Blossoms, RE Books, Aprons & The Nester’s GIVEAWAY Day!
Hey Friends, I’m super excited today because it’s a big giveaway day!
I’m getting closer to 1,000 posts here at RE, with my message of journaling about entertaining and hospitality going back to 2006. Yes, way back then, I shared this simple post:
With the best intentions, many of us think about entertaining, but never get around to it. Usually this happens because we don’t have enough time, we’re disorganized or our spouse isn’t interested in hosting a party, or even a small dinner! For many this blessing of gracious living for both the hostess and her guests never takes place, because of fear … fear of failure, unable to cook, unwilling to share their lives with others, fear of deepening friendships … they are intimidated and think the meal has to be perfect, or … they don’t have the lifestyle that says, “welcome.” (-my very first post on RE)
Hospitality doesn’t have to be complicated at all, and today’s little tip is to bring beautiful Spring blossoms indoors to spruce up your home a bit.
You might have read my post on forcing branches, but my real love is the elegant pink and white blossoms that are currently blooming in Oregon. Stunning!
Clip and put in water.
Arrange and bring indoors!
Along with these beautiful blossoms today, The Hip Hostess and I are offering an amazing giveaway for 3 WINNERS. (Thanks to The Nester if she sent you over.)
1 person will WIN all 3 of these items:
Signed Copy of The Reluctant Entertainer
Balcony Girls E-Book
Sheath Style Black a la Mode apron from The Hip Hostess2 people will WIN:
Signed Copy of The Reluctant Entertainer
Here’s HOW to WIN:
1. Leave a comment telling me what it is about hospitality or entertaining that bogs you down? Also, do you think your personality type affects your hospitality/entertaining style?
2. Join our Facebook pages and leave a comment telling me that you did (Reluctant Entertainer and The Hip Hostess)
{If you’re already a member, leave a comment. You guys get one too!}
3. Follow us on twitter and leave a comment telling me you did. (@SandyCoughlinRE and @TheHipHostess)
{If you’re already a follower, leave a comment. You guys get one too!}
This counts as three entries.
4. Facebook about the giveaway, and leave a comment, telling me you did.
5. Tweet about the giveaway, and leave a comment telling me you did. (using @SandyCoughlinRE and @TheHipHostess)
6. Blog about the giveaway, and leave a comment telling me you did.
It’s your choice to just comment, or do all six! So that is 6 chances total!
Contest ends midnight on Thursday, April 7th. Winner will be announced Friday morning, 4/8/11.
The Nester is featuring all of her sponsors today over at Nesting Place, so head over there for a kazillion more giveaways and chances to enter for some incredible prizes.
GOOD LUCK, Friends!
(I want to thank Debbie from The Hip Hostess for donating one of her classy aprons. The quality is superior. If you don’t have one, you’re really missing out. If you want to read more about Balcony Girls, go HERE. If you want to read more about my book, The Reluctant Entertainer, go HERE.)
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...
The biggest thing that bogs me down is making sure that I get around to everyone during the event! I also try and make different groups of friends mix if I can. I definitely think that different personalities make a difference to the party and all of the planning (or not!) that goes into it :)
I’m considered quiet/shy, so I rarely entertain. When I do, I decide to be safe and go with a pot-luck, horrible I know :) I’m not confident in my cooking skills.
My biggest issue with entertaining is the space, I have a tiny apartment!
I “liked” you on Facebook!
I love to entertain, but wish that I could relax a little more before the party and ENJOY! My husband is constantly telling me that this is the last party (I’m glad it never is!). I would love to win!! Please enter me!
the biggest reason i don’t entertain is i never feel like my home is “entertainment ready”! how many comments are going to say that exact thing? funny thing is, when i go to other people’s homes, often spontaneously, i don’t notice the things i judge myself on. and the impromptu get-togethers are often the most meaningful. hospitality is a gift i wasn’t born with, but would love to learn….
What bogs me down when it comes to entertaining—I get bogged down in wanting things to be
“perfect” and lovely and the food to be delicious of course. I do have some perfectionism in my personality.
I strive to overcome that and just go with the flow and become more laid back so I’m more comfortable
and can entertain more.
This is a great giveaway, would love to read your book, and the apron is beautiful!
I am not on twitter, but I just subscribed to your blog via email. not sure if that counts!
I hate having to do all the dishes after a party or get-together lol!
@_eHope giveawy tweet http://bit.ly/gTCyRr
@_eHope following the Hip Hostess on twitter too :))
@_eHope following you on twitter
What bogs me down is the last 10 minutes before the guests come. Usually there are about 20 small things to do in that short amount of time, and I am scramming to get them all done. I would love to learn to be more organized so that I didn’t feel that pressure.
so luving this opp! i really do think extroverts and introverts approach hsptlty differently. what bogs me down? lack of time! full schedules all around… love hospitality b/c it’s not entertainment – it’s relational sharing … my <3 shared ~ tea's on at FHC! Welcome :))
I’m shy and I lack confidence as a hostess! I’m so worried that people will judge me or my home or that they won’t enjoy themselves that I only invite close friends–never anyone new. I want to branch out, take courage, and invite the new folks at church over for lunch or supper. Your book (and that classy apron) would give me the inspiration to do just that!
Good Morning!
Following you both on twitter too : )
I love to have people over but we’re messy so it takes a lot of planning. And I’m not a planner. Boo
what bogs me down is thinking that my rental house isn’t good enough to entertain in… simply forgetting that hospitality is about making people feel welcome and loved no matter where i live… love your blog & would love to read your book!
Perfection, or the pursuit of it….major bogging-down!!
I just joined you on facebook!
The biggest things that brings me down about entertaining is cleaning up afterward! I love getting ready and I love having the people. Not sure this has anything to do with my personality!
Several things bog me down: perfectionism, not knowing how to cook for larger numbers (ie more than my immediate family), keeping the house reasonably clutter free (enough for people to be able to sit down without a book under them on the sofa). I don’t know that it is my personality so much as my fears that guide my feeling about hospitality.
I love to entertain and I always find myself stressing out at the last minute. Usually it’s because I’m trying to cook or finish things last minute with two toddlers running around my feet! I keep on despite the stress each time, but I’d like to learn to simplify so I don’t freak out each time we have people over.
Posted about the giveaway on facebook! on my way to blog about it!
like you both on facebook!