Entertaining Tips: Don't Let The Perfect Be The Enemy Of The Good

Discover simple and practical entertaining tips that will help you enjoy your gatherings without stressing about perfection. Learn how to keep things fun, easy, and stress-free with these useful hosting ideas! #EntertainingTips #StressFreeEntertaining #PerfectVsGood #EasyHosting #PartyPlanning #HomeEntertaining #HostingHacks #EventTips #SimpleDecor #DIYEntertaining #PartyIdeas #EffortlessHosting #EntertainingMadeEasy #GoodEnoughIsGreat #FallHosting #EntertainingInspiration #PartyPrep #HostingInStyle #CelebrateWithEase
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[@bonniemiller9197]

I really needed to hear this, I mean I really NEEDED, to hear this. I love to entertain and have done so over the yrs. Now at 82 yrs I still do it but at a different level. The need is to not lament over what you no longer can do, but be joyous over what you will do. Thanks Linda!!!

[@kathyf7862]

This is exactly how I entertain! Years ago, I crammed in doing it all, but as I got older, I got wiser. I love preparing my home for guests, setting a lovely table, etc. For me, the important aspect is creating the space for friendships to flourish. I, too, prioritize time for someone who needs to talk without notice. I love that other people adore their baking, cooking talents! They enjoy bringing food. We don't mind ordering out! But in the end we entertain at least twice a month and enjoy great friendships (of all ages!!). People feel at home with us and we relax and enjoy. We are now 75 years young, keep up with decor and gardening, enjoy dear friends and feel very blessed! This is one of your best videos! We need to reconnect people in this isolated culture. Thank you💞👍

[@deeshea3286]

Truer words were never spoken. I am a perfectionist also, and now at 76, I need to give in and not make everything. Thank you for reminding me.

[@RosemaryOltarzewski]

Yes this rings with me too. Shop bought potato salad is not a cop out 😅 Rosie take a chill pill. 😂❤🎉

[@lindahaines9299]

Same age, same attitude!🎉

[@jodyfletcher5216]

Do you know why I enjoy watching your channel? Of course I watch for your content, but also because I just love listening to you speak. You use words and phrases so beautifully.

[@gaelshipstad8258]

Oh my! You hit a 1970s memory of our first trip to England where we stayed at this small, charming hotel, The Connaught, and with their evening cocktails in the 'lobby'..(more like a living room!) they served warm potato chips in little silver bowls. That immediately made such a good impression on me and I never forgot it. Warming the chips is a real PLUS! 😋 Thank you for your words of wisdom, Linda, and your kind reminder that perfection is really not important! At 86, I've finally learned that... and I'm trying to do it with grace and a smile! 😄

[@rickimoler7158]

Oh, I love the "cookie advice"! How many dinners did I work myself into a tizzy trying to make everything myself, and make it perfect. Makes much more sense to acquire stuff from people actually good at making it, calm down and enjoy your own party! Thank you for this.

[@lianeabeyta4515]

Grilled hot dogs, chips, baked beans and potato salad!!!! The perfect backyard fare! There are so many simple and wonderful crock pot recipes for baked beans. I also love a chili cheese dog. The cookies are the perfect festive fall treat. I actually have some very heavy pewter tablecloths clips that clip onto the corners of the tablecloth and keep it from blowing up or away. They are bees and butterflies. I know its kind of old fashioned... but I love to make root beer floats at this type of gathering. It always remind me of childhood... and I am 73!

[@marymargaret3287]

You should do an episode showcasing Jen; her home, her garden, baking, etc. How fun!

[@barbarasidel9012]

I absolutely love it at our age to feel guilt free about the choices we make. I completely agree Linda.., we don’t have to do it all!

[@dotbetter2581]

As I m reading the comments woow !! This message resonates with so many of us !! I’m so surprised 😊 !! Again Thank you so much Linda.

[@janicemurphy4373]

Linda, this is the perfect lifestyle when you make things simple, they are truly beautiful and delicious and fun, your ideas are wonderful!!!!!!!!!

[@veronicabutler4222]

Some of my favorite experiences were simple meals at simple homes but the company, companionship, and generosity were outstanding! So memorable and heartwarming! Unforgettable!!!

[@martiknapp762]

I always enjoy a gathering better if the host is able to relax and have fun too! Just came from a friend’s open house, their first home. She too just put out easy store bought refreshments on a pretty table got to hang out with some old friends I hadn’t seen in a while. It was the best time! It truly is all about the fellowship!

[@marianhintz9981]

The back yard is the perfect venue!! I hope you have a wonderful evening!!😊

[@krybastian2611]

I love all of this- you know that you’re in good company when you can relax and let perfection go and really be with those around you. ❤

[@juneramirez8580]

Linda, you have wonderful time management skills. Don't let anyone tell you differently! You have so many things you do AND YOU STILL have TIME TO ENTERTAIN! Watching you exhausts me! Lol😊😊😊 Enjoy your company tonight!!!

[@LindaBaker-l1b]

Linda, your garden is SO gorgeous it looks like a page from a calendar! Your guests will not want to go home! 🧡🍁🍂❤️

[@mrs.m1752]

Don’t feel like you have to defend your food choices; what you buy & serve is up to you! Another fabulous video - thank you!

[@camilla6110]

I’m hosting a little gathering tomorrow and making a pan of cinnamon rolls (frozen Rhodes-the best!)…and buying 2 dozen of the most wonderful donuts-apple fritters, pumpkin spice, blueberry, old-fashioned, and serving with coffee and apple cider. I’ve done donuts before and it’s like people go back to their childhood with delight. 😂. I just put them on a giant platter and give everybody a knife and let them hack into whichever ones they want. It’s always a hit and effortless! 💜 🍩

[@teresafendley5491]

This is the best show ever! I love the new you! Much more relaxed and great way to entertain.

[@DH-qz2so]

We were at a party last night... and we all agreed... people don't want perfect! They just want to be Invited and feel Welcomed... whether food is catered, from scratch, Costco...a mix of all, we will all just remember the Gathering itself... and as long as the bathroom is clean...we, as guests, are not looking to see if you dusted or vacuumed the hall coat closet! A good Note to Self as I am hosting our Canadian Thanksgiving here at our house today...and am dusting, and vacumming everything in sight! Lol!

[@kristineolsen477]

Yes yes and YES!!! Love Lays. You can not go wrong with such a classic 😉 Your friend Kristine

[@zenrockgardens]

I love how you created the stacked wood area with the metal railing. Love it.

[@kimdianefreire]

Last night I had my 7 grandchildren over for a Harry Potter Halloween party. It 😂as so much fun. I made it really easy for to have. Grandchildren ages 12-8. made the food and we played Harry Potter Monopoly. We all had a great time. Easy clean up. Now i am thinking of a Christmas party for them.

[@susandryden49]

You inspire me to get out into the garden and now to be less pressures and enjoy having people over. Thank you from Australia

[@pattipowell8750]

The perfect Fall outdoor entertainment roasted hotdogs and Lays potato chips. Cookies were perfection

[@KayeCarterTV]

♥️Great video….I know y’all had a great time making beautiful memories. Sending love hugs prayers and kindness with a daily dose of encouragement ♥️🙏🏼🇺🇸🌹👍🏼

[@virjeangrant6594]

This is great! Thank you! Story…my daughter’s in college. The first year we can’t make Christmas Cookies. She calls, says I feel so bad we can’t make Christmas Cookies. I told her it’s fine I really don’t like making cookies😮😮 She is shocked! We are really close so we served a truth about her mom. Realized I did it for her.

[@cherylsterling9801]

I feel a sense of relief and much happiness in you now that her garden both front and back are relatively complete. And, all the projects seem to be done. Time to enjoy the fruits of your labor and open your front door to host your friends and family. Let Cottage Entertainment begin!!

[@maryeliason1504]

You do so much Linda! It is not necessary to do EVERYTHING. Give the others a chance to shine.! Enjoy your guests.

[@SharonHenscheid]

Really like your top… 🧡

[@brendatrader995]

Love your personality! Fun ideas!❤🎉

[@susanmason3432]

Love the new filming orientation!!! It’s so great to see the sun shining into your Parlor windows in the background. I like your kitchen view also, but this was a real treat!! Thank you

[@dotbetter2581]

Such a beautiful message !! Yes give yourself grace and a pass !! It’s ok !! we can’t do it all !! Yet we can have a beautiful garnished tables !! Thank you Linda ❤

[@deborahhopkins7763]

Oh Linda, I think your gathering with your friends will be so lovely! You are so right in that we don’t need to worry about making everything perfect. Visiting with our friends and family is so much more important. I just finished listening to Ina Garten’s audio book and I loved it. She is so very talented and such a hard worker. However, she is also just so real and easy going. Thank you for sharing your entertaining prep. I feel quite sure that it was lovey and enjoyed by all. 😃👍🏻

[@gardenloveinthemountains]

Hello Linda and Stewart from South Colorado 🤚🏼💚!! Love all your videos no matter the content…Saturdays I enjoy the most because I’m not working on Saturdays and I really get to enjoy the video in evening when I’m relaxing…YES to all you said Linda…I don’t entertain much but admittedly because I always think in my head I need to “do so much” just to entertain…WTH am I thinking?!…Your setup and brilliant food items show all the thought and love you put into your guest…Perfect and yummy!! You supported local too…Thank you Linda, and by the way you look beautiful in that color🍂🍁🌶️💚…

[@SharonHenscheid]

Oh and those cookies are superb👍💯

[@caroleosborne3379]

At 73, I've learned that everything cannot be perfect and I think your guests relax when they see that. Yes, I love regular Lays and have 2 bags on top of the fridge right now! Your backyard living room is just fabulous and I wish I was at your wine roast! BtW, I really liked those vases on the bar. I really want to know how you knew exactly how many cookies were going to fit in that basket! Tell the truth, Linda, did you do a practice run????😉😁👍

[@sandradee4470]

Making life easier is what it's all about now days. I too have had an epiphany that i needed more fun in my life. Great subject to talk about. Thanks for the confirmation on this.

[@noreenmorrison9662]

I'll have one dog walking with kraut and mustard please! What a fun video!! Hope you have a great time!!

[@jeanferrill6304]

Linda - Thank you, thank you. Us perfectionists need to be reminded it’s ok to “let it go” Really enjoyed this video 😉

[@aprilmogensen]

Enjoyed the tips and video -- Linda, you look so cute in that top by the way.

[@trishferrer8209]

Linda, I loved this video! Lately I am doing things "good enough", and retraining my perfectionistic mind and attitude.

[@nataliavalentina2341]

Please Linda We want to meet that friend from the cookies and a tour please. That lady sounds amazing. Amazing displays Linda.🎃🎃🎃

[@marcellashappyplace]

What a relatable video! I just dropped off weekend guest at the airport and dropped into a chair to my favorite comfort programming. I look forward to each of your videos. You are simply the best at presenting an achievable lifestyle that elevates the ordinary.

[@mskulagal]

Linda, I recently finished reading the life story of Bunny Mellon by Meryl Gordon - fabulous! I think you had recommended it a few months back. Great Saturday video - my favorite of the week! Mandy from Tucson, AZ where the temps are also still in the 90’s!

[@lynnthow1650]

So fun, Linda! Such a wonderful reminder!😊

[@marianeuscher136]

Boy, did I need thus program. I'm 86 years old and have been sick most of the year. My oldest son, and his girlfriend are coming for a visit from the mid-west and I've been frustrated because I wanted to organize things. My youngest son who has been staying with me and taking care of me just told me the same thing last week. The last time they came 3 years ago I didn't have a board used my 70" round table and loaded it up. This year I decided not to do much of anything . We will go out to eat. It seems strange but it is what it is. I rather to be able to sit and visit, not getting out of breath. entertaining.

[@Rhon48]

Very inspiring for those of us who are hesitant to entertain. Thank you.

[@PamNorman-b7n]

Your message to prioritize spending time with friends instead of waiting till everything is perfect totally spoke to me. “Good is Good Enough”. Also- love your blouse!! 🧡 link please.

[@RosemaryOltarzewski]

Gosh can't believe how hot it is still with you Linda from a cool morning here in England. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 wish i had an invite to your hot dog gathering😅. Thank you for sharing your evening.🎉❤

[@DanaLaborde]

Loved your attitude about entertaining! Life is short and we need to enjoy it!

[@QueenAnnesLace13]

This was awesome! I shall take that mentality into the holidays. Yes, missing Leah.

[@rebeccaopgrand7279]

Fantastic video! It was perfect for encouraging us not to be so perfect. Also, the menu is one of comfort and fun with great memories! A happy “dash from the past” 🎃. Thank you for sharing a great survival skill.

[@terrilowman1267]

Loved this video!

[@Bev-ob8tm]

Yes! I do what I am good at and gives me pleasure and the rest I will cut corners to simplify so I can enjoy my own party. Love the theme. Linda your herb garden it is so lush and bountiful. What do you use as a fertilizer and how often ?

[@theresaparodi6027]

Seriously, getting the house ready, getting the yard ready, getting yourself ready, now I’m exhausted. It takes so much time and energy to put a swaray together . . . Happy weenie roasting!

[@franzone70]

Looks fun! I think Martha Stewart (as much as l love her) gave us the impression that if everything wasn’t homemade and perfect it wasn’t a “good thing”. I tried for years to copy her only to be disappointed. Now at 72 l just do the best l can. By the way l love Lays potato chips l only buy them when the kids come over because l would eat the entire bag!

[@janiceyoung283]

I totally agree with you and a nice gathering and we don't use LAYS potato chips except a couple times of year here in Vermont we always have an autumn corn roast and the menu is like yours only roasting corn on an open fire with the husk on and first soak the corn in a bucket and people all chip in adding corn to the fire so much fun not to be formal and like you people bring a dish and a comfy lawn chair

[@mbtvalli]

Roasted corn is yummy and fun!

[@janyearly3883]

Linda! I’m with you. I an NOT a baker, nor do I want to be!

[@maryeliason1504]

Good to hearmore of Stewart's voice.

[@barbaracarlson1331]

Your words are so true! I want everything to be perfect…..!

[@paulab7454]

Absolutely loving your new season with all the great info and advice! Thank you, Linda!

[@cyndikatzen5675]

Ok. Will admit to enjoying potato chips frequently with my lunch. We love lays lower salt ruffle chips. They are so good!!

[@gina5827]

Love all these ideas!! The cookies are adorable. Another easy side with hotdogs is a bag of slaw mix and jar of dressing. 🌭

[@shastriseeraj7425]

Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good”, I’m stealing that❤

[@lesliebennis1834]

So enjoyed all your perfect imperfections. ❤ That may be a song 🤔

[@suzannedeveau4198]

All great ideas! And yes a link to your top/blouse pretty please!

[@nancydorn2524]

Great video! I love the entrainment vids. Can we get a “Holiday” playlist tab, please.

[@peggyschram917]

I needed this!❤️🌾🍁🍎

[@juliabinford6500]

Your top is lovely, and I’m sure the party was too!

[@LifeHomeandGardenwithAnaRica]

Hi Linda I really enjoy your video.

[@juneramirez8580]

I am in my 70's and I learned a long ago to stop trying to be perfect. It is unattainable! I do my very best but make sure I purposely leave something UNDONE!!! NOW I am not exhausted when the company finally gets here! Yes I LOVE LAY'S potato chips! Unfortunately I am healing from throat cancer and potato chips are one of the many foods I loved to eat, but cannot eat any more.😢😢😢😢😢

[@pamelaglefke5899]

hope you enjoyed your get together. Everything looked so nice. it is cool and rainy in Michigan. Where has Leaha been?

[@staciejackson7497]

Haha, I like the Lays reduced sodium.

[@danellcypher2730]

Best chips ever!!!

[@theresakahl2463]

I love you and the video

[@jeanieh9386]

FYI…the potato salad at Trader Joe’s is about as close to homemade as you can get. I usually add some chopped celery, a little dill pickle and some fresh scallions to the top and have passed it off many times as homemade….people are amazed when I tell them that it is purchased. It’s in the prepared salad section.

[@Nnxex40]

Looking so beautiful linda❤

[@lisac.8266]

You have to try the Lays Lightly Salted original chips. You will never be able to eat the regular ones again. And it makes me feel just a little bit better and think it’s a little healthier choice !🤣 Hope you had fun!😎

[@annbergquist4253]

Linda, do you recall where you purchased the metal table you’re using to store wood near your back porch area?

[@pattycakey1]

Would love the potato salad recipe you served…I struggle to find a simple and good one. Thanks

[@mifasola1]

I love beer brats and on my mini Solo, toasted marshmallows. I have a grilling attachment on the outdoor fire pit so steaks and chicken are perfect. I don't serve Lays or Jays, but here in West Michigan, Holland, I buy Great Lakes chips... Yum! Nice and crunchy. And Mitten chips are airily fabulous with guacamole I buy at the Mexican store in my neighborhood. I've been baking Martha Stewart's EASY PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES... No butter or flour. But I DO add 2 teaspoons of flour anyway to give them more crunch. I use crunchy PB in my cookies. And just recently we went to Snappy Apple Farms in Casnovia Michigan and I picked up large bags of Ludacrisp and Cortland apples. Right now at this moment I am drying them in the oven after cutting them into very thin slices and sprinkling them with cinnamon. Hopefully they will be totally dried out by tomorrow morning. And they will be nice and crisp and sweet. With all the additional apples... I have them soaking in lemon juice and will be baking pies in the morning and then freezing them for special events and friends who stop by. Speaking of baked beans, I have a special recipe that I make using bacon and brown sugar and barbecue sauce, and a little bit of soy sauce.

[@sarahmarti141]

Stewart, you pipe (using a piping bag) on a thick border of frosting, and then you “flood” the middle of the cookie with looser icing. Voila!

[@ourlifeedited6441]

Just hosted a family birthday party for my son last night with Thai takeout! Everyone was happy, but especially me because I didn’t have to cook!

[@jetv1471]

Ima ruffles ridges person myself 😂

[@judymiddleswart9350]

So so true!!!!

[@carolkelly638]

I just finished a bag of Lays 😂

[@mbtvalli]

😅. So easy to do!

[@edithp.7213]

What a fun idea for a get together. I bet your guests had a great time. Btw….we haven’t seen Leah in a while, is she still part of the team?

[@LindaVater]

She moved on to other things!

[@judym2676]

Lays Classic…the best chips on earth. I have them with sandwiches, with cold and hot casseroles and with chips and dip snacking. Not the healthiest, but oh well! They’re always out when company comes.

[@beverlyasleson3321]

Cute things link your blouse please

[@doreen9838]

We’re did the cookies come from they look delicious!!!!

[@susanwelch2237]

Love!

[@barbaracarlson1331]

Have a fun evening!!!!

[@paulasahms3668]

I like Kettle potato chips when I'm cheating from healthy eating. 😂

[@lindafrederick4250]

👍❤️❤️

[@nellieshiney1617]

Would enjoy a video of what you eat daily

[@قناةطبخالمغربيالاصيل]

مسيرة كزفقة💚💚💚🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🌷🌷🌷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺🌹🌹🌹🌹🥀👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@nancyvance2772]

Please post a link for the cookie lady!

[@tuijawilkening]

Does Leah no longer work with you? I guess I missed an episode or 2. And your outdoor living room is gorgeous.