Do you ever feel like we’re still oh-so-slowly unfurling out of covid lockdown?

Like, it was quick at first—the initial burst of togetherness that happened—but now? I feel like we’re all still retracing our steps back to “normal”—as in, a time when we saw each other more—so slowly it’s hard to see, but feels like a semi-permanent state.

Getting together with people I love is always on my want-to-do list. But it gets put-off, right? For some of us with kids and jobs, businesses, aging parents, and whatever else, having friends over is incredibly easy to postpone.

Add to that, I’m a massive introvert (who still does love being with people—it’s all about the right energy breaks) who has a house that is still in the capital-F fixer upper stage, and it’s really easy to put off having people over when your kitchen isn’t exactly Insta-perfect. What I’m saying is: excuses, excuses.

So, some tips for all of us—from the department of JUST MAKE IT HAPPEN. Life is short and uncertain. Just gather up your people and have a time!

TIP 1: MAKE IT EASY

If you want to have people over more—and actually have fun yourself—make it easy! Say goodbye to barriers like ironing, fussy menus, showstopper desserts, and things (/ourselves?) being perfect. Having a stack of easy-to-live-with napkins is a little part of feeling ready to say, "how about tonight?"

TIP 2: AESTHETICS ARE MOTIVATING

If you want to have people over more—Have some cute stuff on hand. Napkins, plates, glasses. Mix and match is where it's at, IMO. Have a go-to stash of things that express your design POV, and it might just motivate you to send that invite text. 

TIP 3: EMBRACE CRUNCH TIME

Most challenging to me: If you want to have people over more and keep it simple—Make it last minute! Get out your phone, send a text, just do it. You're less likely to put it off. And, the best part? Last minute means no time to over-plan (guilty: 🙋🏻‍♀️). Take-out is great. Potluck is cool. A menu of a few hearty snacks and one type of drink is genius. Gathering is the point.