Blessing of Hospitality - Part IV

Today we are privileged to have a guest post from a dear friend of mine and mentor, (even though she's not that much older) Sherry White. Sherry is Pastor Tim's wife, and they have served here at Timberlake for over 20 years. Her husband was the Youth Pastor at one time, so she has taught me much about those days in that season of life. I am so grateful for her influence in my life.

Opening my home to others and being hospitable is something that I enjoy. I don’t do it nearly enough. Many times I think that my house is too small or I am too busy, but in reality, my house is fine and I should never be too busy to invest in the lives of others. It is a great way to get to know people better and show the love of Christ.

Over the years, hospitality has included out-of-state family members, youth and college groups, visiting missionaries and pastors, and lots of friends of all ages. With some planning --and “Monday morning quarterbacking” -- having someone in your home can be quite easy.

For over-night guests, have fresh linens and towels ready. If possible, give guests as much privacy as you can, including giving them their own bathroom. We do not have a guest bedroom, so Tim and I often give up our room. It is the largest bedroom and includes its own bathroom. It is also on the main floor so guests don’t have to haul luggage up or down stairs. It is easier for Tim and me to move than for one of the children to move. This was especially true when they were younger. The last thing you need with a house guest is a toddler on an adjusted schedule.

Fresh flowers in the room that they are staying in or a banner or poster decorating the front porch is a nice way to welcome guests you haven’t seen in months. Maps to and from church, school, stores, etc., are also excellent to print out ahead of time to really save some frustrations later. Extra house keys are nice to leave for your guests too.

For dinner guests, make sure to ask ahead of time if there are any food allergies. I remember one dinner quest that was allergic to cheese. I served lasagna. Live and learn. If your guests include little ones, buy some inexpensive plastic cups with lids, plates, bowls, etc. Parents of little ones may just assume you have these things on hand since they are just a regular part of life for them. Include some kid-friendly finger foods too so that moms and dads don’t spend all evening convincing little Suzy to try some liver and onions – ooh!

Make one “wow” dish, if you must, and then let the others be pretty basic, fix-ahead types. Casseroles, salads, and desserts can be made ahead of time allowing you time to clean up the mess before the guests even arrive.

Use paper products. Most people are more interested in the fellowship and not the fuss of the evening. It is nice to toss everything in the trash after a meal instead of loading a dishwasher. Use a utensil caddy to keep forks, knives, spoons, and napkins readily available and organized.

If your children are older, you can ask – and even pay them – to watch the younger children during the evening so that parents are freed up to visit. Gather a basket of toys, whether they are from your own children’s rooms or from consignment shops. Keep this basket handy so you can pull it out when a little one comes to visit and has nothing to do.

Nachos, tacos, sloppy joes, and baked potatoes easily serve large groups. Crock pots are great for this – and use the liners so that you can just toss the mess in the trash at the end of the evening and put your crock pot away. Large coolers of lemonade and water located at self-serve tables are easy on the budget too. Individual bags of chips or cookies make grabbing and go a really good option as well.

If you are having a lot of guests and your feel like you don’t have enough space, push furniture back against the walls. Take down your dining room table and line the room with the dining room table chairs or folding chairs. Take down any curtains you may have covering windows. It is a nice way to make the room feel nice and airy. I think wreaths hung on curtain-less windows look simple and beautiful at Christmas time, especially if a spotlight is shining through them.

Put beverages, desserts, and main food items in different locations so that everyone is not at the same place at the same time.

Finally, just enjoy the time with your guests. You can always clean things up and put things back in their proper place later.