Today we are excited to introduce our Tastemaker Series! We have invited friends all over the country to join us at our table and tell us a bit about themselves. These are women who embody what we call a LoveFeast Lifestyle. They like to linger at the table with their friends and family, they value the moment more than perfection, they love to create a beautiful and welcoming space and we just like them. Will you join us in welcoming our first Tastemaker, Melissa Michaels from The Inspired Room. We asked Melissa a few questions about memorable gatherings.
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1. How do you set the stage in your home for entertaining in the fall season?
My first step toward fall entertaining is decluttering and cleaning! After a fun carefree summer, our house needs a little love and attention to nudge it back to order and into the cozy and comfortable ambience I love. While opening my home to others is really about making a connection and building community with friends or family, I always feel so much more relaxed and ready to open the door if I’ve created a comfortable and welcoming environment! I love to refresh my dining room by bringing in a little cozier fall ambience with candles, fall centerpieces and pretty linens and dishes. I never feel like my house has to be perfect for entertaining, but I find so much joy in setting the mood that preparing for guests really fun for me!
2. What is your favorite type of gathering to host?
I love hosting simple gatherings that encourage guests to relax, have fun and get to know other people! We set up fun buffets or potluck style tables and let guests serve themselves. It’s pretty low-key but still intentional. We love to make a gathering festive in some way with lighting, music and the general ambience.
3. What are your top 3 tips for creating a memorable gathering?
Set the mood. Whether it’s the mood we intend to set or not, our homes and our own attitudes set a mood for how people feel in our homes. Your home and entertaining style should be a reflection of who you are, so have fun creating the environment that shows your guests you prepared for them in your own special way and are excited to have them in your home.
Let go of perfection.
Perfectionism will make you and your guests miserable. But creating a lovely mood for your gathering and opening the door in a welcoming frame of mind are gifts and good memories you can give your guests.
Create connection.
It’s easy to get so caught up in all the preparations that we forget what really makes a memorable gathering, and that is how the people feel when they leave. Create plenty of opportunities to make guests feel welcome and connected to other guests in your home.
4. Would you share with us your most memorable feast or meal shared around your table and what made it so special?
One of our most memorable feasts was fifteen years ago on Thanksgiving, but it was also our most simple holiday ever! My sister was getting married the next day. My husband was officiating at their wedding and I was the matron of honor so we were in full wedding preparation mode, not Thanksgiving dinner mode. We almost bypassed the holiday altogether! But realizing the significance of the day and wanting to slow down to be grateful, we pulled together a simple Thanksgiving meal for the four of us that evening in my tiny kitchen. Nothing was prepared or thought about in advance, there was no guest list and no time to to plan a complicated menu. We only had time for the basics (a turkey breast, mashed potatoes, cranberries, green beans and stuffing). But we set the table, lit some candles and gave thanks. It was lovely! The meal and conversation that Thanksgiving are memories I will never forget!
Take a moment to visit Melissa at The Inspired Room. She just might have a fabulous GIVEAWAY going on over at her place.
