heart, I would LOVE to host like this, but just don’t have the confidence to do so. I definitely don’t have the decorator skills and my home is not a “photo-ready” one! We don’t have fancy dishes and our menus are very basic! How do I get the confidence to “just do it?”!!
Start with one thing. Maybe it’s trying a new recipe that is a little out of your comfort zone. Maybe it’s having others bring food to share, so you don’t have the responsibility for all the food, and try incorporating a centerpiece, or adding cloth napkins to your table. My all time favorite trick for instantly making my table feel more cozy without needing any decorating skills is adding candlelight. Whether it’s one big candle in the center of the table, or a few scattered down the center, or tiny little candle votives – the soft glow of candlelight instantly adds some elegance with very little effort. Also when I’m using candles, I light them 10 minutes before we eat, that way I don’t forget when we all go to sit down 🙂 I hope this helps Kathy, and remember start small – pick one thing to try first, and keep trying until you find what fits your style best 🙂 ~Bre
so beautifully written my friend! I too was so surprised at how much that night filled my soul! Jen outdid herself!
It so was!! So glad we got to go together 🙂 xoxox
What a beautiful reminder to let others pour love on us! I enjoy hosting too and as time goes on i have learned to stress less about every detail and focus on the really important part—the friends, family and guests that gather.
Beautiful table settings there.
Pat
It sure is Pat!! Thank you so much