Hospitality

One of my most prevalent spiritual (and practical) gifts is hospitality. I know this because of the many situations and events I’ve been privileged to host. I am energized and motivated by an opportunity to put an occasion together. It can be a big family dinner, a wedding, a conference, or hosting a band as they pass through the area.

We had bands stay the night and provided breakfasts for them before they moved on to the next church or gig. We had an international group from South Africa working with YWAM stay with us for a week as they spoke in local schools. We have hosted missionaries on furlough, and international students waiting to get into their dorms and apartments.

More often we have done things such as hosting a dinner club for church, a ladies’ tea, a teen game night, or a birthday party bash. Yet, I have been told many times over the years how I must have the gift of hospitality. And yes, I believe I do. However, even without the “gift”, I believe others can host successful occasions and events by keeping a few tips in mind.

1. Maya Angelo said, “People will forget what you said, forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” If you will welcome others into your space and give them attention, make them feel you are glad they are there, they will remember their time with you as special and enjoyable.

2. Simple is just as good as fancy. I like over the top, big productions. Nevertheless, most of the dinners and backyard parties we plan are simple get togethers, with simple meals, paper products rather than good china, and maybe a fun topic or ice breaker to help get people chatting.

3. Your house doesn’t need to be spotless. All you need is clean enough to be healthy and picked up enough that it’s not a danger to walk through. Right this minute I have a mattress, headboard, dresser, and other items ready for my new guest room sitting in my front room (living room). I have the stuff sitting out where all my guests could see it; yet, not in the walking path. My house is rarely if ever, completely put together. We live here and it looks like it. I don’t try to pretend we’re a museum or store front. There are piles of dog toys around where there used to be piles of children’s toys. Relax, be real with your guests. They will feel more at home if you are at ease with your surroundings.

4. One of my biggest errors is I like to over invite. It’s usually better to keep it smaller. Less to prepare in every way if you have fewer people. We had a party Memorial Day and in my usual over-zealousness I had almost 40 people coming. When half of those people were prevented from attending (a very unusual situation) we were left with enough food for an army. It’s easier to manage a few missing than 17! Keep the guest list manageable and small.

5. If you want to decorate for the occasion go ahead but you don’t have to spend a wedding budget on it. I almost never do table centerpieces unless it’s something from my own house and collections. Garland from the dollar store, bubbles (even adults enjoy blowing bubbles!), a few balloons scattered on the floor add a festive feel to any gathering.

6. Be willing to take help or ask for help! If someone offers to bring something, be ready with what you would like them to bring. People generally like to bring dessert or something easy, like sodas, chips, or rolls. There is nothing that says you have to do it all!

Inviting friends, new acquaintances, or business associates once a month is wonderful way to spend time getting to know others. You can host dinner or simply dessert or snacks. Ask others to come over for a card game or game night. Use that fire pit in the back yard to have friends over. Sadly, inviting others is becoming a lost art. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and you might find it gives you a sense of connection. I encourage you to shoot someone a text message and invite them for this weekend.