8/10/07

Stress-Free and Spur of the Moment

I got an inspiring email from my friend, Faye, who has years of entertaining under her apron. I loved her idea and thought I’d share it with you!

We had an intergenerational ice cream party yesterday afternoon for special friends, their grown son, his wife, and two daughters (6 and 3.) It only lasted an hour, was outdoors on our lawn, and was fun!

Faye mentions this because of the TIME element. She feels TIME really prohibits people from having people over!

She goes on to say:

My daughter-in-law has taught me the joy of having people over "spur of the moment" and ordering takeout. That way, the being together is paramount for adults and kids, and the food is not the focus.

That last line says it for me! Food is not the focus!

What are some simple stress-free entertaining ideas that you have?

14 comments:

Alice said...

I frequently host parties for different groups, you know, work associates, relatives, couples, friends. I usually have lots of food left over so my stress-less trick is to invite other friends the next day to share the remains of the party. I don't mean I give them messy food that was sitting out for hours but the stuff that looks as good the day after as it did the day of the party. And I don't make a secret of the previous party; I usually invite the seconds guests with "Come help me eat up some of this left over food." I've never had anyone say no.

tammi said...

Wow. You continue to blow me away! Why is it that we feel unless we can invite people over for several hours and serve them a full meal, it doesn't count for anything or isn't worth it? Reading your blog is a huge encouragement to me though and I'm learning to view hospitality differently.

I don't have any stress-free entertaining tips because I find entertaining to be very stressful, but one thing I do when we're expecting overnight, weekend guests (which happens a fair bit because we live 6 hours away from both our families) is to pre-make and freeze everything that I can. That way, meal prep time is kept to a minimum while my guests are here.

Anonymous said...

I had a party once where everyone brought their favorite chinese take out dish. We put all the containers on the counter and had a chinese feast. So simple, so fun, so garlicky! Blessings...

Jennifer said...

I like to keep simple appetizers in the freezer that can brought out on a spur of the moment (Quiche, cocktail sausages, pinwheels, and bite size cheesecake). For the kids that frequently invade our home last minute we have pizza rolls and other kids friendly snacks. Nothing fancy, but stressfree and quick just the same.

Heidijayhawk said...

its seems like we are some of the few folks we know who entertain on a regluar basis. we always have a few things on hand. soda, beer, juice boxes and such. and there is nothing wrong with ordering a pizza and eating on the deck!!! what is more important? the people you are in felowship with or the way you entertain them? which will they remember?

Anonymous said...

We buy refrigerated cheese pizzas, and set out a host of toppings. People can top their own pizzas, and it's fun for everyone.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

sandy, you always have the best ideas & I can see you practice what you preach...you have people over a lot! I'm amazed. We are still in the process of making friends here, so we do not have that many people to be social with, but I'd love to make it happen more.

Thanks for always being an inspiration to all of us!

Rhoda

Anonymous said...

Rent a hotel room for the night and order take out. I think the biggest thing for me is actually the cleaning. During the weeks, books just seem to pile up in every corner. I so want to be one of those homes that are always ready to entertain guest but I'm figuring out that that's not just me. We don't entertain too often but when we do I try to make meals that I know. When I do a new recipe it is sometimes a disaster. Our last outing was a BBQ following Everyday Food recipes and they were quick to follow and very tasty.

Dee Light said...

My mom recenently shared an idea that her group of friends have come up with. Each couple stops and picks up a sandwich and sides of their choice and come together at some ones home. The hostess provides dessert and drinks. What could be easier than that!!!

Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas!!

Nadine said...

That was a great idea. Sometimes, we'll call some friends and ask them over for a game and snacks. They bring something and we bring something. Simple and easy.

Anonymous said...

Great idea! It's so easy to get stressed. I read a post somewhere where a woman's husband told people, "If you want to see us, come on over; if you want to see our house, make an appointment." That desire for perfection in our house thwarts many opportunities for genuine hospitality.

Thank you for your warm comments on my post about my children and their friend across the street. I'm so touched by their spirits and attitude. You can learn a lot from children sometimes. :-)

Cathy said...

Favorite Fall/Winter Entertaining menu. Soup/Stews... Crockpot, favorite soup/chili/stew recipe, bread (usually cheese biscuits), iced tea and dessert (sometimes store bought). Simple and very filling.

GiBee said...

Well, this may not really be a "stress-free ingredient" but we turn the TV off. We don't like to use it as entertainment, or to watch movies together with our company. We like to engage in simple, pure conversation ... digging into each other's lives. When the TV is on, I'm stressed over what we're watching, stressed that no one can hear themselves think... etc.

Anonymous said...

We have always tried to give a book to each family that comes to our home. In particular it is nice to be able to give a book we have read recently and enjoyed, or that we know will bless them. We don't buy a new book for the occasion, we simply use one from our library!

We also are certain to pray for the folks who enter our home.
That way, no matter the mess, no matter the meal, they are blessed!!And so are we!