I like doing food as a focal point on my table. It is not like going out and buying flowers or candles, which are expensive.
Cooking for people is an enormously significant expression of generosity and soulfulness, and entertaining is a way to be both generous and creative. You're sharing your life with people. Of course, it's also an expression of your own need for approval and applause. Nothing wrong with that.
There are always great dangers in letting the best be the enemy of the good.

