Wabi-Sabi Welcome: Learning to Embrace the Imperfect and Entertain with Thoughtfulness and Ease

by Julie Pointer Adams

“An antidote to the veneer of perfectionism so often presented by books of its kind, Wabi-Sabi Welcome offers readers license to slow down and host guests with humility, intention, and contentment.” —Nathan Williams, founder of Kinfolk

Wabi-Sabi Welcome is sharing a pot of tea with friends. It is preparing delicious food to nourish, not to show off. It’s keeping a basket of cozy slippers at the door for guests. It is well-worn linens, bouquets of foraged branches, mismatched silverware, and heirloom bowls infused with the spirit of meals served with love.

In this lush entertaining manual, author Julie Pointer Adams invites readers into artful, easygoing homes around the world—in Denmark, California, France, Italy, and Japan—and teaches us how to turn the generous act of getting together into the deeper art of being together.

In this book, readers will unexpected, thoughtful ideas and recipes from around the world; tips for creating an intimate, welcoming environment; guidelines for choosing enduring, natural decor for the home; and inspiring photographs from homes where wabi-sabi is woven into daily living.

 

Genres: Nonfiction, Design, Lifestyle, Japan, Food, Coffee Table Books, Self Help

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 13, 2017

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Step 1: Be rich and have unlimited time.
Step 2: ...
Step 3: Wabi-sabi.

I enjoyed it tho.

[Patrick Hanlon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good primer in the area of wabi-sabi, but the travelogue approach does the topic a disservice. Instead of providing the deep detail on the topic that Leonard Koren, Richard Powell and Andrew Juniper provide, the visits to California, France and Italy risk seeming self-indulgent and playing to stereotypes about these regions in an effort to illuminate how Wabi-sabi is evident in the lifestyles and tastes of these regions. The part of the book on Denmark does extend the principles of Hygge into a more effective overlap with wabi-sabi and does illuminate both topics.

The book is well illustrated and produced and the passage on Japan indicates how wabi-sabi is an intrinsic part of the Japanese aesthetic, but there are too many occasions throughout the book where a cliche is settled for rather than a more in-depth examination is pursued.

[Brittany Viklund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok I’m obsessed with this book! I had read rave reviews & now I totally get it! There is so much to devour & sink into in here & not to mention, it’s beautifully presented with gorgeous photography that truly transports you to each region being explored. I LOVED the way the book is laid out, featuring different region/cultural approaches to wabi-sabi yet all honoring the same philosophy. I have so many dog-eared pages to reference back to & truly a whole new way to be. This book would make a wonderful gift but don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy it for yourself too.

[Ania]

To taki sympatyczny przerywnik, nie wymagający od człowieka zbyt wiele uwagi, a w codziennym zabieganiu dający poczucie, że "przeczytałem w końcu książkę - znów jestem wartościowym człowiekiem". To książka może niezbyt odkrywcza i trochę przerost formy nad treścią (szerokie marginesy, duże światło i mnóstwo zdjęć) ale przerost miły dla oka i przyjemny dla zmęczonego umysłu.

[Makayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyable read. Inspiring housekeeping book, maybe the best book on home decor and beauty and hosting I've read yet. She touches on Japan, Denmark, France and Italy to illustrate wabi-sabi housekeeping and lifestyle

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t usually add books like this one to my goodreads, but I read it cover to cover and it took me several hours. This had some beautiful reminders that hospitality has everything to do with simplicity over perfection. I loved how she took us all over the world to experience in words and soft, glowy pictures how other cultures embrace imperfection, grace and kindness in their hospitality. Italy and France were my favorites. (But California? Sorry, it’s not a country. 😂) Would recommend.

[Kelly Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

Someone returned this book right before the library closed and told me it was amazing, so I checked it out and read it in one go. The core of the book's "Embrace the Imperfect and Entertain with Thoughtfulness and Ease" mentality was pretty glossed over, and the images (while lovely) and text seemed indulgent of a privileged traveler's lifestyle dreams.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the overall concept of wabi-sabi and find its simplicity important to embrace. This book, however, was just a little too perfect in its imperfection, giving the appearance that a lot of wealth and privilege is behind these beautiful photographs and settings.

[Kate Campos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It had beautiful photography, down to earth insights, and a zen-like rhythm to its recommendations and recipes. It’s one I will keep on my coffee table to continually page through, as its message of perfectly imperfect hosting is as lovely as it is freeing.

[Randal White · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not find interesting at all. Could not finish.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photography and design that complements the subject--wabi sabi, the art of living with imperfection.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit cliche and lacking in real depth, but sometimes I just want good eye candy. Done!

[Einar Jensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Julie Pointer Adams had a great concept for a book: applying the Japanese ethic of wabi-sabi to home decor, entertaining, and living. That concept is why I picked up her book Wabi-Sabi Welcome. The first section was great, but the text quickly accelerated into bragging about her lifestyle and travels around the world.

Wabi-Sabi celebrates beauty in the incomplete, impermanent, and imperfect because all things (including beauty) age. It can be adopted by anyone in any socio-economic stratum. This book suggests it’s an aesthetic only available to people who can afford to travel the world, live where they always have access to fresh food, and who have plenty of leisure time.

That bias toward luxury distracts from some of the author’s important applications of wabi-sabi to living such as letting a home be homey, not sweating the small stuff, and quieting our minds. There are interesting ideas here, but the lean toward opulence left a bad taste with me.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this one, I'm even thinking about purchasing it (had borrowed it from the library.) It's like a breath of fresh air to be encouraged that what I can do is enough...we are not wealthy, our cozy home is not pretentious (or EVER spotlessly clean), and while I'm not often encouraged this way, there is a whole book on how it's perfectly ok. I run in a circle of people who for the most part are more well-off than us, and we are almost never the ones to invite guests over. Maybe I will more now.

The pictures were beautiful, a lot of the sentiments were meaningful and I want to remember them. I liked how the "recipes" were not so much recipes as general instructions on how to make delicious things. This was a good one for me.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I love this book so much 😭😭
I felt like I was traveling the world with the writer and learning about the cultures.

1. Japan
2. Denmark
3. California
4. France
5. Italy

[Cody]

A nice introduction to wabi-sabi via the lens of "home." The film photos are a highlight for me, as they are not only lovely but visually reinforce some of the text's key points.

[Angelika · Rating 4 out of 5]

the visuals are sooo beautiful

[Victoria Peipert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate the growing interest in interior decor and design aesthetics driven by cultural concepts of environment. Wabi Sabi is a Japanese aesthetic concept driven by imperfection. Julie Pointer-Adams explores this concept and the way it has manifested into geographically driven styles around the world. The photography was beautiful and I felt it really drove the content home. The writing was enjoyable and light.

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a highly introverted person who sees their home as their sanctuary away from the rest of the world and society, it's an understatement to say that hosting has never quite been my jam. In fact, when someone even mentions coming to my place, an immediate anxiety creeps up the back of my neck and sets my brain going a million thoughts a minute.

Also, as someone who is entering into actual, real, adulthood (scary), I feel like I want to be able to get over my fears associated with having people over and actually be able to properly entertain once in a while. With the calming layout, practical tips, and instagram-ish soft exposure photos of cozy homes around the world, I've walked away from this book feeling a little more confident, a little more aware of the type of environment I'd like to cultivate in my home. Maybe I'll host a tea party.

[Wild · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a thoroughly unexpected revelation. I purchased it for the beautiful photography and a lifelong love of wabi-sabi, and in addition gained a whole new perspective on hosting and relationships. While the advice may seem obvious to other folks, it never occurred to me that hosting is about making other people comfortable, not impressed or lavishly attended to (and therefore kind of uncomfortable). The rightful praise of enduring, natural materials and the illumination of honest, straightforward and loving relationships we should foster is well-timed for a generation that is tired of being overstimulated consumers. This book made me feel empowered to create and connect - in the smallest and most meaningful ways possible.

[Cindy Horrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an inspirational and aesthetic treat! The author explains what Wabi Sabi is in Japan and then takes you to 5 different countries/regions to showcase the best hospitality customs and beliefs in each area.

You will "visit" Japan, Italy, France, Denmark, and Southern California.

There is a thread of trying to create an inviting, relaxed, simple, heart felt welcoming atmosphere as you invite people into your home. A place were people can eat, converse comfortably, and share their lives.

I've read this one twice. The second time I went through and marked it up underlining my favorite bits.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, such beautiful photography and layout. The author (who collaborated on events held by Kinfolk magazine for a few years) explores the concept of wabi sabi entertaining in Japan, Denmark, California, France and Italy. She offers wonderful advice on how to apply traditions in these cultures to your own home life and entertaining style. Definitely hits home regarding accepting the perfectly imperfect.

[Martha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I REALLY loved the photography in this book. In the spirit of wabi-sabi, the author chose to capture everything on color film (not digital), and not to do any post-processing -- which is pretty amazing to think about, given that the book's presentation is as beautiful as any other fat coffee-table tome you might pick up, even without editing.

Some images that especially stuck with me: a Japanese family making rice balls; a wicker chair with rumpled pillows as though someone just got up from speaking there; early evening Italian streets with musicians playing together; a calm house interior in Denmark.

Only giving 3 stars because the text itself felt a little trite to me, maybe just because a book about how to entertain isn't really my genre. But there were some parts I liked, such as a blunt list of "what is wabi-sabi and what is not" (materials like wood and ceramic are wabi-sabi, but plastic is not), and the emphasis on presence and mindfulness with the people we invite into our lives.

Some additional inspiration: The author recommends buying from thrift stores and supporting local artisans when possible, and goes to Ikea/Muji for staples when not, but recommends a few high-end stores for special occasion purchases, like:
- https://alderandcoshop.com/
- https://www.brookfarmgeneralstore.com/
- https://shop.kaufmann-mercantile.com/
- https://www.shopjoinery.com/shop-all

[Gaili Schoen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore the book Wabi-Sabi Welcome: Learning to Embrace the Imperfect and Entertain with Thoughtfulness and Ease; I have read it twice since purchasing it, and have given it to my daughter and a friend as gifts (they love it too!) Wabi-Sabi refers to the Japanese appreciation for the impermanence and imperfection of all things, and Wabi-Sabi Welcome uses this aesthetic to encourage the reader to take a more relaxed and lighthearted view of entertaining:

“It’s a willingness to be easily delighted instead of critical, skeptical or fearful….Embracing Wabi-Sabi as we entertain gives us license to reorder our priorities, letting go of what we think is required of us and replacing it with our own version of what special and meaningful look like on our own terms.”

I must admit that my default is to get very stressed while preparing for a dinner party, but Wabi-Sabi Welcome has helped me to calm down, simplify menu and décor plans, and to keep my focus on savoring time with my guests. Author Julie Poynter Adams divides the book into five regions: Japan, Denmark, California, France and Italy, discussing lifestyle and entertaining philosophies in each. Common themes amongst all of the regions: slow down, make-do, connect, enjoy.

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

When my mom came to visit me in New York we took a quick stop in McNally Jackson's bookstore. Somehow or other she managed to find this book and really liked it. She didn't have room in her suitcase to get it then. So I got it later for her as a Christmas present.

It was a little light on words but has beautiful pictures and inspiring ideas.

I'm still not totally sure how to describe wabi-sabi but it's something like embrace the imperfections and focus on the people around you.

Some ideas I really liked from the book:
It's about spending quality time with people

Author tries to spend quality time with someone once a week (this could be a goal for me this year)

Let your guests participate in preparing for your gathering. Using their special talents will let them feel helpful and be helpful.

"attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity"

Quit catastrophizing. Shake off inspected set backs

Find some meals you love cooking for guests and master them

C'est la vie - that's life

[Jennifer Jank · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book about entertaining for pleasure, without trying to make everything perfect. It's divided into sections by country, so it's not just about Japan despite the title, but includes other countries of regions (California) the author feels have a culture of enjoying the moment, including the imperfect. I found the photographs to be a bit random (I accidentally grabbed the ebook on Goodreads, but read the actual paper book) and they didn't all add to the experience necessarily. There are a few recipes for hosting that seem simple enough the host wouldn't have to slave in the kitchen while the guests are all enjoying themselves, which is part of the point. I myself have shied away from entertaining because my places isn't perfect, so I will say this book gave me some inspiration to focus on the socializing aspect instead.

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking for a book teaching more about the wabi-sabi beliefs, not the aesthetic.

If you are interested in photography and travel this book is good for you. If you are an entertainer and love having dinner parties, this book is also for you.

If you are looking for a book on Wabi-Sabi this book is not for you. For some reason, Wabi-Sabi Welcome was advertised with other Wabi-Sabi books at my library. I didn't read the entire title when I picked it up.

Regardless of why you read the book, I feel the author really approaches travel and entertaining as if it's just something everyone does all the time. It wasn't quite bragging, but it was odd to be reading about Wabi-Sabi from someone who constantly tells you to buy new things. The list at the beginning was extremely off-putting for me.

[AM · Rating 4 out of 5]

“My hope is that these pages inspire you to let down your guard and stop hiding behind the need to make things (and yourself) *perfect* before you throw open the doors on entertaining. Learning to celebrate, and then imitate, the wabi-sabi beauty that exists all around us uncomplicates our efforts and eliminates our fear of failure. If you leave behind these barriers and begin regularly sharing yourself and your home, you will discover that people step into your life in a surprising, reanimating way.”

One of the best books on hospitality that I’ve read! I appreciated learning about the Japanese philosophy or mindset of wabi-sabi and the ways it’s found in various cultures around the world.

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book shares philosophies of entertaining and eating in five different areas: Japan, Denmark, California, Italy, and France. She encourages readers to set aside aspirations for a perfectly clean and perfectly decorated home and calls is a barrier to entertaining. Serve simple, freshly prepared food, embrace imperfection, and go with the flow. The conversation and act of gathering is more important than anything else.

The book is filled with gorgeous film photography taken by the author.

You could make the case that the author is completely out of touch with the middle class and the budget required to live this lifestyle is a stretch for many. However, she focuses on buying only what you need and buying high quality items rather than mass produced junk that will end up in a landfill.

Book Riot's 2018 Read Harder Challenge: A one-sitting book.

[Tran Hiep · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cuốn sách là những chia sẻ cá nhân của tác giả về các thực hành wabi-sabi trong cuộc sống, đặc biệt là trong những buổi quây quần cùng bạn bè, người thân. Tác giả lần lượt chia sẻ vẻ đẹp của tinh thần wabi sabi ở từng đất nước khác nhau - những nơi tác giả đã có những trải nghiệm tuyệt vời đáng ngớ (Nhật, Đan Mạch, California - Mỹ, Pháp và Ý). Những chỉ dẫn chi tiết cùng phần tóm tắt lại ý chính cho mỗi chương và đặc biệt là hình ảnh minh hoạ rất dung dị nhưng lại cực kỳ sống động, tất cả đã tạo nhưng một cuốn sách đáng lưu tâm. Mỗi trang sách mở ra đều đem lại cho mình cảm giác thoải mái và yêu đời. Cuốn sách giúp mình nhận thức rõ hơn về wabi-sabi, biết trân trọng cái đẹp của mỗi khoảnh khắc sống bởi vì tất cả chẳng có gì ở bên ta mãi mãi.