Create a home that is open to hospitality. Make the hosting about the people, plan for the experience and prepare your heart and home.
Our homes were not meant to just be slept in. We have so much opportunity to share our spaces with others by inviting them in. Have a neighbor over for coffee and cake, invite another mom and kids to play in the backyard or welcome your pastor and wife to your home for a meal. The opportunities are out there for hosting, we just need to do it. Now I know not everyone is given the gift of hospitality. However, we can all be prepared for welcoming others in. Here are just a few practical ways to share your home and show hospitality.
Plan
Plan ahead when hosting. Not everytime is it possible to plan as someone may just stop by. However, when a guest is known to be coming, have a plan of food, activities, rooming status and any other details that need thought of.
If you are the one asking a guest to come over, make it simpler. Plan the date and time when someone is coming and have the meal or snacks mostly ready before the company comes. One of the biggest ways to plan is with the food. Write out the menu for the time the guests are visiting and make what you can ahead of time. This will be touched on more in the be prepared section. If you need a few dessert or muffin ideas try a few of mine I’ve shared!
Classic and Simple Rhubarb Cake
Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies
Make it about the people
Having guest over is not just about eating, but it is truly about the relationship. Giving people the sense that they are worth being invited over will mean much more than a grand three course meal. Yes, the extra touches are nice, but keep in mind the people. The story of Mary and Martha from the Bible always comes to mind in these instances. When Jesus came to visit, Martha was busy preparing food while Mary sat and listened to Jesus. Luke 10:38-42. It is okay to plan and have the food ready and the house nice. On the other hand, when the guests arrive, give them your attention and and let them know you care.
Be Prepared
Being prepared can align with planning. When the planning has happened it usually tends to mean we must be prepared. Like mentioned in the plan section, have as much food prepped before guests arrive. Make sure tableware is set or the buffet is in order. Have enough seats for guests. Make sure everyone who comes feels like they can sit somewhere. Having to much stuff on couches or lacking in dining seating does not seem very inviting. If having overnight guests, clean and spruce up the bedroom. Whatever the hosting situation may look like, know that the planning and preparing are time savers for when the company comes.
Sometimes having extra supplies and treats on hand is important. Inpromptu coffee with a neighbor or a friend and their kids can happen. A gallon bag of frozen cookie dough balls or a loaf of banana bread can come in handy when last minute company comes.
Have the right activities
DIfferent people means different supplies to have ready. If a family with kids is coming, make sure there is a box of toys and activities for them to enjoy. On the other hand, if the church ladies are coming for tea, have a few garden books or devotionals on the coffee table or in the book caddy to peruse. An outdoor gathering could mean having bug sprays and sunscreen along with possible yard games and a fire. Know your audience. As it is often quoted for any performances or speaking engagements.
Set the tone
Set the tone of the home before the company arrives. Give the home a little face-lift with special touches. Fresh flowers on a night stand along with a basket of snacks, water and reading material is a great way to make a guest feel at home.
Simple acts that are done when guests arrive also shows a welcoming home. Taking a guests coat and having a designated place for it, such as a bed, is a sweet guesture. Offer the company refreshments, even if it is just water, upon arrival. Make food that is suitable to the guests dietary needs. Those are just a few ideas but, all the “little” things we do make a great hostess!
Serve with heart
The art of hospitality really stems from the heart. We should not just host because we want to impress others, but because we want to serve and love on others. Having the right heart posture behind hospitality is key. Practicing a heart of hospitality and service with our own families is a great place to start. Do those extra special things for your own family from time to time, just because you love them. When the art of hospitality is practiced and thought about, then it will come naturally with others that come to your home.
I hope you all can share your homes and spaces and create an atmosphere that is genuine thoughtful for all who come. Remember, the art of hospitality stems from the heart, takes some planning and also is about those who enter the home.
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