Tips and Ideas for Entertaining
If you think witty conversation, excellent cooking skills or beautiful decor are the necessary components of hospitality, think again. A clean house and a desire to share your time with others is really all that’s necessary. You must just be willing to open your front door!
Your hospitality may include preparing dinner for friends, co-workers or neighbors…and that doesn't have to be daunting. It can and should be fun for both you and your guests.
Here are some helpful entertaining ideas…
- Simple themes create a memorable time
Themes can be "elegant" or "backyard barbeque" or cultural, such as Italian and Mexican. We've had really fun culturally-themed dinners! - Send out invitations
People love receiving mail and it is a fun way to incorporate your theme. Even a last minute get-together can have an electronic invitation through the numerous internet greeting card web sites. - Don’t worry about getting a babysitter
Having a dinner party is a great way to train your children in hospitality. Let them observe you serving others and allow them to help. Give them a lasting impression. - Allow your guest(s) to bring an item
They feel they are contributing to the occasion and have a sense of belonging. In the game Convivium, invitations are provided and include a place to ask your guests to bring an ingredient. - Set the table ahead with a fun centerpiece
A great and effective centerpiece does not have to be expensive. Use fruit from the kitchen or arrange a collection of canisters with flowers. - Keep dinner menus simple
Menus that are too complicated will worry you and intimidate your guests. Keep it simple! - Plan ahead
Prepare as much as you can in advance in order to make time for your guests when they arrive. The fun is in the time you spend with them. - Make your dinner guests feel special
Find out their favorite foods ahead of time. Special touches to the evening make them feel welcome; it might be a chocolate covered spoon for their coffee after dinner or putting out the "You’re Special" plate. Even a small flower or a hand written name card put next to their plate can make them feel like an honored guest. - Go out and greet your guests
Don’t wait for them to ring the bell and be sure to let them know at the end of the evening that you were glad they came. - Have beverages waiting for your guests
A guest tends to feel more comfortable with a glass of tea or other beverage in their hand if they don’t know others there. - Enjoy your time together
If conversation is difficult, find a common interest or pick up a game such as Convivium to get the conversation flowing and a purpose to the evening.
Remember, entertaining is a mutual blessing for the guest as well as the host, so be hospitable and invite someone over! The relationship is what matters, not the house, furnishings or food prepared. Try playing Convivium with your family and then branch out and invite someone new. Good Luck and Happy Entertaining!
