Once upon a time, I found immense joy in hosting gatherings. From large celebrations to cozy dinner get-togethers, each occasion was a delight. When Jake and I first tied the knot, we kicked off Sunday Night Dinners with friends to fend off the Sunday blues. After welcoming our first child, we continued these traditions, inviting friends over for leisurely Saturday dinners. After putting our baby to bed, we’d regroup around our tiny kitchen table, enjoying laughter, too much wine, and a fantastic time.
Fast forward ten years and two kids later, those spontaneous dinner parties seem like a distant memory. Our original circle of friends has spread out, and while we’ve made new connections, everyone’s schedules are jam-packed. Organizing a dinner party—especially with kids in the mix—has become a Herculean task, thanks to conflicting commitments and obligations.
At some point, hosting turned into a daunting chore. Between the daily hustle of life and the thought of extra grocery runs, cleaning, and meal prep, the idea of entertaining became overwhelming. So, we shifted to meeting friends at restaurants, reserving time alone for date nights, and saving our hosting efforts for special occasions like birthdays and holidays.
Recently, I’ve been reminiscing about those dinner parties of the past. I truly miss them. I miss the warmth of good friends and the joy of shared conversations around a table. A year ago, I stumbled upon the concept of “Friday Night Meatballs,” and a few months back, I came across an article titled “5 Rules for Hosting a Crappy Dinner Party.” It made me wonder: why complicate things? Surely, there’s a simpler way to gather without the stress?
Then it dawned on me: I was the only one setting unrealistic standards. I had blurred the lines between entertaining and hospitality, transforming what should be enjoyable gatherings into daunting events. It doesn’t matter if I serve gourmet dishes or simple grilled cheese sandwiches, whether my wine glasses are matching or I’m using plastic cups. What truly counts is the warmth of our welcome and the joy of spending time together.
Last weekend, some friends from out of town dropped by for a quick visit. I didn’t clean beforehand, and aside from a bit of cheese and wine, I didn’t stock up on groceries. No elaborate meal preparation was needed. Instead, we enjoyed mediocre delivery pizza and shared a few bottles of red wine, diving into conversations about everything from politics to family tales. We laughed, reminisced, and created new memories. In short, we had a blast—messy house and greasy pizza included.
Let’s shift our focus away from the pressures of “entertaining” and lean into the joy of hospitality and companionship. Let’s bring back the relaxed potluck and the casual dinner gathering. Invite friends into our imperfect homes, skip the grocery shopping, and prioritize the joy of togetherness over perfection. Let’s tell our friends to bring dessert, order less-than-stellar takeout, and whip up some comfort food. Let’s share laughter until we accidentally spit out cheap wine.
Friendship isn’t about achieving Pinterest-worthy perfection; it’s about connection, warmth, and kindness. That’s the essence of it.
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In summary, let’s embrace the beauty of casual gatherings and the comfort of spending time with loved ones, leaving behind the stress of perfection.