Let’s Practice Hospitality Together!
Hosting guests doesn’t have to be a complicated undertaking.
(Could it be complicated? Of course. But it doesn’t have to be.)
In fact, hosting guests can be rather simple. Forget about a spotlessly cleaned home. Skip an elaborate menu or decorations. Instead of telling yourself you should wait until everything in life is just so … go ahead and jump into a lifestyle of hospitality.
In case you’re wondering what to do … or how to do it, I’ve shared so many preparation tips in my book, The Welcoming Home.
Not only is the book filled with practical steps to make your hospitality efforts go smoothly, but it also includes fifty-two different biblical examples of hospitality and hosting to change your heart instead of only your home.
7 Steps to Hosting a Get-Together
To help you experience how easy hospitality can be, let’s host a get-together over the next week! With these seven simple steps, you’ll be able to host company and practice hospitality in a very low-key, non-threatening way.
Step 1: Decide who you’ll invite
Take a moment to think about one person you would like to get together with. It might be someone you want to get to know better, or someone you know you need to catch up with. Think of that person? Great! It’s time to make the invitation!
This morning I recognized I had a chance to invite my childhood best friend over to my house. It’s been more than eight years since we’ve talked and I could hardly wait to make the invitation.
Step 2: Decide when you’ll get together
Now that you know WHO you’d like to invite, it’s time to decide WHEN you’ll get together.
If you’re only inviting one person, reach out to your potential guest and find out what days and times work best for both of your schedules. As you’re coordinating availability, go ahead and get the agreed-upon date and time on your calendar. It’s time to make this happen!
Because my friend will be in town this coming weekend, I looked at my schedule and knew I could meet up either on Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon. I gave her the option and she chose Saturday morning.
Step 3: Decide what you’ll serve
You know your guest. You know when you’ll be able to get together. Now it’s time to decide what to serve! Think about what food and drinks your guest would like … and if at all in doubt, ask! Similarly, ask if there are any food sensitivities or allergies to take into consideration. Once you’ve asked, decide on your menu and make a grocery list.
In my example, hosting company on a Saturday morning is perfect because breakfast foods are so simple to make and absolutely delicious. I’ve created a menu of make your own croissant breakfast sandwiches (with different options for meats and cheeses), as well as a variety of fresh fruit.
Step 4: Buy any necessary items
Once you’ve decided on your menu, it’s time to go shopping! Buy the food and beverages you’ll need to feed your guest. This is also a good time to stock up if you’re running low on hand soap or toilet paper … not only do you need those items, but your guest will greatly appreciate you having enough to share with them.
Because I’ll serve fresh foods, I’m waiting until Thursday to get to my grocery shopping errands.
Step 5: Prepare your home
Actually preparing your home could potentially take the most time and effort. This is also the step of hospitality that intimidates most people and stands in the way of following through with hosting. Don’t let this thwart your effort! Go ahead and clean things up.
If you don’t have enough time or energy to clean the messes in your house, make sure you take time to clean your kitchen and bathroom. Those are the two places guests frequent and the two places everyone would like to see clean. Past that, clean up the space where you’ll keep your guest. Planning to sit in your living room? Clean the area! Want to sit outside and have a porch party? Make sure things are presentable.
Not every corner of your home needs to be spic and span. If many of us waited to host until our homes were perfect, we’d never host another single soul.
While I’ve already started picking up certain rooms, I’ll save the cleaning until Friday night. And what will I clean? My living room and dining room floors, as well as my bathroom and kitchen.
Step 6: Prepare your food
Before your guest arrives, begin preparing food and drinks. You already have the ingredients; now it’s time to start cooking! Dig out your serving plates and dishes and get ready to serve through hospitality.
The one good thing about choosing a breakfast menu is that I’ll be able to prepare everything the night before … except for eggs. But scrambling eggs on Saturday morning will be very quick.
Step 7: Welcome with open arms
You’ve done all the work. Now it’s time to enjoy your guest! When your company arrives, make sure to welcome with a smile (and hug, if you’re a hugger). Have a wonderful time enjoying your company!
Which hospitality step is most challenging for you? Which one comes easiest? How often do you typically practice hospitality?
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