diff --git a/lib/beefcake.rb b/lib/beefcake.rb
index 5f00614..e76585b 100644
--- a/lib/beefcake.rb
+++ b/lib/beefcake.rb
@@ -217,6 +217,7 @@ def self.included(o)
     end
 
     def initialize(attrs={})
+      attrs ||= {}
       fields.values.each do |fld|
         self[fld.name] = attrs[fld.name]
       end