{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.
We love to entertain, and it’s gotten easier as my children have gotten older. We have 7 children (1 is married), so we don’t get a lot of invites. We decided many years ago, that we would have to do the inviting! Next week, we’ll have about 75 college kids over after church.:) I’ve learned to relax over the years, and not stress about the small stuff. That’s one of the reasons I love Sandy’s blog, and would love to have a copy of her book.
Thank you for leading me to Sandy’s blog!! I have always been a die hard entertainer. I LOVE to have a house full of people, and I so enjoy the time and energy of making their time in our home enjoyable. We have moved in the last few years, and I now find that I am not as “entertaining” as I once was. Shame on me! I don’t really know if it is because my life is just more hectic, I am lazier, or even that I feel I don’t have the room, since we now live in a much smaller home. Please bring back my entertaining !
I love to entertain, but I am a reluctant entertainer because it’s so much work!
Wow this would be a great book to have around. I enjoy entertaining, but feel I don’t do it for some of the reasons you listed. Thanks for sharing!
I wish I was better entertainer. We seem to be so busy with doing stuff that we never get around to having people over.
I used to entertain a lot and then, for some reason, got out of the habit. I think one major issue for me is lack of space. I do realize that friends don’t really look at that so I’d like to get out of this rut. LOVE Sandy’s blog and would love the book!
I gave this to friends this summer for birthday presents but didn’t get one for myself. Would love to have my own copy!
I am a reluctant entertainer but would love to change!
Oh I could really use this book – I’ve said ALL of those things, but I really would like to learn how to graciously entertain!
When I was first married, I did a lot of entertaining. After 24 years, I am lucky if I invite people over once or twice a year.
Hello Rhoda, I would love to win a copy of this book. It looks like a fun read although I do have to admit I do entertain on a semi-regular basis. I love to have people over. I do everything very casual, buffet and potluck type stuff, never too fancy. The idea is just to get together with people you love and make memories it’s not about the house or even really what’s being served. It’s so important and I always have the attitude, if not now…when? I believe there’s always room for improvement so I would still love a copy of the book 🙂
This is perfect for me for this weekend. My house is in turmoil as we are fixing up my office and my husband has friends coming in from out of town and I am like uhhhhh our house is a wreck! I need to stop being like this.
Hi Rhoda: I listened to you on ‘The Skirted Roundtable’ and have added you to my blogroll. I love your blog and I am always interested in adding blogs to my roster to keep plenty of variety and not get too ‘clicky.’ This is indeed a lovely idea for a book – I know I am in the ‘I’m too busy’ category – but, if I did make the time, you are so right. Food is a great comfort and brings people together. I used to think a potluck was a great way to bring people together as well. Have a wonderful weekend!!
x
I would fit into the reluctant entertainer group….i do entertain–friends for bridge, a few couples take turns getting together to play cards, but just feel more comfortable with a few people at a time.
I love having friends & family over, but am missing them now since I was relocated to another state because of my job. Can’t wait to retire & get back “home” so they can all visit again! This book would provide lots of new inspiration!
I love for people to come over but I tend to get all worked up before they come over trying to make everything perfect that I don’t enjoy it like I should because I’m too tired. I would love to win a copy of this book and get some of her ideas! Thanks for the giveaway!
I would love to have a copy of The Reluctant Entertainer. That would definitely describe me! I sure could use some help 🙂
I am paralyzed with fear when it comes to having people over! I need serious help!!
I love to entertain…just can’t seem to find the time…would love this wonderful book!
I like to entertain but tend to get a little too stressed when I do.