Learning To Simplify

Why do we think everything has to be picture perfect before we invite someone over for dinner? Possibly many reasons. For some, it’s because that’s how they grew up. For others, it’s because they are trying to impress, or maybe they just don’t feel like what they have or even who they are is good enough.

I have to admit I’ve been guilty of all the above. So, I’ve chosen to set myself free and simplify my life. I still like my home to be really clean for company, but you just might eat on paper plates if you come over.

Last night we had our neighbors over for dinner and to play a game. This is the first time we’ve had these neighbors over for a meal. I’d had a super busy week and I had a choice to make: work extra hard to make a picture perfect meal or simplify. I chose to simplify by going to Sam’s Club to purchase a rotisserie chicken. All we had to do was fix a couple of side dishes and they brought dessert. Yes, I even bought the heavy duty paper plates with pretty flowers on them.

While at Sam’s I told a lady, “I’m cheating…I’m picking up a chicken for company.” She said, “Honey that’s not cheating, that’s common sense.” So when our neighbors came over they were thrilled with the chicken, mashed potatoes, steamed veggies (cooked in the microwave) and rolls. After dinner, there wasn’t much to clean up so we threw away the plates and left the rest until our company went home. There was a lot more time to enjoy our neighbors, and clean up was a breeze. If you are wondering, yes, I admitted that I got the chicken at Sam’s.

When we simplify, it gives others permission to do the same thing. By the way, my neighbor has already said they want us to come to their house next for dinner and to make sure and bring our game.

I’m not saying there is never a time to have a fancy dinner, but with our busy schedule, it’s so much easier to use pretty disposable plates and pick up a chicken. It makes having company over fun instead of stressful. I would much rather have fun nights with friends than choose not to have company because I’m too tired to prepare a fancy meal. What do you do to simplify?