As a pastor's family, we like to have folks from our church over to our home. This is an important personal touch that is needed in establishing close relationships with your church family. Perhaps you aren't a pastor's wife...you too can do this! This is really a lost art in this day and age. Let's bring it back!
Here are a few tips to help you when hosting...
1. Invite several couples or a couple families at one time.
Even in a smaller church, it would take a long time to have every person family over to your home. Since you are already cooking extra, why not have more than one family or person over? This helps in two areas. You are not hosting every week and those people get to know someone else in the church.
Our goal is to host two dinners a month. Including our family, we usually have 12-15 people. We have had up to 22 people. Whew!
2. Have several meal plans that work well for a group. Soon, I will share some of my meal plans that work well for groups with still the home cooked touch. Sometimes, the planning of the meal is more laborious than the actual preparation. LOL!
3. Utilize crock pots!!
If you do not own more than one crock pot, this would be a good investment to make. The key to hosting is preparing as much as you can before the guests arrive. Then you are able to fellowship and be with your guests (which is the purpose of the meal anyway). :)
Last night we hosted a dinner. I made a large baked ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, fried okra and garlic and herb French bread. I was able to make the potatoes, gravy and corn ahead and simply keep warm in crock pots. The ham stayed warm in the roasting pan on top of the stove. The only thing I had to do last minute was fry the okra.
4. Eat in a sit-down fashion.
I borrow a table and folding chairs from the church and add it to my dining room table and we all sit down at the table to eat. I realize this may not be possible in some homes...but get creative! Rearrange and do what you can to sit at tables when you eat.
5. Be attentive to guests' needs.
Keep a close eye on drinks - does anyone need a refill? Make sure the serving dishes are refilled so the guests feel they can eat their fill.
6. Always serve dessert and coffee. :)
This is the topper to a really great meal. Even if you aren't a coffee drinker, you will be surprised how many of your guests are. Start the pot of coffee at the beginning of the meal and it will be ready to serve. Don't forget those special creamers for your guests. Perhaps consider a hot drink bar in your home. A place to serve coffee, teas and cocoa.
7. Try your best to have the meal ready to serve at the time you asked your guests to arrive.
If you ask your guests to arrive at 6pm, they come ready to eat at 6pm. Try to keep that schedule as close as you can. You will irritate your guests if they have to sit and wait 30-45 minutes while you finish mashing the potatoes and setting the table. Hungry guests are not happy guests! :)
8. Have your table set and ready to go.
I have the tables set with tablecloths and their place setting before anyone arrives. My daughter likes to make homemade name tags for each place. When they arrive and it is time to eat, everyone sits at their place and we have prayer. Then everyone serves themselves buffet style on our buffet.
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