Some people, when they pop round to visit, seem to forget theyre actually guests. Manners go out the window, they start giving directions about where to put the tea, and they certainly dont hurry off home.
Once upon a time, I was the very picture of hospitality. But all good things come to an end and so did my patience. The day I crossed the threshold of forty, I retired from the noble art of the dinner party. Why would I want the hassle? Entertaining those sorts of guests will test anyones resolve.
For my last birthday, I took the sensible route and celebrated in a cosy little restaurant. I thoroughly enjoyed myself so much so, Ive decided its the only way forward from now on. Let me elaborate.
Throwing a do at home is expensive, and not just your usual run to Sainsburys. Even a regular supper can eat up a bundle of pounds. If youre hosting Christmas, well, you might as well skip the turkey and serve up your credit card. Guests arrive with presents that are charmingly frugal (times are hard, after all). Then they linger until the moon is high. All I want is to relax, not drown in a sea of dishes and spend my evening battling the kitchen.
These days, the only company I expect within my four walls is the occasional dust bunny. I clean and cook on my own schedule. I used to finish each Christmas battered and defeated after hosting at home. Now, after the festivities, I can have a long soak in the bath and toddle off to bed nice and early.
My free time is entirely my own, and I spend it wisely. Should a friend fancy popping in for a cuppa, I wont get anxious about the lack of biscuits. If I need a quiet evening, Ill make it clear, often with a discreet gesture towards the front door. It may not be textbook etiquette, but I refuse to lose sleep over it. My comfort is my priority.
Whats funniest is that those most keen to descend on other peoples homes seem rather allergic to hosting themselves. Easier, I suppose, to enjoy the party on someone elses carpet, leaving behind a trail of biscuit crumbs and taking none of the cleaning duties.
So, do you open your home to guests? Would you call yourself hospitable?
