The Entertainer in You

As women, God made us uniquely nurturing. The way we care for and touch our family, friends and acquaintances may vary. Some may be graced with more of a merciful spirit, others with a more patient and listening ear, and still others with the flare for hospitality. With God’s help and these simple steps, I want to encourage you to let your hidden entertainer come out!

We all learned in school the importance of the five senses: sight, smell, sound, touch, and taste.  This concept carries over as we prepare to host an event at our home. Here are things to remember when planning a small or large party, dinner or barbecue with friends, tea and cookies, or even a play date. Always ask the question, have I covered all the senses?

Sight

Sight will be one of the first things your guests will encounter when arriving at your home. You don’t have to spend lots of money for it to have a welcoming feel. A pretty wreath, welcome flag, or a few flower pots can add a bit of spark to the outside or entrance to your home. Once inside, your guests will feel the ambiance. When planning your event, make sure you have a theme and a menu that match. There are many sources available to help you be the best host.

Smell & Sounds

Fresh baked bread, cookies, or even a roast fit very well as the next welcoming sign. Make sure to have music playing and candles burning, as it will set the mood for welcoming everyone to your nest. Music always sets the tone as you join with family and friends for a fun in the sun barbecue, or a quiet dinner party.

Touch

As the host, always take time to greet your guests at the door. It is important to make each one feel welcome. A warm hand shake or a hug sets the tone for the gathering. At a large event pick someone special to help you greet and inform your guests where to place personal items. Allow your friends and family time to mingle, and introduce any new guests so that everyone feels welcome.

Taste

Taste is very important! Before preparing your menu always check the guest list for anyone that may have food allergies.

Make sure that you don’t have too many of the same types of foods, such as too sweet or salty. Here are a few ideas on things to serve. Start with drinks and appetizers; then serve breads, salads, and soups; followed by your main dish & vegetables; finish with what I love most, desserts. You may want to keep it even simpler by just doing a salad, main dish and veggies, and then a sweet treat. Go with things you feel comfortable making. Remember, your guests are simply happy and thankful for the invitation.

As you can see, an easy common sense checklist will bring out the entertainer in you. Allow God to use you, in a beautiful way, and you will bless the people around you.

“Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels” (Hebrews 13:1-2 NKJV).

“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures” (Proverbs 24:3-4 NIV).

“Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose his reward” (Mark 9:41 NIV).