Hosting a Dinner Party
It’s in the act of giving that I really believe we get to know ourselves more, and it causes us to grow. Growing up comes at different ages and stages in life. When we give–more than of material goods, money, or time–it warms our hearts and the hearts of those around us. And that is how I feel when hosting a dinner party.
I’m giving of myself.
I’m using personal energy to bring people together, to prepare a meal, to make sure all the details are in place and everyone is happy.
It’s a good sense, and it penetrates my heart even deeper, as I’ve learned to listen to others who come into our home.
The world can be a lonely and isolated place. A disconnect for many. Not only do I feel it’s my place to bring people in, it’s a role that I’ve taken on in life, to teach my children the importance of “others.” (My son helping me serve in above photo.)
Entertaining is the kind of gesture that I believe is missing in our towns. We’re too busy, we don’t want to spend the money, we make too many excuses. We just can’t slow down.
Whatever it means to you, do a simple thing that doesn’t involve much more than a simple invite.
Pull out your favorite cookbook and try something new (Recipe Girl’s new cookbook!), or make an old, stand-by meal.
Buy something fresh or new for the table.
Appetizers don’t need to be elaborate. Sometimes the simplest are the tastiest. You can even grill them.
A simple healthy salad is what most guests want.
Set out a special bottle of wine to share with your guests, or make a new Blood Orange Raspberry Spritzer Recipe.
Make a Deep Dish Blackberry Peach Pie.
Make your guests feel important and loved. That you’ve pulled out all the stops for them. And enjoy the JOY that they bring.
And by all means, stay on course with you menu!
This favor will warm your heart. The fact that you were thoughtful will make your guests’ life richer, as well as your own!
I don’t think we understand how hospitality heals, it connects us to our neighbors and community, and as a whole, it makes us better people.
It’s good for me to reminded of why I love to host a party.
Now I’m going to go to my journal and see who’s next on my guest list, and send out a text or email invite.
When’s the last time you were excited about inviting others into your home?
Photo credit to Heidi, Foodie Crush, top photo with Bridget and Lori at this party in my backyard.
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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You definitely encourage me about entertaining. It’s so easy to say it’s just too much work. But I know that I also enjoy the process (when I have help!) and the result of having friends and family over. I especially like entertaining during the warmer months, as my husband is fantastic at the grill and we have outdoor space to use, as our home is not a large one.
oh those caprese sticks with cute little cherry tomatoes look so fresh and inviting…definitely a hit at all parties :-)
Great tips, you throw the best dinner parties. Wonderful inspiration.
Love these tips. Having a small get together myself this weekend!
I love this so much, Sandy. You share so much and it’s so helpful!!
It all looks so warm and inviting and filled with laughter
What a wonderful post! I love dinner parties too and now that we have a nice deck I can have them more often!
Sandy, you really have such a gift for hospitality. You are a treasure and I feel so lucky to have been at your home for that dinner party! ♥
As always, Sandy, you inspire more than just surface entertaining, I agree, hospitality is about the heart before the table. And the positive effects of our efforts always ripple out past the event.
We are currently planning a dinner party for my husband’s team of mangers at work, and I am so excited. It will be a fun night, of course, but it should also serve as a good team builder for them and help connect home and work lives.
Thanks as always for writing!
xoxo
ps thanks for the recipe s too!
I love this post. I am such an advocate of connecting around the table! Thank you so much for the deep dish pie love :)
I love how you said that the visual of giving of ourselves impacts those around us too. So true!
Loving this post on entertaining and all the goodness that comes from it, girl! You are a special lady. It warms my heart to see Lori with you in your backyard in photos today and that she was the first one to comment. You both posted about entertaining in your backyards today. And, you both have been so very kind to me as a new food blogger. In fact, today, she just added my Cherry Pie Crumble Bars to her 100 Cherry Recipes post, after the fact, making it 101…out of the pure goodness of her heart. (I’m all teary-eyed!) Giving really does come back several fold! Unbeknownst to you both, I am working on a recipe round-up post for tomorrow—a first for Wicked Good Kitchen. And (of course!), there are links to both of your blogs. My birthday is in a few days and I feel blessed with the gift of new friends, albeit online. :) Thank you for being you and for being so supportive, Sandy! *mwah!*
LOVE this post! Great tips, as always.
I need to remember these tips! I get so stresses out having people over…you make it look so effortless!
You are so sweet mentioning my cookbook! I was looking through my reader this AM and spotted the top photo, and I was like… hey, that’s me! haha! Such a great memory, that party. You really are the queen of throwing great dinner parties. Wish we lived closer together!!