Many times I’ve been inspired by comments that I get from readers. One friend was getting ready to speak about hospitality in her church, and she emailed me for advice. I loved her heart when she made this statement to me, and I could just visualize what a beautiful, thoughtful person she is!
When people come into my home, I want them to know that I have spent time preparing for them and that they are important enough to me that I would take time out of my day to do something to make them feel special.
Can’t you just imagine having dinner in her home?
But I really wanted her to share this with the women …
Unfortunately, not everyone has the time or money to take the extra step to make things special, or they may feel pressured that they have to do these extra things in order to entertain. Hospitality doesn’t have to be showy in any way.
I encouraged her to stay with the idea of keeping things simple: simple meal, even order out, just clean one bathroom and have the area you’ll be hanging out in picked up — that is enough.
My advice: Approach hospitality very simply!
Do you get overwhelmed when you think of the word “hospitality?”
(Top photo (and showing our yummy salads) is of me and my friend Ellen B from The Happy Wonderer blog. Ellen and her husband invited my husband and me out to dinner this last week at a fancy restaurant. It was as if we’d known each other for years, although it was our first time to meet! When you’re a hospitable person, you just know how to reach out … Thank you, Ellen B!)
Come back tomorrow for an amazing Kelly Anderson Art GIVEAWAY!
Hi, I'm Sandy. Five years ago I stocked up on beautiful glasses from the Dollar Store. As I started writing about dinner parties, I realized that this “icon” portrays a great message. 
I try to creat a delightful experience…. and prep in advance! Thanks for your encouraging words!
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When studying about hospitality some years back I came upon the orginal meaning in the scriptures which is “kindness to strangers”. This has helped me to understand that “hospitality” can be inside or outside of the home and never fussy, but simply kindness.
Thanks for the reminder to keep it simple.
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What a joy it was to sit and eat a meal with you and your husband. Our pleasure indeed. We were happy to hear your guys passion for educating about the problem of bullying in schools and soccer!! :0)
Sheesh! Look at those salads!
.-= ellen b´s last blog ..Our Welcome Home! =-.
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Oh how I needed to hear this.
But who knows if I will ever be able to “keep things simple!”
Entertaining…in a simple way…has always been a challenge for me.
It’s my personality to WOW others…always has been.
It’s almost as if I don’t know how to entertain any other way.
I’ve been hosting parties since college.
Everyone has always looked forward to my parites…my dinners…because of all that I create for the event.
Even if it’s just girlfriends…popping over…before we all go out to dinner…I create a serene atmosphere…mostly because I don’t have any children…and when they walk into my world…and away from the responsibilities of children….I want them to just sink into a bit of an escape! And oh how they have looked forward to it over the years. Maybe there’s a happy medium….
somewhere there inbetween simplicity and going alllll out everytime I have a dinner.
Thanks for the inspiration.
xxooxx
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Love the idea and reminder of simplicity. As I was reading this I was mindful that simplicity also allows for more spontaneity as well. Fresh in my mind as that just happened with me yesterday.
Sun at 8:30 PM I invited a friend and her daughter over for 10 AM on Mon. Didn’t leave much time for fancying or prepping of anything.
Keeping it simple didn’t require much. Quick sweeping, closing a bedroom door or two and a quick clean in the bathroom left it a perfect opportunity to have a young mom and her 2 year old come for conversation, play date for the children and a chance to just connect.
Yep, convinced me allowing for simplicity allows for spontaneity.
By the way, looks like you all had a delightful time out. Please culture-ize me a bit… I must ask… what is the salad you are holding up?
.-= Donnetta´s last blog ..Well Worn and Tear Stained =-.
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What fun to meet a blog friend and for both of you to enjoy a night out from all the entertaining you do.
So excited for your book coming out soon…can’t wait to share it with my daughter and friends.
Connie
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I don’t think I really ever feel overwhelmed. I make sure things are picked up and put in place, but it doesn’t have to be perfect.
One time while getting ready for company my girls made a comment about how we go out of our way for company to make things look perfect and just right, when maybe during everyday life we let things go a bit. They also noticed that sometimes company got what they considered more “special” food. WOW! Hmmm…made me stop and think…do I at times give my company more special treatment than my own family? So now and then I make something a little more “fattening” (since I usually reserve those dishes for company…my 4 cheese fettucini, lasagna, etc..), I ask my girls what one meal they would like to have for dinner. I also informed them that I always like the house cleaned up but sometimes with our schedules, it just doesn’t happen all the time in the way I do it for company.
Keeping hospitality real and simple and everyday is a big key. Being hospitable to our own husbands and children (or those who live in our home) is as important if not more important than showing hospitality to others. I think when we do this, they learn to love hospitality.
I think you are so good at this Sandy even though I’ve never entered your home.
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I love creating an ambience for my guests – even if we are just sitting around eating tacos! I love low light and soft music in the background – it helps create a comfortable atmosphere. People have a hard time leaving
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I am getting outside of my usual zone….no hospitality. Last month I invited some ladies to have dinner, and just enjoy the evening out. I loved putting everything together and doing my best to make things special. This month I am asking each lady to think of someone that might need some time out. We are having breakfast. I am asking everyone to bring a small batch of muffins that we will share to take home. Last time we had salad, dessert, and a potato bar of sorts. It was simple but fun. Looking forward to making this regular at out house. Jackie
.-= Jackie´s last blog ..Looking forward…… =-.
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What a great post and you look beautiful in those pictures:)
.-= Cyndi Spivey´s last blog ..A Heavenly Mansion =-.
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Love this post! I want to be hospitable, but I have to admit that I worry too much about making everything perfect. I am working on getting better at that…loosening up a bit. I really want people to feel welcome at my home.
.-= Traci´s last blog ..Made to Order… =-.
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I try to have the house cleaned up and I try to make it seem like I’ve gone to a little bit of extra effort if friends come over….but I think that sense of needing to make sure everything is perfect gets in the way of me inviting friends over. I feel overwhelmed easily. I think it’d be better to relax & enjoy the company instead of spending hours prior to the visit in a whirlwind cleaning/getting ready mode.
.-= Astrid´s last blog ..Annika::The Artist =-.
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I used to be really particular and “perfectionistic” about hosting people. Over time I’ve realized that it’s not really necessary. Most people aren’t as OCD as me.
I keep my house clean and tidy, which I believe is respectable to guests. But then I do what’s in my nature – don’t make an extravagant meal if it’s going to stress you out. If it’s easy for you, then cook away! Just be yourself – that’s my hint to all those who are hosting.
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I admit that I stress too much about what the house looks like even though usually it just needs to be picked up as I clean it regularly. I love entertaining though when I can.
.-= Sherry´s last blog ..WFMW – Wow! It smells delicious! Candle Tart Giveaway! =-.
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I think a big part of hospitality is how people feel in your home. It’s so important that people feel comfortable. I love this post Sandy!
.-= Aggie´s last blog ..A Taste of Spring with Cooking Light =-.
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Hi Sandy,
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. I came over to see you, and who do I see but Ellen b! Too funny..
I am off to poke around your blog..hope you will come and visit me again too..Ellen is the best!
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Ah yes! There is really nothing like nothing that someone spend time and energy to prepare things for your arrival. I makes one feel so loved! And it shows and just sets up such a wonderful evening.
.-= Vic´s last blog ..Japanese Hair Straightening =-.
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What a fun surprise to see ‘our Ellen’ together with you. I have often stopped by your blog and have been encouraged many times. As I’m sure you already know, Ellen is one of us Mennonite Girls that think we can cook!:):):) She is a dear friend and I’m so glad you connected.
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