A House Ready for Company

 I know that many of my posts have to do with keeping house in one way or another.  I can't help it, it's part of who I am.  And this post will be no different haha!  I have today off, and I want to work in the house getting things in order.  I want my house to be a place where I can have people over and entertain.  I want it to be a place where someone can spend the night if they need to or just want to.  I know that my schedule does not always work out, but it would be nice to have the house ready just in case someone decided to drop by.  Of course, people don't do that as much anymore, but still, I'd like to be ready.

This weekend, Dad and I went to Georgia to see my Aunt Susan.  Her house was so warm and welcoming.  It was definitely ready for our arrival.  Now, I have no way to know if her house looks like that all of the time, but that's not the point.  In that moment, it was ready.  And it got me to thinking that I really want my house to be ready for guests, expected or not.  My house says a lot about me. It tells you the things that I like. It tells you the things that make me comfortable.  It's an expression of who I am.  I am a very welcoming person and I want my house to reflect that.

I did have some overnight guests a few weeks ago.  Some friends came into town to see a play and spend the evening.  We had a great time together and I loved being able to host.  It has been so long since I've hosted overnight guests that I wasn't sure if I still had the capability to do so.  But, I did!  And it felt great.  It was the first time I'd had anyone in my home since last Christmas.  It just gave me a really good feeling and I want more of that.  And it wasn't about the house looking good or showing off.  It was about welcoming people into my space and into me.  While I like that people remember my house for some of the beautiful things that I have, I want them to remember how being in this house, my house, made them feel.  All of my memories of Grandmother's house, while filled with the antiques that I explored and love still, are enveloped in that feeling of belonging.  That's what I want for my house as an adult.  We shall see.  

It's time for me to go and start cleaning.  Have a great day!