Design: ContentedInteriors.com, Photo: Khand Tenney Photography
One of the driving forces around designing or decorating a client’s home often centers around hosting. That’s because having people [that you like, of course!] to your home can add happiness to your life.
Socializing not only staves off feelings of loneliness, but also it helps sharpen memory and cognitive skills, increases your sense of happiness and well-being, and may even help you live longer. In-person is best…. –Dr. Craig Sawchuk, a Mayo Clinic psychologist.
Given the rising costs of entertainment venues and food in restaurants, going out for such socialization isn’t something most people can do more than a couple of times a month. The pressure to dress a certain way and any perceived or actual time frame can add a layer of stress to socializing in public.
Conversely, socializing at home wonderfully allows everyone to relax with no dress code, no cover fees, and no stressing about the time frame. Hosting really just means inviting people in. It doesn’t have to be Pinterest level appetizers for 30 people. Hosting is about connecting, bonding, and maybe even preparing the food together. Hosting doesn’t have to be difficult!
One of my favorite statistics about happiness is that the Danes socialize about 2 times a week—whether they be married/coupled or single, parents or not—and they are some of the happiest people in the world. Often, they socialize in their homes in simple ways, always sharing the work load of the time together. For example, the host is not the only one who will cook or prepare refreshments, often they will cook together, all contributing in some way to keep things low-effort for everyone involved.
If you are feeling stuck about wanting to invite others into your home, you are not alone! So many people feel that their homes are embarrassing and/or don’t represent them. These feelings of inadequacy are not only unnecessary, they are damaging to those who want to invite others into their houses and reap the benefits of socializing at home. If you want to improve the flow, function, and aesthetics of your living areas, please, please, please check out my incredible online interior design course Chic, Kid-Proof Living Rooms. The 9 hours of on-demand video content and accompanying workbook guides anyone looking to have durable, beautiful, and inviting interiors (dining, living, and play rooms, offices, bedrooms, etc.) step-by-step through the process I use with my own clients. By the end of the course, you’ll have a design that serves your unique needs and reflects your aesthetics.
Scared to have people come over? You don’t have to be!
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