Hospitality Part 2

So, in order to extend hospitality and not have over-the-top anxiety, as well as physical exhaustion because you have tried to achieve "House Beautiful" here are some practical tips, suggestions and thoughts, which you can consider.

I will post 3 today and 3 more tomorrow. Please excuse the casual writing style, remember this was a talk I was giving, so the notes, while cleaned up a bit, were prepared for speaking not reading.

Your home is not supposed to impress with it’s perfection. It’s not a “staged” home, or a model home. It’s a functioning, busy space constantly being used, perhaps to train children, prepare meals, learn skills, create, comfort, nurse, refresh and love those who live there, and and if it is like my home it is never, ever, close to perfect.

Therefore, trying to present the perfect home when people are visiting, is going to be very overwhelming and stressful, and probably unattainable.

The Perfect Home....let that go. Totally throw that idea out of the window.

Let’s focus on how to make your home welcoming to those that you have invited and hope to bless.

1) Have help if possible. If you are married with children, try to get them to pitch in and help. It makes the whole process a family effort and can help to teach the children the importance of hospitality, as well as some handy home skills. Assign jobs to each, and remember that they may not do it exactly as you would, never mind. The point is they are helping.

I am blessed with a husband who jumps in there and is a true help during the prep time and I would be remiss if I didn’t say so, not only for him, but also to point out that I do not do it alone. Encourage your husband to help out as well, if the inclination isn’t there naturally..... and that’s all I’m going to say about that.

Our kids would tell you that many, many times they helped with the cleaning, or food prep, or table setting, and clearing away when we hosted. They would also tell you that it was alot of work, and they were sometimes pressed into it. But, they would also be very quick to tell you some of their very best memories of growing up included lots of hospitality. Some small groups and many large, filling our home with laughter, conversation and fun.

If you’re single, perhaps a good friend might come over to help, keep you company and make getting ready more enjoyable. Don't let singleness prevent you from receiving the blessing of hospitality.

If you don’t have any help throw open your heart and your door anyway, and simply do you’re best, almost certainly all will be a wonderful blessing both for you and your guests.

2) A welcoming home should offer a degree of comfort, and, if possible, small tokens of beauty. Simple and inexpensive things like candles, perhaps music playing softly. I still remember going to a friend’s home after church, and as I walked through their door hearing the Psalms being sung on the stereo and flowing through the house, with children playing and people chatting to that beautiful background music, a wonderful memory of a warm home.

And, of course, nothing beats good smells, especially from the kitchen, working up everyone’s appetite and anticipation, more on the food tomorrow. Visually, perhaps a small bunch of flowers, or a table laid with care, even if very simply, all tell your guests that they are honored and so very welcome in your home.

3) Having a home that is clean enough. Clean enough to feel comfortable and healthy. Clutter free enough to function in easily, and a space for children to play, if that’s required. I want to stress that that is all that is required.... Not perfection. Not spotless. Not “eating off the floors” clean, as they say. And, most importantly, not a point of pride, hospitality is defeated by a "keeping up with the Jones's" mentality, but, rather, have a goal of creating a warm and welcoming space. Some of my very favourite visits have been in the humblest of homes, but with the grandest of welcomes.

More tomorrow,
have a blessed day,
Niki