Comments on: Don’t be an Entertaining Wreck!

By: Kristi

Kristi — Wed, 20 May 2009 06:01:27 +0000

Thank you for more great ideas and for making “entertaining” seem so much less intimidating!

By: Kirstin

Kirstin — Sat, 16 May 2009 14:57:00 +0000

Wonderful post! It’s true!! It’s not worth being uptight over. Just have fun

By: Miss G

Miss G — Sat, 16 May 2009 04:10:00 +0000

Sandy Toes, you are a very generous blogger. You sweeten the world with your comments all around on people’s blogs. I often notice your name and your nice comments. I think you have a ministry of making people’s days brighter, both those whose blogs you comment on as well as those of us who read your nice words.

This is a great post. I especially like your list of ideas at the end. Kelly

By: theArthurClan

theArthurClan — Fri, 15 May 2009 01:47:00 +0000

Fun post Sandy Toes! I used to be the same way – so obsessive compulsive about everything being neat and perfect. Life is so much more enjoyable when you can let go of that a little bit.

By: Angela

Angela — Fri, 15 May 2009 00:31:00 +0000

What a great reminder Miss Sandy Toes. I too struggle with thinking everything has to be perfect to have people over. It becomes so daunting that I don’t do it often enough. I love your ideas. Inspiring!!

By: a woman who is

a woman who is — Thu, 14 May 2009 22:40:00 +0000

I agree Sandy Toes. We did take out from Famous Dave’s Barbeque for Mother's Day. Such a different Mother’s Day, but with the new little one we couldn't do the traditional brunch out. I used chinet paper plates, pulled a frozen yellow cake out of the freezer, added strawberries and coolwhip. I set up an iced tea bar where everyone helped themselves. Raspberry tea, green tea w/honey & lemon, and regular tea with all the help yourself fixings.

We ate outside and everyone including me had a very relaxed afternoon.

By: Farmgirl Cyn

Farmgirl Cyn — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:23:00 +0000

Wonderful post with great ideas. Entertaining does NOT have to be difficult! I have used several of Sandy Toes’ ideas myself! A soup and bread supper, a “Vadalia Onion” party, where we celebrated the 1st of the sweet onions to hit the grocers! It would be burgers on the grill, topped with big slabs of sweet onion…YUM! served with the years 1st potato salad. Build your own sundae party, with lots of toppings and bananas for splits! Popcorn and a movie night! Or the times everyone brings a dish to pass…especially a good idea with these trying economic times! Entertaining is fun!!!

By: GiBee

GiBee — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:56:00 +0000

True, true, true! Great thoughts, Sandy Toes!!!

By: LuLu

LuLu — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:39:00 +0000

You featured a wonderfully talented lady! Sandy Toes has a wonderful blog that i love to read each day!!! she makes entertaining look so easy and family FUN!!! she keeps in real!
LuLu

By: Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:11:00 +0000

Great post, Sandy Toes! I’ve enjoyed your blog too.

By: Em @ Bunch of Scrap

Em @ Bunch of Scrap — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:36:00 +0000

Great post Sandy Toes! I always was one to freak out before having guests over but now I am more relaxed and feel so much happier! Great ideas for dinners, I am going to use ALL of them!

By: Ruby Red Slippers

Ruby Red Slippers — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:23:00 +0000

I Love SandyToes!
She really does have some practical, and useful tips for hosting-I will be writing down her dinner ideas-sounds like fun!!!

By: Betts

Betts — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:24:00 +0000

I wasn’t sure if I had it, but last weekend when the power went out right after our dinner guests arrived and I didn’t panic, I realized that I really was a relaxed hostess. And they arrived at 5, and I didn’t start prepping until 3:30.

By: Empty Nest Full Life

Empty Nest Full Life — Thu, 14 May 2009 14:46:00 +0000

I missed the giveaway while out of town, but what do you make your raised beds out of. I heard it is not good to used treated lumber. We are planning to start some, so what advice do you have for this newbie? Jackie

By: Empty Nest Full Life

Empty Nest Full Life — Thu, 14 May 2009 14:41:00 +0000

Great ideas, and definitely better to be relaxed than a wreck. Being an empty nester I am seeing more of a need to have the company and fellowship of friends. I want my home to be warm and inviting, not perfect. Jackie

By: Kacey R.

Kacey R. — Thu, 14 May 2009 14:37:00 +0000

What a great post and awesome advice. AFterall, its all about spending time and enjoying one another!

I LOVE the pizza night and toppings bar. We do this with the kids and they LOVE it – an so do we!

By: Gina

Gina — Thu, 14 May 2009 14:30:00 +0000

What a great post. I love the reminder that it doesn't need to be perfect or fancy, entertaining is so much more than that. It's about connecting! And don't we all need more of that in today's hectic world?

I used do exactly what Sandy Toes did-I agonized over every little detail-what a waste of time! Our favorite get togethers have by far been the ones where we've ordered pizza and called whoever was home at the last minute!

I agree with Sarah, thanks for keeping it real!

By: Smelling Coffee

Smelling Coffee — Thu, 14 May 2009 14:23:00 +0000

So true and great ideas, Sandy Toes!

Susan~ this is the biggest blessing I have received from your blog – you’ve accomplished just what you set out to do – remind us that the people we are serving is much more important than the dishes we are serving. Thank you for faithfully keeping this in front of us Reluctant Entertainers! Blessings to you all…
Jennifer

By: Astrid

Astrid — Thu, 14 May 2009 13:42:00 +0000

Great post!

It’s so easy for me to go overboard on cleaning and getting ready for company. Perhaps I need to invite people to my house more often!

By: Dot O

Dot O — Thu, 14 May 2009 13:25:00 +0000

Cool ideas Sandy Toes! Our dinner group had themes. Last year it was game/dinner night so I had to come up with some creative games and each of the six couples supplied part of the dinner, with the host supplying the main entree and the festive drink.

Food and fun just go hand in hand…. I do like your idea of just dessert night – makes it a bit less stressful.