While flying to Little Rock to be a part of a Family Life radio show with my husband, I read in one of my favorite magazines an article about simplifying summer parties, to make them high on style but low on stress.

I loved the pictures and the layout of the table settings, but my mind couldn’t help but wonder if these kinds of stories totally turn OFF the Reluctant Entertainer from doing any kind of hostessing?

“Simple” to this magazine was: party favors or paper bamboo fans for each guest; personalized recipe cards for each guest to take the recipes served on that night home with them; and a basket of flip-flops so the guests’ heels wouldn’t snag on the brick patio or in the grass.

Who can manage all of those details? Just thinking about them can be an overwhelming thought!

Now don’t get me wrong. I am all for budget-friendly settings (see Commandment #6) and making sure my guests are comfortable, by offering a jacket on a cool evening, or even providing several blankets for use by the outdoor fire.

But for anyone reluctant to entertain in the first place, these articles on “ease” and “simplicity” do not eliminate uncertainty! In fact, they can make entertaining much more exhausting and stressful.

One rare evening we had 3 other couples over and were relaxing and enjoying our meal. Toward the end of the evening I pulled out some special foot massage oil, and gave a few of my girlfriends a foot rub! We were all together, the moment was right; it was an act of love that was very spontaneous.

Or, how about a hand massage with the person sitting next to you?

Paul and I have decided that instead of sending our guests home with a party favor, our goal is to offer them reprieve from the daily grind of life. That returning to their lives, after a meal at our home, should leave them refreshed.

That is our gift to our guests. Along with some good food & conversation!

Forget the party favors!

Feel the “Aha!” moment!

(Photos: calla lilies transplanted to our yard from Jeannie’s garden – see post Goodness Grows)

(And, last week was a HUGE give-a-way week in blogland and I won two things! A “Soupmix Cookbook” from Amy’s blog, and a pound of CHOCOLATE taffy from Melissa’s! I’m a lucky girl