1.16.2009

I Did It!

photo: Marthastewart.com
It wasn't much, but I did it...I had company for dinner! And it happened in the best way possible. On Wednesday, a friend of mine came over for a visit with her children. We gabbed all afternoon and lost track of time. My husband came home from school and mentioned that she would get stuck in traffic if she didn't hang around for another hour or so. There was only one thing for her to do...stay for dinner! We heated up leftovers, and the kids ate corndogs (thanks for the idea, Danielle!)

I know this seems like a terrible way to begin my want-to-have-dinner-guests venture (leftovers and corndogs!), but because it was totally unexpected, I didn't have time to stress about it all day. I see it as a great beginning. It was very simple, and my kids did great. Thank you all for your great advice!

12 comments:

Christian - Modobject@Home said...

Way to go! That is true hospitality... offering what you have with a joyful heart while investing in relationships. It doesn't matter what was on the table as long as it was served with sincerity.

Maisy said...

Woo-Hoo!
That's great new. I'm very proud of you. I bet everyone had a blast and you didn't have to stress!!!
Happy Weekend!

Sugarcoma said...

Sometimes you need those unexpected occurances to get over the initial "hump." Now you're an expert! The next one will be a piece of cake.

I've been trying to keep goodies in the freezer for times like this. Then you have a little something you can quickly pull out to make it just a little more special.

Another idea (I just heard last night) is to let the kids get involved in the process. Let them help pick out the menu items ("should we have lasagna or enchiladas?") Then let the kids get dressed up a little if they want, and even plan a little entertainment. They could even make a card or color a picture for the guests.

I love to entertain, but don't do it nearly as often as I'd like. Whenever I get worried about my inadequacies or my kids behavior, I just remind myself that they're coming over to spend time with us, not our clean house or whatever it may be. I've learned the hard way that sometimes we miss out on opportunities to be a blessing for others when we let "us" get in the way.

I also think it's a great example to our kids (sorry, I don't remember how old yours are :( but I know they're young) to see us welcoming people into our homes to fellowship and bless them. If you start now while they're young they'll be used to it as they get older.

So...just go for it.

Jessica said...

That's great! I actually just started a series on hospitality based off of 4 Reluctant Entertainers. It's been really thought provoking and I've challenged myself to having people over for dinner once a week for 6 weeks! Yikes!

It's nice when it's just the natural flow of things you don't have to fret about it all day or feel like you have to entertain instead of being hospitable. What a great job! Keep it up!

java girl said...

Hurrah!!! I'm sure your kids had fun too!!

the wild raspberry said...

sounds perfect. no need to be fancy, see? that is what dates are for!

Traci @ The Bakery said...

YOU GO GIRL!!! Casual is the EASY WAY!!!

Danielle said...

I'm so glad for you! Isn't it neat how God works those things out!

Diane said...

Leave it to God to take the worry away! The best times are spent over lingering meals. I can tell you who I was with, but not what we ate ;)

Sandy said...

Doesn't sound like a terrible way to me - good job girl :) Loved reading this ...

Rebekah said...

This is great and this is what true hospitality is all about! It sounds like a wonderful day!

Katrina said...

This is my favorite way to have people over for dinner! No stressing and it's so relaxing for myself and my guests! Sounds like you had a rich, wonderful day.