{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.
Now that’s a book that I NEED to read.
I never entertain–it’s awful. I think this book sounds great.
Unfortunately hubby has been so ill that entertaining is not on our agenda much anymore. Yet, I LOVE to entertain and would LOVE to win this book!!!
Reluctant, Reluctant, reluctant. Sad but true
I am THE reluctant entertainer! I have been known to use all the excuses above and even create a few of my own. I would love to own a copy of the book. I have decided that life is too short and I would love to turn over a new leaf! I enjoy both of your blogs tremendously.
This book looks wonderful and I would love to have a copy! I too am a reluctant entertainer and definitely could use some tips :’)
Reluctant to admit that I am reluctant…
I am intrigued by the reluctant entertainer’s blog. It is refreshing to find someone who entertains the old fashioned way but has new perspectives, I would love her book, thanks!
I felt like I started out strong when we were first married 12 years ago. With every child, we’ve entertained less. Now, with the same small house, tiny yard and 4 young kids, I feel overwhelmed at the thought of having people over for dinner. Now when we do it, I feel like I stress my whole family out getting ready – trying to straighten up the house and at least clean the bathrooms and have a decent meal and get all the kids cleaned up — all before the guests arrive. Once people get here we have a good time, but it’s no fun at our house the few hours before they arrive.
I have grand fantasies of entertaining but in the end I am reluctant.
We have people over ever so often…but it seems like such an ordeal when we do. I wish it didn’t .
I am definitely a reluctant entertainer, for many of the reasons you listed. Maybe this book can help me out!
I would love to win this book. We entertain at least 5 times a year. I love to do it, but am always frantic hours before the event and run myself ragged during it – then am happy I did it after. This book is just what I need!
We enjoy having people over to our home for informal get togethers but I must admit, it doesn’t happen as often as it should. I would really enjoy to win a copy of Sandy’s book. Thanks for the opportunity!
I am a reluctant entertainer! Would love to win this book!
I follow Sandy’s blog too and would LOVE to have her book! I do entertain alot, and make a BIG effort to make it all welcoming, relaxing and FUN! I think that is the key. People do not want to be stressed out when they visit! I always want my guests to RELAX and enjoy! XO, Pinky
I love to entertain: I do it fairly often… it encourages me to finish up home projects!
I’m always looking for better ways to entertain – the older I get, the more that statement translates into how to SIMPLIFY my entertaining efforts.
Rhoda, I so need this book. I need the confidence to pull it off.
I’d love to win Sandy’s book. I used to entertain all the time, and now we never have anyone over. I use all the excuses. I need something to inspire me to have people over again. This is one rut I need to get out of!! : )
Love your blog Rhoda.
Thanks so much for this chance to win this book! I am soooo reluctant! I am so uptight that my home is not perfect enough, even tho any one who sees my home loves it. Then add the thought of serving food? Forget it. I seriously need this book!