Offering hospitality is a part of homemaking and there are references to it throughout the Bible.
Here are some ideas for simple ways to offer hospitality from my home recently.
If someone is having a birthday, its so simple to make it special. A little decorating goes a long way. Imagine how special you would feel if when you came into the room there were streamers, balloons and "Happy Birthday" banners.
Its so easy and inexpensive. I spent exactly $1.25 to make my kitchen look like this. I already had balloons left over from a previous celebration (I think it was a baby shower or wedding shower). I reuse the "Happy Birthday" banner, so already had it. I purchased one roll of "happy birthday" crepe paper (streamers) for $1.25.
I made a list of all the things I needed to do and accomplished as much as I could the day before. For example, I set the table, decorated and planned the menu the day before. The food was served buffet style.
And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers Philemon 1:22
We recently had overnight guests which was such a joy. A little planning ahead is helpful to both you and your guests. Try to anticipate their needs. Ask yourself what kinds of foods do your guests like. What would make their room comfortable? Some ideas for the guest room are: a box of kleenex, a nightlight, of course clean linens, clear a place in the closet for hanging clothes, put out bath towels, hand towels and wash cloths. A basket of trial size toiletries would be a good idea too.
For breakfast we served country ham biscuits and cantaloupe.
It would be nice to invite guests over for dessert and coffee. It's so easy to buy a frozen pie, pop it in the oven and present your guests with a delicious dessert.
I hope to be alert to ways I can offer hospitality to someone. You never know when unexpected guests may show up or you might feel inspired to invite someone over on the spot. So its a good idea to have some ways of showing hospitality in mind ahead of time.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. Matthew 25:35
Hebrews 13:2
Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:1-3
What other ideas for practicing hospitality do you have?
10 comments:
Love, love, love this post. This is something I have been convicted of over and over again. I am learning not to "sweat it" and just enjoy. I love the dessert and coffee idea... something simple and if we keep something like the pie in our freezer, we'll always be ready!
I love this post too. How nice it is to be able to show someone some hospitality. I do enjoy it and would like to do it more often. If I can just be home long enough :-)
You can kick off your shoes and relax at my house. We don't stand on any ceremony. Actually, I rarely have company. Christmas Eve is my big night of the year for guests. But everyone (almost) is always (almost) welcome.
Thanks for your nice comment on the top I made. I get what you mean about our figures. I don't think it matters if you are hour-glass shaped or pear- or apple-shaped. NOTHING fits anyone like it was made for them. I honestly believe all the fashions out there are made for women who do not exist.
The greatest joy for me is seeing someones face light up with pleasure when they realise that you have done all you can to make them feel welcome, special and loved. Lovely post.
Hi Debbie,
How pretty. I love simple and easy.:) You always make everything look so perfect.
Have a turtle week end.
Hugs,
Elizabeth
Enjoyed your post. While reading it I was thinking of the scripture-
Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:1-3
It made me smile to see that at the end of your post! :)
Melinda
I love this post! Thanks for all the great ideas, and for all the Bible verses you included - great reminders! :)
Wonderful post, Deb. You are a delightful hostess. It was a joy to be your overnight guest.
Marjorie
Mmmm, ham biscuits! I haven't had those in a while. Your home looks very welcoming. :)
Everyone looks like they are sure going to enjoy your food! I bet they had a great time.
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