7 Ways to Practice Imperfect Hospitality

1. Find a style that works for you.

Stick with it and know that it’s okay to use the same dishes every time you have guests into your home, or the same tablecloth, and that potluck is really easy. Learn not to compare yourself with others. Step out today and invite someone for coffee and coffecake, or for cake and ice cream, or for Taco dip and chips. A simmering pot of soup is so inviting. Just do it.

2. Don’t invite more people…

…than you are comfortable seating around your table. Don’t over-commit.

3. Cook and serve the same three recipes over and over.

Practice makes perfect!. You’ll eventually master and memorize the recipe. I used to serve Baked Ziti every time we had guests for dinner. As I built confidence, I expanded my menus. When we were first in ministry we used to have people over on Sunday Nights and serve pop-corn and cool-aid. We had a blast and so did our company.

4. Remember that when you invite people to your home, they are coming to see you.

Your guests want to meet your family and learn more about your traditions in your home and around your table. They don’t want to be impressed. We have had many 'bloopers' including serving a dish that was 'rotten'....I blushed and got over it. They came back too....because it's not about being impressed.

5. Don’t try to do it all.

Include the family in doing chores, setting the table, and setting a standard that is “good enough,” not necessarily perfect.

6. Be intentional.

Consider inviting people you want to introduce to one another, or who you want to get to know more yourself.

7. Lean into your fears.

Why do I call it imperfect hospitality? Because not every element of fellowship will ever be perfect.

Maybe your dishes won’t match perfectly, maybe a dish will end up under- or over-cooked, or maybe your smoke alarm will go off! Figure out what works for you personally when it comes to fellowship. I believe it has a lot to do with our personalities and what we can handle, so learn to stop doing the things that make you feel like a failure, and do the things that are simple and easy.

And if unexpected things happen, laugh—and your company will laugh along with you.

When it comes to hospitality, what are your strengths? Your weaknesses?

Cape May, NJ ~ Learning to Watch Birds

Our Expert Bird Watchers invited Dave & I to Cape May, NJ

Sherry and Kim having a blast watching the Sharp Shinned Hawks ~

The love of my life and me!

White Swans, so graceful and pretty to watch ~

A favorite spot of Chip's to bird watch ~ so very interesting!

Beautiful~

Me learning to 'focus' ~ takes practice too.

Learning from the "BEST" ~ Thank you Kim ~ I'm grateful!
October 7 & 8, 2010
Cape May, New Jersey

A Quote that speaks to me!

I collect quotes that really speak to me and say something of eternal value or that are encouraging to my own soul ~ some very godly men and women have a real way with words!!! Here is a recent 'jewel' I found written centuries ago!

“Those who lack friends to open themselves unto are cannibals of their own hearts….This communicating of a man’s self to his friends works two contrary effects; for it redoubles joys and cuts griefs in half.” (Francis Bacon, “Of Friendship,” 1625)

I have found this so true and am immeasurably blessed to have such friends. There is nothing like a godly friend to tell you the truth, even when it hurts ~ that is true love! What about YOU? Do you have a friend who loves you enough to disagree or gently remind you that you are a sinner saved by Grace? And love you still! I do and I hope you do too!