I found myself on a park bench in France with nothing on my schedule and nowhere to be, and I just… watched. Moms with toddlers in the sand. Young adults sprawled across blankets like the afternoon had no end. Couples who’d clearly been together thirty years, and couples who’d clearly been together thirty minutes. Every stage of life, sharing the same patch of grass.
And not one phone was face-up.
People were just there… Talking, laughing, passing a bottle of wine between blankets like it was the most natural thing in the world. And my husband and I walked away with a new perspective. As we strolled hand in hand through Parisian streets, sat over a glass of wine at dinner, and sipped our espressos from a sidewalk cafe, we kept chatting about our observations. They rearranged something in us. I found myself with a new attitude and a little reset for how I approached my priorities and my hosting.
Here’s what I brought home.
Slower Living
They don’t rush there. Not meals, not mornings, not conversations. I used to think slowness was something that happened to you when life finally let up. Or even meant you were unproductive, crazy, I know right. Watching that park, I realized it’s something you choose, on purpose, even when life doesn’t let up. So, I’m choosing it too. Not perfectly, but willingly pressing into slowness for the sake of more rich intentional living.
I’m not trying to upend my entire life or change all. the. things. But instead start with a couple of pivots that can help set the pace for my intentional living and hosting.
As my hurried tendencies have a way of creeping back in, I’ve placed two anchors in my day to help me embrace slower living. These anchors drop first thing in the morning, which for me, sets the tone for the rest of my day.
- Anchor one: Sitting outside with my coffee, my Bible, and my prayer journal… no phone in sight. Favorite soul care things.
- Anchor two: A protein-loaded, healthy breakfast to actually fuel the day instead of running on empty (I mean coffee).
I’m not aiming for a whole life overhaul, just two small pivots. Just enough to set the pace.
Making Time for People
Meals weren’t just food. They’re a reason for everyone to show up. Whether it was at breakfast, lunch, or dinner, I didn’t see anyone in a hurry to leave the table. Courses were savored and conversations lingered. Time spent together was never wasted… it was the whole point.
Making time for people has always been an important rhythm for Gerard and I. Moving every couple of years for decades taught us that. Starting over in new places, knowing no one, forged in us not only the importance of community but the art of cultivating it. Opening our home and hosting well became our onramp for cultivating genuine community. So I was encouraged by the park filled patrons, and street lined cafes spilling over with people connecting and creating memories.
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More Conversation, Less Scrolling
This is the one that got me. Table after table, blanket after blanket… People actually talking to each other. No half-attention, no phone glow on anyone’s face. Just presence. I needed that reminder more than I expected.
So, I headed home ready to bring back our no phone zone during meal times and family hang time. Look out fam… mama’s on a mission! I’m also applying this to my hosting… because hosting well should remove unnessesary distractions and make space for more connection.
Check out my series on creating space in your home for deep connection and meaningful conversations. (including resources)
Simple, Quality Ingredients
Nothing fussy or over complicated. The best meals I had there were maybe five ingredients… good olive oil, good bread, good cheese, washed down with good wine. According to my family, I’ve been known to be extra when it comes to creating food… just, whatever. However, I’m channeling the French way and focusing my weekdays on more simplified, quality ingredients and saving the more investment recipes for a low key weekend.
Here are a few of my favorite recipes that focus on simple quality ingredients: Great for a Sunday supper or Dinner with friends this Caramelized Lemon Roasted Chicken. I’m making this no cook bright and herby Vierge Sauce all summer long (inspired by our time in the South of France). There’s something simple yet elevated about a this perfectly seared steak with garlic and good butter. This steak board is one of our favorite go-to’s for a casual night with friends!
Follow me here for my Snack Table Summer Series (including poolside smash tacos, low lift Apéro hour, and a 3 ingredient sweet treat).
Apéro Hour
They don’t go straight to dinner. They pause first for a drink, a few bites, and a hug (or kiss) from a friend. I’m so down for this slow on-ramp into the evening. We started doing this the second night of our trip and haven’t stopped since. Think simple nibbles, savory nuts, marinated olives, or crisp potato chips alongside a cocktail or sparkling wine. My Truffle Parmesan Popcorn would fit right in to apéro hour! This summer I’ve been craving this watermelon coconut refresher and she’d pair beautifully with a bowl of olives or sea salt marcona almonds.
Check out my easy no cook Apéro hour nibbles here. Ready to invite friends over for your own Apéro hour? I’ve gathered some of my favorite things for a drinks and apps moment.
None of this requires a trip to France. It requires a willingness to slow down enough to notice who’s at your table and then actually be there with them.
Because here’s what I keep thinking about: when we’re zoned in on the next task, the next thing to fix, the next item to check off, we can miss what’s right in front of us. The conversation happening at the kitchen counter. The neighbor who lingered a little longer at the door. The meal that could have been a moment, but was just fuel.
The French didn’t teach me to do more. They reminded me to lean in.
So that’s where I want to start… and where I’d invite you to start too. Not with a grand overhaul. Just one thing. One anchor. One slow morning, one unhurried dinner, one table you actually set with intention.
Pick one. Just one. And let that be enough for now.
XOXO,
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