by Adam Dawson
Emily and I have always wanted hospitality to be a value in our marriage. We both had welcoming households growing up and want to open our home to others regularly. But at times we’ve been less than confident in our ability to host friends and family because of the designer houses people in Austin often have, seemingly chef-prepared party foods, and active social lives outside the home. We sometimes haven’t felt like we can open our home because it wouldn’t be good enough in one way or another. Sounds silly, I know, but we’ve both felt it.
This has been an unexpected benefit of trying to live on a new budget. Since we started August, we’ve had a game night with friends, football watching night, family meals together with our siblings, and Emily even had a girls’ night in. And the surprising part is – well, nobody would say it out loud – but I get the sense that some of our friends actually appreciate the opportunity to have an activity to do on the cheap. People have seemed to really enjoy coming out to the homestead and playing games, talking with each other, and visiting the goats, without having to spend lots of money. Our house isn’t perfect, but I think we’ve learned that it’s certainly good enough to open to our loved ones.
This has made me extra thankful for our house lately, and thankful that we’ve been able to live out our values of being a place people are welcome. It seems like the budget would flow from our values, but in this case, the budget has served to remind us of what’s important to us and I think we’ve had a richer month as a result.
Well said and kudos!!!
I suggest you read “Bread & Wine” by Shauna Niequist. I think it will help to give you inspiration (and some great recipes).
http://shaunaniequist.com/project/bread-wine/
Ooh! That sounds good!
I knew that name sounded familiar! She blogs on Donald Miller’s site which I read regularly. Love her insight, will look in to the book!
It’s been so good to sit on the couch and talk with friends with a sink full of dirty dishes and a bag of chips. It’s those relationships I really need to pay attention to, not the idea of a beautiful house or all the fun and new things to do around town.
This is a great idea! We actually have a bi-monthly get together with friends at our small tiny home, where we play poker for the night (we can even do it with a buy in of $5 each sometimes) while the younger kids play on our game console.
A couple of times, my s.o. was able to share with friends his own blend of beer he made at home. We usually have a potluck to go with it.
We’d rather have it like this where we can get to know people more.
Like the new design!
Nice new design! I really have nothing to add here other than we’ve been choosing this casual way of entertaining for several years now and it’s {most of the time} budget friendly and much more fun!!
Love the new design. it was well overdue.
woo hoo! I love the new layout