STEP 1: INVITE! Step 1 is not cleaning your house, redecorating your dining room, or taking a cooking class. It is simply inviting one, two, or ten people to your home whom you’d like to know better. Preparing a place for loved ones at your table begins with being willing to let people see you, … Continue reading 8 ESSENTIAL STEPS TO CREATING A PLACE OF BELONGING AT YOUR TABLE
Tag: Tips & Advice
Today I hosted a bridal shower for one of my Monday Night Girls. She is also a young woman who I absolutely adore. Colorful flowers in mason jars decorated my patio, beautiful china was set on the table, and champagne flutes were filled with fresh fruit and sparkling Prosecco. It was a delightful afternoon of … Continue reading ENTERTAINING AND HOSPITALITY ARE NOT SYNONYMOUS
"Can I ask you all of my ignorant questions?" This question has opened up some of my favorite conversations with co-workers at Sonata Hospice in San Diego where I work as a Bereavement Coordinator. I have lived in the same house for 17 years. I have attended the same church that is ten minutes from … Continue reading CREATING SAFE SPACE TO ASK IGNORANT QUESTIONS
"When you're caught up in a new recipe, it's easy to forget even the most obvious cooking tricks and tips. But memorize these, and you'll always have success in the kitchen." - Food Network Kitchen "Always" having success in the kitchen seems like a big promise, but nevertheless there is a lot of helpful advice … Continue reading COMMON SENSE COOKING TIPS
"On the first morning, when one of the chefs asked me why I took the class, I told him that my enthusiasm for cooking had outpaced my technical skills." - Shauna Niequist, Bread & Wine: a love letter to life around the table. I have felt this same dilemma. My passion for cooking far surpassing my … Continue reading WHEN PASSION FOR COOKING SURPASSES ABILITY
Hospitality and entertaining are not the same thing. "We invite people into our home to create moments that matter, not moments that impress." This is one of my mantras. I keep saying it because I believe that it's true. And it's what I practice. On Easter Sunday we invited our community to join us for … Continue reading CLEANING REALLY IS OPTIONAL
One of the biggest challenges to hosting a community meal isn't necessarily asking for help, but knowing how to best organize the group of people who are willing. So often doing things ourselves actually is easier than pausing every time someone comes through our front door to think through who is already doing which tasks, … Continue reading A CREATIVE WAY TO ORGANIZE HELP
