I wrote a while ago about my struggle with hospitality and what a great evening I had entertaining friends when I was finally able to let all of the small stuff go.

Since then, I have had two opportunities to entertain present themselves, and I seized them.

Last weekend, we entertained company for an afternoon of swimming and sitting out on the patio.  It was casual and easy.  I had prepared a pan of taco dip ahead of time and threw a bag of chips into a bowl.  The afternoon was so informal, I even had our guests grab their own drinks, right out of the fridge.

If you knew me, you would understand just how far I’ve come.  There was no ice filled tub set out with drink choices aplenty, no crystal glasses set out next to an ice bowl, and no wine bottles were uncorked.  I even told my guest that I only had two bottles of Diet Coke in the fridge so she should pace herself.

(In retrospect, I can’t believe I said that.)

((Jokingly, of course.))

(((At least, I hope it sounded funny.)))

((((Oh dear.))))

And the cleanup?  What cleanup?  It was a breeze.

And the afternoon was a lot of fun.

I think I am finally ready to let all of my Martha Stewart preparedness go. 

Unless of course I were hosting a wedding reception.  Then, I would totally prepare. 

I don’t think I have to worry about hosting a reception any time soon though, seeing as how I just told the only single person I know who is actually getting married to pace herself on the Diet Cokes.  I’m pretty sure that is not her idea of a perfect wedding host.

Anyway.

Yesterday was a beautiful, hot, summer day.  The kind of day that made me wish the kids had not gone back to school so soon.  All three of my kids came home from school wanting to play with their friends.

And you know what I said?

“Sure, invite ‘em over!”

Just like that, without hesitation.

I didn’t even stress about dinner.  I wasn’t sure what I had planned would be enough for two extra guests, but I didn’t chuck my meal plan and run to the store to pick up something else.  I didn’t even order a pizza.  I made due with what I had.  Everyone had a bit smaller portion, some ears of corn were broken in half, and I even put out a bowl of sliced strawberries and called it a sidedish.

This might be common sense for some people, but for me, it was an excercise in letting go of perfection.

What I got in return was the laughter of my kids and their friends coming from the backyard, watching two fifth grade girls work together to figure out some homework, a great conversation with my one daughter and her friend, and a heartfelt ‘thank you’ from my girls.

And it was so worth it.

I think I’m finally starting to get the hang of this whole hospitality thing.

Once I purchase some more Diet Coke that is.