I am writing this in a hurry. Why? Somehow, someway, in my post-baby delirium, I scheduled multiple day, overnight visitors back to back for two solid weeks. Basically for the rest of August, I am playing host. And before they arrive, there are about two hundred tiny things I need to get done, all requiring both of my hands free, which is a rare occurrence.
This is not a complaint. I want to see all of these loved ones, I guess I just wish I could be a bit more exciting. You know, have fun activities planned, cook up fancy meals, create a perfect guest experience.
I was telling my friend Kim that I was hosting all of these folks this month and her mouth dropped open in horror. She said, in her experienced mama voice, “Kate, that is too much.” And I agree, it is. But here’s the thing–I love playing host. I love it and I always have.
My aunt (or rather, Austin’s aunt…but I like to claim her as my own) hosts a two-day soiree at her home every year for all the women in the family. It is simply fabulous. There are activities, outings, favors, and plenty of decadent food and wine. I have long dreamt of hosting a similar event. In fact, one of my go-to daydreams revolves around the ideal party; how I would decorate, who I would invite, and what we would do. It’s always overnight. It always involves an itinerary. And I’m always wearing the perfect white hostess dress.
I suppose a lot of this desire to host has to do with my constant need to be in control of social situations. I am, to a fault, always overly concerned with how everyone else is doing. Are they enjoying their food? Do they have enough to drink? Should I turn down the music? Did I remember to light the bathroom candle?
My soon-to-be-guests are inevitably reading this post and feeling guilty about their visits, but let me reassure you all that I want you to come. I just wish I could serve you breakfast in bed, in your very own guest room, and then spend the rest of our days together doing the most fantastic, inspiring, relaxing, and invigorating things. Instead, you’ll be sleeping on a terrible air mattress in the living room, eating cereal for breakfast, and spending the rest of the day watching me jiggle my baby and belly around the house. I apologize in advance for my undusted shelves and constantly bared breasts.
I leave you with a few photos from my daydreams. Maybe someday they’ll come true. You know, when I’m not dead broke with a newborn and running on e(mpty).
You’re all invited.
***
{Click On Photos for Photo Credit}
Kate, don’t you worry about a thing. I wish I could be one of those guests. I had such a great time with you last Friday. Even if you don’t have striped straws in mason jars full of fresh squeezed lemonade or large outdoor cots with plush pillows, you are still one of the best hostesses…always fun, gracious, and ready for a good conversation.
I will definitely be there for this party that is to happen in the future..however all you guests out there that are to arrive at Kate’s this month, you will have a fabulous time. Kel and I were just for a visit yesterday and it was fabulous..Kate, I know you know this already but I am going to still say it, it isnt about “what” you plan or “what” you eat or “where” you sleep, although the pictures above are very inviting and I cant wait (lol) but bottomline, visiting is about talking, hanging out, feeling comfortable, laughing and just enjoying the “moment” !! And of course loving up on Waylon!! Loved seeing you and loved being there and “hanging” xxoo
Enjoy these days. You will look back and realize how very happy you were. I promise.
OOOO! The movie! I want that!
This is the time for visitors to come and take care of you! Let them and I guarentee they will leave very satisfies that they made the day of a new mommy. Although, if you get the hanging bed I want an invite.
and stop reading Pinterest
I understand your feeling. A desire to have your guests go away feeling happy and with pleasant memories. Hosting is a ton of work, but always worth the smiles on the guests’ faces. But I must admit I am so looking forward to the soiree…. no sticky fingers to wipe (but my own?), a time to sit THE WHOLE WAY THROUGH A MEAL, a chance to sit back and talk and not worry about getting that load of wash out of the washer or canning the next batch of whatever or getting the littles to bed or picking that row of beans or washing that Mt. Everest of dishes….. you get the idea.
I liked your pictures. :)
I’ll take one of those daisy eggs please.
Just looking at those photos made me relax!! After hosting Mike’s parents, 3 siblings and their families for a week and then two 2 cousins when they left… My advice: take advantage of the baby holders and diaper changers :) It was nice to play host for a while instead of baby entertainer all day. Plus I got some much needed grown up conversation. The baby talks with Chloe are great, but often one sided, except for a coo here and there ;)
I just read this one (was away). I agree with Dr. P. Stop doing the Pinterest thing. I mean, later on you might end up with a house that STILL has the wood paneling in the basement because of it, but hey, you’ll be happy. Because ignorance IS bliss a lot of the time. :)
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