I’m all about gathering people. It’s my passion whether it’s around a charcoal fire in Uganda, or for coffee at Starbucks, or a backyard BBQ. I’m in a season when sometimes I can partner with others to add some special touches, but hospitality is about blessing, not impressing.
You may be in a season when hospitality is ordering pizza and inviting people into your mess is a powerful ministry! Go for it!
I had an older, mentor-type friend years ago when we lived in Washington D.C. One weekend we invited she and her husband over for dinner. At the time I had a newborn and 20 month old and I seriously think I served them Hamburger Helper. It was a good thing I didn’t know she was a gourmet cook!
She set a formal table that was lovely, serving dinner in several courses. Her meals were a work of art. When this couple reciprocated and we went to their house for dinner, our first course – peanut soup – had a decorative swirl of sour cream on top. For dessert she served us individual white chocolate mousse in the shape of a heart in a pool of raspberry. She and her husband were gracious hosts and we enjoyed wonderful conversation in their home. But she couldn’t understand why no one invited HER over for dinner. Her closest friend had to gently tell her that once someone had come to her house they were intimidated. No one could host a dinner party with the same excellence or formality.
Another mentor, Sibyl Towner once said, “Hospitality is when someone leaves your home feeling better about themselves, not better about you.”
Whatever I do, my goal is to communicate “You’re special. I want you to feel loved and cared for.” but that doesn’t mean it needs to be “Martha Stewart meticulous”.
Anyway, last weekend some friends and I hosted a shower for a young mama-to-be who’s been in the community of young couples I shepherd at church. We wanted her to feel special, but everyone is busy so here are 3 thoughts on hosting whether it’s fancy or casual :
- Divide to conquer. Split up the work. We had a Pinterest board, chose a theme (Garden tea party), and everybody did part according to their gifts. Potlucks are great.
- Hold it all lightly! Make your plans, but if something doesn’t work out, don’t sweat it. People are more important than plans. Two of the things I made totally bombed, but oh well…it didn’t ruin the party.
- Pray for people. Take a minute to pray for the people who will enter your home. Picture them. Picture Jesus welcoming them.
Lastly, here’s the recipe everyone always asks for that we served. It’s great cuz you can make it the night before!
North Shore Chicken Salad
Add the remaining ingredients through the sugar peas and toss with the dressing. Let rest in the refridgerator for at least 2 hours (or you can make the night before).
Add the pecans and avacado before serving.
Serves 6
What’s your experience been with hospitality? What advice would you add?
This is the theme at our church this year-Hospitality. Our pastor preached 5 sermons on the topic.
On a personal note, we love having people over and know they feel loved because they don’t seem to want to go! Being relaxed helps guests to relax too!
Ohmygosh, awesome to both! I’d love to hear your pastor’s sermons, and it’s a great problem to have that people linger because they feel loved!
Great post Laura, totally agree. Hospitality is sharing with people, whether that’s peanut butter sandwiches because the power went off or a seven course dinner. It doesn’t really matter, but I prefer “the simpler the better” so I can spend time with the people rather than being in the kitchen. I think there’s a difference between hospitality and entertainment, and I much prefer hospitality because I’m no gourmet…:)
Joanne
Oh yes Joanne! I remember one of the greatest acts of hospitality getting stranded outside Frankfurt, Germany and a pastor and his wife taking me in and making me peanut butter sandwiches before putting me on a train in the morning. 🙂