Get comfortable

‘People aren’t longing to be impressed. They’re longing to feel like they’re home. If you create a space full of love and character and creativity and soul, they’ll take off their shoes and curl up with gratitude, no matter how small, no matter how undone, no matter how old.” ~Shauna Niequist, quoted in Bella Grace

Most of us spend too much time trying to make things perfect — especially when we’re getting ready to entertain. Maybe we’ve been brainwashed into thinking that a home should always look worthy of a magazine shoot or an Instagram series — and we’re ashamed if ours doesn’t.

“I’d never have company if I thought my house had to look perfect,” said a friend of mine who loves to entertain.

Hospitality is a gift that deepens relationships. Now that the holidays are over and winter has settled in, there’s nothing cozier than relaxing in the living room with an old friend and catching up to where you left off the last time. Who cares if there’s dust on the coffee table and dog toys (or kid toys) scattered on the carpet? We just want to be comfortable — not impressed. ~CL

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