{Giveaway is Closed}
When I started blogging back in early 2007, there was a special friend named Sandy who I connected with early on in the blogosphere. She is beautiful inside and out, as well she writes a beautiful blog and I had the pleasure of meeting her at the last 2 Blissdom conferences. She is just as genuine in real life as she is on her blog.
(me and Sandy at Blissdom)
One of the things that I noticed right away from Sandy’s blog is that she encourages her readers to open up their homes and entertain. Have people over. Share meals and share stories. Get to know others on a deeper level by sharing a meal. I love that and really would like to get better at it. Sandy really encourages that on her blog and now, in her new book, The Reluctant Entertainer.
Sandy was nice enough to send me a copy of her book and it is just beautiful. Every woman’s guide to simple and gracious hospitality is the tag line and it certainly delivers.
Chock full of Sandy’s own recipes, as well as real-life entertaining stories from Sandy’s family and home, this book is such a useful tool for opening up our doors to others. It’s filled with her own beautiful photos too that you will love.
I grew up in a Pastor’s home and we were always having people over to our house. My mom thought nothing of inviting a couple of families over after church on Sunday night for a meal. It might be nothing more than warming up left-over ham for ham sandwiches, chips and fruit, but it was a very memorable time for me, savoring friendships with those families and sharing a meal together. Food just makes everything better!
Sandy’s book is so useful as she goes through all the reasons why women do not want to take the time to have folks over these days. It does seem like the world has gotten busier and busier, with not enough time taken to slow down and savor friendships. Sandy’s book will definitely help you see the benefit of entertaining and getting out of your comfort zone. I would love to get better at this! We have people over very sporadically, usually twice a year for a big group.
Do you find yourself saying any of these things?
- I don’t know how to cook.
- My food never turns out.
- My house isn’t up to par.
- I’m just too busy.
- We can’t afford it.
Sound familiar? If you’ve had these thoughts, then this book is for you.
If you’d like to win a copy of Sandy’s book, just leave a comment here and tell me if you are a frequent entertainer or are you like so many and reluctantly open up your home to others. We all probably have some improvement to do in this area, I know I do.
I will have TWO copies to giveaway, so just leave a comment! I’ll draw a winner on Sunday evening.
I personally own a copy of her book, and have given two as gifts to close friends. The book is fabulous, and really puts things into perspective.
I am a reluctant entertainer. I used to host a singles group from my church some years ago and it really burnt me out. Since starting blogging one month ago, I have started collecting a few dishes here and there, but didn’t want to buy them just to have them. As I prayed about having more than I need, I just felt like God wanted me to put aside my overly busy life and start entertaining a little. So. . . this Sunday I am having my elderly parents over for dinner, something I haven’t taken the time to do for years. I think we are all looking forward to it.
Cindy
I’m also a reluctant entertainer. Living 600 miles from family and not having close relationships with people we know where we live, I just don’t put forth the effort for a number of reasons. I should definitely work on that and would love to read this book to get me motivated.
I love having people over- the more the merrier! But don’t do it often because (in the words of Lili vonSchtupp from Blazing Saddles) I’m so tired! It’s hard to think ahead and I’m always afraid that if I do plan a dinner, I’ll be so worn out that evening that I won’t be able to pull it off.
I would like to win this book. I am reluctant for the simple reason of worrying over if they will come or who and went to invite. Then when they do accept over what to cook and whats too much or not enough! So many delimmas. I could certainly use a little inspiration. Thanks for the chance.
I am a reluctant entertainer. I have the stuff to entertain but I am not highly motivated. My husband loves to invite people over and once they are here and we are enjoying each others company I am thrilled and wonder why we don’t do it more often. I am the reason, sad to say.
Oh, this sounds like the book for me! We go in spurts with our entertaining– usually depending on the kids’ schedules and how busy we are with them. I would love to be able to find a better balance because we do enjoy it.
Thanks for sharing, Rhoda! I’m heading over to check out Sandy’s blog right now!
Not nearly as much as I would like to…
My mother was a great hostess and I have always aspired to be like her, but was very reluctant to entertain. I have used all of the excuses you listed. Nevertheless, I love to cook and would enjoy Sandy’s book. Thank you for the give away!
I am a reluctant entertainer and I would like to win this book! Thanks for the chance.
I like the idea of entertaining… but I don’t act on it as often as I should! I need to be more Mary than Martha – it stresses me out!!
thanks for offering this giveaway : )
I would love to feel more confident in having people over. You can always go out and meet for lunch but opening one’s home to friends is so much nicer.
Hi Rhoda,
I wish I were more confident in my ability to entertain and open up my home.
Thanks for the opportunity of the giveaway!
I just discovered your beautiful blog and am thoroughly enjoying it!
I also find I am a relunctant entertainer usually because I want everything “perfect” for my guests but realize that simply spending the time together is what matters most.
Thank you, Rhoda, for your awesome blog!
I love to entertain but always (at the last minute) my thought is…
WHY AM I DOING THIS? Any way to entertain stress-free wouldbe welcomed!
We just bought a new home and I plan on entertaining much more. I would love to win this book. I need some tips…
I entertain fairly regularly- we enjoy it immensely!
That book sounds just right for me! Thanks for the chance to win!
I love to entertain, but don’t get to as much as I would like. Do kids count?? My husband and I both love having tons of people over and cooking out. I need more tips on making it nicer instead of paper plates (because I am lazy) and plastic cups!
Would LOVE a copy!
-Trish