Your guests are arriving in 15 minutes.
15 minutes!? Yikes!!
Either the feeling of anticipation or the feeling of regret has just hit you in the belly.
Win a Pampered Chef garlic press
I'm giving away one of my favorite kitchen tools, if you'd share with me your first approach to your guests when you greet them at the front door?!
I've always loved my Pampered Chef garlic press. It's so easy to use, because you don't peel the garlic! It makes cooking a breeze and there's nothing like the aroma of fresh garlic. Sweet and savory.
Also, just in time for backyard barbecuing
(Yes, my garlic press is well-used! And did you know I once sold PC? I had over 160 kitchen shows!)
Comment to win - it's easy
Would you kindly share with me your front door feelings when your guests arrive? Feel free to elaborate, if you have the time.
1. You are happy to see your guests.
2. You are happy to see them, but you are stressed out.
3. Your kids behavior was more than you desired that day.
4. The food you've cooked was messed up and it put you in a slump.
5. Your husband coming home late from work (later than the guests!) didn't help at all.
6. You are resentful and angry.
Winner announced
Remember, anyone can comment - even local folks in my town! Everyone's invited to join in on the fun with my 4RE giveaways!
Hostess Jo
I'm also happy to introduce to you one of my contributing advertisers on 4RE, Hostess Jo. To make entertaining easier, she offers some wonderful products in her Etsy shop. If you have a minute, pop on over and check out her one-stop shop for your entertaining needs!
Cool summer items
If you are looking for special items that add the right touch to your entertaining event, whether special occasion serving ware or a unique guest towel, you'll have fun browsing around Hostess Jo's shop. I know I did, especially now with her summer items!
(Top photo: veggies ready for grilling, with fresh garlic and herbs from our garden!)
69 comments:
Fun giveaway!
My answer is that I would answer the door overwhelmed but gracious.
:)
When I have guests I like to have as much prep work done before they arrive as possible. That makes me feel relaxed and happy to see them.
I would love to win that garlic press.
I have one of those little tools...I love it and use it all the time!
sandy toe
I'm always excited to have my guests arrive. I tend to plan the details ahead of time so I'm ready when people arrive.
At this point if it's not done...it's not getting done...time to enjoy. I stress up to this point but then when people start arriving I just try to enjoy having them there. I also try to remember that I do not expect everything to be perfect when I go to someone elses home so I should cut myself some slack.
I am happy to see my guests! (at least 90% of the time...)
In general, I usually am very excied and ready when guests are at the door. I probably prep way more than needed for company, but I really want my guests to be comfortable and to not in any way be anxious.
Gwyn Rosser
The Pink Tractor
Great giveaway! You know, no matter how I'm feeling when guests arrive, and I'll admit to each one of the choices on different occasions, I try to greet guests with love and excitement so that they feel welcome. I have a quote hanging on my fridge that says "Be pretty if you can, be witty if you must, but be gracious if it kills you."
I'm not a "stresser"...I'm more of an "it is what it is" person. So...I prepare the best I can and hope for the best. If having company caused stress I'd avoid it at all cost...life is WAY to short!! Entertaining should be FUN and if it's not...then perhaps time should be spent another way?? :)
I'm always happy to see our guests, and usually stressed out about having everything ready, but as soon as the house starts to fill with guests, I ease up and enjoy the company!
Great giveaway!
~TidyMom
It depends on who showed up! ha! Some people are easier to be gracious with than others! I would have to pray...gather myself..and do the best I can..and love them! :)
I have been wanting to buy a PC garlic press!!! I do hope I win!! :)
Have a blessed day!
Over the years, I have worked with lots of other nationalities and I have learned that you ALWAYS welcome a guest. No matter what. I learned that the very hard way, when I actually turned away someone who was a friend of a friend and came very unexpectedly to stay. Very bad scene.
I think(?) that I have learned to be gracious...if not prepared.
What I usually say(in what ever language is required) is, "Please come in. Welcome to our house, Make yourself at home" Then if I am in the kitchen, I invite the lady guest(if there is one) to come and talk to me while I finish the meal. Or I serve something to drink and nibble on while I finish up the meal.
Cindy
I'm always happy to see my guests! I'm pretty laid back about parties; the people I invite know me and my house and my relaxed style; so, I'm never overwhelmed because what is - IS!
By that time I am thinking, "Oh well, everything will work out just fine." I try and just not worry and enjoy the moment!
Love the garlic press. I have always wanted one and don't have one!
Love see my guests at the door, always no matter what had my nerves on edge...
I love that garlic press it's the best ever!! I have one already... if I were to win, pass it along to the next ;-)
I usually have all my prep work done and I have the area (foyer and living room) where they enter inviting and interesting. Perhaps stop by your public library and have some beautiful and interesting coffee table books casually placed out where guests can see and spark interesting conversations. PS..if they are overnight guests, also place some in their room.
I would love to have the garlic press. Thanks!
I am usually happy to see them but usually feeling frazzled too.
I love to see my guests arrive, but tend be be a little stressed...with the "what ifs..".
I am thankful to have the opportunity to extend hospitality to friends and family when the occasions allow. Thanks for sharing all of your great ideas with us. I enjoy visiting you regularly. Thank you.
Blessings,
Kath
I'm always happy to see my guests and less stressed because I've let go of the perfection. If I don't have the meal ready to go, I no longer stress over it. People tend to congregate in the kitchen anyway so I get them something to drink and then keep working if need be. My house is an open floor plan so even if guests are seated in the living area, I can be in on the fun!
Great giveaway! Fun blog!
denise in nc
The beauty of being organized is that I'm always no more than 10 minutes from having the house company ready.
I love the idea of not having to peel the garlic first with this press. Saves a whole step, perfect!
I'd say that I usually answer the door happy to see my guests. Sometimes if i'm in the kitchen finishing up, my family will let them in.
I love my garlic press (I don't need to be entered in the contest but wanted to share my answer)
Ha! Well generally I'm happy to see them and relieved they finally made it and we can start eating :0)
Always happy, because I know if it is not done by then my guests will help(I would only ask a person who has been to my house before to help--first timers get a break!)It is more fun that way anyway!
I use my pampered chef garlic press so much, I've broken one! I must have worn it out. The company replaced it - no questions asked - and trust me -- I wouldn't use ANY OTHER PRESS!!! It ROCKS in the kitchen! In fact, I have one in the box that I keep in my drawer... JUST IN CASE ... because I can't do without it!
Awesome giveaway, Sandy. Please don't enter me since I already won the organic book. I just wanted to comment on the garlic press!
And I always feel excited to get the night started when the guests ring the bell!!! Welcoming hugs are always on the list!
If things have gone even remotely according to plan, I am usually happy and excited to see my guests. Then we all grab a glass of wine and the final items on the table together.
If things have not gone according to plan, I am happy and excited to see my guests because they can help me finish cooking and set the table! :)
I'd be answering the door happy but stressed and trying to hide the fact that I was winded due to trying to cook, do a last minute pick-up, and dress the kids AND myself all at the same time! I'm definitely a last minute kind of person.
I am this hostesss: 1. You are happy to see your guests.
I honestly am just happy to be able to have food ready when people arrive these days. We love to be hospitable, but we also are still busy with little people. We will often have a buffet style meal just to keep our small table from being over crowded. What I have learned is that as much as it is fun to have a beautiful table set and wonderful serving bowls, it is better to have it be casual than not do it at all. So because I aim for casual and comfortable, it keeps the stress down. Whether the kids are crazy or my husband can't help, I can pull it off with ease. After all, the best part of having people over is the visiting. So, I have been able to maintain a smile when peope come because I am not stressed out! Yeah!
I would say excited to have them arrive, sometimes stressed, depending on how much do-ahead I was able to accomplish!
I am usually suprised to see guests at my door, but I'm welcoming. My husband loves to invite people over for dinner and never tell me about it. For that reason, I keep a number of meals in the freezer, ready to go if the unexpected happens.
excitement and happiness as I greet them at the door. The stress I felt 5 minutes before anticipating their arrival always goes away as I open the door.
I believe I am number two - I'm happy to see my guests when they arrive, but I'm usually stressed (I'm sad to say).
I want to make a good impression on my guests, so I always want to have everything done ahead of time, but I'm a procrastinator, so as you can imagine, it's not always an easy feat that magic moment as guests arrive!
Fun giveaway! We usually don't answer the door because the kids beat us to it-they are the most hospitable kids we know. They normally wait on the front porch and scream when the guests pull up!Even if I'm scurrying to get things ready the kids totally put everyone at ease!
When I'm answering the door, I am happy to see my guests but I'm also probably fending off the tiny barking dog of UNwelcome at the same time, which can be stressful if the guests haven't visited before and don't know how to react!
I relate to many of the other commenters who try to do all the prep ahead of time. I tend to feel overwhelmed with all the preparations before my guests arrive, but relieved and ready to relax with them when they actually do arrive.
Thanks,
Shannon H.
Spokane, WA
By the time I open the door to my guests, all the stress and work is behind me. I admit to stressing BEFORE they arrive but when they're here, it means I can enjoy them and all the fruit of my labor. (I just wish I didn't stress so much BEFORE they arrive! Thanks for all your tips that help me work on that!)
I am always happy to have guests. If the preparation didn't go as well as planned, I would apologize for running behind, but still have a great time!
I am usually ready and happy to see my guests.
Lynn
keithlynn6@msn.com
Answer: No. 2 I always want perfection for those I love. Even though I never expect it from them....funny how that goes, eh?
However, since I ADORE my friends...... Those anxious feelings I have are gone within minutes of them arriving. Love it! We have so much fun together.
I'm sweaty from having just spent fifteen hectic minutes in company's-coming-triage, but now that they're here I'm hoping they'll stay a while. And not ask for a tour of the house.
I am always feel like I am doing twenty five things all at once right before guests arrive. Funny thing, though, they always seem to come when I am in another room changing a diaper or helping my preschooler wipe!
I love having people over...but AT TIMES, I live like a slob...so there may be a giant dose of PANIC depending on what kind of day it is at the BLAH BLAH BLAHger's house! HA!
There is always a sense of relief! Once I open that door - there is no more preparation time and they get what they get - a dirty bathroom and all!
I am usually a bit stressed out and nervous. I just want to night to go well!!
Great giveaway! :)
I'm mostly a #2 kinda gal. I'd love to not immediately see each and every detail in my house that is not up to par when someone unexpectedly stops in. I'm working on it, and I'm getting better; thanks, in part, to 4RE! :-)
I love having guests but still always seem to feel a bit stressed with I answer the door...but it quickly subsides once they're in the door and the get together is underway.
I am usually in the bathroom with a little one or changing a diaper. My oldest is often first at the door for greeting visitors. People usually are asking if there is anything that needs to be done and I put them right to work. There seems to always be something to do! I would really like to win your garlic press since mine was broke recently.
I read your blog everyday!
ajandkj@gmail.com
By the time my guests arrive most of the work is usually done. I stop what I'm doing and make sure to greet and welcome them as well as shuttle the kidos to where the fun is. After that I invite them in to help, chat, or mingle until everything is served. We are a pretty casual group and just love providing a warm, comfortable, and relaxing evening for everyone!
I've really enjoyed all your blog has to offer. You've provided many creative springboards for me! Thanks. Jennifer
seryclan@gmail.com
when my guest arrive... I am happy they are there and I am relieved. I stress up until that minute. Once guests arrive there is nothing more I can do to prep for it so I get a great sense of relief.
After all the prep-as others have said-it is time to relax and enjoy because if I didn't finish it-it's not getting finished! I am glad my house is all straightened up, too. Then the next day I can go on a hunt to find where I hid everything!
~nancy
I'm happy to see my guests. They're always friends, too and I am glad they've arrived. That means all the little things I wanted to get to will just have to wait!
I am happy to see my guests. Usually a little flustered but quickly relax after everyone arrives.
Thanks so much for the introduction Sandy!!
-Joanna (hostessjo.com)
I am usually happy to see my guests, unless they arrive 30 minutes early!!! Love your blog!
I'm always excited to see my guests at the door no matter what the day has been like. Except for the time that my husband came home early from work (which he NEVER does) on the day we had a surprise 40th birthday party planned for him. How did I handle it? Well, after I got over the shock of seeing him standing in the doorway, I made HIM answer the door when the guests arrived by throwing open the door and yelling, "Surprise!" at the shocked guests. Oh, well... everyone had a good laugh over it!
We love to entertain and try to do it as simply as possible so that we can ALL enjoy ourselves. Guests are greeted at the door with a smile, an offer of a beverage, and a 'come on in' and sit down.
Oh, and I love PC. I have a heavy duty spatula with a sharp edge and it is perfect for everything from lasagne to brownies.
I get excited, but then panic because I want to make sure everything is ready!
I'm always happy to see my friends when they arrive but a little overwhelmed before their arrival. I worry about how everything looks, but forget about that as soon as friends get there. Real friends don't care about the little stuff anyway, all they want to do is visit.
What a fun giveaway! This would be a fun accessory to have for future use!!!
Most of the time I have these two feelings:
2. You are happy to see them, but you are stressed out.
3. Your kids behavior was more than you desired that day.
Really, no peeling - I must get one of those!
I always wish I had an extra 10 minutes, and gee - please do not be early. :)
charles and sara at hotmail dot com
I'm always relieved when they arrive (and happy to see them of course!) because I am usually running around doing a million little last minute things and now I can just relax and enjoy my company, the house and the meal be what they may be.
Cool garlic press!
Most of my guests come thru the back door. Back door guests are the best, you know. I always open the door and tell everyone how happy I am that they are here. I put on my very best smile and let everything else go. They don't want or need to know how bad the day was or what didn't get done. They just need to know you are happy they are here.
umm, i feel like i'm still sweeping! and like dinner smells great. and usually like i have some seriously rosy cheeks from too much last minute sweeping!
My answer is I am happy and excited to see my friends and family arrive at my home. If the food is a flop or my house is a mess it really doesn't matter. The love we all share is never a flop or a mess and that is what matters.
Whether I'm ready to face them or not, once I open the door, I am excited to see them. They are, after all, the reason I'm entertaining.
I love all things Pampered Chef, and I especially miss my garlic press. I had it for about five years when I put in too large a clove of garlic and broke the handle. And while my PC chopper has filled in well, it's just not the same!!! Thanks Sandy!
I try to greet our guest with a smile and a hug and let them know how thankful we are that they can join us this evening for dinner.
Sadly, my husband arriving later than our guests did happen once! I was pretty freaked because he's my rock!
=0) NORMALLY, however, we try to greet our guests together with big ole smiles. My mom greets guests with a drink for them, but I think it's a bit overwhelming ... although none of her guests have complained so far!
Love, love, LOVE your blog!
Jo Draven
My face is usually flushed from all the last minute running around and my mind is racing, ticking off the list of things that I was trying to get done.
Since the hubs is cool as a cucumber I usually bark at him to answer the door. Then I take a deep breath, remind myself to smile and enjoy my company.
When I hear the doorbell, hearkening guests, I always feel excited and nervous. I know this is the beginning of a fun time, but I'm also nervous, wanting it to go well and kind of afraid it will end too soon. :)
I would love that press, i have plastic one that was given to me, and it is cracked and ready to break. Anyway, I am usually content and excited to see guests because at this point, there is nothing I can do about anything I forgot anway!
I am usually happy to see them! For years I was a totally freak before guests arrived. My husband informed me that we would no longer have anyone over until I could pull myself together. It was a long time without guests in our home. I learned some things to help me and now it's all a lot more fun!
Post a Comment