Since comments were made about hospitality on yesterday's post, I thought I would go back and find a long-ago seminar handout I remembered keeping on "Christian Home Entertaining." The sub-title is: Entertaining is Every Christian Woman's Privilege--and Responsibility!
First, here are some definitions.
- Hospitality - "given to generous and cordial reception to guests; open."
- Ambiance - "graceful and gracious opening of heart and hearth to guests."
Second, there's a Biblical basis for hospitality.
- Romans 12:13 - "...given to hospitality."
- Hebrews 13:2 - "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
- I Peter 4:9 - "Use hospitality one to another without grudging."
When is a good time for hospitality?
- Morning
- Mid-morning
- Noon
- Afternoon
- Night
- Midnight
- All night
Where is a good place for hospitality?
- Inside
- Outside
- Beyond the home
- Anywhere
What are some occasions to practice hospitality?
- Special times: birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, graduations, house-warmings, bon voyages, welcome homes, achievements (end of exams, sports victories).
- Holidays: New Years, Valentine's Day, Easter, May Day, July Fourth, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mothers' Day, Fathers' Day, Veterans' Day, Ground Hog's Day, Grandparents' Day.
- Anytime: "Happy September 16th!"
How do you do it?
- Plan
- Prepare
- Practice (getting there is half the fun)
"In all things success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure."
Things to remember:
- Choose a party within your budget and capabilities.
- Choose guests carefully. Pray over who to invite.
- Choose food that suits the occasion. Be realistic about what you can prepare well.
- Plan the table setting early.
- Make a shopping list that includes everything you will need. Avoid oversights.
- Avoid last minute rush. Do what you can ahead of time.
The seminar handout ends with these encouraging words: "Have Fun! Enjoy Yourself! (and your guests will, too!) You Can Do It! Try It!"
Here's an idea we use whenever we have dinner guests over for the first time. I purchased an 8 1/2 x 11 spiral-bound scrapbook, and we take the guests' picture while they're here. Then we have them write a note on the next blank page (have every family member write something or just sign their names). When the image is developed, we place the picture on that page either above or below their notes.
It is so much fun to thumb through the "Guest Book" and see pictures and re-read sweet notes from the folks who have come to have a meal with us. I only regret that I just started the book about 3 years ago instead of 25 years ago when we were first married. I would definitely make that recommendation to young ladies as they start their households.
So....who wants to come over and get your picture in our book? :)
~Deb
*(I'd like to give credit where credit is due, but I have no idea where I obtained this 20-year-old handout. Thank you to whomever prepared it.)
