“Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” 1 Peter 4:9
We are coming into the holiday season which is so exciting, but sometimes it can be overwhelming. How are we supposed to meet the needs of our guests and still have a good time with our friends and family? Don’t stop from having company just because you aren’t confident in your hosting abilities. With a few tips, you will find that hospitality doesn’t have to be a natural gift!
- Prepare ahead of time.
If you’re planning on having company for a meal, be sure your food is prepared as much as possible before the guests come.
Don’t wait to get yourself ready until your company is there. I remember as a child, sometimes mom would have everything ready, and we as a family would even have time to sit and talk before people came.
Have your house clean. This will show your guests that they are important enough for you to take the time to make a clean environment. Don’t think everything has to be perfect. Have a nice bouquet on the table and nobody will notice the dirty windows that you couldn’t get done! - Greet guests at the door.
If you follow step #1, you will have time to meet your company at the door before they even knock. This proves to them that you want them there and are anticipating their visit.
One way to greet people is with handshakes or hugs. Sometimes that doesn’t feel comfortable, so make sure you greet any guests with a smile. - Offer seats.
Don’t make your guests stand at the door; welcome them in and offer them a seat. If you are finishing last minute prep for the meal, and your guests offer to help, give them something to do. It helps make them feel comfortable and needed, rather than watching you work. - Have drinks ready.
If you already have a meal planned that will be ready in several minutes, drinks aren’t necessary, but sometimes you might have company and not have a meal, so have tea or water ready as well as a light snack. Food is a great way to put anybody at ease. - Make conversation.
Nobody likes to awkwardly sit and look at each other. Think of things to ask your guests before hand. Have good conversation starters in your mind, so you don’t have to sit in silence.
What about when friends drop in unannounced?
1. Make it clear that they are welcomed, and you are glad they came.
2. Make some coffee or tea, pull out some snacks, offer a seat and sit
down and chat. It doesn’t matter what you were doing before!
3. Don’t feel like you need to make any excuses for your house, even
if the dishes aren’t washed and your children have toys strewn everywhere.
They chose to stop in, most likely not expecting your house to be perfect.
Written by Ginger
pursuingourpurpose.com 