Best recipes?
You can see that this recipe binder is beyond worn. A Bridal Shower gift for a young bride, myself, many years ago. Stuffed between pages stained with various spices and liquids, are recipe cards, scraps of paper with scribbled “favorites” and notes of encouragement from loved ones.
Obviously, this is THE recipe book in my home, the most used, the most cherished. (The rubber band was an “extra”, but it came in handy)!
So what is a recipe?
Recipe, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is a noun,
1.a set of instructions for preparing a particular dish, including a list of the ingredients
required.
2. something which is likely to lead to a particular outcome
The recipe I want to talk about today, is the process of compiling information, tips and suggestions for hospitality. A set of instructions leading to your ease for hosting. A recipe for receiving your guests graciously (which is the outcome desired).
First things first!
Start with a warm welcome, throw open your door with a smile and invite them inside.
!
Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here, come on in!
Planning is crucial.
Prior planning, frees your time to enjoy your guests.
For a holiday dinner, or a large group for dinner, I like to schedule ahead. This reassures me that nothing will be missed or forgotten. Create your own plan, or use this guide:
- Three weeks ahead: Schedule any professional services you may need. For example, carpet cleaning, steam cleaning floors, touch up paint on walls or entire rooms, buy linens, towels and stock up on toiletries if guests are spending the night.
- I like to freshen up the exterior. Not the whole house but concentrate on the front door/porch. Seasonal decorating is so festive, doesn’t need to be expensive, and it creates a warm Welcome.
- Invite guests and confirm how many/who will attend. Create your menu, include all items needed, and prepare a shopping list.
- Who has food allergies? Now that you know about food requirements or restrictions for your guests, alter the menu accordingly. Anyone need a highchair? I’ve used a small tarp for years under baby’s chair!! Came in handy, I had ivory carpeting!
Ivy Joy uses a tarp under her highchair! She doesn’t seem to mind!
Two weeks ahead:
- Confirm guest list
- Make grocery list. List any shopping other than groceries you need to stock up on.
- Check your pantry. Do you have enough staples that you can prepare extra snacks, meals, or breakfast for a couple of days without running to the grocery store?
- Stock up on beverages. Do you need milk for babies? Creamers for coffee? Red and white wines? Tea for tea drinkers?
- Stock up on paper products, paper plates, napkins, disposable cups, paper towels for cleaning and toilet paper for every bathroom. Nothing worse than running out of toilet paper! Also, trash bags for large parties, clean up, is SO important!
- Any decorative items needed, is this a themed party? Party stores, Target, Wal-Mart and grocery stores are good resources for themed parties. Also, everyone knows Amazon delivers quickly, you still have time to order decor at this point in time.
- Will you use a centerpiece? Do you arrange flowers? I’ve been working on my arrangement skills, with flowers…. let’s just say, I am still working at it! But, every time I try, I do improve a bit! My favorite centerpieces are low in height, so people can see each other at the table. I tuck in a few candles, different bases, same color of candles, and that’s a simple yet elegant centerpiece!
One week to go!
- Check, check, and check again…
- Your guests, number attending, and dietary needs,
- Your menu. Items and quantities needed. Look for sales, coupons, or plan where to shop and when.
- Check your entrance, is it welcoming? You have time still to do a quick refresh.
- Is the pantry fully stocked?
- Beverages ordered, or stocked? Enough large trash bags for a large crowd, large party?
- Items needed for comfort. Highchairs, playpen, clean linens, towels and extra toiletries, AND an extra blow-dryer in the bathrooms! I have four daughters, and six granddaughters, you wouldn’t believe how many times they ask for my blow-dryer!!
- As time gets closer, plan how you want your table/tables to look. Again, make sure you have everything you need; you still have some time to run out and purchase an item or two.
- THE NIGHT BEFORE, is when I like to set my table. I can take my time, arranging each place setting, thinking of the person who will be there, and hoping they enjoy this as much as I enjoy creating for them. Tiny touches make a big difference at the table! A simple name card, a small flower placed near the plate, a slice of lemon in the water glass, they leave lasting impressions on your guests and family.
My home, your home, it is our refuge, this is where we live, laugh and grow. We carry each other with comfort and concern. Cover each other in prayers. Come together to celebrate this thing we call HOME, and FAMILY.
Easter, or Resurrection Sunday is fast approaching. This Sunday, I will have eleven around my table, actually 2 tables! My pantry will be full! though not as full as my heart.
I’m wishing you Peace this Easter.
I’m thankful and grateful for your presence here today. If you’ve read this far, you’ve read quite a bit, and that thrills me to write for you!
Welcome to my home! Come on in!
and I hope you stay awhile!
Blessings my friends,
From my home to yours, we wish you a Blessed Easter!
