Day 25. Greet at the Door: Smile Even if You Do Not Feel Like It!
Your guests are about to arrive, and like most homes, the stress-level may be intense! Depending on my planning, I may or may not be ready, but once that doorbell rings – I have a choice.
That choice is to make my guests feel welcome or unwelcome.
I can greet my guests at the door all stressed out, or I can greet them with a smile on my face. Guests are coming to our houses with expectations. I would hope if they are true friends, that they are not coming to judge or inspect my home. But they are coming with expectations of eating and having a good time, so it’s important to make them feel comfortable the minute that front door is opened.
Whether you feel like it or not, put a smile on your face.
A smile is good for your guests, and it’s also good for you. A smile reminds me that I am ready to extend myself to these lovely people who have just arrived. It reminds me that I will drop everything for them. That I will be a gracious hostess and that the night and the food are not all about me, or about impressing our guests. And I also believe that a hug at the door is an effective way to set the tone for the evening.
How to put your guests at ease
1. Give a hug at the door.
2. Take their coat or their purse.
3. Usher them in and make introductions.
4. Make them feel welcome in the first area of entertaining (ie, if you serve appetizers in a different place than your dinner party) and offer a drink.
5. Break the ice, ask questions about their lives.
6. Oh, and make sure guests know where the bathrooms are located.
How do you make your guests feel at ease when they walk through your door?
Only 6 days are left with tips to Stress-Free Entertaining. If you’ve missed out on Day 1-24, you can catch up with those posts, here. You can also join in with the other 31-Day bloggers and their inspiration.
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
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usually we can hear cars drive up so we know our company has arrived. One of us will meet them at the door or greet them on the porch. Often if they are close friends they just walk right in, and I’m totally okay with that.
I read someplace that you should greet your guests at the door, or on the porch, by saying “You’re finally here!” When they say it’s time for them to leave and they’re getting their things say, “You have to leave already?” These simple heartfelt remarks do make your guests feel welcome and even if you don’t exactly mean it right when you say these words sometimes, you do mean it when the evening is over and you’ve enjoyed an evening with old or new friends. You know that you’ve had a part in bringing joy and blessings into someone’s life and heart by showing God’s love to others by opening your heart and home.
What a great post and interesting question. A few weeks ago my neighbor dropped by with goodies from her garden. We had just finished dinner and the kitchen was a mess. My first thought was grab the goodies, thank her graciously and get back to cleaning up. But I didn’t. I invited her in and asked her to sit down with a cup of tea and chat with me while I cleaned up and did the dishes. It was a casual impromptu visit, but I enjoyed every minute. When she left, I realized that this is the kind of hospitality I need to practice more. Another lesson learned from Sandy. You’re so right about the smile!
My husband and I have entertained two weeks in a row now – woot! We are loving it… but I start getting drinks out immediately. Even if there is some initial awkwardness, at least it gives everyone something to do and talk about for a few minutes until everyone settles in.
Oh my goodness! I should have been following along with you this month! I just hosted my first party this past weekend, a Halloween party, and I pretty much did the opposite of everything you said to do. I had almost decided to give up on throwing any more parties, but now I have a guidebook to refer to. So, maybe I’ll give it another go. Thank you SO much!
This is a great post. I just found it and need to go back and read the rest. I am working on opening up my house more and entertaining. It is out of my comfort zone but I know that God expects us to open up our homes that we have been blessed with. Now just getting out there and doing it is the hard part. :)
I love this post, Sandy! Everybody has experienced the wonderful feeling of being greeted at someone’s door. Being greeted and being walked out both extended the feeling that you were welcomed and that someone enjoyed being with you. It means alot!
I would like you to offer some questions that are good ice breakers that are not too prying other than where do you work and how are the kids, where were you born and go to school etc. I always ask about hobbies or good books and most people look at me like I have two heads.
I second that! The first few minutes of inviting guests in are always the most awkward for me. Love the suggestion of offering drinks, but what comes after that? :)
My favorite part about having guests is answering the doorbell! SO exciting!
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I feel convicted. Usually entertaining makes me nervous and stressed. I’m wondering how often I have come across this way to my guests. I’m so grateful to you and your blog for inspiring me to be a better hostess and enjoy the rewards that entertaining brings.
Always welcome them, get them settled and OFFER a drink. No matter how long they are there for. Sometimes if I am on my way out…this is not practical, but if I am staying home I always offer a cup of tea or water….and lemonade or cold peepermint tea during the summer. During the winter, I like to keep wassail on hand in the fridge to be heated up at a moments notice. {I make extra and keep it chilled} Nothing says “welcome” or “stay for awhile”…like offering a drink. You are also conveying the fact that friendship is important to you…even if it means having a later dinner at times!
I would love to greet YOU at my door! I’m a hugger, for sure. You’re right that putting a smile on your face is the right thing to do–good for guests and good for the hostess!