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...
Following you both on Twitter!
My biggest hurdle is keeping up with the house
And I Facebooked about the giveaway!
I “like” both of you on Facebook!
Hospitality requires intentional planning–at least, it does for me. My house is generally pretty cluttered, with two working parents and two teenagers and two pets, so opening our home to others requires some work to get things looking presentable. Finding the time to do that is no small feat!
I can’t wait to subscribe to your blog! I feel like I don’t entertain because I’m afraid of being a failure at it!
I think the thing that bogs me down is, I want my house clean and looking good. I am really trying to get over this and have people over any way. They really don’t care!!
Lynn G.
I joined on facebook!
My entertaining fear is that I will plan an event and no one will come. I don’t really no why since I used to entertain frequently and have never had that happen. I’m sure it’s just an excuse that I am making to keep myself from opening up my family and home.
I always feel a struggle to have my home perfectly clean. It is normally pretty picked up and not horribly dirty but I have to resist the urge to almost spring clean for guests, which wears me out. I’m also a more introverted person and it is kind of out of my comfort zone to entertain people.
I always want the house to be in perfect order before someone comes, and yes, it is a personality issue too!
I’m always worried if people will actually come to things I put together. And I totally think my personality affects the way I entertain – most definitely!
Not sure if I did it correctly, but in theory, I also re-tweeted your giveaway on Twitter!
I already am following you on twitter :)
Sandy,
I think my biggest concern with entertaining is time. We have four children and are in four hundred directions. We need to find time to slow down and enjoy!
posted on facebook about giveaway
Shared this on my Facebook page.
I shared your giveaway on facebook! I love getting the word out about amazing blogs!
Thanks for the giveaway! Regarding hospitality, I am never ready in time! My problem is that I always want to prepare something new, rather than sticking with tried and true recipes. I love the challenge, but sometimes everyone is starving by the time we sit down. :)
I follow you both on twitter
I follow you on Facebook
Twitter followed too!
“like”ing on facebook as well!
My biggest problem is my husband schedule. We never know till Wed what his hours will be and if he has to work on the weekend. It makes it a real headache to plan things.
“Liked” your facebook page!