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Posts Tagged ‘how to entertain’

It’s All About Relationships

Posted in Entertaining at Home, Entertaining Ideas, tagged , , , on June 5, 2009| Leave a Comment »

Relationships are so important in all areas and aspects of our lives. Sometimes we can get so busy with life we forget it is the people in our lives that make it unique and special. Building and maintaining relationships can bring us much joy and satisfaction and sometimes those relationships can assist us in unexpected ways.

The other day I needed to send a gift and called upon my friend, who is also an amazing florist, to work her magic. She created something that far exceeded my expectations and thrilled the recipient of the gift. I know I can call on Heidi any time and she will deliver something spectacular. A step beyond that, my husband also knows anytime there is a flower-sending occasion, Heidi will take good care of him. We both refer Heidi to anyone looking for a florist because she is not only great at what she does, she is a friend.

Build up relationships with your favorite florist, baker, butcher, produce-grower, and printer. When you entertain, think about how much simpler it would be if you already had relationships with these people. Your florist can give you tips on flower selection, the baker can help you out with breads and desserts, the butcher can offer you advice on choice cuts, you’ll get the pick of the best product in season and your invitations will be beautifully printed.

Relationships make the world go round so why not start today on making the relationships in your world a little sweeter. You’ll be especially glad you did the next time you entertain.

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Entertaining at Home Defined

Posted in Entertaining at Home, Entertaining Ideas, Quick and Easy, tagged , , , on May 5, 2009| Leave a Comment »

So many people have a preconceived idea about entertaining at home. Some think it is an involved and much-to-be-avoided process. If you are one of those, I  want to help you change the way you view entertaining.

In the most basic form, entertaining at home can be  defined as opening your doors and making others feel welcome. It isn’t so much about your cooking or decorating talents, if your manners would make Emily Post proud or if you have the swankiest house on the block. It is about the way your guests feel when they head out your door. Did you create some fun or warm memories? Did you focus on enjoying the time spent together? Were you present in the moment, interacting with your guests? That is successful entertaining.

We use outdated yardsticks to measure our entertaining abilities, creating a lack of confidence in our role as hosts. Changing times have brought new ideas and relaxed standards.

Think about what “entertaining” means to you. Entertaining doesn’t have to be time and money consuming or stressful. It doesn’t mean people will notice if the kids have toys out, the hallway could use a coat of paint or your “good” silver isn’t the type that requires silver polish. Concerns like this are not important to entertaining at home and having nothing to do with true hospitality. Adjust your attitude, do some planning and implement simple tips to find yourself in the position as the host with whom everyone wants to spend their time!

 To be a successful hostess, take the focus off the material things: your yard, house, serving pieces and food and instead focus on your guests.

A warm and gracious host is the one who views entertaining at home as an opportunity to share, to welcome guests into your home and make them feel like they are the most important people in the world to you right at that moment. When guests feel truly welcomed and appreciated, the fact that the bathroom rugs don’t match the hand towels are of absolutely no importance at all.

Get a new yardstick, put your guests at ease, make them feel special and see how much easier entertaining becomes.

Happy Entertaining!

Shanna

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