I’ve been waiting a year and a half to get my grubby hands on something. It’s something that my friend and fellow blogger, Sandy from Reluctant Entertainer has been working on for like, as long as I’ve known her. Every year at Blissdom, my sister and I room with our dear friends Melissa and Sandy. And every year we look forward to hearing about her project.
Hanging out in our room at Blissdom 09 Kim, Melissa, Sandy, Amber, Emily
Y’all, Sandy wrote a book. And not just any book but a book that if you were to walk by it in the store you would stop and pick it up and pet it, maybe even rub it up against your face not that I’ve done that because that would be really weird. I am totally a person to judge a book by its cover and this one is jacketless and smooth and matte and hardbound and large and glorious. And then inside there are photos on pretty much every page!
Oh, besides having a great cover and pretty photos, it also has words. Freeing words of wisdom. Freeing words of wisdom about real entertaining for real people. Entertaining is a way of life for Sandy and her family, and she has so many tips and tricks to make entertaining work for any family. We all like to have people over right? I mean, in EVERY. SINGLE. episode of HGTV’s House Hunters every couple on there talks about how they love to entertain. I think we all love the idea of entertaining but, once again, perfection rears it’s perfectly daunting and shaming head and tells us that we have to wait until we have it all together until we can invite people into our life and home.
I got to read Reluctant Entertainer the book, a few months ago, before it was even printed in book form. I was so inspired with Sandy’s ideas and encouragement that that evening, my husband and I hung lights out in our back yard. We’ve made it a point to utilize the back yard when we have friends over, something in the past I was hesitant to do because of lack of perfection.
But, Sandy reminded me that the point of having people over is to connect with them. So I decided I’d rather have friends over and serve store bought ice cream than wait until I bought an ice cream maker to make home made ice cream for them.
I also utilized another one of her ideas–when people are coming, make something you know well. So I made this chocolate ooze cake thing that I’ve made a billion times. Old standby, no brain cells were wasted and it always turns out yum.
I took Sandy’s words to heart again when we invited our neighbors over for Easter. One drape on the windows, half painted walls, it was the first time many of them had been into the “renters” house. I had to forget my dreams of having a put together family room and just enjoy the company.
By the way, Melissa and I liked Sandy’s book so much that we both endorsed it. I’m telling you that for two reasons. 1. To brag because I’ve never had my name {ok, fake name but whatever} on the back of a book and 2. To point out that Melissa and I both used a form the word “gentle” in our description. And that is exactly what this book is. You don’t put it down and feel like you have something else to add to your to do list. You put it down and wonder why you’ve been putting off inviting your neighbors over and then you go call them.
Next weekend we are having some dear friends from Alabama come visit. They have four children and we haven’t seen them for years. We were close neighbors years ago and it would be very easy for me to start stressing over every detail this week before they come. We’ll do a few fun things, have good food and hopefully, really have time to connect and laugh and just be together. Maybe the shelves will be dusted, maybe they won’t. I’ll be reading over Sandy’s book again this week and I think I’ll even pick out one of the many recipes included to try along with some old standbys.
Sandy is giving away a copy of Reluctant Entertainer to FIVE lucky winners.
All you need to do is leave a comment here, tell us when you are having people over next or, what your standby menu/food/dessert is that you are “known” for making. If you would like to go ahead and preorder a copy in case you aren’t feeling lucky, Amazon has the books discounted to $12.23 {for a big hardback gift type book with color photos throughout!}. I learned the hard way with my Pioneer Woman Cookbook that it seems like they discount books for preorder and then mark them up once they are released or relinquished or open to the public or whatever that fancy book term is.
Even in entertaining, it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful, worthwhile and meaningful!
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We try to have people over often!! In the summer I love to do Chicken on the BBQ that has been marinated ahead of time fresh fruit salad, homemade french bread and a seasonal veggie(we love asparagus on the grill)
all of this is simple and keeps me with guests and not stuck in the kitchen
Thanks for sharing Debbie. Keeping it simple is the secret, isn’t it? I call it KISS in my book LOL (Keep it Simple, Sister!) Thanks for entering!
Sandy
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I’ve recently begun to redecorate my living using some thrifting techniques and my husband and I have repainted our front door and shutters (I’m conquering my fear of perfection!) We’re having my inlaws over to check out the work, and I’M NERVOUS to see/hear their reaction.
Hi Megan, join the club in being nervous! I think we all struggle with that. I had to learn to overcome criticism and not worry about what they’d think. Thanks for sharing. (How did it go with the inlaws? :))
Sandy
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Oops forgot to say this book looks amazing and a muzt have for my collection!
This sounds like a great book…just what I need! When we go to other people’s houses, I’m known for bringing some kind of cake (probably because I love my vintage cake-carrier so much that I’ll use any excuse to pull it out!). But here? Not known for anything, since I rarely feel my house is “ready” for entertaining.
Hi Lise, You just shared a common fear we all have. “My house isn’t ready.” I’m with you, I”m still learning about how to get over that! Thanks for sharing!
Sandy
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Oldest daughters new boyfriend arrives tonight from the UK. He is staying at our house for a little over a week. Ack! Haven’t met him, hope he doesn’t mind sleeping with a Bichon.
WHAT in the world is a Bichon? Are you calling someone a bad name? :}
Really? A Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy, white powder puff of a dog. They are friendly, smart, easygoing and very popular. I think they are in the poodle family. I had the pleasure of dog-sitting for two bichons that my friend has and I fell in love with them!
Even I know what a Bichon Frise is, Nester (LOL). Cutie-pie doggies. You’re lucky Maria! Tell us how it goes (boyfriend/dog).
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OH yes, Bichon Frise. I thought it would be spelled Beejion Freeze. Not really but kind of.
What a wonderful giveaway! Look like a book I would love to read. I love serving “Grilled chicken with brie and baby spinach salad”. It is one of our families favorites. So easy to throw together! You can find the recipe here: http://joyineverystep.blogspot.com/2008/06/grilled-chicken-with-brie-and-baby.html
Anna, that sounds fabulous!
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I’m having a good friend coming to stay with me in 2 weeks and of course I’m freaking out. Overnight guests always make me extra nervous because it’s harder to hide the imperfection. So, obviously I could use this book!
I love that my name appears first on the book, before yours. But, you have your REAL copy of the book first, ahhhh!! This is my first peek at our names on the back of the book! We are so famous. Oh wait, SANDY is famous and her book is so awesome (we got to read it before it was a book) and I agree with every word you said about it. And her. Love you both. xoxo
shut up, I SO knew you would point that out! When I write my book, I’ll put your face on the cover it’s gonna be about skydiving and cooking.
Just call it “Inspired Skydiving” and we can have both our faces on the cover.
And I just love you BOTH!
My standby dessert recipe is Ginger Crinkle Cookies. They are my husbands favorite and he’s always disappointed when there are never any leftovers. So then I make a batch just for him. Because I like that guy. :o)
Looking forward to this book! I’m in the midst of packing to move so the next folks I have over will likely be some movers & shakers :-) I like to make a triple layer ice cream that’s delicious and mistake-proof. Worse thing that could happen is that it doesn’t hold its shape (which has never happened) which would mean that it’s just a bowl of ice cream!
We try to have people over a couple times a month. We just had a tea party with the girls from my church group. I used the fine china and while I only had 6 cloth napkins and 7 crystal cups for my 8 china plates we still had fun. A teacher once told me that if you’re not hospitable with a little you’ll never be hospitable with a lot. It doesn’t matter if my house is too small or my plates are chipped we have fun with the people we love!
HI Michelle, I love that advice. So right on! And such a great lesson for our kids!
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We are having some friends over next week. It will be the first time they’ve been to our home, so I really need to read this book and not freak out if everything isn’t perfect. My go-to recipes are taco dip and pound cake. They are both a hit every time. I definitely need this book!
Hi Stefani, Just remember that if they’re your true friends, they aren’t going to worry about the details. My life got easier once I got that concept down. I hope you have a great time next week!
Sandy
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We had a baby exactly a week after we moved from house to apartment while we waiting on this house to be finished. It’s a year later and we’re still not as decorated as I’d like us to be. I might be having a little surprise birthday party for myself…because my four year old daughter wants me to. I could use a little help.
Hi there, my advice is to KISS — keep it simple, sister! I think it’s great that you’re going to have a birthday party for yourself!
Sandy
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Oh, that book looks lovely! My house is far far far from perfect. I love having people over, but hate the stress and cleaning that happens before and after. I think I need this book! My favourite things to make when people come over are: Japanese Chicken Wings (was my mom’s recipe…it’s delicious!), cucumber salad, and/or pumpkin pie. Because I know I can make them well. That said, the last time we had a large sit-down dinner for 15 people, my husband insisted on serving spaghetti and meatsauce.
The next time we have people over will be July 30 for a joint birthday party for my kids (their birthdays are six weeks apart). It will be both sides of the family. If everyone comes, that will be about 40 people. I hope some people say no!
Ha! Thanks for being honest Jo! One bit of advice that I have is to not clean your house before people come. Esp. with 40! Just do a light pick-up, clean the guest bathroom, and if you have to – put a sign on the doors that you don’t want people in and say “Enter at your own Risk!” Keep it light and have fun! Email me later, if you have time, and let me know how it goes.
Sandy
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Oh my goodness, I so need this book. I’m having people over for a bible study in 10 days…I’m in the process of trying to paint, redecorate, etc. before they come. We’ve been alternating homes for the last four weeks and it will be my turn then…nervous and trying not to compare to everybody else. I think I just need to enjoy that they’re coming…just reading your post helped.
Oh my gosh, Terri, don’t over-do! Your friends should be coming over to see YOU, not your house, right? Don’t let it steal from the time that you’ll be having together.
I’d love to hear how it goes!?
Sandy
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My mom is visiting this weekend for some mother-daughter bonding! Baby shower, take-out dinner, and watching movies on the pull-out couch are on the agenda!
Awesome! Sounds like a blast Laura!
Sandy
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Having people over next week–help!! I need this book.:)
Hi Karen, Just remember KISS … keep it simple, sister!
I hope you have a fabulous time!
Sandy
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I try to have people over as often as possible, recently we had a large Pool Party. But I constantly obsess over the details before and during the party. I think I would have more fun if I chill-axed more and took hints from the book. My go to is Knorrs Veggie/Spinach Dip and having excessive amounts of drinks for everyone so that I never run out of water or tea or booze or whatever the occassion calls for.
Hi Stacey, you are not alone. I still find myself worrying about the details, which sometimes (more than not) go unnoticed! You sound like a great party-planner! :)
Sandy
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I run a family child care and we’re having a little graduation party for my almost 4-year old kiddos as they move on to preschool. I’ve had these babies in my home and heart since they were 3 months old!! Even though the families are in and out of my home everyday, I’m kind of at a loss as to how to ‘do’ the party! :) If I don’t win, I’ll definitely have to preorder it!
Hi Sarah — if you don’t know what to do, plan a potluck! Easy and you’ll find everyone wants to help out and bring something. Less stress for all! Thanks for sharing!
Sandy
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Guests are coming in a week and a half….. We usually have house guests at least every other month, and in town friends over for family play dates once a month….
We always have a “fiesta” when we have guests over…. everyone seems to love Mexican food! You can put cheese on anything, right?
Hi Tanya, yep, cheese is the go-to-food in my mind, too! :)
Enjoy your time!
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I’m definitely guilty of not wanting to invite people over because I think my house needs to be perfect. You and Sandy are so right, it’s all about the company.
Hi Gina, I think most women DO struggle with the house. Sigh …
Thanks for entering!
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What a great idea for a book! I’d love to win it.
I like entertaining, but it’s a ton of work. I typically host my family for Thanksgiving and I have a stand-by hashbrown casserole that’s a huge hit.
Hi LIz,
TG is a huge undertaking. Congrats! Your hash brown casserole sounds divine!
Sandy
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Oh, we just had people over this past weekend, next plans….hmmm we might throw a B-day party for my oldest this year in a couple months. I’m sure we’ll squeeze some other visits in there too but nothing planned.
Love her website, would love the book!
Thanks Michelle!
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Love, love to entertain and have folks in our home! Homemade cheesecake is prob one of my specialties :) Winning Reluctant Entertainer’s book would be fab!!
Hi Suzanne, homemade cheesecake sounds delish! :)
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I love having people over, but don’t do it nearly enough. We are planning a party with tons of friends for the beginning of August. A Minute-To_Win it themed party. Should be a blast – as long as I don’t worry too much about how clean (or not) my house is!
Hi Cythia, that’s always the big question – how much to clean before it gets dirty again! Your theme sounds really fun!
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We just moved into our house a month ago, and only the kitchen is ‘finished.’ Oh well! We love entertaining; this weekend my hubby is hosting a guys night, and next weekend my family is coming into town! 7 people, and rather than having a perfectly decorated house i’m concerned about enough spots to sleep everyone!
i’m looking forward to sandy’s tips about what to serve for meals. i’m the type who loves to try out new recipes for guests rather than stand-bys, which sometimes leaves me scrambling!
Hi Kelsey, you have a great attitude when it comes to entertaining.
Love it!
Enjoy your company next weekend!
Sandy
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the thing i’m known for making is my banana pudding. the recipe i use calls for sour cream (which sounds gross but oh my it’s yummy!) and gives it that something extra. i can make a bowl and any guys in the vicinity will have cleaned it out in minutes. always fun to watch :-) this books sounds so cool!!!
Ok, this is SO my husband and I. We invited our neighbors over for a “cookware party” (we had to have 3 couples to get the free gift and I practically begged them after my own parents couldn’t come) and then my husband and I spent the rest of the night after everyone left saying “shame on us for this being the first time they’ve sat around our table” We know we should have people in our homes more and as new college ministers, I see a lot of entertaining in our near future. I love to entertain, I just love it under the “perfect” circumstances. which are few and far between (normally after I’ve stressed myself out trying to achieve this) so I would LOVE this book :)
Hi Hailey – you and I both! I can’t tell you the times that I’ve stressed my whole entire family out trying to get ready for the perfect evening … sigh. I’ve finally learned!
That’s awesome you’re the new college ministers!
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this post comes at the perfect time. last week i had my bible study girls over and was full of doubt and shame- all because i have zero flowers around the mailbox, dead grass (we live in hot, hot NC); there’s carpet in my living room (SHAME!) and no curtains on my windows.
stupid vain perfectionist – be gone!
i hosted anyway and we had a great time!
oh- my standby- most requested is my brownies (from a box) with added chocolate chips. easy cheesy!
Hi Katie – that’s good you gave yourself that pep talk! Perfectionist be gone! I do the same thing with brownies. Such an easy, yummy treat!
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What a lovely review from a kind friend ! Pick me for a copy please, I’m always looking for ways to entertain easily and gracefully, especially during holidays. My go to recipe is always stroganoff meatballs in a chafing dish ~ it disappears quickly so I’ve learned to make second and third batches. People ask for them every year !
Kate
Hi Kate, entertaining is fun when you have a specialty! And I LOVE stroganoff so maybe I’ll get to try yours some time! LOL.
Sandy :)
I love to entertain! My next gathering will be on the 24th and I’ve decided to go with a simple menu including flank steak.
I hate to entertain – I always stress about the house, the food, the conversation – you name it, I will stress out over it. My in-laws are coming this weekend. I don’t have a specialty – a good standby for Sunday dinner is always roast & mashed potatoes though!
Hi Dee, your Sunday dinners remind me of mine while growing up. Fond memories or Sunday roast.
I hope you win a copy!
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I would absolutely LOVE to win this book. Let’s just say I’m going to be the entertaining queen the next few months…..My daughter is getting baptized in a few weeks and I’m having a brunch for friends and family. Then, my son turns 3 in early Sept. Two weeks later, my daughter turns ONE! Boy and I stressing! Thanks. Book looks wonderful! XOXO, cat
We’re going to have people over when we get our baby baptized but honestly, I have NO idea when that will be. I will serve blueberry delight, which is blueberry and delightful. I am typing this one-handed with that very baby on my lap. Coincidentally, I call him ‘Blueberry’ all the time and he is delightful. I want this book so badly that I expended the extra one-handed effort to type that. :~)
The book looks fab! My go-to party dish (not cooked in a while… many home renovations have cramped our party style!) is an appetizer-sized roasted tomato caprese skewer.. delicious and easy!
Hi Tanja, sounds really good! :)
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I’d love to win! I have a “Re-Redecorating” Party planned for September. Yes, redecorated the living rm a year ago and I hated it so we did it AGAIN! Hopefully it will be done for the reveal in the next 4-6 weeks.
Can’t say I’m much of a cook but I recently started making and serving cake balls. They’ve been pretty well received so I’m sure they will make an appearance at our next party!
I’m hoping to have people over all next week to swim – it will be over 90 here all week long. I love to make smoothies or frozen lemonade and bring them out to the patio.
We are headed out for vacation tomorrow, but will soon be having a large crowd for Sunday lunch when my son is baptized. My go-to meal is four cheese chicken alfredo (fabulous easy casserole type recipe from a friend), strawberry poppyseed spinach salad, and triple chocolate cake for dessert! Mmmm, I’m hungry!
I think my go-to recipe that I make when company is coming is homemade macaroni and cheese. It isn’t that fancy but I know I can make it and people love it!
oh my gosh, that is totally one of mine too! made it yesterday.
I’m so excited about this book! {Ha! after typing that, I noticed that I typed “boob”, not “book”! That would have been awful if I hadn’t caught that! Of course, I told ya anyway:)} Anyhoo…my go-to recipe is cream puff cake. Yum.
This is the best boob I have ever read. Sandy’s new boob, the Relucntant Entertainer will change your life.
Yeah, it doesn’t have the same umph as the word book.
And I wouldn’t wanna read one…let alone order one from Amazon:)
I’m “known” for my annual Christmas party….people start talking about it months in advance….it’s so fun!
I have two things I can do for a group really well – fajitas and barbecue. I’m sure my family and friends are probably tired of them.
This book sounds awesome. We just had folks over for appetizers before going out to dinner last night. I’m thinking we’ll actually have to have people over for dinner sometime soon this summer.
We have company over just about every weekend, though this weekend is probably an exception. Thopugh maybe not – our group of friends just seems to gravitate to our house on weekends and holidays and I LOVE that. It wasn’t this way just a year ago – I would have been freaked by the stained carpet and pictureless walls and dusty stuff and so on. But Nester, I now hear you in my head! “It doesn’t have to be perfect!” I would love this book to be able to take that spirit of hospitality to the next level. As for go to foods, I’m known for my homemade alfredo (only 5 ingredients and made in just 15 minutes) and my brownies!
Hi Laura, Yes, Nester has helped thousands of women by giving them permission to just be real! Love your comment. Glad to hear of your progress. Hope you win! :)
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I love having people over, but hate that I get into the ‘clean freak’ mode before they arrive. Usually by the time my guests arrive I’m so worn out from cleaning the house head to toe! :(
Hi Candice, been there, done that. I try to pace myself now, or NOT clean. Because after everyone leaves, I have to clean again! LOL.
Hope you win!
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I am having a couple of old high school friends for lunch in a few weeks. I have most everything planned but I love new ideas! If I don’t win I will definitely be buying this book. I love Sandy’s blog. :)
We try to have people over at least a couple of times a month. I don’t usually do the same thing every time, but this weekend we are having spaghetti & meatballs… and I am giving up on perfection and using store bought meatballs & garlic bread, cause I am just to busy to make it from scratch!
Hi Alana,
YAY for store bought! Fast and easy! Your dinner sounds delish!
Sandy
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Don’t we all stress about having a “perfect” house for guests?! We’ve been renovating for going on 2 years now, so the idea of a perfect house has gone out the window, but I bet I could definitely use some of the encouragement in this book! Our favorite group food is chili. A simple recipe that makes a lot of food!
Hi Meredith, last summer we did a kitchen remodel. No perfect for us either! Chili is the best, isn’t it? :)
Sandy
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We are getting ready to move into a house that has a wonderful entertaining area outside. The house, built in 1895, has an office in a separate building. I cannot wait to entertain friends and family!!
We’ll probably have people over this weekend or next because we have dinner with family or friends most weekends. I never really thought of myself as someone who likes to entertain (as all of those HGTVers say), but turns out I love to have people over-whether family or friends! Now, as for my go to food, that is anything on the grill-burgers, ribs, steaks. That gives my hubby something to do-which he loves- and all I’m left to do is fix the sides-chips, baked beans (from a can), etc. It keeps my stress level quite low and I’m able to enjoy the company. This book looks lovely and I’d love to get some stress-free entertaining ideas!
I am having a playdate at our house… nothing too exciting. I’ll probably make a delish fruit salad of my grandma’s. It’s an easy recipe, everybody and their mom knows it – it uses fruit, canned fruit, and instant pudding.
Oh, please pick me! (Either way I am getting the book!) We love to serve potato tacos, easy to make and very yummy. We’re vegetarian but this is a dish anyone can enjoy, no one misses the meat! I love how I can put out toppings and everyone can make up a favorite combination of their own. (Oh and the hubs makes a mean guacomole.)
I love this!!! This is totally my sister & I. As a fellow renter I’m always reluctant to have people over at our house b.c in my eyes, it’s not perfect yet & I know I need to change that. I’d love to have this book! My famous go to recipie is my cheesy hash brown cassorle that is just delish but I don’t make often b/c there’s always a couple sticks of butter in it. :-D
I was just thinking about this topic earlier this week…would be fun to have a copy of Sandy’s book to hear her insights.
Lately I’m known for General Tsao’s chicken but our next company is Saturday and we’re doing an ice cream bar! That’s more my speed this week and probably just as much of a hit (especially with the kiddos!).
Blessings!
I am having friends from work over this weekend! My husband and I just bought our first house and this is the first time I will have hosted a dinner party. I am so excited and after reading this blurb I feel much better knowing that the house does not have to be PREFECT! I would love to read this book and get some more ideas on parties!
This book sounds fabulous and so helpful! I love to entertain and have people over and do so often even though our new home is no where near being as complete as we want. We are having friends over this weekend and are making mexican food – one of my known for dishes is guacamole! yum! This book would definitely help me feel better that our home decorating and furinishing process takes time.. just little by little.
Wow. I so need a copy of this book. We love to entertain but usually I stress about the perfection of everything. I’ve been letting go of that attitude lately and trying to focus on what is important….the people and the memories. My stand-by is fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil…..you can come up with something fast with those ingredients….a caprese salad or use them with grilled chicken on a baguette, or a pasta meal. These ingredients are always in our fridge.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Christine! Mm-m-m, tomorrow I’m mentioning that salad you are talking about. One of my favorites!
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We try to have someone over once a monthish. As for food I make. Every year we take a trip in the Fall to a church Gathering (Feast of Tabernacles) and this year will be the 4th year I make a huge pot of broc cheddar soup and invite as many people over as I can. I enjoy feeding large groups, and this is a hit with EVERYONE.
A friend from high school is coming to visit us next week. We just moved into a new house and I still have suff in boxes. Thankfully, I know she wont mind a bit!
My go-to dish for entertaining is Buffalo Chicken Dip….it works no matter what type of gathering it is.
LOL-I’ll have to come back later and read the rest of the comments, but I just have to say-NO ONE can see the weeds in the back yard after dark, even with twinkle lights on the patio. Don’t sweat it!
Hi Colleen, HA! Great comment. So true. I remember when I used to want to entertain in the winter time because no one could see the yard!
Hope you win!
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I love having people over, but I hate getting ready for company. We’re having our small group from church over on Saturday – I’ll be making chocolate peanut butter brownies. Yum!
my go to dish? BBQ. I live in CA and we have out door weather almost year round. If someone comes over- I throw some chicken on the grill and do a salad and bread to go with. Always delish (and even a little healthy!)
We’re bad…I need this book. We rarely have people over and because my husband is on staff at a church, we feel burdened to have people over, but we never do. I NEED this book. However, I make meals for people rather often and my standby is spinach chicken florentine. So easy, so tasty.
We almost never have people over any more because we have two 3 year olds and a 2 year old. We have a Thomas the Train table in the middle of the living room and our real coffee table is shoved off into the corner from when we baby-proofed. We are currently looking for another house that has at least one more room if not a basement so we can feel like we can reclaim the family room for us and for company. Back when we used to entertain, I was known for making a broccoli salad that my college campus minister’s wife taught me how to make.
I tend to always make tacos/burritos with homemade salsa and homemade guacamole when people come over. I have my mom coming to visit in just two days and I never quite know how to make it special for her when she comes!
I will be having guests over for my daughter’s 3rd birthday in a few weeks. Everyone is looking forward to my Chicken and Broccoli Salad on croissants!
I would love this book! After seeing my mom stress for years about company (even though I think her house is beautiful and clean!), I knew that when we bought our house we would make it welcoming and well used. We are doing good so far! We constantly invite people over, and as the new Children’s Pastors at our church we will hopefully be using our home more for events and small groups. I know I could learn from this book, but my real motivation is to pass it on to my mom!
We live far away from most of our friends and family (no less than 25 miles, but most of our friends and family are over an hour away)…so when we entertain, I’ve always made it a big deal. I mean, these people come to our house maybe once a year, if that…it has to be perfect right? Guess what. In making something perfect, I have zero fun. Sure, I love seeing our friends and family, but by the end of the day, I’m so exhausted I don’t want to see anyone again for at least 3 months. And that’s usually what happens…not cool.
So, we’re hosting a big barn party and bbq over Labor Day weekend and this book couldn’t come at a better time. Please please please can I have one??? :)
Thank you so much for the chance to win!
“Reluctant Entertainer” hits a real chord with me. Being in ministry, we’re “forced” to entertain pretty often, and though I enjoy it, I’ve never felt very “good” at it. Even now, we have guests in our home. I would love to win this for some tips on being a better and more comfortable hostess. Thanks for the giveaway!
We host dinner guests weekly as an extension of my husband’s job. I always enjoy reading tips about entertaining.
I love making desserts and I am often known for my carrot cake and my scones. They are both from scratch but I’ve made them so many times that they don’t take any longer than a mix. Recently I had my parents, grandparents, and my brother’s family with his two kids over–4 generations under one roof. It was a great time! The group I still stress about whenever they come is my in-laws. I need to practice some “reluctant entertaining” when it comes to them!!
We have company over just about every weekend because we are the only ones with a pool. I always try to keep some Trader Joe’s staples in stock like heat and serve apps, crackers and their dips. Easy peasy without the worry, plus it gives me a chance to swiffer away the dog fur tumbleweeds.
I love to have people in my house –and it usually never quite looks the way I thought it would. Time, money, distractions, people..they all get in the way of my ‘perfect plan’. But I love people too much to let that worry me. My home is my haven and a haven for others. Next week a dear friend from SC is coming up for the whole week. I will definitely be serving my Bean Dip, Chicken Diane and of course my favorite, tried and true Brownie recipe. If I don’t win this book, I will be purchasing it. Great review and I loved seeing how you applied it immediately!
My go to dish is a taco dip (ground beef, salsa, sour cream, cheese with some chips!) I love the RE too…so I hope I win… I need major help!!!! :)
Last night I had our semi-permanent houseguest and my doctor here for dinner. Two hours before the meal I got out my vacuum to pick up rice that some sweet babies had distributed on the carpet… and it didn’t pick up ANYthing! I am thankful for a neighbor who lent me hers at the last minute.
After the vacuum fiasco, I made gazpacho and fusion hummus (both from allrecipes.com) with pita chips … a great, cool summer dinner! I love using allrecipes.com because you get to read the reviews with great suggestions – sort by rating and read other peoples’ tips and you’re set!
We love to entertain! And I totally feel ya on the “perfectionist” attitude. I’ve learned to accept that I will never be completely happy with the way my nest looks, but thats ok cuz I would rather have people over, laughing and having a good ol’ time!!
There are a few things that are requested of me whenever we go to someones gathering: my salad (just a green salad made with love and my balsamic dressing), seafood potato salad (sounds gross, but oh so yummy!) and my homeade salsa (its pretty much the beez neez…. :)
Thanks for the chance to win her book! It looks oh so darn purdy!!
XOX
Love all your blogs and how exciting for the RE. Our go-to dish – grilled flank steak and veggies (so easy) and dessert (brownies out of a box, vanilla ice cream and/or popsicles). Thanks for the chance to win!
Oh my goodness! This book is meant for me! I completely freak out when anyone comes over to visit. I tell everyone that they have to give me at least two weeks notice before they come by for a “surprise” visit…lol! I stress about every little thing, and end up not enjoying anything, because I am so worried about the little things I forgot to do.
I hope I win a copy, but if I don’t, I will definitely be buying one!
Oh, I would love to win this book! We are having some friends over on Saturday night and I am making the old standby…ribs, baked beans and potato salad. Yum!
Hey Nester! Marshal and I are actually hosting our very first party next Friday! We went to Napa Valley in May and are having a “Bringing Napa Back” party to show our friends how to taste wine like they do in fancy-pants California! I would LOVE this book to help me plan it, I am overwhleming myself trying to make throw pillows because I want things to be as good as they can be, so clearly I need some help.
Thanks!
Molly
LOVE this post and would love to win the book! I don’t really have a stand-by recipe because I like to use company as an excuse to try new things that we don’t usually have! But I do love to grill out and make guacamole in the summer! That’s definitely a no brainer, kick back and relax meal that leaves plenty of time to chat and just enjoy the company!
We can’t have anyone over this month, since we are traveling. Sometimes we feel like we host at a friend’s house (he has a pool and a big backyard). My husband makes awesome rubs for the BBQ. I’m known for my baked brie and layered Oreo/tiramisu dessert. Oh, and Good Seasons Italian Salad Dressing makes a terrific marinade for chicken, trust me on this! It’s a big family favorite.
We just moved two weeks ago, and my family (of 9) is coming for a 5-day visit, along with my sister/husband and their two babes. We haven’t built the dining room yet, so it’s going to take some creativity to feed them! Old standby…Pioneer Woman’s shredded pork and tortillas, quiches for breakfast, and make your own sandwiches for lunch.
As one of the 9 whose coming to your house, Brite, I speak for the group when I say “Bring on the PW tortillas!” And we will be fine without a dining room, because you are the Hostess with the Mostest (and you make adorable grandchildren for me to hold, so who needs to eat anyway?!)
I have no idea when we will be entertaining again. I am paralyzed with perfection fears. I have 7 children and pulling it all together for perfect entertaining hardly ever happens. I am sad about this. I need this book. I need an intervention. Please come to my rescue and let me win! Amy
We are currently planning our soon to be 3 year old son’s birthday bash in August. We try to have people over often though. It’s so much fun. In the beginning I really stressed over EVERYTHING but over time I’ve gotten more laid back about it and try not to make things so hard on myself with less decorating and simpler food, etc. I would love to read this book. Sounds right up my alley.
i want this real bad!! i have a go-to cookie…the sweetie. a good cute pink southern cookie. however i rarely have people over because of the disarray here at home and the bazillion projects i started and forgot to finish. but the book looks just lovely, i’m hoping to be inspired by it!
What a great looking book! We are known for smoking meat. My husband has a smoker and is obsessed with it and we basically always do some sort of meat and I make a dessert. Our friends fill in!
I suffer from too much stress when having others over. We have had tons of young adults in our home on a monthly basis for the past five years. I try to fix things that are easy and loved by most people. Since I am busily cleaning (and stressing about) my house, I use stand by recipes or even easier, treats from Sam’s club!!
Soon we’ll be inviting loved ones over to announce that I am prego with our second child!! :)
One of the dishes I’m “known” for is my pasta salad…easey peasey!! It involves some fresh veggies…store bought dressing and a few seasonings to taste…delish and I get compliments every single time!
I should read that book because I always feel like my house isn’t great enough to have people over! My husbands family will be coming in two weeks and I feel like I might be a wreck before they come! Would love to have a copy!
You have completely peaked my interest in this book. It looks like it has great ideas for simple entertaining, which is something I’d like to do more of. My husband and I are always spontaneously inviting people over for bbq’s. The next one could be tonight for all I know! I would say the dessert I’m “known” for making would be no-bake cookies. I know it’s an easy one, but I’d like to think mine taste extra yummy! :-)
oh yeah, my standby thing to bring is usually fruit salad….just different kinds of fruit cut up with some storebought strawberry gel mixed in ( so simple and yummy).
LOVE to have people over…and my favorite thing to make is burgers! And for dessert…I love to pull out a bunch of different flavors of ice cream and douse them with home made hot fudge sauce. Or sometimes, we just get spoons and eat the sauce…
I’d love this book! My go-to dish is chicken enchiladas. Because they’re yum, and everything looks better with cheese melted over the top of it!
I just had one set of neighbors/my hubby’s boss (yes, his boss is our neighbor but we love them so it’s okay) and we are having our other neighbors over this weekend. My standby “dinner party” recipes are italian herbed pork tenderloin and risotto with peas and then ususally some simple cookies or brownies for desert. They are super easy to make, I don’t need to use a recipe and I usually have all the ingredients on hand. Thanks!
I do love having guests. I just had my family over for lunch on Sunday and plan to invite my fiance’s grandparents over for dinner sometime next week. We’ll make quesadillas…although we aren’t necessarily KNOWN for making that.
My son wants to have a group of his friends over, so that is next on the list for this reluctant entertainer.
I’m a newlywed living in a small apartment, so I am often hesitant to invite people over because our space is so small. But I, too, like to make this chocolate lava cake thing when people do come over.
This is absolutely me! I have been putting off and putting off having people over, because my house isn’t “finished” (and is still in the middle of being renovated this week!) But is isn’t about what your house looks like is it?
I am having people over tomorrow! With a crazy messy guest room, unpainted kitchen and lots of little projects we are in the middle of! But I will have fresh flowers out and my favorite oatmeal chocolate chip cookies – which I think covers a multitude of sins:)
It is kind of ironic that I used to entertain all the time and now I am find every reason not to entertain. If I want something simple, pulled bbq pork (made sometime earlier in the week) sandwhiches, vegie tray with homemade dip, chips, homemade iced tea (both sweet and unsweetened), and for dessert I usually have Marie Callender’s Razzelberry pie and a Mrs. Smith’s Dutch apple pie with ice cream, of course.
We were “planning” on having people over for house warming LAST October and it still hasn’t happened. I hope to do it this year though, regardless of how much I get done or how decorated my house is.
I want to have some friends over next week. We really like to bbque cuz it doesn’t require perfection. But my go to dessert is either scratch brownies or jello-preztel salad. Yum!
I am gonna have an apartment warming dinner party in about 2 weeks. I will be serving a roasted chicken and a yummy salad. Something light to go with the warm weather. While I cook the holiday meals for our entire extended family, the one that my family will riot if I don’t make bacon wrapped asparagus with spicy dipping sauce (courtesy of Martha S. of course!)
I’m terrible at having people over! When we do, my husband always makes fun of me for trying out some new fancy recipe..when in reality, they’d be just as happy with box mix brownies and salsa with a bag of chips.
We love having family over, but live too far to do it often. However, I often make a black bean and corn salad that is always a hit!
Living in a different state than all of our friends and family (Wisconsin while they’re in Michigan) means that we have quite a few weekends throughout the year where parents and friends come to visit. I often hate the days leading up to a visit because I feel like our little rented apartment isn’t good enough or nice enough, especially when our friends are going to be staying with us. I wish I were able to relax more about it!
I never win anything but that doesn’t stop me from commenting! ; )
Especially when it’s something this good! Can’t wait to get this book!
My favorite go to meat is “Ritzy Chicken”. Easy and always tastes great. Looks like a wonderful book!
i need this yesterday. we’re having people over tomorrow night. it’s not going to be pretty. i know food. everything else is lost to me.
Without a doubt, my “go-to” dessert is “Too Much Chocolate Cake”. I found it on allrecipes.com and it never fails. I take it to church potluck ALL the time and I always come home with an empty plate. I like to drizzle the top with a can of frosting and sliced strawberries. It’s perfect and easy.
I’m hoping to have a few friends over to help me revamp my guest bedroom- handcrafted tufted headboard with matching shams, painting the walls and somehow trying to redesign a horrible dresser from the fifties. Then once that project is completed, with the help of some amazing ladies, I will be entertaining a constant flow of guests to meet our first born. Needless to say I’m nesting and running out of time super fast.
My go-to appetizer is homemade french-fries with a smoked paprika & garlic aioli… gotta love Real Simple!
One of my oldest friends is supposed to visit in August. This book sounds great- I am always reluctant to invite people over.
how timely…we’re moving out of state next month to help w/ a church plant….secured a rental this past weekend and it’s small! am already stressing how we can be hospitable w/ such tiny accommodations. :-)
thanks!
~eunice b
rsmile2u @dejazzd .com
I love baking so I usually have peanut butter bars (mmm…) or brownies for guests!
I follow Sandys blog and have been trying to entertain more with less stress. I can’t wait to see what this book holds!
I am such the reluctant entertainer, I always want to have people over but am scared that my house isn’t a perfect “entertaining” house. My go to food is called “sin on a stick”, little smokies wrapped in bacon skewered with a toothpick and smothered in brown sugar then broiled. They are always gobbled up, my other is homemade pie.
I could totally use a copy of that book. My problem with entertaining is that I generally outdo myself (making elaborate dinners with expensive party supplies) and then don’t want to have anybody over for awhile.
But one easy, simple thing that I make sometimes when I have people over is a taco-salad type of dish, where everyone layers chips, chili, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, olives, other taco-salad fixings on their plates (buffet-style or family style at the dining room table). Everyone likes it, it’s economical, and even picky kids can choose what they enjoy!
I love to prepare meals ahead of time so I can be free to enjoy our guests. I have a chicken pasta spinach recipe that you prepare the day before & just toss when ready to serve…delicious! Anything I can do in advance & is easy to clean up afterward makes entertaining so much more fun!
We are having people over for my 41st birthday, I can’t believe I just said that! Anyway, we are going to rotisserate (my own word) a pork tenderloin with my homemade BBQ sauce. I can’t wait!
book looks beautiful.. as well as the intended message. we could all use a little less ‘perfection’. :)
we’re looking to have visitors to our new rambling rental, throughout the fall months.. when it cools down here in lovely GA. busy getting ideas for guest room together. we do have a small bit of family here, so we’ve begun doing some light entertaining already… and i could use some great tips to enhance and/or inspire! pick me! pick me! ;)
I’m always waiting to invite people over until everything in the house is perfect! This weekend, however, we had a celebration for my daughter and lounged in the back yard- not perfectly decorated but a lovely time. My daughter keeps asking if we can do it again!
Great book! My staple is a yummy crock-pot cheese dip. Always a hit. Almost no way to mess it up!
the book looks beautiful! We are having people over tomorrow night, and I was just thinking I need to dust. I probably still will dust, but it’s nice to think that that;s not what is important!
Oreo Brownies for dessert, or Lemon Pepper Chicken for dinner. Both easy, neither one really special, but it seems to go over well :). I think I NEED this book.
My husband and I have been meaning to build a deck onto the back of our house for a REALLY long time. We talk about this imaginary party that we will throw once it is built, like the kind of party where you invite people who have never been to your house but you totally wish you had a good reason to have people over. On the imaginary menu: My mom’s famous chocolate chip cookies and lemonade. Now I feel inspired to have a party just to enjoy my house and to connect with people that I would like to be closer to! Thanks Nester!
I’m known for my Hershey bar pie. I love to have people over, but am often intimidated by our small house. I can’t wait to read the book for inspiration!
I’m known for making salsa! I learned it from my mom when I was younger, and now I bring it to everything and make sure I always have some in stock for when we have company :)
We don’t have people over nearly enough. I feel God’s pulling at our opening our home and being a comfortable and relaxing haven for our friends and neighbors. I’m blocked up by fear and “oh she’s such a good cook” or “they don’t want to drive all the way over here on a weeknight”. I’d love to read this book! My go to recipe for when it’s cold is definitely homemade chili. I love that it is easy to make very good chili, most people like it, and many get very excited about crafting their perfect bowl, frito pie or chili dog. It is endless joy to have people here.
I’d love to win this book! I am planning a sewing party at my house to spend time with my friends and help a few of them learn how to sew, probably in August or October. In September we will be having kids birthday parties here since 2 of my children have September birthdays. I love to have people over and have really had to work hard on my attitude of not having everything perfect. We are working on several big projects in our home and I finally see some light at the end of the tunnel! I’ve been having people over anyway though:) I am known for my cooking and baking skills so everything (almost, not to brag) seems to be a hit! Thanks!
Oh wow, that sounds great!! Hubs and I are having our Bible Study group over tonight, as we do every Thursday. We learned a few years ago that perfection isn’t necessary when we had 20+ people over for a pot-luck dinner every week for 6 months, in a kitchen that desperately needed remodeling. It was so ugly, but our friends overlooked the hideous colors and 40 years of ground-in dirt, and we had a great time!
I am scared to death – but I am going to do it! A wedding shower for my granddaughter!
We’re having friends over next weekend, but we don’t entertain nearly enough! I’d love to have some inspiration to invite the neighbors over!
Having guests over tonight! Yikes! I should be prepping instead of blog-surfing ;) Anywhooo, we are having grilled cheeseburgers, chips & homemade guacamole and banana splits – easy peasy! And I WANT this book!!!
Ahhhh! All my in-laws are coming next weekend! …to our fixer-upper that hasn’t been fixed up nor is it very clean since morning (all-day) sickness hasn’t subsided and the 5, 4, and 2-year-olds have “kept the house” for me. Still, we always seem to grill chicken breast, have homemade cheesy potatoes, and lots of salads when we have company. I usually make 2 kinds of homemade ice cream (usually strawberry and chocolate) and monkey bread for dessert. Weird, but easy! I’d love to read this book; I love her website already!
I host a weekly Bible study in my house. I’d love to learn some new tips!
Thanks.
My goal for the summer is to have “1″ dinner party. Start small, I say. Hopefully this little party will take place in the next 2 weeks. We are having friends over for lunch after church. The kids can jump on the trampoline and the adults can relax on the deck. Nothing in our tiny little house is perfect, but hopefully the food will be yummy. I have followed Sandy’s blog for months and would LOVE to read her book as well.
This book sounds just like what I need – I get paralyzed and don’t have people over because I feel like it has to be all fancy and sometimes I just don’t have the budget or the energy to put on the dog at the end of a long day with little ones. I need to break out of that mindset. Recently we had people over without advance notice and it turned out fine, much to my surprise. Anyway, I think the only thing I’m known for cooking is elaborate recipes that turn out flops. And the one time I served undercooked crunchy rice will live in infamy.
this book looks wonderful! we have a home church and every other month church is at our house on sundays. it can sometimes feel a little overwhelming to prepare.
I really want to have some other young families from our church over for a huge backyard barbecue. One thing I make that gets rave reviews is my Aunt Patsy’s strawberry cake!
would love to get my hands on a copy of this book! as far as entertaining goes, we entertain very often, most often involving some type of grilling. my go-to dishes tend to be pasta/orzo salads! xo
Oh this book sounds fantastic. I like to entertain but get so overwhelmed at times on what to serve and how to pull it off. My go to dish for a BBQ is slow cooked pork for BBQ sandwiches. The item I take everywhere is Chocolate mint Brownies. YUM!
Oh, how I would LOVE to win this Giveaway!! I had girlfriends over this morning for coffee cake and mochas and I stressed all last night over the imperfections in my home…my house is smaller, older, less storage, no playroom, etc. etc. etc. I’ll be hosting again in another few weeks, and I’d love to just get over myself already. I think Sandy’s book would be a great wake-up call to young moms (or anyone!) who compare themselves to friends and feel like they come up short. Great Giveaway! :)
We have extended family in and out of our house all the time, being the parents of the only grandbaby on both sides. I love to bake, and my go to recipe is peanut butter cookies. They always turn out as chewy, delectable goodness.
I’m so looking forward to reading this…I always have great intentions of having people over, but it seldom seems to come to fruition…we also live out in the country, so it makes it a little tougher to get folks to come out our way, since we’re not the next subdivision over…hope this will spur me on! can’t wait!
Boy, oh boy, do I need this book! I occasionally have folks over but rarely feel good about it because there is soooo much I need to do in my house. Like my friends really notice that the baseboards could use a coat of paint and there are a couple of holes in the wall that need refilling! And if they do notice those things, do they even care? I would venture a guess that no, they don’t! But I have a very hard time getting past it. And I want to. With the help of this book. Now.
One thing I LOVE to make for company is a pasta chicken salad that REQUIRES you make it the day before! I love being able to have a nearly clean kitchen when guests arrive because the food was made yesterday! Oh, and did I mention it is DELISH????
What a great post for me to read as I take a break from cleaning every nook & cranny of my house in order to entertain my mother for the weekend. Since she’s coming down from NC for her favorite grandson’s baseball tournament, we’ll probably be eating a lot of hot dogs, nachos & other healthy foods.
Can’t wait to get a hold of that book – it looks fabulous & thanks for the permission to not dust my shelves.
I plan on having girls over for a Girls Night Wine Party! Can’t wait to read the book to see how it will help make my place more welcoming for my friends!
The book cover is simply beautiful! Can’t wait to see what’s INSIDE. For any potluck, church or family dinner I always make broccoli casserole. Everyone loves it and it’s the only time my children will actually EAT broccoli. :)
What a lovely book full of information! I am one of the most reluctant entertainers around. I keep thinking I need to host SOMETHING to get over my fear but it hasn’t happened yet. I am sure this book has the kick I need to get into gear.
My “go to” dish is an herb couscous salad. I chop up various herbs (the mixture is always changing) and mix it with tri-colored couscous. Add some cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, lemon juice, olive-oil and chill before serving.
I’d love this book! We have close friends over often, but never invite the friends-you’d-like-to-get-to-know-better often enough, usually because the house is never perfect. My standbys are pulled pork sandwiches (in the crockpot) and chocolate chip cookies.
I belong to a dinner group and it’s my turn to host in October. This would be great to have!!!
We have a family of 5 (3 teenaged boys) arriving for a week!
When it’s summer time, I can’t go wrong with roasted corn avocado dip. You can make it in a huge batch the night before and it’s always a hit!
Looks great! i’d love it!
Well, we’ll probably have our friends over when they get back from vacation again. Or, wait until it’s cooler. I love utilizing the backyard, but not at 100 degrees!!
Guests are coming over tomorrow morning for brunch! I’m excited. :-) Scones, decaf coffee, fresh strawberry and pineapple salad. yum!
So, I’m not exactly feeling lucky, but I DO feel like sharing that my parents are coming for a visit next week. I love it when my parents do their yearly visit. I live in NC and they live in OH and for one delightful 5-6 day stretch/year, they come here and we relate to each other a little differently than normal. They see it as a vacation and I love making my little rental house pretty and comfortable for them. This was a a really great reminder not to stress, though. They want to connect with ME, not see polished hard-woods.
Also, my go-to dish for company is honey-wine chicken. I learned it from a former roommate, and while I describe it as “grown up chicken nuggets,” my guests LOVE it. I have them ask for it multiple times!
What a wonderful encouragement and reminder to just host people in our family’s real-ness…. and not put on ‘faces’…. even fake faces on our houses! :) Great book- – can’t wait to read it!
I always like to make homemade fries. Everyone thinks they are so good and fancy…and they’re so easy!
I love having people over and one of my favorite dishes to make is Feta Chicken- usually something different that people haven’t had. You marinate the chicken in Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing and then broil the chicken for about 25 min. top with diced tomatoes and feta cheese and broil until cheese is browned.
The next time someone is coming over is tomorrow! My mom is coming to spend a few days with me and so I am going to be cooking Feta Chicken on Saturday!
Would love to win a copy of this book- I love the cover, it just looks so freshing!
I would love to get a copy of this book! We just moved to a new town and are reluctant to entertain because, well, we don’t know anyone. I know I need to stick my neck out and meet the neighbors and just invite them over. My standby recipe is Monster Cookies. Or Stuffed Jalapenos. Or Papa Murphy’s pizza. Or Hip Padders. Hard to pick!
I make a really good fruit dip using Grand Marnier, cool whip, and a few other top secret ingredients. I always make a big bowl, and it is always devoured by the end of the party!
Homemade BBQ sauce (kind of sweet/sour with a kick) with grilled chicken, mmm.
We moved to Orlando 2 years ago and we’ve had almost 30 visitors to our home. A few weeks ago we had 3 different families stay during the course of one week.
God uses all these visitors to continue to teach me to let go of my perfectionism!
My “go to” meal is a Mexican fiesta….homemade tortilla chips, homemade guacamole, homemade salsa, and chicken fajitas with all the fixins….rice, black beans, sour cream, cheese, and grilled veggies.
it’s EASY and always turns out great!
I usually serve either an easy fudge pie with ice cream for dessert.
I entertain OFTEN so I could really use this book!!! :) thanks for the chance!
My husband and I just bought our first home (we are actually moving in tomorrow). We are so excited to have something to call ours and we want to have all of our friends and family over to see it. Of course in true fashion I want everything to be hung, put away, organized, painted, and perfected. If this is going to be the case I’m afraid that no one is ever going to see our house. I know I need to get over it and just let them all come (they are all dying to see it as well).
I’m having my in-laws over tonight! I will be making a sour cream enchiladas recipe. It’s fairly simple and usually a big hit.
I’d like to have my family and my husband’s family over for dinner and not worry that our clean-freak moms are judging my chaotic home! :)
We’re having a large family gathering in August–a logistical challenge to be sure! I think this book might help make it even more special. Thanks for having this giveaway!
What a fun giveaway! We love to grill out in the summer. It makes entertaining effortless. Hubby grills the steaks and veggies while I prep the salad and bread. Dessert is something simple like ice cream sundaes with lots of different toppings.
I don’t know when I’m having people over next….does my daughter’s sleepover tomorrow night count? LOL! I’m not sure I have a ‘go to’ food either….something chocolate for sure!
I need to have people over more often. This books is just what I need to help me deal with my perfectionism. We love to grill out when people do come over.
My husband is a pastor and we have people over ALOT! (People came Sunday and more are coming next Sunday!) I have realized I am growing in the hospitality area and learning that hospitality is not about impressing, it’s about ministering and inviting people into a haven from the rest of the world. We’ve had many people over in the last couple of months and my house is so far from perfect. Guess what? I don’t even have kitchen cabinets right now!! (I have a door with a hole cut out for my sink! It’s a long story and I’ll send you a pic if you want!) But God’s grace has allowed me to swallow my pride and invite people anyway, kitchen cabinets or no kitchen cabinets! Yes, it looks awful, but people are more important than my pride.
My recipe I’m “known” for is my dark chocolate cake with ganache. It’s sinful. =)
Really want to read this… really need to read this. My husband and I have come up with tons of excuses to not have people over since moving into a rental home that we don’t love as much as the one we used to own.
We will be hosting my in-laws in another week and my favorite thing to make is any dessert. It’ll be my MIL’s birthday so I will likely make her a peach cobbler or Italian cream cake.
Oh, I would love a copy! I stress out when having family over for birthday parties. I so want everything to be perfect. I would love to change this mindset and just enjoy myself.
Oh! I’d love a copy of that book! I LOVE to have people over, but the better I’ve gotten at keeping a clean house, the more I think I need to have a perfect one to have people in it. Plus, I ALWAYS make something new for guests. Why do I do that to myself?? :)
I’m a klutz at entertaining and the crowds are getting bigger so I make everything I can ahead and put it in the refrig. My sensational potato salad and paradise cake are my specialities and my husband makes a fabulous salmon on the grill. But my favorite thing is a few minutes to chat one on one with a friend or play a game with a grandchild. I would love to read this book and see what I am doing wrong.
We are having people over for my birthday in a couple weeks! Fun summer entertaining! I smell a cook out!
We love having people over…but I’ve been using the excuse that our house too small. Definitely need to get over that! I love preparing something simple to serve buffet-style so people can graze. Food is the medium for talking and laughing! :)
What a great book-if I don’t win I’m definitely ordering it. I too fall into the “I live in a rental place and no one would ever want to come over here since it isn’t perfect” trap. Our out-of-state family arrives Friday for a 10 day visit. I can’t wait!
what a lovely book. i make bread when we have guests. it’s a super easy foccacia recipe that always pleases.
Besides family and some close friends, we really haven’t entertained at our “new” house (that we’ve been at for a year now) because there are so many projects to do and I keep thinking we’ll entertain when some of the projects are done. I need to stop waiting though and stop wanting things to look a certain way in my house before others see it! This sounds like a great book!
I love to entertain, and I’m so very glad I had a mom who taught me that your home doesn’t have to look perfect for people to find it a warm and welcoming place. I’m thinking about having some couples over at the end of August for a “farewell to summer” dinner party with all the quintessential summer foods: hamburgers, potato salad, fruit, sweet tea and lemonade. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!
Wow! I don’t normally even bother entering giveaways, but this book looks awesome. I would love to read it! Thanks for offering! Love your blog!!!
Every Thursday night we have a small group bible study night. I usually bake something easy, that I’ve done so many times before, too. Easy things like box cake mix for pineapple upside down cake, or the favorite of many, chocolate chip cookies. We always have a good time.
We’re having friend’s over to our house (really, really imperfect; like, in the middle of kitchen remodel imperfect) probably next weekend for my husband’s graduation party. We might opt for the slightly less imperfect back yard. : )
My stand-by signature dish is cherry cobbler. Only it’s more like a pudding cake with cherries in it. It’s amazingly delicious!
Sunday afternoon we’re having the great-grandparents, uncle, parents and guest of honor, Adelle (6 weeks old) over for barbeque and baby lovin’
Hi Nester,
Thanks for the tip on a great book that encourages us to place the ultimate value on the relationships in life…finding ways to make that happen enjoyably is just the icing on the cake, not the cake itself!
I am known for big, fat, chocolate chip cookies. :) Thanks for your blog!
I try to host things with friends as much as I can, which is not that often. I love when people are over! I do tend to stress over the details though! My signature dessert is my chocolate chip cheesecake brownies! SO easy and everyone raves over them!
My husband will be turning 30 this year. Thank goodness! lol I am 43 so it’s not such a shocker for anyone to hear the numbers now. Anyhoo, I am having a Celebration for him at our home. I sent the evite last night and then sat and thought….I just invited 67 people to our home?! The list just kept getting bigger and I kept thinking what’s one more? (I have visions of seeing how many people fit in telephone booth.) How will we all fit? For some friends this will be their first time to our home so I have that “I have to have the house perfect” mind set. This book sounds perfect to help me get past that! Thanks for the opportunity!
I’ll nect have the game group here day after tomorrow-in my FAR less than perfect basement “game room”; having a purse party a week from Monday, followed by hosting our Yada Yada prayer group a week from Tuesday! I long ago gave up on perfection, and wholeheartedly agree that the point of having people over is fellowship!
LOVE the idea of this book! We try and entertain a lot in summer because it’s easier. Our summer go to’s include flank steaks & fresh strawberry trifle for dessert. Flank steak because it’s EASY – no more manning the grill all night, missing out on visiting with our guests or trying to make some things medium rare and some medium well. Trifle because it’s pretty AND easy, and well because it’s my lovely husband’s very favorite dessert and I can sweet talk him into having company over any time if there’s trifle involved! :)
My standby for guests in the Spring and Summer is a fruit tart with seasonal fruir. Yummo!
The book looks awesome! We’ve been in a tiny apartment for two months waiting for our new house to be finished, and my husband and I have been dreaming about being able to host family and friends again. I totally get wrapped up in the it’s-gotta-be-perfect-before-anyone-sees-it myth, which is next to impossible with two littles in the house.
I’m currently hosting right now. Our friends are home from living overseas and are staying with us for three days. It is absolutely wonderful!
I usually bring Mississippi Mud Cake to potlucks and other events and it almost always gets gobbled up.
Love Sandy’s blog and would love to win this book! Thanks!
WE recently moved (in Feb) and i have been working and working on trying to get the new house just perfect….I am realizing that is not happening over night. We have had a few people over but in about two weeks I am having my first Blessings Unlimited Gathering at my house. (which i learned about from reading your blog, thanks ;o)I would love to win this book! My go to dessert is Cherry cheese coffee cake, it is easy, delicious and looks like it took hours to make!
I so need this book. I grew up with a mom that would not let anyone come over or no friends spent the night for this very reason. If the house didn’t look perfect no one could come over. I thought it was such an ingenuine way of life. I unfortunately have inherited the gene and it tourtures me b/c I ALWAYS want to have someone over but I have that part of my mom in me that kills myself cleaning, decorating, and trying to have the perfect meal. Then I’m usually in a bad mood by the time my guest come over.
I am having some new neighbors over to eat Sunday afternoon and we’re just going to grill some chicken and veggies. How this book would help me to relax about having people over and just enjoy life.
I am 32 weeks pregnant with my fourth child. When I deliver, I will have 4 children–5, 3, 1 and an infant. We have people in our house A LOT, and I really need some ideas about how to entertian easily. I always go ALL OUT because I love these people so much, but I would love to read this book! I know it’d be such an encouragement! A friend of mine and her son are here right now! I am usually best known for my homemade ice cream–coffee with heath bar–or my watermelon sorbet. :)
I’ve been following Sandy’s blog for awhile now and cannot wait to read this book…I wish I had been enlightened by her philosophy years ago!! We are having people over weekend after next. My go-to dessert is a glazed apricot nectar cake…easiest thing in the world to make, very pretty, and oh so delicioso!
I think this books title describes me to a tee…”we can’t have people over our carpets are too dirty, the deck needs to be stained, i don’t have anything to wear” :) Excuses! I would love to be inspired because I love to entertain!
My husband and I love to have people over. We have a few friends we gave over a lot, but once in a while we’ll have a dinner party and that gives us great motivation to get bigger projects done (like repainting our kitchen! http://abbeygottwals.blogspot.com/2010/07/finished-kitchen.html). As wonderful as it is to get big projects done, we also end up stashing a bunch of “clutter piles” and the stashing (and later unstashing) drives me crazy.
This book looks amazing and if I don’t win I will just buy my own!
Boy, do I need this book. I never have people over, much to my husband’s chagrin. I could give excuses, but I know better. I am known for my homemade Mac ‘n Cheese.
OH OH OH! I think this book is made for me! I love to entertain but often don’t even know where to begin!
My next gathering is a baby shower in two weeks. All is going smooth… so far :)
My go-to-dish is buffalo chicken dip… mmm, it makes my mouth water just thinking about !
My standby is Pioneer Woman’s apple pie–soooo delicious!!
My husband and I have people over almost every weekend…but i do find myself stressing over the details. I always make a walking tostada which is a yummy Mexican dip and a yellow butter cake with chocolate icing. BTW, I would love a copy of this book!
My husband and I are due with our first baby in a few weeks, so we’re throwing a cook-out in a week for any friends that want to come. Very informal – just one last celebration of us “two” before we become “three”. I’d love to have this book for the future!
First of all, I adore Sandy. I have been in her hair for several years now over the Balcony Girls stuff she’s been doing. Second of all, if you ever need another friend from Alabama with four children to come visit, Holla! I keep kicking myself for not finding you at Blissdom this past year…ah, maybe next year, yes?
Yay, I love Sandy and have been following her for the last couple of years. I’m a recovering perfectionist, one of ‘those’ where the stars have to align in order to have guests over; EVERYTHING has to be perfect–the flower beds, the furniture, the decor, the presentation of food, with everything squeaky clean. Thanks to you and Sandy, I’m focusing less on perfection and more on ‘connecting’.
The next “company” I will be hosting will be my mom and dad when our baby arrives in hopefully a few days. My go to recipe for any type of get together is blondie brownies – they are my husband’s favorite and he always requests them, and I have always had rave reviews so it’s a win-win!
My standby meal is actually a collection of appetizers! :) As a busy mom of twin preschoolers, I adore a meal of various little bites and my girls do as well. It is fun and easy to prepare… there is always a little something for everyone! I like to have a sweet dip, a savory dip, little cocktail weenies (the girls’ favorite), and something with a crunch!
Well, we are having people over tonight who will be helping my husband put up sheet rock in our lower level and basement. After that, I think we will have friends over just to celebrate having walls! ;-) It looks like a great book!
this sounds great! my favorite food to serve along with a meal for guests is homemade rolls. i make them frequently, and even though they’re nowhere near being difficult, people think they are and because of that i know they don’t make them for themselves. and homemade bread is something everybody loves, so it’s enjoyed all around.
One of my go-to recipes is an asparagus tart. It’s really easy: puff pastry, Gruyere, asparagus, a little olive oil and salt and pepper. Everyone loves it, though!
My favorite standby dessert is Betty Crocker triple chunk brownies. I make a double batch and bake them in a jelly roll pan, then frost with homemade cocoa frosting. Feeds a crowd and is fabulous!
What a wonderful idea for a book! I love to make Cincinnati chili for a crowd.
I sure hope to win this. I am totally intimidated by entertaining and I’m not sure why.
I’m taking friends out tonight to a picnic in the park. I’m making potato salad, curried chicken salad and a cold green bean dish. The green bean dish is my new easy to do standby.
I LOVE to have people as well. Summer is all about BBQ….easy and you don’t heat your kitchen up. We live where it is HOT. Tonight….dinner with the neighbors…..pork chops, pilaf and watermelon :-D
I can’t wait to get my hands on this book! I am hosting a bachelorette party for my sis-in-law next week and have been totally stressing about the little details. Thanks for the reminder that it should be about connecting WITH people, not impressing them with my sweet decor skillz ;)
I make a mean sangria :)
Ew Ew Ew….please random picker pick me!!! I am actually having a whole group of ladies over for a fun jewelry party next Thursday. My husband and I were those house hunters who said we want an open floor plan so we can ENTERTAIN…which i am falling in love with…with a beautiful book full of fun tips i would certainly love it even more :o) PS-Brownies are my go to…as well as homemade Guacamole…its to die for. THANKS!
I’m having a gaggle of junior and high school students over for a double feature movie night in the back yard. I normally just bake some papa murpheys pizzas for these events, but it’d be nice to try something new, easy, and high school friendly.
This sounds like the book for me! We just built a new house with one of our reasons being that we wanted to entertain more. It’s not happening because the house never seems finished or clean enough with 4 kids. I would love to read this!
Whoops I posted a bad link for my comment! :0) here’s the correct one
I can’t wait to get my hands on this book! Every time I have a party, even if it’s simply family, I check out Sandy’s site for ideas.
Our next big shindig is an open house in the fall. We used to do them way back when we had one child, but got out of the habit when numbers two, three, four, and five showed up.
I’m beginning to develop a dessert repertoire, but currently my favorite dish is artichoke dip. Super simple, and goes quickly.
My go-to recipe for company is a brownie recipe that my grandmother gave me… alledgedly Katherine Hepburn’s family brownie recipe (check it out here: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Katharine-Hepburns-Brownies-106559)
Trying to overcome my need for the perfectly ___________ (clean, decorated, cat/dog-hair free, fill in the blank) house… since I never achieve it anyway. :) Who needs the guilt?
What an awesome give-away! This looks like a book I sorely need to read! Inspired and delighted, as always :) Thank you!!
This sounds fantastic, I have been having a harder time motivating to have people over now that the house is always in disarray with the additon of my husband’s stuff. But I used to be an easy and casual entertainer and would love to get back to that!
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I am having friends over on Sunday and I make a mean chocolate chip pie that I almost always have the ingredients for and is always, always delish! Hospitality is not my gift but I think life change happens in the home…enter this reluctant entertainer. I want that book!
We are having people over the first weekend in Aug and I am already stressing about it – my go to fix everytime is my guacamole – it gets rave reviews everytime because of my secret ingredient…thanks for the opportunity to win a book from Sandy…
Before the multiples, I entertained as much as my schedule would allow. Gave me a reason to clean the house and try new recipes. So the boys just turned two and last weekend I had some friends over for the first time since before I was on bedrest. Felt great! I just closed the doors to the rooms that I didn’t touch and focused on the rest. I used to be obsessed about everything being perfect and have learned much in my two years of mommy-hood. Now I try to focus on what I HAVE done and not what didn’t get done. Esp since my “didn’t get done” list consisted of things like, 1. rip up carpet in living rm that the multiples have destroyed and put down hardwoods. Yah, didn’t get that one accomplished before the party, but I’m coming to terms with it, ha!
Sounds like a wonderful book! So many of us love to “entertain” but stress over it so much that we really don’t enjoy the night/event/etc. I will be entertaining a bit next month, as my girlfriend will be launching her Willow House (former SLAH) company. Right now I have so many unfinished projects…I need to read that book to save my sanity. I have several standby recipes I go to when entertaining, but the two most rave about and are so easy it’s pathetic really are a vidalia onion dip and an olive tapenade. Glad you shared where you can purchase the book…I can think of 4 girlfriends whose birthdays are approaching and would love the book!
At present I have no plans to have people over soon. But that can change as we do a bit of impromptto entertaining. Someone drops in, or at a few moments notice we invite friends to come by. My best dishes for unexpected guests is a spaghetti/sausage casserole that my daughter gave me the recipe for. I keep the ingredients on hand all the time. With a simple salad you have a meal. My dessert would probably be fruit dumplings. With fruit in the freezer, I can make the dumplings up quite easily and it only takes 10 minutes for them to cook in the fruit. Served with French vanilla ice cream when dumplings are warm and you have a feast.
I could REALLY use this book. I’m bad about the perfection thing. My next planned event is the first of September for my son’s 18th birthday. I can use all the help I can get!
wowzers. already 200 some entries!! actually…i just got a call about an hour ago from my in-laws asking if they can come stay with us in September so we can all go to the country living festival in Columbus, OH!! :) Well…wait…i’m sure we’ll have non-overnight guests before that time…but that’s the next thing on the calendar. I love entertaining…and if there’s one thing i do perfectly it’s entertaining imperfectly. in other words, i’m perfect at imperfection. or whatever. (i’m in one drape on the window mode, too.!)
I would LOVE to read this book. LOVE. I’m going to order it from amazon if i don’t win. And I’ve never read her blog–i’ll have to subscribe!
I don’t have people over not so much because I have issues with how my house looks but more because I have issues with my family dynamics. I’d love to have people over but not if it means I have to put on a fake smile and act like I’m happy. TMI? — But I do get stressed when I DO have company, no matter who it is, my sister, my best friend, the neighbors. I feel like I have to apologize for whatever in my home isn’t perfect in my eyes. The dish I’m “known” for is shrimp salad and rum cake. I wish I had a whip-up-at-a-moments-notice recipe that was an all-the-time go-to.
I’d love to win a copy of the book. It sounds lovely!
We have been in our “new” house for almost 2 1/2 years and we just had people over for the first time on the 4th. I was a nervous wreck. I soooooo need to chill out about such things — but will have an opportunity to learn to live gently when we have my daughter’s 4th birthday party next month.
oh, oops, that’s TWO separate dishes: shrimp salad being one, rum cake another. Not the two combined. EWWW! lolol
I am known for brownies! I make some mean brownies. We’re having company over on Monday!! (I can be reached at greatnarf [at] gmail [dot] com)
This book sounds like a must-read. I’m always fretting over food and people who are Judgy McJudgertons.
I’m hosting my daughter’s bday partay and a baby shower for my sister-in-law in a few weeks. I don’t think ordering pizza will fly at either of those gatherings…
Thanks, Nester (and Sandy)!
Love this book and haven’t even rubbed the cover, lol! I hope to win because this is definitely hitting home with me! I am always making excuses from the time everyone knocks on the door and I constantly apologize about what everything looks like. Oh I hope I win but if not I am using my amazon gift card for sure! Thanks for sharing, Nester!
BTW, favorite to serve is blt cheese dip with crackers!
Our standby during the summer is anything grilled: steaks, pork chops, chicken, fish, veggies. Paired with a salad, some fresh tomatoes from the garden, and a classic Boston Creme Pie dessert, and it makes for a great evening! We’ve got dinner guests next week, thanks for the giveaway!
We’ve got guests for dinner next week, thanks for the giveaway!
We have people over at least once a week. My husband is a pastor and they have worship practice at my house, I usually whip up some cookies with chocolate chip and white chocolate chips in them mmm. But since we live over seas people like my enchiladas.
I love having people over for brats over the firepit, pasta salad, chips and s’mores. It’s pretty hard to judge my cooking when they are roasting thier own dinner on a stick!
I actually just had a friend and her son over today! We decided to stop talking about recipes we’d like to try and actually *cook* them. So we went through 4 new recipes, declared 2 keepers, and made a whole bunch of dirty dishes in the process. It was a great time. :) I’ve been reading Sandy for years and I would absolutely love to win one of these books! I totally don’t blame you for rubbing your face on it. haha
Most of the time, I try to do something fairly easy on the grill. Everyone usually loves hamburgers, steaks, etc. Also, this helps because my husband can cook the main dish and then I can do side items and dessert.
Thanks for a chance at the giveaway! I have been watching for this book for several months now.
Not sure of the next time I am having people over. I just happens generally not planned. I serve whatever I can pull togehter that I have. On the other hand, we do have more planned gatherings which I am learning to not stress over! My signature dish is Hospitable Grapes and Cheese! Yum! Yum!
we have not been doing as much entertaining since we had our little one. It seems like the house has shrunk… UGH!!!! I so want to start doing it again… i love having people over. my go to dish.. well i do a lot of pies (from scratch… only way to make it) and i get requests for my warmed brie, with toasted almonds, fresh raspberries and home made carmel sauce trickled over it all (most people just want more carmel sauce on it.. LOL)…hubby does a lot of the cooking.. he likes to do it.. so i let him. Thanks for the giveaway.. so want to read this book!!!
Lately people have been loving my grandma’s bannana pudding with Nilla wafers…simple and seems to take you back to childhood. Lovely looking book
This would be such a great book for me to win, I am just as the cover says a reluctant entertainer. I keep saying that when we move to a bigger home we will entertain & invite people over more often. Since our current home is smaller than most of our friends. I need to learn how to let go of the feeling of our home not being good enough, and just enjoy the people we could have in it.
Recently my go to item has been coconut macaroons, and there is also a family favorite whipped salad with pineapples & cherries.
Sandy is such an inspirations to me, being…how shall I say…hospitality illiterate. I also love reading about the Balcony Girls!
My favorite recipe is a zuccini bread recipe that was originally and apple cake recipe. I tweaked it some and it became affectionately known as bikini bread because our son (3 at the time) thought we said bikini instead of zuccini.
This book looks great! The next time we are having people over is in about a month to celebrate my daughter’s 2nd birthday.
We are entertaining next weekend! Our usual standbys include things such as BBQ’d tri-tip and grilled veggies and dessert pizza (I know, sounds weird, but SERIOUSLY… you HAVE to try it!). I would LOVE to read up on more about entertaining….
Oh sweet Nester – I really need this book. I’m reluctant and I want to be an entertainer. My friend Susan is actually on her way over now. I have tuna sandwiches and wheat thins and green tea ready. That’s about as fancy as this girl gets.
Thank you for the chance to win a copy of that FAB book!
Blessings,
Marie
Oh this book looks right up my alley. I’m so unlucky with giveaways so I might have to buy a copy but until then I’ll keep my fingers crossed. When we have company over it usually involves grilling out, my favorite bow tie pasta feta cheese salad, and root beer floats. With three young boys I try to keep it simple.
Oh goodness. I NEED to read this book. This statement is totally me: “I think we all love the idea of entertaining but, once again, perfection rears it’s perfectly daunting and shaming head and tells us that we have to wait until we have it all together until we can invite people into our life and home.” And I hate that it is. I am that way all the time, but this summer I am being tested.
We are having “company” – my sister and brother-in-law – for the entire second week of August. They have never been here since they were married two yrs ago. So it is a first impression, if you will.
BUT, can I tell you what is going on?! I am in the middle of painting and redecorating and fixing leaky celings and… Yep, there is plaster and chipped paint and peeling paint and primer and … everywhere. And I have completely undecorated my house so it would be easier to work in AND because I loved your idea (see how I’m blaming you! lol) of calming a space. So I thought after the re-do I’d start fresh with my stuff and see what I could eliminate. Nice idea, but company wasn’t the plan until last week. I am looking forward to seeing them, but panicking a little about having them come here and the house not being all pulled together. Not even a little.
I am excited to see the book. Maybe I’ll be lucky this week!!;)
The standby that everyone asks me to bring to them is Creamy Potato Salad or my Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies. But when I have company coming, I usually use the crockpot to take off some of the time pressure.
I am SO eager to get my hands on a copy of this book! Then there will be more copies to follow as I am already thinking of Christmas and who will be finding this under the tree with their names on it!
My go to dessert is Chocolate Chip Snackin’ Cake. Easy and leaves no dishes. It all mixes and bakes in the same dish. In addition to those perks… it’s yummy!
Thanks for such an incredible opportunity and giveaway!
Congrats on the book Sandy!!
Sandy’s book sounds wonderful! We love having people over! My favorite thing to prepare (and a favorite particularly for our annual Super Bowl party) is chili…with a sidebar of various toppings!
Thanks for the opportunity!
We don’t really have a set date for people to come over. They just come over. I come from a large family and well we just might be in the “area” so they stop on by.
I keep made up spinach balls and lemon squares in the freezer. The spinach balls are premade but need to be cooked and the lemon squares are already baked. In the tropical heat we are having now the squares thaw out quickly.
Love it. I often have friends over for coffee and love to make blueberry scones. Then I sprinkle the top with vanilla infused sugar. Nothing better than a sweet friend, good milky coffee and a warm buttery scone. I would LOVE the book! Hostessing is my favorite thing in the world. Organized or not, there’s nothing like a good time with friends!
OK
I just hit before I could correct the name on the prior comment. Please excuse it.
I’ve been desperate to have a get together for an embarrassingly long time, but I keep thinking because of my career (opened a redesign,decorating,staging business last year), people will judge me too harshly that everything isn’t perfect and why don’t I have more expensive stuff and what’s up with the ancient (not ancient is in antique, but as in straight out of the 80s) armoire, etc. I know it probably isn’t true, but…
I would LOVE to win this book! I do enjoy entertaining but just recently moved and have been using the excuse of “too small a space”. Ok, I’ll get with it now and invite folks over. :-) I love to bake so there are a lot of desserts that I’m asked to make…one favorite is a sugar free Banana Pudding. I like to serve a pasta dish that I made up ~ sometimes I use Italian sausage in it, other times chicken ~ a great salad and garlic bread.
We love to have our friends over but it seems like lately, we really have to work hard to set aside time. I love to make up salads such as potato and a pasta the day before so that I can just relax and enjoy. Usually my husband will grill burgers or chicken….desserts as simple as root beer floats………everyone is pleased and it is so relaxing. Would love to win a copy of Sandy’s new book…thanks for the chance!
I have a summer list and on it reads “Have another family over for a cookout”. So before Labor Day, it is happening…..because it is on the list! I would love a copy!
I am so excited about this book too!!! I only know Sandy through blogging but she is the real deal and full of inspiration!!!
I am having some friends over Monday night for dinner. I am planning on preparing dishes that include fruits and vegetables of the season. A couple things I am often asked to make are blueberry cobbler and poppyseed chicken.
Thanks for the opportunity to win Sandy’s book!
I’m in! We having been kicking around having a mixed group of friends over for Labor Day. You inspired me to just do…with all the imperfections!
We, mainly my husband, are known for our homemade salsa and guacamole! We usually grill something tasty to go along with it…I have eased way up on having to have everything perfect to entertain! Gorgeous book! I want it!
It seems we’re always having people over. Sometimes, it’s an informal last minute invitation and other times it’s a full blown party. But, we’ve always felt our house is a blessing to share with others, so even though we don’t have a lot of space, we’re quick to offer up our humble abode. As far as menu items, I guess I have become the most famous for my super simple chicken/cheese enchiladas or my penne bake that feeds a crowd. Both are easy to make, can feed many, and are great to take to a friend who has just had a baby or has been cooped up with sick kids.
I would love to win this! Summer is our time to entertain. We have a nice backyard, not perfect, but nice. We usually grill and have brownies and ice cream. I do like everything perfect when we have company coming. I know nobody really cares, but for some reason, I do. :-)
I was hoping to have people over in a few weeks, but I think it’s going to end up being about a month because we’re going to be traveling!
Love having people over and I am known especially for Halloween parties and baking of banana bread (every Sunday)! This book looks FAB!
My hubs and I are known for our famous meatloaf. If you want you can check it out here. I hate meatloaf usually but I seriously lick my plate with this one…yes, it’s that good! We’re actually having a guest in town tonight and of course making the meatloaf. :)
http://www.savingmoneylivinglife.com/2010/05/best-meatloaf-no-seriously.html
We have folks over about once a month, family more often than that. My daughters and two grandchildren are coming next week. Tonight’s another granddaughter’s turn to spend the night! Would love to have Sandy’s book – read her blog everyday!
The book looks great! I love good books about food and entertaining. We will be having family for a visit in a few weeks. We will go with some family favorites–homemade spaghetti/sauce with green salad and garlic bread and cheescake for dessert. The cheescake is made and in the freezer–just add toppping the day of. Hope I win!
The book looks fabulous!
We’re having folks over tonight. One of my favorite stand-bys is a taco salad bar, b/c almost everyone can find something that works for them.
Looks like a great book! My parents are coming to town in 2 weeks and haven’t been here in months! I’d love to grill out that weekend…
This is me … win it or buy it, I’m getting this book! Thanks for the review and recomendation.
I met Sandy a few weeks ago and what a lovely woman she is. I’m so excited to see her book in print. We will be having some friends over next weekend for a barbecue. I love the idea of decorating our backyard in lights.
My go-to menu in the summer is ice cold gazpacho with a tuscan fritatta. In the winter I substitute minestrone for the gazpacho.
I also love to do ribs. I have a super simple recipe and they always turn out perfect! But I am definitely a reluctant entertainer and would love the book!
I am an entertainer by nature adn nurture… my mom was and is an amazing hostess and cook. I have leanred through the years of being married and entertianing that there is much more to it htan serving wow factor food. While I am known for my good food and treats I wish to be known more for the peace in my home when you enter the door, the laughter that surrounds us as we connect and that feeling of not wanting to leave or losing track of time while you are here with us.
I have friends coming in an hour for dinner tonight… just simple parmesan chicken, steamed veggies and rice. With six boys between us I will probably just dish out some Breyers ice cream for dessert till they are all stuffed!
I think my best dish is a Crab Imperial served with buttered noodles. It is on my menu for Sunday and I can’t wait!!!!
I can’t wait to order this book and read it and hten decide who all should get it for Christmas this year. It looks like the perfect gift book for this year!
I would love to read this book. We haven’t had friends over to our home in a while, so maybe the book would help get us out of this rut!
We are having friends over tomorrow night. They are peeps from church who went to Haiti with my husband this spring. Then Sat night we are getting together with another missionary from Haiti that is in the states for a few months. I’m looking forward to it but I still make excuses like: I wish we had a deck or our window air unit is so loud that we wont be able to hear each other talk. Seriously?! Thank God for people like you and Sandy who remind me that it’s people who count… not my stuff.
Oh yeah, I’m making Tidy mom’s cookie dough brownies(thanks for that tip!) And possible a lemon bundt cake from recipezaar that tastes just like starbucks lemon loaf, or eclair dessert. YUM!!
I am having people over this Saturday. They’re not even *my* people, they are my sister’s people. At every event I am expected to make sopapilla cheesecake, and me being an expert on the finely artistic craft of opening and unrolling a can of refrigerated crescent rolls, it’s easy to make. The best thing about this party is that after 3 1/2 years, I finally hung something up on my big blank kitchen wall! And I am only 20% unhappy with it. :c)
We’re having people over for burgers next weekend! I would definitely love this book to help overcome the pressure of having everything perfect!
I love RE’s blog and always want to be a relaxed hostess who is really “there” with my guests. Most of the time, I find myself starting to freak about an hour before our guests arrive and my husband has to talk me down. :) I’m getting better, though, and RE is part of that. Thanks for the giveaway!
Oh, and I’m having people over this weekend for a BBQ, but since it’s supposed to be one hundred and eleventeen degrees (well, only really 103, but who’s counting?), we’ll be inside for the evening.
This looks amazing! We just moved and we’re in this tiny apartment (downsizing is HARD!) and it’s nowhere near “perfect” but we love to have people over. A few close friends specifically, and family.
Guess what! My two brothers in law are coming TONIGHT!? (so why am I reading blogs when the guest room is still the throw-all-the-crap-from-moving room?!
I’m planning a party in the next few weeks for our church friends, I love to serve grilled turkey ranch burgers, a big fruit salad and my husband makes a mean batch of triple chocolate mocha brownies! I’m a huge fan of Sandy’s blog and I am thrilled about her book! Congratulations to Sandy and a big thanks to you for hosting this great give-away:>)
I love the concept of this book, and I’ll definitely pick up a copy! I hate cooking for a crowd, but my husband revels in it. So…I let him take care of the main course, and I do the appetizer and dessert! I love to do simple things in the Summer. Spinach dip and fruit dip are always big hits.
Thanks for the reminder that perfection is…well evil :) Seriously, I have come to that conclusion when bringing a food item to some event. If I have time to make something…I do…If not…I swing by and pick up something that I love to eat myself. I don’t beat myself up about it…I just enjoy that non-stress of it. I need to apply that to my having people over, too. I don’t know when we are having people over. We had overnight guests yesterday though. Does that count?
I usually like to make breakfast. Lost of choices…coffee, juice, fruit, french toast, waffles, bacon, banana bread. And eggs…I am known for my eggs.
Thanks for the opportunity!
We have people over for dinner once a week and want to do so even more. I’m hoping some tips from this book will help make that an enjoyable reality.
This post and this book is me in a nut shell. I get so stressed to have everything perfect when people come over so I over-think everything because of my lack of self confidence. I am getting better at just letting that all go and this book will help me even more! Thanks so much!
I love to entertain but fall into that trap that so many women do… perfectionism, or lack thereof. I’ll be hosting a medium sized gathering in September for family to meet my brother’s fiance, and I’m already a bit uneasy. This would be a great help!
Would love a book like this!!!! My out of state and out of town guests are coming in Aug. and I’m still not sure what to make or do……
auctions24byks at yahoo dot com
My most frequent guests are family, and they’ll probably be here again soon. We’re also getting more drop-ins since baby Naomi’s arrival. I don’t really have a signature dish, but sometimes do a gooey chocolate cake.
We don’t have people over as often as I would like… It can be so hard to get schedules coordinated these days! Spontaneous is best! We had Smores one night and I posted on facebook and friends just came and joined the party. The last time we tried to schedule something, our kids got sick and we had to cancel! so we need to reschedule that one!!
I love to make Crockpot Lasagna… so delicious and no last minute cooking!
Our signature party appetizer is ants on a log. People love it, most people don’t think about making it too often, you can have a few without feeling guilty and they’re great for kids.
I’d love a copy of the book. I’m planning on having a group of female friends over in a couple of weeks. Never thought about having a “go to” dish, but I’d probably choose my prize-winning (really!) white chicken chili.
Honestly, I wish I entertained more – I always feel so much pressure when I know people are coming over. I have some friends that make entertaining seem so effortless – I’m still working on it. My goal is to have someone over at least twice a month…let’s see how that works out.
My favorite thing to make when a bunch of people are coming over is….a bottle of red wine ;)
The stand-by food that people automatically expect me to make — or at least automatically ask if I’m going to make, and then pretend that I have any choice in the matter — are oreo balls. For some reason (probably because I deal with a lot of teenagers), these things are ever-so-popular when I make them. At least I feel like I’m contributing to their happiness. :-)
We love to entertain, and I love trying to come up with new creative ways to do things, which usually sends me in to an overdrive frenzy! Next up is a co-ed baby shower, but it won’t be traditional at all. We are having a backyard fish fry with a clothesline to hang all the new baby boy’s clothes on, gifts arrive unwrapped, and no games…just celebrating the proud parents and their newest addition. I have already had a request for jalepeno poppers. Jalepenos halved, seeds and ribs scraped out, stuffed with cream cheese, wrapped in bacon. Need I say more? I am already drooling :) I would LOVE a copy of this book!
We have people over at least once a month – even with our un-finished backyard and we love it! This book seems like a must have! Can’t wait to get my hands on it.
I’m having a baby shower this fall…entertaining is not my thing so I’d love to get my hands on a copy! I have no stand by because I never entertain, it’s just not normally my thing. I’d love to do more or do in general but I need so more courage.
Sounds like a fun book! I could use the advice on entertaining- it’s not something that I’m naturally comfortable with. (The pictures will be great!) Next time I have guests over, I’m planning on making grilled pizza, grilled yellow squash and zucchini, lime/honey fruit salad, and chocolate volcano cake.
This weekend! I’ve been giving myself a free pass on perfection lately. We just moved so we have an excuse. ;)
I LOVE The Reluctant Entertainer :) I found her blog when I was doing research for a MOPS study. She has great ideas and is a great inspiration to me. Our next get-together is going to be a fish fry. My husband has lots of fish waiting to be cooked and consumed by our family & friends. Hope I win a copy before the price goes up!!
This book sounds wonderful! I don’t know when we’ll be having people over since we’re moving to a new place in 4 days. Hopefully soon, though, because that will mean we’ve made some friends there!
I like to have 3 – 4 families (singles included) over from church that are from different age groups. It is easy to think that the singles would all like to be with singles but this way they get to be with people they wouldn’t naturally come in contact with at church.
I have a great dessert – bake a cake, just use a 9×13 pan. While the cake is baking make up a pkg of instant pudding let it set in the fridge. When cake has cooled cut it in chunks. Place in layers in a large pretty salad bowl. I like the chocolate version : chocolate cake, chocolate pudding, cool whip, heath bar toffee bits then top it all off with chocolate sauce. Repeat the layers till all is used up or the bowl is full whichever one comes first.
I noticed that about the House Hunter people always talking about having folks over. I can’t wait to get my hands on that book.
My stand by is Fried Green Tomatoes with homemade buttermilk dressing. Love making it for people.
Cha Cha
Wow! What a wonderful book! I can’t wait to read it. My hubby and I are missionaries and we always have people over at our house. My go-to is some yummy homemade brownies, everyone always gobbles them up! I make these so much that I’ve got the recipe memorized! LOL :)
I love to have brunch parties. Pitchers of fresh juice and piles of muffins and bagels throw in a quiche and you are done. Very easy . Love Sandy’s site .
When are we NOT having people over? :) My husband’s a minister, so between having people over for ministry planning, meetings, and general get-togethers, and our regular church socials, this house always seems full…and I STILL don’t know how to feed 25 people without enlisting help or making 3 crock pots full of queso. I would LOVE this book!
I would love to get this book! I could have used it last month when in-laws (parents & brother) were here for a week for my daughters B-day. I’m not bad for the small occassions, but definitely stress with the extended stays. Our next one is Christmas – the in-laws are here for a week, and the extended family are here for 2 days. A dozen people, doing christmas for my kids ( my 2 are the only ones for now)throw in a visiting dog that may or may not get along with ours, and I hardly sleep.
Well, we have our family over once a week–but I don’t know if that counts, since I’m past being worried what my mom thinks about my home. My favorite dish to make is a goat cheese and tomato pie. It’s a fabulous summer entree that can be adapted for winter, too, and it never fails to be awesome. This book sounds fabulous, btw!
I’m having people over TONIGHT. Oh, and we are “camping” in this house as our household goods have not arrived yet (still traveling by slowboat across the Pacific.) But, pizza, watermelon, and store bought cookies will do just fine! :)
I would love to win this book; it looks so incredibly beautiful! The next time I am having people over is at the end of August; I will be throwing an engagement party for a dear friend. I was hesitant at first because our back yard/deck isn’t fully landscaped and decorated and the gals coming over don’t really know me. Of course I want to give off a great impression but most importantly I want everyone to feel comfortable. I decided to go for it anyway but I have been running around like a mad woman trying to accomplish all the little details (that probably no one will notice but me). If I don’t win I think I will order a few copies of this book online at Amazon anyway to give away to some girlfriends of mine that also love to entertain and throw get togethers. Thanks for the opportunity!
We love to entertain! We are hosting my in-laws for the weekend. Does family count as guests??? We love to grill out while we entertain so the men can talk around the grill and the woman can enjoy each other inside.
Just had people over Friday night, after visiting this blog many times and laying down some perfectionistic traits. It was a blast. Thanks for your encouragement.
We are known for steaks/burgers on the grill, our veggie grill pack, and a salad. Light weight, low maintenance. And I learned a long time ago to serve lemonade in a pretty container with slices of lemon thrown on top, which I freeze ahead of time….and I use Country Time lemonade…shhh.
Can there really be help for those of us that would like to practice hospitality with the freedom from our “Martha” culture…..
Yeah!!
This looks like a fabulous book and something I definitely need! We seem to have somebody over every week or so, the next big thing will be a potluck of couple friends from church in two weeks. I am known for my desserts, always rich and always delicious!
Just what I need! I definitely fail to show hospitality sometimes because I fret over silly things. When we do have people over we always make a batch of super-duper iced sweet tea and my favorite company for dinner meal is Kraft’s simple lasagna recipe with spinach.
I love entertaining, I just wish my house was bigger. In two weeks we’re having company. My normal dish when we have company is a yummy potroast that’s been in the crockpot all day!
Ooooh, I love a book with pretty photos on each page!
I’m expecting the in-laws THIS weekend! If I plan nice meals and spiff up the house, I’ve “gone to too much trouble”. If I don’t cook, they wonder where the food is (“are we just supposed to eat out every meal?”). Does this book have a disclaimer for entertaining scenarios in which you just can’t win? ;)
We don’t entertain nearly as often now that we are parents, or rather, I should say, we don’t entertain adults nearly as often. We have kids over all the time, and it is one of my goals to be the house where the kids want to hang (better to keep an eye on my own kids!). So I try to keep good snacks on hand, as well as lemonade or capri suns or popsicles. My go-to snack for kids is an easy one – popcorn. But not microwave, chemically enhanced corn; I’m talking the real deal. Using the crank style popper. I top it with a bit of salt and sometimes a little cheese or garlic salt. It is not fancy but the kids eat it by the bucket full! Fresh made popcorn tastes soooo good. And it is inexpensive since I pop it myself with a little oil. Which is good, ’cause I have 2 boys who are soon to eat me out of house and home.
Oh boy, I have been waiting for this book!! I love to entertain, enjoying good food with family and friends. I have dishes that go with the seasons.
Summer time I like to use as many fresh fruits and vegetables as I can, Keeping things light and colorful. Some of our favorites are Chicken Salad, Fresh Fruit with a Coconut Fruit Dip, Triple Berry Cobbler with Homemade Ice Cream or a wonderful refreshing drink Banana Frappe’.
I would love Sandy’s book to share with my daughter. My signature meal is simple~my grandmother’s lasagna, cheesy garlic french bread, salad and Mocha mud pie or Missippi Mud Chocolate dessert.
Love Sandy’s blog and her!
Connie
oh my goodness, how I want this book…I am so hopeless that I can’t even tell you what I usually serve because I don’t invite people over because I am so undeveloped in the entertaining area. I have recently moved back to the south after a stint in the NW and hope this time around I will be a better hostess. I’m having a college friend and her daughters over next week and boy am I stressing already! Probably PB&J for the kids and I’m thinking a cranberry/almond chicken salad that I will have to make 3 times in advance just to get right. Did I mention how bad I am at this?
My husband and I LOVE to entertain in our home. Often we invite people over on the fly… and as long as dinner that night is not a “new” recipe, I will serve just about anything. But I think our favorite menu is a pear and spinach salad, chicken and sausage gumbo, cornbread, and mint chocolate chip ice cream for dessert. MMMM, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it! I would love some new ideas and inspiration for entertaining friends and family!
We love to entertain, but after our recent move to a much smaller house, I have had a million excuses as to why I can’t right now. Thank you for encouraging me that everything doesn’t have to be perfect, the real reason for entertaining is connection. I can’t wait to read this book and get some much needed gentle encouragment (and ideas!) to entertain again!
As a recent newly wed and soon to be Mom, I am still trying to figure out the correct way to entertain. I am a cookbook collector and I seem to want to try out new recipes and stress my self out when it comes to having people over. I have a large family and friends that I love to have over, I just haven’t figured out how to make it as enjoyable as I think it could be. This book seems like the answer to some of my concerns of what I am doing wrong. It would make a wonderful addition to my household!
I have been pondering the statement you made in a past blog post, “I hope my house is never finished.” This thought has helped me calm down so much in the last few days. We just moved into our home a few weeks ago, and the unpacking is never-ending, with my 3 little kiddos to take care of. And naturally, they always come first, leaving little time to undo and oraganize. I’m new here, and I just love your blog!
So, we’ve had several sets of groups to our house since we came here- work friends, church friends, neighbors, and thankfully I’ve had the excuse that “we just moved here, that’s why the house isn’t done!”
Time is running out, and our first house-guest will be my sister in law. Can’t wait!
I love to entertain, I love the details, I love making things from scratch, I love the company. I’m on a never-ending quest to find more insight, more tips, from others who are so talented, always with our bedget in mind. Somehow, I can’t wait to get a chance to turn the pages of this lovely book!
Today! My husband is on his way to the airport to pick up my father in law. He is coming to visit so he can meet his brand new grand daughter. Before she was born – four weeks ago – I would have been incredibly stressed out trying to make things perfect. Today I looked around the house and saw it is clean. Things are mostly put away. Not perfect, but clean. Then I curled up with baby girl and took a nap. Grandparents should understand a little dust on the shelves, right? 8-)
What a great book! I enjoy entertaining, the hardest part is finding time that works for everyone. My new stand-by dessert is caramel popcorn. Super easy and yum.
We’re having a bunch of people over tomorrow…like a big play date!
ps- i try to always accompany dinner with a fresh green salad whenever we have company. and its all about homemade dressing!
We are pushing ourselves to have folks over regularly now that we have space! That was always my old excuse, not enough room. Well, we moved. Now I don’t ahve an excuse. Our next get together is for the 10 14-year-olds from our Sunday school class. Ack.
Parmesan Chicken is our standby entree. Coat boneless skinless chicken breasts in butter/dijon mustard mixture then dip in a mixture of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese with some salt and pepper. Drizzle/sprinkle remaining mixtures on top of chicken and bake in a 9×13 for 30-40 minutes. It’s SO yummy, and everybody fights over the “crumblies” left in the bottom of the pan. :)
We frequently have our small group over from church, and while I do enjoy it, I am definitely a reluctant entertainer. This book would be such a blessing to have as a reference!
I love RE. She rocks my world. So calm, encouraging, and REAL. Love it.
We just entertained last weekend on a total whim. My husband invited over a few friends, and luckily, we had enough food. BBQ ribs on the smoker courtesy of my talented grilling husband, chunks of pineapple, and a simple asian coleslaw. I think I roasted some potatoes too, just threw ‘em on a pan with some EVOO and salt and pepper, and 40 mins later, perfection. At first I was stressed out about the whole thing, but sitting on the patio and just chatting and enjoying food was wonderful :-)
Love Sandy! I was checking out her book on Amazon the other day, but winning one would be even better!
I’m having some girlfriends over soon for a pj movie night! We have yet to come up with the finalized day though. Speaking of which, I should call my bff!
When I have people over for a meal I usually cook a variety of different dishes, depending on the time of year… but one I’m know for in my close circle is my lasagna. It’s usually a hit!
I have followed Sandy for a few years, and love her recipes and ideas! When I have company, we either do lasagna or barbecue sandwiches, then add either a salad or broccoli slaw to it and we are good to go!
I am definitely a reluctant entertainer, but don’t want to be! My husband and I just made a goal last month to AT LEAST have someone over once a month. We just had a new couple from our church over. It was great! My usual go-to dishes are buttermilk cake with berries and whipped cream or fallen chocolate cake for desert; and homemade enchiladas, pizza or soup for dinner.
Would love a copy of the book.
My go-to recipes seem to be of the dessert category. Peanut butter no-bake cookies and a punch bowl cake. Both are yummy and both are on the menu in the next couple of weeks.
I am having people over Saturday Night but just for a simple campfire and yard games(cornhole). I plan on keeping it simple carmel brownies, taco munchies and of course s’mores.
We’re actually having a young couple from church over this weekend. Part of me wants to knock her socks off w/my wonderful mothering skills and my perfectly put-together home, but I’m gonna be real and probably yell at my son when he spills something and cram stuff in a closet just before they get here! ;)
I am a struggling perfectionist who clings to every WORD that gives me permission to let go of my perfectionist anxieties! Would love to win a book!
I really need this book! I always “stress” over every little thing when anybody comes over and swear that next time I won’t worry about it but I just can’t rid myself of worrying about every little thing! I know when I go to someone’s home I never care if things are “perfect” or there are dust bunnies under the couch if it’s a last minute get-together so why can’t I convince myself that my friends and family don’t care either?? I’ll be entertaining our “Supper Club” next weekend at our lake house. This is a little more stressful since I have to feed them dinner and breakfast, and YIKES be seen first thing in the morning!!! I’ll really be a sight since I’ll be “stressing” whether the beds are comfy enough, do they have everything they need, are they too hot upstairs, too cold in the basement etc. etc I know I won’t sleep! I need the book NOW!! May have to preorder one as well just in case I’m not lucky. If I am lucky I’ll keep on at home and one at the lake or give it away to a friend. What a great gift!
I just had a ton of people over for my daughter’s graduation party. After they left, I noticed dust on my lamps. eeek! However, no one gave me the side-eye, and they all seemed to have a good time. Any get-together we have or attend must include my husband’s queso. He’s famous for it.
We often like to have neighbors over for casual gatherings. One staple meal I like to fix is taco soup with shredded cheese,sour cream, and corn chips as toppings! A great,easy dessert is always peanut butter pie.
Sounds like a book I NEED to read. Hardly a day goes by without one of us saying, ‘Oh we should really have so-and-so over for dinner sometime’, but sometime generally ends up as never, no matter how many times I tell myself that the guests probably won’t even notice the many imperfections that are glaringly obvious to us…. sigh.
I make a mean fruit crumble. Yum.
We are having my husband’s sister and her family from Alaska stay with us for a couple weeks at the end of the month. I would love to get some ideas from what sounds like a wonderful book.
My husband and I recently moved to Virginia so he can start law school this fall. In an effort to make new friends, we are planning a backyard cookout for his new classmates. I would like it to be a little more upscale than the average cookout- which will kind of help “define” what my husband and I are like to our new friends. The question is, how do I throw a relaxed, yet modern and upscale BBQ? Perhaps this book could help!
Oh, this books sounds so perfect for me! I get so worked up when someone is coming over but always end up having a great time. I’m having friends over in 2 days and I can’t wait.
I am having some good friends for dinner on Saturday night and we are going to enjoy a bbq. Can’t wait to see this book, I have been looking forward to it also ~ blessings, kathy
I would love to win.
I am known for making peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. I’d like to think I have a gift for hospitality. I love fresh linens and little touches that make people feel at home.
I’m supposed to have company tomm. I guess I’ll get practice :).
I forgot to leave my e-mail.
Kristen
searchforgod@yahoo.com
Thanks :).
My wife and I would love to win Sandy’s book!! (even if we don’t win it we will buy it) but it would be great to win it. We both love her blog, everything about entertaining, it is NOT about our homes, but about the connection we make with PEOPLE, real honest to goodness PEOPLE that makes the difference, so that said PICK ME PICK ME PICK ME PICK ME!!!!\
Blessings to you and yours Curtis & Sherrie
Wow! I. Need. This. Book. I’ve always heard and wanted to have the house that all the kids want to come over to, but I never invite people, because….it isn’t right! Every time we do have company, its so stressful! I need to make it easy, and just do it!
I sooooo NEED this book!!! I’m one of those “love the idea of entertaining” people who allow perfectionistic/procrastinating/borderline OCD tendencies to stress me to the max. I really AM trying to adopt the Nester’s mantra, “it doesn’t have to be perfect” and this book should reinforce my resolve!!! Thanks for offering the give-away!
I am thrilled over the release of Sandy’s book. We emailed ages ago about perfectionism and how is totally gets in our way. I hope that her book encourages many to JUST DO IT. Set a date. Call your buddies and have a ball. I’ve got to get a copy of this book. She is just so inspiring!
(By the way, while strolling with “Pearls and Grace” at Blissdom10, we passed you all in the hotel. When P&G told me that it was THE NESTER and the RELUCTANT ENTERTAINER, well, it was a celebrity sighting! Too bad I didn’t get my glue gun autographed too! So proud of you girls!)
We love to have people over. My DH feels the need to clean the house from top to bottom. I have asked him not to. I think it makes us seem perfect – and you are far from it. It is hard for him to do that but it makes people feel more comfortable.
As for when – Saturday night!
I am actually have some people over tonight. I am so the reluctant entertainer for fear that others do it better or have all the right serving pieces. My favorite thing to serve is broccoli slaw, everytime I make it someone wants the recipe. Thanks for letting me know about this great book.
We’re having friends over Sunday — yea!
And my go to dishes? I dunno. I make a mean homemade carrot cake, and I can do up a Thanksgiving table to make Martha AND Paula Deen proud….but my everyday go-to-dish is probably chicken enchiladas…and the funny thing is, since I don’t follow a recipe, they are just a little different each time I make them.
Mmm…I think I need to make those Sunday. Sounds yummy!
Hopefully we’ll have friends over next weekend!
My go to dessert is Texas sheet cake. it’s very rich, and can feed lots of people, and you can make it the day or two before. Plus, it’s great with vanilla ice cream (store bought!)
My husband and I are having a couple over tomorrow night to grill out! I’m planning on brownies for dessert–the good, safe standby treat!!!
My college roommate is coming for a visit next month. I’ll try not to worry too much about my half-painted walls in case I don’t finish in time!
I need this book to remind me that I shouldn’t try a fancy new recipe every time I invite someone over! I need to connect with people — I’m trying to re-learn life as a single person — but I really struggle with that perfection thing. I can’t wait to read this book!
I’ve been trying to entertain more often too. I make a killer spinach/artichoke dip, and that has been my latest go-to food item.
We’re having an end of the summer bash at the end of August. I love having theme dinners/parties (Bacon Party, Cinco de Mayo, Pi Day Pie Party, etc).
This August I am having the Church ladies to my home for an “Apple Orchard” day. They will be traveling about 45 minutes to get to my home (I drive 45 minutes to my home Church) and then we will travel another 20 minutes to get to the orchard. I’d love some inspiring and beautiful ideas for how to host and decorate for this day…to make it a blessing for the ladies coming!
My favorite item that I’m know for :)….Mexicorn Salsa Dip and Zucchini bread.
Thank you for the chance!
Nicole
simplycreatedbycole(at)gmail(dot)com
We have people over ALL the time – probably 2-3 times a week! I always tell them (even though we serve generally the same meal) that it’s not about the fancy food or fancy decoration…it’s about doing it and enjoying one another! I am going to look for this book..it looks great!
My trademark dish is this ridiculous dark chocolate cake. But I constantly have my home full of guys, who generally prefer bags of chips. Fine by me. Let me eat cake.
I would love to get some cake smudges in this book which give me some entertaining ideas for women, because guys just need my TV and their bags o’ potatoes.
I am so excited for Sandy Coughlin. The book cover looks so inviting. I love to follow Melissa’s blog at The Inspired Room and yours too.
I’m known for making great Spaghetti and Meatballs. I also love to have friends enjoy my Norwegian Waffles. It’s a secret recipe from my family and it’s delicious.
We’ve loved to entertain all of our married lives (27yrs.)! Sometimes elaborate or just air popped popcorn & lemonade! With 6 children – many friends have come through the years, and family too, of course!
That book looks great!!!! wow! hmmmm. I guess I would have to say… my bulgar wheat primavera salad.
We just moved to a new house in a new city. So unless I get the guts up to invite over some neighbors the next time we plan on hosting is Thanksgiving when my family will be traveling in from out of town.
Well, she had me with the cover. Beautiful!
We actually have people over pretty regularly. My husband is a pastor of a small church plant and we really value hospitality in our home and church. Next guests are next weekend. Even though we have a constant stream of people through our house I still struggle over the whole “perfection” thing. Maybe Sandy can finally help rid me of that ailment!
For company one of my go to meals is 4 cheese fettucini. It’s always a hit with everyone. Lately we’ve had many teens over so I opt for cookies and popcorn since they’re usually here after dinner time and watching a movie!!
I would love to have a copy of this book. I could use the “push” to entertain more often!
Pick me! Pick me! Pick me! We have lots of teenagers over cuz we have 2 kids and want to know what’s going on. I try to clean anything that has something growing on it, have plenty of paper plates, have a good supply of cokes (those of you not from Texas, that means any and all soft drinks), and order pizza. All the bad stuff. Now, when our grown up friends come over, I usually still use paper plates…..BUT try to serve the food in cream, white, or clear serving dishes. It makes me feel good to have something cutesy and pretty. I usually make jambalaya. It’s very easy and very yummy! As far as perfection goes, I established a reputation of being a great house keeper when I first got married and had no children and a teeny tiny apartment. So now they still think that I’m a great house keeper eventhough I’m SO not. No need to point out the huge clumps of dog hair on the floor….Pick me! Pick me! Pick me!
We often host family, large numbers too, and I am very comfortable with that. Hubby makes a wicked popular potato salad and one of my favourites is a layered taco dip and confetti squares. I would love to read the Reluctant Entertainer because I need help feeling comfortable having neighbours and friends from work over. I always worry that the trim work is not finished, the painting is almost done etc. I would love to win a copy!
I’m a first timer (commenter that is)! This book looks awesome. I love having people over but half the time I’m a stress case. My standby’s in the summer are bbq and in the winter some yummy potato soup and rolls. Always gotta have dessert. Tonight my family is coming over for ice cream cake for my sister’s bday.
I am definitely a reluctant entertainer. I love it once people are here, but get a little stressed anticipating it. Two of my favorite recipes are Napa cabbage salad and chicken lasagna with a white sauce. People always love them both.
This book looks fantastic! I cannot wait to read it.
Hmmm…. I’m not really known for anything special at parties. We make alot of Deviled Eggs for church dinners because we have several hens and we always have a surplus of eggs! In the colder months ( I live in south carolina, so….Jan. & Feb!)) I like to bake and I can make a pretty good pound cake. I do not entertain often but I love to plan parties and other events. My house is never “good” enough to have people over. We bought an older home 12 years ago and have been slowly renovating it, so there is always sub-floor or naked sheetrock showing somewhere! We have no morgage and want to renovate debt free. Guess what? Money runs out fast! LOL!
I love your blog and want the book regardless of whether I win it or not. If The Nester recomends a book, it must be good!
Oh I really, really, REALLY want this book. My go to recipe is chicken salad in the summer and sweet n spicy chili in the winter.
The next time I plan on having people over is when we moved from our current rent house to our new rent house….I am not hosting with my home half in boxes that are parked in my living room. I generally make Creamy Chicken Enchiladas, Mexican Rice, Black Beans, Green Salad, and Dulce De Leches all from scratch.
My husband and I have a cabin on Kentucky Lake and every year on July 4th, we host a huge meal for all of the family. Usual food, Bar-B-Q that my husband grills, fresh corn on the cob, baked beans, slaw, potato salad, and for dessert, peach nectar cake! Later in the afternoon, we always cut a fresh watermelon and take the family for a ride on the pontoon! We have done this for so many years, it is now one of our favorite family traditions!! I am sure I could make good use of your book. It is kinda hard to entertain at my home away from home. I could certainly use some fresh ideas.
Seems like we have people over less and less as we’ve had more kids and they’ve gotten older. But my standby menu is veggie lasagne (a recipe from Southern Living that takes a little time, but is easy) and a huge spinach salad. I add freezer section garlic bread and often I buy a key lime pie from Publix.
Nana’s homemade banana pudding or Nana’s brownies with ice cream are my go to deserts for just about every gathering, whether church or family ( in my case, church IS family :) Would LOVE a copy of the new book. Thanks for the giveaway.
I need this book…. I think that the title is my middle name ;)
I actually like to have people over, but it has been a loooong time since it was anyone besides family – see I DO need a copy!
We have people over all the time. Friends and Family are always coming to visit and many spend the night. My go to meal is always pork tenderlion, black beans, yellow rice and some fresh veggies.
We would love to host a backyard thing within the next month and invite some old out-of-town friends. But I’m scared of having people have to drive awhile to get here and then it not be worth it!! I’d love this book.
We do have people over from time to time – mostly our close friends – but on monday, my two college roomies and their girls are coming for a few days. I’ve actually been looking around this well-lived-in home of ours, taking in the hundreds of toddler toys, half painted rooms, and bare walls, wondering if there’s any way I could give my home a makeover in time. I at least need to shampoo the living room carpet, again, at least. But I am happy to know that these girls and I have been friends for almost 20 years, through thick and thin, and 14 kids combined – there’s some unconditional love that spans across sticky kitchen floors and mismatched bath towels. I’m so thankful for that!
{By the way, my mama is lending me two white, fluffy towel sets for my friends to use while they’re here. Their kids are stuck with my mismatched ones :)}
I’m sure to make at least one batch of brownies with walnuts – from a box mix – that’s my old standby :)
Once again, nester, thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me permission to not be perfect.
xo
My husbands family has all of their gathering at our house. I love having them all over but have started to run out of fun ideas. This book looks like just the thing to solve this little dilemma.
I am known as the cook of the family. My Chocolate Chip cookies are famous and everyone LOVES my vegetarian Thanksgiving.
We’re having family over for games Friday evening. Can’t wait to get my hands on that book!
I avoid having people over because I’m just sure it’s going to go badly. But when we do have company it seems we all gather on the back porch, watching the kids play and just relaxing. What do I make? In this heat our grill has became my newest, bestest, friend. From grilled pizza, variety of meats to grilled candy bars…..it’s alway eaten and appreciated.
I have family in from out of town, but we usually have folks often.
Love entertaining!
With three little ones, a 95 year old Grandma (she has passed now) and hubby out of work the excuses have piled up this past year and I didn’t have folks like I really wanted to.
Sounds like a great book.
I make a mean Rump Roast!! It is the most popular meal I make for my adult kids.
Wow, I might have people over in the one crazy week between the completion of my Montessori Training and my return to work! …while pregnant and with a toddler at home! We would probably have brownies, ice cream, and maybe some infused water… and probably some beer.
I love this concept and will definitely purchase the book if I don’t win it (but it would be nice to get it for free, since I’ve got two tiny kids, a mess of a house, and love entertaining even when it is stressful).
Wow did you hit on my weak area. I love the idea of entertaining, but I never do it because I get so intimidated by getting “things ready”. We are having friends down next month and I would love to be able to get over some of my hang ups.
Thanks!
I do big theme birthday parties for my boys every year and host Halloween, Easter and Christmas at our house. Our next big party will be an end of summer party for the neighborhood kids.
I’ve already had twelve houseguests total this summer some planned, some spur of the moment. I’ve had two cookouts, countless dinner guests, a bajillion playdates, babysat etc. I love to entetain and perfect the craft of hospitality. I am known for tuna casserole, meatloaf, fresh bread and brownies. When I saw Under the Tuscan Sun in college, I fell in love with the art of easy entertaining of combining hospitality with simple living. I would love to win this book but even if I don’t, you know I’m gonna buy it. I’ve got some gal pals this would make a great gift.
I would love a copy of this book but in case I don’t win.. I’m planning on buying it anyways :)
We love to entertain at home! I hosted a baby shower for my SIL last weekend. Boy, baby stuff has come a long way since my kids were born!!
Our go to meal is usually something like fajitas. Most of the prep work can be done ahead of time and the actual cooking doesn’t take long. I would rather have time with friends and family than in the kitchen with my stove.
The book looks really inspiring! Hopefully I will get to read it soon!
I’m having people over Tuesday night for a party for one of the home-based sales businesses and I’m terrified!!! It’s been forever since I’ve done anything like this and my house still isn’t like I want it or even fully furnished. And I have no idea what to feed them :) I’m trying to let it all go and just remember to have fun and enjoy the evening.
I am having friends over tomorrow night. We returned from Paris a little over a week ago and we’ve all been craving crepes with nutella so we’re having a BBQ tomorrow night with the crepes for dessert. It should be fun!
I wish I entertained more than I do! We are having a small dinner party in two weeks and I will grill some meat and make a salad with some of our garden produce. In the winter I like to make a slow-cooker stew and serve it over mashed potatoes- everyone seems to like warm, comforting food then.
I am known for my homemade soups and pies. People really appreciate them because few people make these things totally from scratch anymore. My favorite pie to make is a homemade apple pie with a bran/whole wheat crust. The top crust is made from overlapping little “leaves” that are cut out with a pastry wheel and the veins drawn on with a sharp knife. I love doing it because it reminds me of my great-aunt “Mimi” who could make the most simple meal seem like a feast.
I’m kinda “well-known” for my desserts, so I’d rather make sure that I make a yummy dessert and then order pizza for dinner than have a full course meal all planned out. Some of my friends’ favorites include my: caramel apple pie, hummingbird cake and chocolate chip cookies.
We are having the high school class from our church over in 2 weeks and we plan on hosting it “poolside”, which is the perfect venue because the food is not usually the focal point. My husband usually does something on the grill, guests bring side dishes, and I provide tea. My job is to clean up before…and after.
I’m not known for any one dish because I love to spring new recipes on guests. I love to entertain although I’ve also had to lay down all my own expectations over the years so that being hospitable didn’t mean that my family saw the worst in me as I prepared. I would LOVE this book!
I would love a copy of this book. I love to have people over, but I don’t do so hardly ever. All talk no action. I am going to have a little carnival in our back yard for my daughters friends before they start kindergarten. I am very excited to do it and I think that it will be fun and maybe it really will happen.
We always have friends over… I try to have company at least once a week! My go-to dessert is Black Forest Triffle… Chocolate cake layered with cherries and whipping cream… Simple and delicious!
Oh my goodness! I cannot wait to get a copy of this book! I am actually having a baby shower this weekend for a friend. I don’t know a single person on the guest list, but I love the girl I ‘m hosting it for-imagine that. All these strangers coming into my modest home. I have used so many of Sandy’s tips and encouragement over the last couple of years, that make it easy to entertain.
My standard go to dessert is Paula Deen’s mini cheesecakes. Everyone loves them and they are super easy to make. I also am known for my baking in general. My friends tell me if they are going to be my friend for very long, they have to workout. LOL:) Thanks for doing this contest! So fun!
I’m known for making my pistachio crusted salmon at big family parties. Its perfect because you can get a huge filet of salmon, sprinkle with salt and pepper and chopped pistachios and layer thin slices of lemon on top. I wrap it in foil and throw it on the bbq so cleanup is super easy! Makes entertaining a breeze!
I LOVE entertaining and hospitality. We have people over a lot since my husband is in the ministry. Lots of people dropping by unannounced and such. I have learned to have a few things on had at all times just in case! One thing I keep in our pantry is brownie mix. They are quick to whip up, make the house smell amazing, and HELLO its chocolate! ;D I also have an entire dresser full of pretty paper plates and napkins that I can pull out quickly before a guest arrives. The always look cute and they distract people from the pile of laundry that is most certainly sitting on my love seat. :)
We’re having people over on Sunday, just grilling burgers, nothing fancy which is the best!
We just bought a new house and so far we have a couch, some beds and a ping pong table. I don’t care. I’m having a birthday party for my sister, her daughter & her husband whose birthdays are all in August. We’ll sit in lawn chairs but it will be awesome. :-)
Our next guests will be our Friends-in-laws (our son-in-law’s parents) on Saturday. My go to recipe especially in the winter months is lasagne. It always turns out right and my husband thinks I am the world’s best cook because of it. I am looking for birthday gifts for friends and I am thinking they would enjoy Sandy’s book. Thanks for the idea!
We’re big fans of the friends pot luck. Everyone shows up at our place and we eat whatever we end up with. So far, we’ve never had an all chips meal! All our friends saw us through our hideous bathroom, so as soon as the remodel is done they cant wait to come over!
It book looks great! It’d make a wonderful wedding shower gift!
I need to read this! I am always reluctant to have people unless I think the house is perfect which it never is. Thanks for the chance to win!
We will be having out of town company for the next few weeks. My favorite cake is the Cavity Maker… so easy and delicious!
http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/chocolate-cavity-maker-cake/Detail.aspx
Even though I am on vacation in the mountains of North Carolina and will not be home until Saturday night, I am having a group of ladies over for Bible Study on Monday night. I will serve something that jumps in my cart on my way home from work on Monday, 30 minutes before the ladies arrive because I am learning to relax and not be a perfectionist.
We’re having folks over on Saturday. We’ll do something simple on the grill and my new favorite summertime dish. Squash, onions, potatoes and cherry tomatoes wrapped up in foil pouches and cooked on the grill. Yum-o!
Sandy’s book is right up my alley. It’d be awesome to win!
I am the perfect person for this book! My mother always told me to entertain at least once a season to keep your home in check. I avoided entertaining for a long time until I just said. If they care that I’m a little messy oh well! that is me. Now I say to my friends, “come by anytime.” My go to recipe is ordering pizza!!!!!
I don’t know when the next time is that i’m having friends/guests over for dinner..I usally blame it on my small house..I do love to entertain, and I hope hope I win!! Thanks for the giveaway!!
I am so in need of this book! Well, it looks like we all are. :) Wonder why we all have that same fear of imperfection and comparison? Wonder if it has to do with the enemy trying to hinder what deeper relationships we could have? Anyway, the next person I’m having to my house is the babysitter. :) I really love making Banana Bars from the Better Homes and Garden Cookbook. They always turn out perfectly. Thanks Nester for being such an inspiration. I love your blog.
I’m having some moms and kids over tomorrow for a lunchtime playdate!
Our last entertaining adventure was when we had 20 for dinner for my husband’s birthday while we were doing a whole house remodel — whole house, man! As in no sinks at all and an hastily re-installed toilet, after we tore the drywall out behind it. It was, by all accounts, a success, even though I cooked everything on the BBQ and an RV stove.
I am famous for my Red Beans and Rice. My recipe is from the cafeteria ladies at the LSU Student Union, who I called when I moved to California and was having severe withdrawals. “Aw, honey, it’s easy…” Delightful women.
We’ll be hosting our young adults sunday school class the first weekend in August. I’m already making plans and stressing out. This would be a great read indeed.
Wow–the title of the book says it all for me :( I really stuggle in this area…
I do not have a signature dish, but some things I have fixed more than once for guests would be: artichoke dip, crock pot macaroni and cheese, and a green salad that has dried cranberries, feta cheese, and homemade poppy seed dressing.
Actually, tonight the red-eye is taking my parents back to Atlanta. Since June 16, we’ve had three separate sets of house guests, a book club meeting, a 3rd of July cookout, and a birthday party for my younger son. That’s a LOT, especially given that I almost never entertain. And my house is messy. Really messy. I cleaned up a bit, but I chose not to strive for perfection. Perfection would have put me in an asylum four weeks ago. I finally embraced the fact that people are not going to like or dislike me based on the state of my home. I still need to let go a bit of the guilt — why on Earth should I carry guilt about the fact that I have piles of books and papers lying around when someone walks into my home? This book sounds like something I’d love, and I’d love to add it to my piles (after a good read, of course!).
We like to do brownies and lemonade and whatever else we have going on. But everyone likes lemonade and my hubby loves brownies, so that works for us! Lovely book!
OOhhhh, I’d love to win!!!!! been eyeing this for a while now!!
I always like to have something yummy for guests to munch on and my go to is a warm cheesy artichoke dip with sliced baguette. Super simple and super yummy.
This book sounds great!! I have struggled with this issue and the ensuing guilt from missed opportunities for hospitality through the years. I have always felt like my home was not large enough, not furnished/decorated enough, not clean enough, or that we lacked the funds for appropriate food. I have become convinced AND convicted that instead the point is for us to share out of what we have whether it is a PB&J and Kool-Aid or filet with all the trimmings! This year I have been stepping out of my comfort zone and having people over-even spur of the moment, most recently for the 4th. I would love a copy of this book to help me in the change!
My girlies have friends over right now, but since they aren’t my guests I’d have to say… I don’t know when, but soon. In all fairness we just moved in and I just saw the top of my kitchen table for the first time today.
My go to is trifle… lots and lots of trifle…
I would love to have a copy of this book. I have a large family and I am always looking for new things to do and try. I use to have a small house and get togethers were so hard because we did not have enough room. Now I have started using the outdoors also as an extra room.
We have people over often. The ones that come the most are our community group from church, and they’re here 2-3 times a month. We do a potluck dinner and all pitch in to bring something, and it makes life so much easier!
We will be having people over for our son’s first birthday in September!!! I have been somewhat obsessing over the “theme” for the party, but I must get this book so I can actually enjoy the reason for the celebration!
Jonah loves the show “Handy Manny”, so I have decided to do that as a theme. It will be fun to do, but I have a tendency to stress. Look forward to reading the book!
I love her blog as well as yours. I’ve been looking forward to this book!
I love to do a chuck roast with fresh carrots that bakes slow in a low oven for 5-6 hours. No work and a wonderful smell. Gives me time for the little things to make the evening special
First, I want to say, “YAY, Sandy!”
We tend to have quite a bit of overnight company, since we live a few hours from most of our family. I try to prepare some dessert and breakfast items ahead of time and tuck it into the freezer, so I don’t have to spend alot of time in the kitchen, to allow more time with my guests. I’m looking forward to my sister and her family staying here in a couple weeks. We don’t get to see eachother very often as they live in Egypt.
Ooh ooh! I think I’m over perfection for having guests because I had a girl (woman) and her kids over this afternoon and there is “stuff” in the foyer from two trips and two vehicle breakdowns. Yeah. We sure had a great visit, though! I love to make chili and cinnamon rolls (and I’m getting to be know for them since they are Pioneer Woman’s)!
I love our home, and I love to have people over. My problem is my over-analysis of what took place after the guests leave that leaves me reluctant to have more people over. Maybe this book would help me overcome that self doubt!
ooooh I want this book so badly! We have a lot of out-of-town relatives visit since we live 6 hours from both my husband’s family and my own. I’m expecting visitors next week. I use my slow cooker quite a bit, especially when folks are driving and I’m not sure when exactly they’re going to arrive. A standby is beef stroganoff, and I just throw the noodles on to boil when the guests arrive, slice up some bread, and stir the broccoli salad that’s been waiting in the fridge. Or…if they’re getting in late I’ll usually do a hot dip (like artichoke or conqueso in the slow cooker and a cold dip with cut fruit.–all make-ahead stuff that I can serve quickly with minimal fuss.
I just finished hosting three get-together in a two week span. I’m exhausted but it was so fun. I am known for my desserts. I love to bake and bake. So brownies, cupcakes, cake, cookies… it’s all there. My brother-in-law is a big fan of my sugar cookies. “Take a few home” to him usually means a dozen. Ha!
I love having company, but always stress myself if everything’s not perfect. This might just be the book for me!
Well, we are in the process of buying a new house and considering that closing keeps getting postponed, I have no idea when we will be entertaining next…but I love a good pot-luck dinner!
We are having friends over Sunday night to say thank you for watching our kids this week. We will be trying out our new house specialty – grilled pizza!
We entertain a lot. I love it. The more people, the better. Every year on Christmas Eve, we hold an open house, inviting all of our local family and friends to drop by. We get close to 100 people every year! (Amazing what a lazy day Christmas Eve is, people just wasting time until church services) Our summer entertaining is in full swing, utilizing our outdoor space. We’re kind of “known” for our carne asada and do a big Mexican spread. Everyone loves Mexican and it’s super easy just to put all the fixins out and let people do their own. The Pioneer Womans jalapeno/bacon thingies (that’s what she calls them!) are always a hit, so we’re kind of expected to have those on hand. Also on the menu, mojitos! I grow my own mint and my husband puts together a killer mojito. You should come over sometime! ; )
I’m having a few friends over on Sunday afternoon for a little Mary Kay party. Nothing says girlie like pink lemonade and some fresh summer fruit! :)
Yeah for Sandy!!!! So super excited or her! She is just so fabulous and I feel so honored that I have met her before too!! I love the bond you guys have and the awesome support you give each other! I’ll try for the win, but I will for sure be purchasing several copies of this book!!!
Not sure when the next big entertaining gig for me is….or small gig…I need to do it though!
How exciting…looks like a wonderful book! :-)
This summer we put an “above ground” up and are having lots of fun with family and friends…mostly family. We are stuck on grilled burgers and homemade ice cream. My favorite is Butterfinger!! We are having a blast!!
This summer we put up an “above ground”! Talk about letting go of perfectionism! We are having lots of impromptu parties and grilling burgers and making homemade ice cream. My favorite, Butterfinger! Such a fun time!
I love to have friends over! But I always turn into a crazy person trying to make everything perfect!! I always like to try things “outside” the norm. No nacho dip or wings at my shin-digs!
Very intimidated to have company over because our house still needs most every room painted and our beds out front are horrendous. Probably will have hubs youth group over next.
Wow, sounds like a fab book! I would totally love to get this. My go-to is homemade pizza and a hot cookies dough dish topped with ice-cream, chocolate sauce and whip cream. My husband and I we just talking about entertaining. Now that we are close to family again we would love to entertain more, but we sure do need some tricks up our sleeves!
I have a pool…so in the summer we have friends and family over all the time! I don’t have a go to dish unless it could be Snyder’s Pretzel Pieces in Hot Buffalo Wing flavor!
I would like to start having our church lifegroup over once a week rather than meeting at our current location.
This book would be a great help in teaching me what I need to learn.
I am having some friends over in the couple of weeks, and I am already starting to stress over it…I could really use this book! :)
Oh how I need this book. Need. When am I having people over next? Hmmm… *crickets chirping* … uhhh… see why I say “need”?? I love having people over, I’m just such a perfectionist that I don’t do it often enough. As for what I’m known for? Desserts, definitely.
I am about to do a 50th B’day party for my husband. Have done his 3oth and 40th and was going to have someone do the food but really could not afford it. I love the concept of this easy real entertaining and am going to do it myself again.
Would love to win!
The book looks wonderful! My favorite entertaining food is appetizers, and I have a few that I am known for – bacon & tomato dip served with warm baby potatoes boiled & tossed with a little olive oil; and, sundried tomato jam served with crackers & goat cheese. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!
Just found your blog yesterday – love it so far!!!
if i win this book, i will have people over this weekend. LOL my go-to is dessert- anything sweet :) but if i have to feed people real food i like to do hearty stuff- enchilidas, lasagna, ribs on the grill. eat, people!!
I need to have an open house because we’ve moved into a new place. Only I’ve been reluctant… I think you can guess why. (Because I need this book?)
We are having my niece and husband stay with us this weekend. I’m getting their room ready, but the rest of the house I’m just closing my eyes and hoping they won’t notice. We are getting new carpet in one room tomorrow and next week hardwood in another, so things are a bit of a mess!! I’m planning on grilling chicken for one meal and then using the leftover chicken to make wraps for another. And we have lots of tomatoes from the garden, so will have them. The book sounds wonderful.
With a new baby on the way, I won’t be entertaining any time soon, but…I am known for bringing Derby Pie to almost any function. So simple with only six ingredients (frozen pie crust, sugar, eggs, butter, vanilla, and chocolate chips), it is a great go to dessert, and people always ask for the recipe. The chocolate chips settle to the bottom while baking, making a delicious, gooey treat.
Sounds like a great book. Would love to have it. I always serve “Dump Cake” because it always turns out goood.
We are having friends over this weekend! The husby is smoking some ham and I’m sure The Pioneer Woman’s chocolate sheet cake will be on the menu! I can’t wait!
we will no doubt be having a few friends over for little miss’s 2nd birthday next week.
our stand by/ what we’re known for is lasagna with homemade sauce… my husband’s family is (1/2) Italian.
Oh gee have I needed this book! I break out into hives even thinking of having people over! I would love to have more people over but I never grew up in a very entertaining household and don’t know how to go about it…and with two kids under 3 in tow…I’m a complete waste! We are having some people over next weekend however and we’ll be starting to have people over every month or so to be more social…I sure could use this. My signature dish is filipino eggroll and I cut it up into bite size pieces for a little finger food with some sauce. Fitting since my hubby is filipino, huh? That’s about as fancy as I know how to get. Pick me! Please!
We bought our first house 5 years ago. FIVE!!! And for five years, I’ve looked for every reason NOT to have people come over…unless I was planning something big and had tons of time to make things as good as they could get and think of a new excuse for why things weren’t perfect. We are in the middle of remodeling our house (by ourselves!) and I can’t wait until it is done. My goal is to not have a problem when my girls ask to have a friend over, or not panic when someone knocks on the front door. I HOPE that I’ll be ready for anything. We put off our 4th of July BBQ because things weren’t good enough and I didn’t have time to make them that way. Our next get together is going to be an end of summer BBQ and maybe we’ll call it our housewarming party too. You know, 5 years later. My go-to dish for BBQs is a tuna pasta salad and roasted peppers with feta cheese. Simple. Delicious.
Oooh! I would love to read this book. Hopefully I could find some simple, practical, and inspiring ideas that would work in our apartment.
I am “known” for serving tea and coffee. It is quick and simple, and it is something I can physically do. Chatting over a hot cup of tea makes for a cozy, comfortable setting.
Right now we don’t have plans to have anyone over, but the soccer season is just starting…So,I am sure that coaches or one of the girl’s teams will be over. We, did just have friend over last weekend. My best friend from junior high and her family! They just maoved back from Germany! It was wonderful to see her and how big the kids have gotten over the years.
I am known for my hummus. All of my friends think I have a super secret recipe I delevoped for it but it’s just the hummus recipe from the Joy of Cooking (the Swiss Army Knife of cookbooks) with a little less lemon juice and a lot more garlic.
I had my husband’s relatives over for a Lady’s Brunch during our 4th of July family reunion. I started to stress because I wasn’t going to have the kitchen painted by the time they would be here and many of the picky ones haven’t seen the house. Fortunately my books as wallpaper bathroom wowed them enough for them to overlook my horrible kitchen walls. Or maybe it was the fresh peppermint I threw in the fruit salad on a whim that wowed them?
I love to entertain, but really stress about a perfect clean and decorated house. I usually go for brunch and make a couple kinds of quiches since I have an easy recipe i can make the night before.
I just discovered her blog, and it’s giving me confidence to get over all the things that aren’t finished around here and the kids things that seem to take over and the homeschool stuff that spills out of the cabinets… You get the idea. I want to quit making excuses and go ahead and have people over. As soon as my husband gets back in the country, we’ll be getting the calendar out and talking about who to invite first. If anybody feels the need to think or talk about how imperfect the pastor’s home it (GASP!) then so be it. They will know we are human, too. Or at the very least they will know that this pastor’s wife is too ADD to actually get projects completed.
My go to meal is crock-pot roast w/veges & rice. Maybe a nice salad. Definitely sweet tea!
We rotate hosting every Sunday dinner with 8 other families in our neighborhood. It can feel overwhelming hosting a large crowd, typically 16 adults + 14 kiddos and growing! However, the sense of community and the relationships that have developed has really been wonderful.
Oh my goodness I would love to win this book! We have been friends with a scientist for many many years and he just made professor at a university. He said this winter we are celebrating 25 yes of friendship at my house and the entire family is to come. I’ve never invited more than a couple of people over because I think the house is too small and not decorated perfectly. I think this book would give me great ideas to make this party a success!
My go-to meal is fajitas -beef and chicken. There is always something that everyone likes and the sides are the best (queso, guac, rice).
I just had friends over! Made delicious baked ziti… so easy and good! Then we had cookies (break and bake) smothered in icing. Hmmmm….
Also you’ll be proud to note that I had 15 people over for the Fourth without a kitchen floor (see blog)… remembering “It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful”
Thanks, Nester!
My stand-by tends to be creamy chicken breasts with a green salad. Congrats on the book Sandy! Beautiful endorsement Nester.
my “standby” meal is spaghetti and meatballs, french bread, and a yummy salad….most of the time i don’t get around to dessert..so i buy sherbert..put it in a cool little footed glass with a small cookie or wafer tucked into the side..and OH !…a big dollop of whip cream…and maybe a cherry if i happen to have one!……..it never fails…and i don’t stress….love it!
oh how i would love to win this book!!!
Homemade mac ‘n’ cheese is one of my standbys. Along with dumping a big bag of meatballs from Sam’s into a crockpot, covering it with jarred sauce, buying a big bag of bakery rolls at Sam’s and feeding an army. :) I love the lights on the deck idea…I might copy that on our new deck! And I would love to know, from the Blissdom picture…what kind of camera does Emily have? :)
I love to entertain on Sunday afternoons, after church. This Sunday, we have a group of 10 or so coming over to BBQ and share photos from a recent missions trip to Belize. I would love to win a copy of The Reluctant Entertainer’s new book! Thanks.
A gentleman who grew up in our 104-year-old home is coming to visit with his children. I’m a bit nervous for them to be “inspecting” our home but welcome the opportunity for this gentleman to have a time to reminisce and share with his family. Sandy’s book may relieve some of my anxiety but for now I will focus on making a connection with folks who want to share their father’s childhood memories with them.
We’ll be having family come visit in 2 short weeks. I could use some words of wisdom about entertaining with ease.
I am known for Buffalo Chicken Dip. I am often asked for my recipe and though I do give it out, I sometimes am reluctant to share it. After all, it’s MY dip!
I’m having about 30 people over in 2 weeks for one of my boy’s b-day party. I am usually a nervous wreck with people coming over, but I LOVED your comment that it’s about the CONNECTION and not the perfection! Words to live by in SO many areas of life!!! : )
I actually just had a bunch of people over in May for my daughter’s 1st communion. My main food standby has always been turkey wraps – flatout bread, veggie cream cheese, turkey, cheese, lettuce & tomato. Everyone always loves them and they’re super easy to make!
I find the best get togethers are the last minute ones. Sometimes the anticipation of preparing for guests overshadows the purpose…. fellowship.
We’re having out of town relatives visit us from Florida. I want to be able to have a nice dinner party without being too stressed out from preparing food and cleaning house. Maybe the book will help me, since I tend to go overboard on fancy menus and decorations. If I don’t win this book, I’m going to ask for it at Christmas or my birthday!
When I have people for dinner I serve salmon baked in parchment paper with rice and lots of vegies on the side. I don’t entertain as much as I used to. I need to start again. Maybe this book will inspire me to begin.
I’m the one that brings the healthy food to the party! I love having people over but always aim for perfection and it stresses me out. I’d love to see Sandy’s tips on just doing it and making it work – under less than perfect circumstances!
We live at a summer camp and conference center. For the next two weeks, we’ll be having folks over nearly EVERY night for games and conversation. A lot of popcorn is going to be popped at our house!
We never really have people over. We live in an out of the way place, so I always feel like its a pain for people to drive all the way up in the mountains to see us. However, I really, really would like to have a big get together at my house before school starts back.
The book looks like something I not only want to read, but something I NEED to read. Because the title sums me up to a tee.
I ALWAYS make a pumpkin dessert. I figure dessert is easier if there are just a few ingredients I always keep on hand and canned pumpkin is ALWAYS one of them!
I love making peanut butter cream pie. Everyone loves it and it’s not hard to make!
My stand-by dessert is a recipe from when I was growing up…Amish Apple Pie!
I am known for my green bean bundles but have never felt super confident about entertaning!
One of my fave go-to desserts is PW’s Apple Dumplings~absolutely amazing!! I plan to have the moms from my homeschool group over soon and I’ve never made this for them. I think I should:)
I am that excuse-making woman you referred to in your endorsement of the book. My house is never clean enough and don’t get me started on the yard…I clearly need this book. But I do love having friends over. If it is summertime, we always grill and I serve 7 layer dip and chips. Everyone loves 7 layer dip. In the winter, I love to serve chili with lots of toppings–no stress!
OK, so I am guilty, too, of waiting until my house is “perfect” until we have folks over. My husband and I are in the middle of a serious overhaul on an older home, and haven’t had friends over in months. But after reading your post, I think we’ll just have to have a grill out/porch night soon with friends! I would love to read the rest of the book!
We have people over a lot. Since my hubby is a pastor and we are planting a new church here, we like to connect with everyone as much as possible.
I, too find myself getting a little frazzled at times. I would LOVE this book!!
Our “thing” is a fish fry featuring fried tilapia, my homemade cornbread, cheese grits and chocolate trifle (if there’s room left for dessert).
Taco bar!!!
So here’s the funny thing. I’m known for my mint brownies…despite the fact that I don’t even like them. If I was going to pick something to be known for, it would not be that! But I made them once and then people started asking for them every time. CRAZY!!
I don’t have any plans to have people over at the moment, but I guess I’m “known” for smoked/bbq’d salmon and pizza. Whenever we have a party those are the two things that I know people will love and I can crank out with very little hands on time. Of course I love having people over so I can experiment with new stuff and have guinea pigs to help me eat it all!
People always want my salsa or my guacamole if we are talking appetizers. But for a main dish I would either say my pecan coated chicken fingers or my lemon chicken pasta. Both big faves with everyone!
Hoping to win!!
We had friends over last night and don’t have another event scheduled. I should do that…this book looks great.
We just cancelled our neighborhood porch party because I couldn’t get it all together in time. I would love this book to help me organize myself and reschedule the porch party! My faithful standby dish I am known for are my homemade baked beans. I take them to every BBQ and they are always a huge success!
We have college tour groups in our church frequently and we love to have them over our house for dinner. A favorite meal we serve is chicken fajitas and all the toppings. A new favorite topping I’ve recently added is homemade guacamole. So easy and soooo good. And don’t forget the homemade (not from a box:) brownies and berry cobbler topped with icecream!
My oldest daughter is turning 12 so we will likely be having our family over to celebrate. We just had our kitchen countertops redone so that will be fun to celebrate too; in our old house we always have a project going. I would love to read this book; my mother passed away a few months ago and she was a wonderful hostess and loved entertaining. I wish her confidence in this area had been inherited by me! Maybe this book can inspire me as a wife and mother of 4 kids to open my home more even though she isn’t here to help me anymore and it never seems the house is “perfect” for hostessing:)
This book looks fabulous and I’d love to have it! My faithful standbys for company are baked spaghetti for a meal or banana pudding if it’s just dessert.
Oh my I don’t think I want to chance it, thinking I could possibly win. I might just HAVE to go buy her book! I am her follower and came over here to visit from her blog! I am having my family over on Sunday, I am known for my double chocolate brownies and for my green bean casserole which are stand-bys! I like the sounds of your yummy ooze cake though, we had something on a cruise ship one time like that and would love to know how to make it!!! Love your blog and your wonderful pictures and am glad I came by to visit!
Wow, sounds like this book was written for me! I love connecting with friends but stress waaaaay too much about everything needing to be perfect before they come and while they are here that I don’t take the time to truly enjoy it. Sometimes just the thought of inviting people over exhausts me because I know I will work myself up and worry that my house isn’t clean enough or that I don’t know what food to prepare.
I can always fall back on my baked stuffed shells and I always have a fresh fruit platter that everyone loves. We had friends over twice this week and will have more next week. Can’t wait to see the book!
We seem to always be the ones to go somewhere, instead of having people over, even with family. I do always worry about what people with think when they come over, and if I am “doing it right.” I tend to make chili when we have company. But we haven’t had company in a year, so I am not sure! Boy could I use this book!
I have a few weeks till August but we have friends and family coming through all month. It should be tons of fun.
I’m known for my banana bread and lasagna roll ups. Super simple, easy to make and 30 min bake time. Perfect to freeze and pull out for a guest that just dropped by.
We just had company this evening! We will be having company again the week after next for my hubby’s birthday. My go-to dish is either Cream Cheese Bars or Avocado Feta Salsa. I make those two dishes for everything because they are amazingly delicious & look like you spent a lot of time on them ;)
We have 3 little ones birthdays coming up in the next 2 months, and will be having everyone to our new home that we moved into 1 month ago. Stressful…especially since they all stay for the weekend now that we live so far away! This book would be a great blessing :)
We are having MANY people over on August 13 for my daughter’s wedding reception in our backyard. I have been very much a reluctant entertainer due to fear of perfection. What a fabulous idea for a book!
I’m planning and hosting and info meeting on how to be frugal and don’t want to stress over my home looking like I SHOP frugally…this would be a complete answer to prayer!
I would love to have a copy of this! I am known for always having cupakes.
We never have people over because I always want a Martha Stewart production and I never want to go through all the junk to get there. Sounds like this book is exactly what I’m needing.
My stand-by for summer cookouts is always my Mama’s Potato Salad and BBQ chicken on the barbie and Rootbeer Floats. How easy is that? I’m so proud of Sandy and CAN NOT wait to get my hands on a copy!
I am having people over tomorrow night for a “candle” party. I love to make a simple but moist coconut cake. Use any white cake mix and bake the two layers. Frost it with 2 cups GRANULATED White sugar, 2 cups sour cream and a big bag of flaked coconut that is all folded in together and allowed to “gell” for about 1/2 hour. The cake will be very moist.
This cake is best if it is cooled and eaten on the second day after it all really soaks in. I tell you, it totally beats a complicated coconut cake recipe where you have to grate fresh coconut!
Jill F.
You have a beautiful blog yourself! =) Sandy is so authentic and wonderful! I cannot wait to see this book!!! You bloggers are pretty amazing and gifted!
I am SO looking forward to winning ;) (or purchasing) this book! You are right it does look beautiful.
My specialty/stand by is something I call “Aunt Granny Jackie’s Homemade Chicken salad”. I giggle everytime I get an invite to a shower, be it bridal or baby. Because I usually get called shortly by the hostess saying “the bride/mom” really wants to know if you will make your chicken salad.” How can I say no?
The next gathering in our home is July 21st. We recently moved and we are having an ice cream social in order to meet our new neighbors. We are also inviting our “old” neighbors so that they can see the house and not feel forgotten. We had invitations printed and plan on walking around the neighborhood tomarrow and handing them out. Jest of invite…”we will provide the ice cream, you bring your favorite topping and a lawn chair”. Did I mention we still have a zillion and one boxes to unpack…maybe one of them will feel sorry for me and unpack a few!
I love having friends over but doing so always seems to create arguments about expectations with my better half! I think this could be a great book for hubby and I to read together and be inspired to entertain easily! I’ll definitely check this out.
Oh my goodness, I need this book. This is so me! I was just out today thrifting for serve ware and dishes, so that one day I can begin to entertain. I look forward to reading this book whether I win or not.
i scrolled through all the comments and already forgot what i was supposed to answer. =) oh! go-to standby meal w/guests … has to be my feta/bacon stuffed chicken breasts, or my ‘tex mex’ concoction.
i would so love to read this book!!
thanks,
emily
I’m known for my smoothies with soy milk and fruit – they taste great and are perfect for the summertime when entertaining.
i just looked at my husband and said “you won’t mind ordering the book i’ve been waiting for would you? The Reluctant Entertainer has finally been published!” of course he knew this was coming. i have a wonderful friend that works at our local book store and she is always on top of things. between blogging and facebook we are always ready to get the knews of what we’ve been waiting for. as for me and my family i’m known to make a really yummy dessert for the main attraction! this really flips people out. but, they never go home hungry! however, should i make a true meal its always MY spaghetti. i always make my own sauce and i can make it go a long way! i have to say a big THANK YOU for putting me more at ease as i share my home with others. i can’t wait to have my copy. and if i’m lucky enough to win a copy i’ll be able to give the one my husband has just purchased as a gift.
Oops, forgot to add in my info first – but I love to make soy milk smoothies with fruit and serve them when entertaining!
I have just recently gotten over my uncertainty about hosting because things aren’t perfect. My next guests will be in the next few weeks and include friends from my daughter’s preschool and a neighbor I recently met. I would love to win this book and learn how to better serve others through hospitality.
My bloggy friend Ruthanne is visiting me from Arkansas next week along with her kidlets. My standby menu usually involves the grill so we’ll have fajitas one day and bbq ribs the next. It’s so easy to just throw a slab of meat on the grill and make a few sides ahead of time. I think I’m going to order that book- if I win, I can give a copy away! I especially like your term “gentle”.
I have barely enough room for my family in this house, let alone inviting people over! But we will be moving in about 4 months, so I will be having an AWESOME house warming to make up for 2 years of pretty well zero entertaining. (Except for a pretty kicker 3rd birthday party for my daughter)
I’m well known for my Cauliflower au Gratin. My 2 brothers (one of whom is a CHEF…talk about a compliment) have told me I am NEVER to invite them to dinner unless this is on the menu.
I have a tiny, tiny house. We have a “Couch and Snack”. But I decided not to let that stop me from entertaining people who are in need. We have had people stay over night and use our air mattresses and we’ve gathered around our card table on the couch, a beach chair and an office chair. We will have the privilege of having a former student stay with us again, so we will have dinner and then take her to the airport the next morning. I haven’t made desserts in a long time, but one of the easiest for me (esp. since I don’t like to cook or bake) is a bundt cake. Old fashioned, but it works and gives you a lot of portions. This book sounds great. HOPE I WIN!
WOW! This is SOOOO me and therefore I SOOOO need this book! I was just thinking recently that we *never* have anyone over -though I would love to – because my house is not “done”. Three years I’ve been saying that. Gosh, how much have I missed out on because I was worried about my unsightly wallpaper?! (or the kids toys *everywhere* and dog hair all over the carpet?) We are now going tomorrow night to find out how to set up a LifeGroup with our church, to meet here in our home weekly and fellowship…no matter what it looks like!
What a wonderful book! I love to entertain and I used to stress like mad over it and would just not do it, but now I’ve realized that my real friends (who I love to have over) don’t care that my shelves are dusty or if there are shoes piled up in the front entry. We entertain about 1-2 times a month. During the World Cup, we had people over about 3 times a week (for a solid month) to watch the games and hang out. It was so much fun. Our next big party is Indy’s 8th b-day (2 weeks!) and then 2 weeks after that I’m hosting my book club with a tea party, since we’re reading Persuasion, by Jane Austen. I could so use this book!
Nester, I laughed when you wrote about the people on House Hunters – no one *ever* says they want a really small kitchen because they hate having people over.
I am a reluctant entertainer. I am trying to get better. My goal is to entertain at least once a month. So far, I’m 50/50 for the year.
The only “dish” I make/am known for is sausage dip:
1 roll of Jimmy Dean sausage (regular – I think it’s a pound, but I’m not sure)
1 brick of cream cheese (the real stuff, not light or low fat)
1 can Rotel (diced tomatoes, medium spice)
1. brown and drain meat (break it up like hamburger meat)
2. put cream cheese and Rotel in crock pot
3. add browned meat
4. heat on low
Serve with King size or Scoop style Fritos.
This recipe is easy to double or even triple for large crowds. It is so easy and everyone LOVES it. It is also great for breakfast the next day. Seriously.
It’s shameful, I know, but we have been putting off a family get-together because I’m so stressed out about everything having to be perfect that I just can’t do it! I need to get this book so I can get over it and enjoy the company! What a great idea for a book. :)
I like to make fresh salsa and chips when we have people over. We’re going to try to invite some neighbors over in 3 weeks after we get back from vacation. I would LOVE a copy of this book!
Boy would I love a copy of this book- It would so inspire me to”Let go and Let God” take contol of my insecurity around the whole entertaining thing. I love people and so want to be relaxed to just open up my home to others ,However that old self doubt rears it’s ugly head and I chicken out.
However I do love to share wonderful goodies outside my home with family and friends- known for my yummy cheeseball, cold veggie pizza and assorted church coffeetime treats.
I so want to get over my hang-ups and have a home where the WELCOME ,COME ON IN sign truly means that. Thanks both of you for this wonderful opportunity.
Cathy- cscheerer4@hotmail.com—- In Ontario. Canada
I would love a copy of this book. Awesome! I am just known for bringing desserts in general. I have many I love to make. Probably the one that is most loved is an easy dish called “Lemon Lust”. Oh my yummy!
Did you really say CHOCOLATE OOZE CAKE and then NOT give the recipe?? OH NO YOU DIDN’T!!!!!!
We just had friends come for lunch and stay for dinner, the night and breakfast. It was a wonderful visit even though my family was jetlagged having just returned from Asia. We are having a family we met in Asia here in a few weeks. I do enjoy entertaining.
I cook a variety of meals if it is breakfast baked oatmeal is a favorite.
This book sounds great! I have a group of friends (2 couples) and we always have get togethers at each other’s homes. Sometimes it’s a theme dinner. I
am often requested to make my flourless chocolate torte. It’s so rich and yummy (and don’t tell anyone – but easy too!)
We’re having people over tomorrow — the youth pastor at our church and her husband who are expecing their first baby in a few weeks. At first I was really trying to come up with something new and creative (I have a BAD habit of using the worst opportunities to test out new foodie ideas). Now, however, we’re going simple and well known. Ribs, caesar salad and grilled potatoes.
Sandy is right – it really is about the connections and relationships. But I could use a book like this!
Well, as a matter of fact, I have people at my house right now!! Missionaries to Haiti (my husband’s cousin and his family) were with us all day yesterday, last night and are leaving today. My husband is a pastor so we have people in our home frequently. Oh how I’d love to read this new book!!
We’re having my husband’s family over next week for a long weekend. I’m incredibly stressed because this is their first visit to our new home. I’m trying to convince myself that they won’t notice that we’ve only scraped the popcorn ceilings in half the house.
We have on overnight guest right now. We’re having dinner guests next week to celebrate my son’s birthday. I love having people here. I’m training my children to be practices of hospitality. To me, there is no better way that lots of guests.
I love Sandy’s blog-always encouraging and inspiring!
We are having a big party to celebrate my daughter’s baptism this Sunday…this post came along at just the right time. I am trying to forget about the fact that I can’t find new curtains for our family room in time and that people really won’t notice or care!
we make a mean chocolate chilp cookie that is “expected”…but we are also known to throw a box of brownies together and that is “good enough”. Sometimes we put the older girls in charge of making a box of brownies.
chocolate. ooze. cake. and no recipe?????!!!!! no holding out on us!!!
Especially since having my daughter, I value the gift of easy entertaining. I don’t want to be slaving over a hot stove while I could be enjoying the company of friends & family. I want to be a Mary and not a Martha!!
It depends on who I am hosting … If my nephews, then must go with CrockPot Chicken Nachos. It can cook all day and leave us to play in the pool or explore the zoo. If adultish people, I love having them over to make homemade pizza … you can gourmet it up with rosemary in the crust and all kinds of fun grown-up toppings such as alfredo, spinach, red pepper & red onion (just. say. yum.); salami, green pepper & banana peppers (the hubs loves this one), tomato cream sauce, ham & chicken (for a cordon bleu); BBQ & fresh pineapple (Hawaiian) … this is a good option because we have quite a few friends who are vegetarian so everyone gets the pizza they want without having to compromise. Plus you have the fellowship of having everyone in the kitchen piecing together their own masterpiece and making fun of everyone else’s topping choices!
Either way you slice it, entertaining is awesome. We regularly host small group studies in our homeeach week, but the next BIG event is at the end of the month when ALL the nieces and nephews from the hubs side of the family invade.
Beef brisket is my old stand by. It’s easy to make and everyone always seems to like it. Unless we have a vegetarian friend over! Then we’ll go with tacos or something with lots of toppings and choices, so everyone can make their own – meaty or meatless! Would love to have Sandy’s book – I could use some “gentle” encouragement on how to be more hospitable!
The next time I’m having people over?…..well not until I do something with my bathroom, I hate the countertop and the house hasn’t been dusted since summer arrived and the garden needs to be weeded and……maybe I need to get the book first! :+)
Oh, what a wonderful looking book!
I love to do anything I can make ahead. With three small children (okay, I actually haven’t had ANY guests since the birth of our third), I hate to have anything “last minute” that needs to be done. A favorite of ours is a chicken and sausage gumbo, or anything on the grill. In a pinch, we’ve definitely brought home a $10 pizza from Costco and fed an army.
We love to have people over, especially in the summer when our schedules are so much more relaxed. The children play in the backyard, and we grill out. I love grilling marinated flank steak and putting out all the fixin’s for fajitas, including homemade flour tortillas. For dessert, I like to keep it simple–fresh, seasonal fruit with angel food cake and whipped cream–yummy!
Hmmm, I don’t really have a dish. Definitely be something store bought. Next time someone will be over to my house will be Thanksgiving.
I’m a single mom and have been reluctant in inviting anyone over because we’re renting a small duplex and things not being like I dream they could be. Don’t get me wrong, I’m so proud of my two kids and I love being a Mom! We’ve just been hesitant to invite others into our little corner. We’ve made every excuse from I need to pull weeds to I’m not sure if there are enough places to sit. I think I’ve just about mustered up the courage. I want to have two separate events, one is that I would like to invite a few of my relatives over because I am proud of what I’ve accomplished and would like to show them that we’re doing great. I would also like to invite some of my close friends over just for a fun games night. My tasty dish would be a Texas Sheet Cake.
What a great book! We don’t have anything set in stone, but we are due for BBQs with friends over the next few weeks, which I have – honestly – been putting off because I have projects in the house I have been trying to wrap up. I could use some entertaining encouragement!
I do a ton of family hosting because I enjoy it but also because my oldest son has severe food allergies and Celiac Disease. I find it’s easier to have everyone over so I have access to all of his foods. Because of this I am really good at making main dishes ahead of time because most of my son’s foods need to be made fresh so I can focus on his meal while warming everything else up. Because I have 3 kids, a husband and a job, my house is never perfect. In fact my carpet grosses me out but I only have so many years with my kids home and I want them to remember always having friends and family and love around.
I don’t really have people over. Oh my that sounds so sad. It is so much work and I always worry about the food. Its just too much. It gives me a headache.
Isn’t it funny how we all think it has to be perfect to have people over … but we never think anything about visiting someone where it is less than perfect.
I believe that if someone is coming and is looking for dust bunnies, that they should find dust bunnies … that is obviously what their visit is about …. but if they are coming to visit me …. then that is what they get.
Happy entertaining.
I am most comfortable cooking a traditional Southern chicken pie with mashed potatoes. Pioneer Woman’s pot roast is quickly advancing into my comfort zone too!
I just ‘uninvited’ a friend over because we were in the middle of painting rooms and the house was a wreck. Shame on me! I will never have a Southern Living/Pottery Barn/Name-Your-Favorite Catalog-looking home with twins and a full-time job. I’ve GOT to get over the worry about what everything looks like. Help!
Don’t remember how I found the Reluctant Entertainer blog/newsletter, but have enjoyed reading it for some months now, have shared it with others by email and shared Sandy’s recipes. She’s inspiring me to want to “step-out-of-my box” and try inviting people over more.
I would love to win a copy of her book, but the tip about it being discounted on Amazon is great, too. I believe it will makes some nice gifts.
Your blog is nice and I enjoyed reading today.
Bobbie
My go to dish is my Chili with all the fixin’s…I make and serve it in my crockpot.
Fixin’s include garden fresh chilis(several different kinds), onions, green, red & orange peppers, tomatoes, avocados, sour cream, different shredded cheeses, chopped cilantro, hot sauce. I also put out small bags of chips for “walking tacos,” and lettuce for “Taco salads.” It’s easy and frugal.
Thanks for the great giveaway!
I always entertain at Thanksgiving and Christmas, a once a month brunch for some girls from church, but need to do more spontaneous dinners…love Sandy’s ideas and encouragement!
We actually close on our first house next week and I’m so excited to finally have room to have more than 2 people over at a time. I make a pretty mean meatloaf… Thanks for the chance to win a copy!!
What a wonderful giveaway, I would love to have this book As for me and our family, we usually don’t plan get together s unless it is a holiday or special event, most time the invites I make are spontaneous. Which I truly like. As for a favorite menu item, I would say it would be my baked beans. They are ALWAYS asked for and super easy and fast. That is my kind of entertaining. This way I have more time for my friends and family.
August is my dreaded month for company. Not that I dread the company but the many things that I think I must accomplish by then. My 8 year old son is getting his black belt in Tae Kwon Do and I want to invite family anf friends over to help him celebrate. Oh, what to do? Can you tell I really NEED this book?
I am hosting a bridal shower this evening for a co-worker. I had to give up my perfectionism yesterday and remind myself it’s about spending time with her and honoring her, not about my flowerbeds being weeded,or all my projects completly done. Relationships are what is important not the state of my house. So with that said I am serving chicken salad sandwhiches and black joe cupcakes, they never miss!!!
We just had company leave this week. I think the next round is due August 21! This sounds like a great book.
We love having people over and I’m known for serving up some extremely fattening Paula Dean dessert. Two sticks of butter and a pound of sugar with anything has to be good right?
My husband is a youth pastor, so kids in the house is a normal, non-stressful experience. It’s when we invite grown ups into our home (like our pastor & his wife lastl night) that I become a bit neurotic about cleaning, preparing, and presentation. I think I could really use a bit of the perspective Sandy’s book offers!
I NEVER have company over unless it is family. I was brought up in a very strict home where everything had to be spotless. Consequently, as an adult, I still don’t feel my home is nice enough to have company. Even if I don’t win the book, I am definitely buying it. Maybe it will set me free!
You were very brave to have company over and not worry about only having one window panel up and the walls not being completely painted. You are a very brave soul! I could never have done that!
On the other hand, I am known for the delicious lasagna and macaronni and cheese I make. Whenever we have family gatherings I am always asked to make both dishes.
God Bless,
Ana
Hello! In colder weather I like making chicken paprika and carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. In warm weather I prefer making big bowls of salad for people to help themselves (Greek salad, warm chicken salad with honey and walnut dressing, goats’ cheese salad and so on).
I LOVE having people over and it doesn’t matter if every little thing is perfect, I have frames on the wall with no photos in them! BUT – I do stress about it…I think I need this book to learn the calm and gracious side of entertaining! My old standby to cook is always rotelle dip or little wieners (which isn’t really cooking) but everyone knows when they come over I’ll have those two standby’s on the table! Thanks for the giveaway!
Since we moved from FL to the mountains of NC almost two years ago we have had a steady stream of house guests from June thru October. Last summer there was not a week during that time when we didn’t have company at least one night. I’ve simply “let go” of high housekeeping standards and embraced lower ones :) My retired husband is a gardener plus we have a black lab who stays by his side. So between garden dirt and dog hair, there’s always a mess going on! But our guests don’t care because they get to help in the garden and eat fresh veggies at every meal! We want to share our leisurely lifestyle with our guests so they leave here refreshed and relaxed. (I do like your idea of stringing lights around your patio and I think I’ll rehang our white Christmas lights on our deck for a more festive look year-round!) I’m sure this book has MANY great ideas and I look forward to either winning it or purchasing it :)
guacamole and homemade chips!
We are having guests for dinner Sunday and I’m making fried chicken. My old standby is usually roast because it’s so tender, and I make mean homemade dinner rolls. This book was made for me! I hesitate to have people over because our house is small and unfinished. But it’s the people we need to connect with, not the stuff.
My girls and I are planning a tea party/brunch for some of our friends. My go-to for tea party fare is cucumber sandwiches.
Tomorrow, and just for burgers! Love the idea we don’t need perfection to entertain!
I’m having people over next week!! Can you rush it over?? thanks!
Just one – Sunday for a week! A chocolate eclair cake that everyone loves.
I’m hosting a VBS planning meeting this morning in my home…in one hour actually! There will be 6 women and their children. We’ll be enjoying one of my go-to recipes for things like this…Honey Bun Cake!
I am having ‘in-house’ guest from Aug 4th thru Aug 16th. Yikes, a long time right? I am stressing a little bit over the length of hosting time this requires. However, the fact that they are coming and spending their vacation with us is very special to me. (time taken off of work to be with us) I make a dessert called Dump Cake that always pleases. (and people wouldn’t believe how simple it is to make-you just dump in the ingredients) I have found a few ‘new’ recipes out there in blog-land that I want to try while they are here. Maybe I should do a trial run on hubby to make sure. I would love one of Sandy’s books. Thanks for the give-a-way opportunity. Blessings, Cherri
i’m having houst guests RIGHT NOW! in the house we moved into just a month ago! and they are our fourth set of guests since the move. it has been a bit stretching for me but i’m learning to focus on the people and our time together, not how clean/decorated my house is. learning. :) it’s a process.
Thanks for sharing the book. I had a credit at Amazon so I ordered. Can’t wait to read it.
Wow — you hit the nail on the head, Nester. I love the idea of entertaining, but I am always so strangled by the imperfections of my home that it’s hard to actually have people over — you know, no furniture in the living room, the white tile floor that I can never seem to keep clean, doggy noseprints and kiddie fingerprints on the windows. We’re having guests over TOMORROW and I have been freaking out all week about it. Somehow, ENTERTAIN and RELAX never seem to be in the same book, let alone the same sentence. I think I need this book…
I don’t have people over as often as I’d like – mostly because we are very short on seats around here!
But I’m working on fixing that, one re-do at a time.
I definitely don’t have people over as much as I’d like to if I had more confidence. As for my “known by” / “go to” menu item – that would have to be “chicken chili” – so easy just 5 ingredients and so flavorful!
This book sounds so perfect!! A constant reminder that I do NOT need to have it all together BEFORE entertaining. My aunt, uncle and cousin are coming from 18 hours away to stay a couple days with us next week. I can’t wait for them to see our new house, but mostly I can’t wait to see them!!
We have friends staying with us this weekend! So great! (And my house is def.in.itely not perfect. Also, my staple is probably chocolate-chip brownies, made from scratch. Three sticks of butter and six eggs in one pan. I’m almost salivating right now.
Actually, we’re having guests tonight due to a sickness last night and they decided they couldn’t come. They were willing to “reschedule” at last minute, and try for tonight.
That’s cool!!
I love Sandy at Reluctanct Entertainer. I haven’t met her personally, but she feels like a kindred spirit… down to earth… right there with the rest & best of us.
Even, if I don’t win… I know how to get my hands on her book. And, I would be one blessed “owner”, too. Thank you, Sandy, for such a generous giveaway. May God continue to bless you and yours!
I really like making a strawberry pie when we have people over. It’s easy, fresh, and so yummy! Although the last couple times I made it it didn’t set right, it was still very good!
We have always had a busy house full of guests, especially in the summer. But this summer, my husband starts cancer treatments…I know this will mean lots of impromptu visits, many from people who have never seen our home. As a recovering OCDer, this stresses me out. I think this book, while not written for this specific occurrence, probably holds many little nuggets of wisdom that will help me RELAX and make my guests feel welcome whether they drop in for five minutes or a weekend stay.
Well, my 50th birthday party is coming up. I am a “reluctant entertainer,” but I do want to celebrate with my friends at a w(h)ine party. he he
I’d love to be encouraged and inspired with this book!
I’m a pastor’s wife and we try to have families from the church over at least twice a month. My go-to dinner is a teriyaki Pork Tenderloin and Swiss Chocolate Pound cake for dessert.
My husband would have people over all the time if he could. I, on the other hand am always telling him the house isn’t ready. It seems as though we always have a project going on that just makes it not a good time. In two weeks he would like to have my son’s soccer team and parents here for a pool party. Maybe this book would help me to calm down just a little?! The only thing I have planned for menu as of yet is PW’s Chocolate Sheet Cake. I’m trying to deny it’s all happening!
I love how your house looks warm and inviting compared to your neighbor’s house in that last picture, even if you just tossed up white lights.
I need to check out that book when it ends up at the library. I have an Excel spreadsheet a mile long that we must do before we can entertain in our backyard. I need to get over that and start inviting people over to enjoy all the hard work that we have done.
Grilling is usually my go to food. Chocolate sheet cake or cookies for dessert. Looks like a great book! I would love to have it.
Grillin’ steaks!
Next weekend a close college friend and her family are coming to stay with us for the weekend. I haven’t seen her in 4 years, and she just battled cancer last year. I have a 6 yo, 3.5 yo and a 3 month old, and the house won’t be perfect. It will be toy-strewn, there will be dust, there will be dog hair. But our kids will play together, we’ll catch up on old times, and life will be good. Memories will be made.
I love to entertain… with the busy schedules our 3 children have, it seems the only entertaining I have been doing is for teenagers and preteens! :) fun though…
would love to win this book~
We’re actually having family over for my grandfather’s 90th birthday. Five generations all together! No, the house won’t be perfectly clean, I have kids…
And, as always, I will burn something. But I will have family there to help me fix it and getting together with family is what’s important.
My go-to food item for entertaining is Ciabatta bread. In a day and age where most people don’t make homemade bread I can look like a super star with very little work!! This 4 ingredient bread literally takes 1 minute to mix up and then sits on it’s own for 5-12 hours rising and then I just dump it on my baking sheet and 20 minutes later we’ve got freshly baked bread.
This is the book of my dreams. I used to NEVER invite people over because I hated my house. (In retrospect, it was nice but never measured up to the new houses and custom curtains, etc) After finding your site, I’ve learned it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful! In fact, a friends house I feel most at ease in, is my friend with 4 kids who always has baskets of laundry but always welcomes me with a warm coffee mug.
My latest stress is having a large party with mulitple groups of people. New neighbors, old neighbors, family and friends. I’m stressing because they don’t know each other and I will have to run around and make conversation and won’t enjoy my own party. Help!
We love grilling but are so sick of hot dogs and hamburgers. We like to grill chicken and pineapple skewers for kids and for the adults it’s grilled rockfish and crab dip. We live on the Eastern shore.
No plans for company until this fall, but please count me in anyway! :)
I will be having my cousin and her family stay the weekend with us the first weekend in August. It’s always so nice to see them. But, I do struggle with making sure the house looks perfect and the menu is complete before I have people over. I try to go with the flow but it’s a work in progress. Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi Amy! Same here … I try to be somewhat organized, and it does take work. It just doesn’t happen. But when I can’t do this, learning how to “go with the flow,” has been freeing for sure!
Thanks for sharing!
Sandy
RE
I need to get back into a mindset of hospitality – it’s been a long time since we had anyone over. We love to open our home to others, but lately I haven’t had the energy to do things ‘just right’ because of chronic illness – i need to learn to accept ‘good enough’ and just do it! I’ll be looking for this book!
Hi Heather, I agree with you. It is a mindset. I find once I get in the groove, it becomes much easier. Thanks for sharing!
Sandy
RE
looking forward to using fresh ideas for my husbands birthday in august. his summer birthday is typically a pool party/bbq.
We love to have people over! I try not to stress about it, my house is usually a little untidy (I have three boys too :) so why try to “fake” it! We’re having family over for the day on Sat and I am so excited. I love connecting and hanging out with guest.
Jaime, join the club — untidy house! I try, but it is what it is when the guests arrive. Yeah for being real! :)
Sandy
RE
I don’t entertain much. Maybe I need a book like this to encourage me to embrace entertaining.
I love to make my “Dump Cake”. It’s easy, delisious, and has a hint of curiosity to it. It’s always a big hit and GONE!
We’re having people over in early August to celebrate my hubby’s b-day. I’m known for making different kinds of chocolate, and chocolate covered pretzels…delish!
I’m planning a girls night in with wine and cheese when we get back from vacation. I usually stress over making every little detail perfect, so this book would be a welcome addition to my home library!!
This book sounds fabulous and I can’t wait to read it! We lived in a beautiful 3500 square foot home, decorated nearly to perfection, with a floor plan designed for hosting the perfect party. We invited friends and family over all of the time! Then, my husband lost his job. We added to an already over-burdened debt load. He took a new job in another state and we packed up each and every dish, treasure, and trinket and moved it into a tiny two-bedroom duplex, where our upright piano and dining table now share a crammed corner of the living room. Both sets of our family have visited us in our new digs already. We had to pull the dining table out into the middle of the room and set it with cheap plates we bought at Wal-mart and worn-out, mismatched silverware. We have yet to find our nice dishes in the boxes piled in the garage and I believe there’s no hope of finding my beautiful serving dishes out there. We’re using hot pink and lime green plastic bowls from the dollar store. We are slowly making new friends in our new state, but have yet to have anyone over. In addition, we are striving to get out of debt in one year’s time, so we will not be moving from this tiny duplex any day soon. I will have to let go of the perfection – we’re gonna be here awhile! The conditions are far from ideal for entertaining. Yet, I was moved by what you said: “The art of hospitality is about connection, not perfection.” I’m giving myself two weeks to invite a new family over for dinner. Here’s to authentic connection through plastic serving bowls and mismatched silverware! No pretense here!
terra, I love that!
Terra, I’d love to hear how your dinner party goes! Take pictures!!
Sandy
RE
My husband is the asst pastor of our church, and we live on the property. There are ALWAYS people here working, so between 3-5 nights a week, we have company. Yes, it can be stressful, but the fellowship is more important to us than the lack of perfection. I try to prepare things that are more “buffet” style..tacos, sandwiches, etc.
I am known for taking the same thing whenever we are invited over for dinner-Mac and Cheese. I must say it is good though!
This sounds like an amazing book, I am putting it on my amazon wishlist right now! I love it!
My go-to recipe is a Mexican dip… all you do is layer some cream cheese, canned chili, salsa, and cheese, heat it up, and serve with chips. Easy to whip together last minute!
My go-to dessert is what my family calls “green cake”. It is really a dessert made with pistachio pudding, ice cream, Ritz, etc. – not really a “cake” but it sure is green. And, a crowd pleaser. I am new to your blog. Thanks for the giveaway!!!
I think I may be hosting a birthday party for my brother-in-law. One of my favorite dishes to make when a lot of company is coming over is Taco Soup. So delish! I would love to win this book!
rray@liberty.edu
I am getting ready to host my future son-in-law’s family from South Africa when they come to Oklahoma in September for the wedding. We will have lots of home cooked meals, play games and just have fun visiting.
Having people over tomorrow for a birthday celebration!
We had a big 4th of July party and I made Taco Stack which is an easy way to feed a crowd when you can’t fire up the grill because it’s pouring down rain. I wish our party could have been outside like we originally planned, but it turned out fun anyway.
Sandy’s book is definitely on my wish list!
I would LOVE this – no specific date for next time friends/family come over, though!
My stand-by is my home-ade blueberry cobbler. It’s easy, delicious, made from scratch, and my hubby loves it :)
Saturday and Wed. I think we will make grilled pizza. This will be new for us.
Planning to host a party in August for my son’ VERY FIRST BIRTHDAY!!! Theme is going to be “radio flyer red wagon”…so, we GOTTA have RED velvet cupcakes with cream cheese icing! Main course will be BBQ (probably brined chicken and BBQ ribs)…yummo! I’ve heard such good things about the Reluctant Entertainer that I would enjoy reading this book! Would love to win!
I am one of those that likes to try different desserts so it’s usually something different. One of my go to’s is just chocolate chip cookies… they’re so quick & easy to make!
Considering my family just moved in with my parents for a few months, it will be awhile until WE have people over! But I think a standby for me is something in the dessert category! Cookies and cobblers and cakes are always yummy!!
Oh the book looks fab!
I was just thinking this morning I need to give a friend a call and invite them to Sunday lunch….I was putting off calling though ’cause I’ve been sick this week and the house isn’t “perfect”….think I’ll go call her right now :o)
Quick meal, stick a roast or two in the crockpot with a little water, lots of italian seasoning, some fennel seeds, garlic and S&P. Slow cook overnight and then shred and serve on buns…..so yummy and sort of a dressed up sloppy-joe.
sallyjland@yahoo.com
The book looks beautiful. I can’t wait to read all of the great tips inside. :)
what an awesome book idea!!! I can totally relate~because I am a perfectionist and if I cannot have my home look like a magazine and cook like Martha Stewart I don’t feel comfortable inviting friends over~sad, huh?
Thanks for the chance to win!!
I am hosting the ladies in my care group next Tuesday. My “go-to” dish, and one that is often requested at family get-togethers, is my homemade mac & cheese. This book looks marvelous!
I rarely have people over because I want it to be so “Martha” . I think this book was written for me:)
We have our parents over often for informal dinners and visits but I rarely have formal gatherings. I would love to have them more often, besides just my son’s birthday parties. Hopefully this book could give me that extra push!
I love having family over! I try to do something fun for each time they come. On the 4th of July I had a big tin tub filled with soda pop in glass bottles on ice – with a vintage bottle opener tied to the handle with ribbon. Homey touches based on my favorite childhood memories (i.e. pop in glass bottles!) will hopefully give all of our kids fun memories of family times together! Would love to get this book for more fun ideas and to maybe spur me into inviting over neighbors!
My hubby is a youth pastor, so we always have people over! My most current menu plan is homemade pizza. Its so fun to have teen girls over and make pizza together! Tuesday night, a whole group of girls are coming over for a Bible study…
I would like to have a back-to-school party for my kids and invite their friends and parents over. I’ve had kids over all the time, but rarley parents too due to my many unfinished “projects”. We will probably BBQ and do bacon wrapped hot dogs for the kids. My no fail dessert is Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies.
We’re having guests next week. My SIL and her kiddos will be in town from Arizona. We haven’t seen them since Christmas so we can’t wait.
It’s funny, years ago, as a young couple, we entertained all the time. It was so much fun. I had the time and energy to have everything “perfect” so I didn’t hesitate to invite people to my home. As kids have grown and started their families, we’ve really only “entertained” kids and grandkids for the last ten years and now I realize how much I’ve missed opening my home to friends. I always have the excuse the house is in need of too many repairs, updates, etc. I think I’m so out of touch with “real” entertaining, I might not know where to start! I’d love to have this book to give me the push to get back into life with friends and neighbors being welcomed into my home. Sandy, much success with your book. I’m sure you’re changing lives, opening doors for life to be shared. Thank you.
We just moved. Boxes still everywhere and barely decorated anything but having friends over Sunday night. My standby recipe is a great potato salad.
My husband and I just had a group from church over for dinner and then my in-laws visited for a week. Next, we are hosting my family for a b-day party. We are trying to work on having friends, neighbors, etc over more often. Would love to win!
My go-to recipe for entertaining is cowboy caviar. Everyone always loves it!
We recently moved to my husbands hometowen after living without family for 6 years. I know I need to invite all the family over but it seems so daunting. This may be the book that can help get me over issues and start inviting people over.
I love the Reluctant Entertainer. I just went ahead & pre-ordered the book. I need it. I really do.
If I win, I’ll give one to my sister.
if the words the reluctant entertainer don’t describe me, i don’t know what does. the only thing i make is this dip with bacon from tastefully simple. it is super tasty and super simple, just as it should be!!
Now that we are in an apartment, we don’t have people over as much but we’re working on it. When we do, Hubby usually grills (hamburgers or ribs) and I make buffalo chicken dip.
We have a very small house so we entertain in the backyard during the summer. We are having an adult only dinner/swim party tonight. So excited since usually there are so many kids it’s hard to have a real conversation with our friends. Then on Sunday I am hosting a welcome baby party for my new nephew who was born a month ago.
This book is so timely for me. The hubs and I are (reluctantly) renting right now and I have not had anyone over in 9 months. I’m ready now and we are going to invite some of our Sunday School class over later this month. Can’t wait to read it whether I win or not.
Wow! My wife would LOVE this book! …AND, she really NEEDS this book!! (Shhh, don’t tell her I said that!)
We are having guests over in two weeks and need help!
We have family stay with us from out of town at least once a month. I have learned that the easier I make things the more fun I have. In the summer we grill out a lot and in the winter I use the crock-pot.
I’m having a friend and her daughter over for dinner this evening. As a single mother of three, working full-time and attempting a social life, my house is never perfect!
Um, among the high school girls at church I am known for my scones . . . scones are great because you get a fresh baked good that makes you feel fancy but they have like 5 ingredients ;) Lots of reward for little work!
Oh, the title of the book describes me exactly!! We have 5 kids and live in a large house that is perfect for entertaining, but I am plagued by the perfection thing. My 12 year old son is severely handicapped and his care takes time, so I always feel like my house is too messy and I don’t have time to prepare any special food. A book that would help me get over that would be so great!!!
I’m due with my first baby in 2 weeks!! So, the next time we’ll have people over is probably for visiting the baby. Needless to say, I will not be doing anything to prepare for guests’ visits! Heck, they might even do some cleaning. I’m looking forward to a short break from bending over backwards to try to make my home presentable for guests.
I get the most raves on my pasta salad. It’s super easy and inexpensive to make.
We haven’t had people over for a while because I’ve been hiding in a hermit cave of morning sickness. But I have a list of families I want to have over as soon as I’m feeling better. Worrying less about the severely imperfect state of home and more about how to conect with people really sounds like some advice i could use!
lindybartell@hotmail.com
I’m having a group of friends over on August 7. About 25 people. And I’ve been painting furniture and planning to put up molding on walls and around fireplace and rearrange the living room. Sounds like I need to read this book and quit stressing about making my house look perfect for my party.
We are planning to have friends over for supper in a few weeks. I like to make that hot dip with spinach, parm and artichoke hearts. Serve with chips and raw veggies.
Looks like a book I would enjoy. We are having a group of people over to our house tonight, and I still have not figured what I am going to serve. Hmmm.
I love to have people over, but since we’ve moved we don’t know anyone well enough to invite them over. But, this book could inspire me to invite our new neighbors. They moved in 2 months ago, so I guess it’s time. I’m known for fixing sweets, nothing fancy, usually chocolate chip cookies or sugar cookies decorated for holidays.
I love useful books! The end of July. I make a delicious omelet with cheese and broccoli
We are having our Sunday School class over the beginning of August.
We are having people over on Monday, but I just really wanted to say that I remember when my wife’s hair (Amber) was long like that.
She is hot.
We’re tend to ask people over on the spur of the moment. Standard menu is grilled meat that I have on hand (Flank steak, fish or chicken) , corn salad, fresh fruit or grilled fruit.
Lemonade pie (easy, but not healthy)!
I will be inviting people over after I’ve read this book and am persuaded that things don’t have to be perfect:)
This book looks interesting!! I love Sandy’s blog! We love to enterain at the holidays & in the summer. In the summer my DH does the BBQ thing. I love to make pasta/veggie salads. At the holidays I’m known for my clam dip. It has a stick of butter – so who doesn’t like it!!! It’s so easy & quick to make. I hope I win!
The name of this book fits me to a T. My house is constantly in a state of “waiting for inspiration” and I never feel ready to have anyone over. The very thought of company causes me to do odd chores, like reorganizing the linen closet – as if they will inspect it and judge my character by the lack of symmetry on my bath towel shelf. Most often, I host other moms during play dates – my favorite things to serve are coffee and mini-muffins.
I would love to read this book. I just checked it out on Amazon and the website. Looks like a great book!
We have a home fellowship group from our church that meets at our house 2 – 3 times a month. We have been doing this for almost 6 years, but I have still never felt like the best hostess and can always use some pointers…..=)
I love having people over…especially when I’m serving my homemade fettucini alfredo with all the fixins. This sounds like a good book…I’m excited to read it!!
I am a reluctant entertainer. We live in a small house with 70′s carpet and we are just plain embarrassed at the state of our abode. And there really isnt much I can do about it any time soon. My husband works hard to support us at a job he hates and goes to school to get into a better career, meanwhile we are on an uber-tight budget that does not allow for updating our home. Needless to say we are a bit embarrassed to have people come over even though its something we would love to be able to do. Maybe reading this book would give me a new perspective so we can start enjoying our friends and family and having them over.
I’m actually having a party next week. I always want to go way over the top, but it’s the cleanup that kills me! I never want to answer the door or have people over, cause my house is always a mess and I feel people are judging me. Maybe this would help?
We have people over all the time, especially our church group, and want to do it even more, since we have an almost-empty nest now and have graduated to the house we always dreamed of….and I don’t HAVE a go-to anything—that’s why I need The Reluctant Entertainer so badly!
We love to entertain. We make a variety of foods. Our kids love to have their buddies over.
I would love to have this book!
Lynn G.
My Sis n Brother n Law are coming next weekend and I usually spend a week cleaning my house bus not this time. My old standby receipe is a pot roast in the slow cooker, I put it on and forget it. Also in the summer time it doesn’t heat of the kitchen and there are usually letf over that can be used in other meals.
I LOVE ENTERTAINING AND HAVING A BOOK TO HELP ME MAKE IT MORE SIMPLE! THAT WOULD BE GREAT!
Having just bought our first house a few months ago, my husband and I have been wanting to have a house warming party to introduce it to our friends and family. BUT of course I want to have everything looking cute and put together before showing it off. While we’ve had people over already, I want to turn our house into the kind of place that people feel comfortable and welcome. If I don’t win this book, I’m def. buying a copy!
We are having a huge group of people over this coming Tuesday to celebrate the first-time-ever-trip to the U.S. of our “Dominican” family. These friends have tried for years to visit here, but getting a visa from the DR is hard, hard. We have brought several mission groups to visit them and have since built a church and a mission home with them. So many of us have looked forward to their visit and I just keep inviting “one more”. Fishes and loaves, you know? I’m just preparing to feed the 5000, I guess.
I’ve been wanting this book since Sandy first mentioned it. Exciting! Thanks, Nester.
We usually have people over on the weekends, so I’m sure this weekend we’ll also have company!
This book is already convicting me and I haven’t even read it yet. I am sooo guilty of trying to wait till things are just so. But Thanksgiving and Christmas, and other events come on anyway-and it always ends up ok. Why do I put myself through this process over and over again??I would LOVE a copy of this beautiful book to read, soak in and use what I glean from it! I LOVE Nesting Place and I love how you write and decorate! I just had a house full of company. A family with 4 kids under age six, and, one on the way! I am a Grammy now, but a new one and haven’t had to start child-proofing my house yet for my gandbaby,but they came on anyway.No trips to the ER, they loved my Chicken Ring(tried and true dish from Pampered Chef).(even the kids loved it!)I made “4th of July Goddie Pails” with stuff from Target’s dollar section,and had fruit, cookies,brownies and rice krispie treats out to grab:)
Tomorrow is my first baby’s first birthday! We have family coming from out of town, and then the following Tuesday, I’m having a Christmas in July Party at my house! All my friends are bringing a treat to share and something from their house to exchange in the gift exchange! I’m making my favorite jello dessert, it has 4 ingredients and takes 4 minutes to make! :)
I had my family over last night if that counts – there were 13 plus us 4. Tonight we are having 2 of my daughter’s friends over and tomorrow … well, tomorrow I will have 28 people, possibly 32 if the neighbors decide to join us and that doesn’t include the 4 of us. I have decided it’s easier to have parties back to back. Once it’s presentable, it’s presentable for days. Now I wish I had something to string sparkly lights to in my back yard ….
Hello Nester! I’m not sure when we are having people over next, but we did just have a large group over last Saturday for my husband’s 30th birthday…complete with tiki torches and a slip and slide! My go-to, no-fail dessert isn’t even that pretty, but it is soo good. It’s called Oreo Delight and I’ve been making it since college. Crush up an entire package of oreos (plain, mint, peanut butter, whatever tickles your fancy). Put half in the bottom of a 9X13 baking dish. Then mix up cream cheese and confectioner sugar until it’s smooth and pour it over the oreos. Then add a layer of chocolate pudding (I like using the dark chocolate kind), and then a layer of cool whip on top of that. Lastly, add the rest of the crushed oreos and refrigerate! Good thing is that you can use fat free or low fat versions of all these ingredients to make them a bit ‘healthier’…? Well, less calories anyway!
Blackened fish – prepared on in iron skillet on outdoor cooker. Better than some restaurant fare, and so easy!!
We’re having 2 birthday parties in one day(daughter in the morning, son in the afternoon) at the end of August. I’m already freaking out! Sure could use this book!!!
I love having people over but ALWAYS get caught up in the details. My husband calls me Clark Griswald. It stresses me out. I can’t lie. We’ve got two birthday parties and, of course, the holidays at my house this year. I could use all the help I can get :)
Before we moved, we always had Thanksgiving at our house. We also had all of our immediate family’s birthdays at our house, too.
I remember when I was about to have a big birthday party and stayed up all night finishing a faux paint job in our guest bathroom! Nothing like having people over to get me motivated to paint, clean, etc. !!
Now, I just think of how much fun it is to spend time with family and friends and try not to stress out if I don’t have the perfect throw pillows on the couch!
Family and friends love the usual home made chocolate sheet cake and baked beans.
This book looks great!
I am so thankful for the new site I found a few weeks ago The reluctant entertainer. I am trying to grow my hospitality skills. We do it but not very often. We just had a group of 14 over for the July 4th celebration. All the prep work is not so fun but i am always glad to have taken the time to gather with friends when the night is over. Not sure when we will do something again. Maybe soon before the house gets cluttered again! My favorite go to recipe is serving punch for the occasion. It adds an extra sparkle you can mix it in minutes and you don’t have the expense of pop for everyone. So here is the recipe for…… SUNSHINE PUNCH 1- 12 oz can frozen orange juice, 1- 12oz. can frozen lemonade, 6 cups cold water, Mix these together in a 2 gallon thermos with a wire whip. Add 1- 46oz can Dole Pineapple juice.(chill before adding) and 2 liter bottle Gingerale (chill before adding) We make this for every family gathering. It is so refreshing. I would love to win this book it looks wonderful. Thank you for the giveaway.
We have small groups over here and there regularly. However, next month we are having about 60+ people over. I would looooove to win this book. One thing I will take away already is the comment…it’s about connection, not perfection.
I will repeat that over and over. Because our place… we love it but, it’s so not perfect : )
Debra
Our house is where it happens! It’s the neighborhood hangout, holiday go-to, family crash pad, and so much more! Because we try to entertain so often it’s easy to get super lazy and forget about the decor details. A fresh vase, or two, or real flowers is my go to. If I owned my very own copy of this book, I might have a few more ideas in my arsenal of hospitality!
We usually have Mexican – easy tomake in advance and homemade guacamole makes it standout!
This book is a must have! I am definitely a reluctant entertainer. I have people over all the time, but stress over what I think needs to be done and then feel the need to point it out to my guests! My special treat to serve is homemade ice-cream! We are always trying new flavors. This summer’s favorite is peanut butter!
fajitas and margaritas, plus a pinata for the kids. all of it can be done ahead of time, so i can enjoy my friends.
I’m usually a holiday and birthday entertainer and my specialty is cupcakes. I would love to win this book. Thanks so much for the opportunity!
Tomorrow — we are having family and good friends over to celebrate my son’s third birthday!!! My stand by’s are — quiche for brunch with fruit and a green salad and for all else orzo salad with feta and olives or italian sausage baked mac & cheese. YUMMY!
Gosh we just spent the last 3 weekends having parties for different reasons at our home….we will probably have a back to school bbq before school starts in a couple weeks. We love to have people over, especially family! I always make homemade salsa and then I make spinach and artichoke dip. Pretty no brainer receipies that everyone always asks for! Oh and then the standard home made mac-n-cheese!
As a super-duper reluctant entertainer, I have no plans to entertain anyone soon….. except my sister and her family in late August… and I’ll probably fix Tex-Mex food as my go-to meal.
~C
I love to entertain in the summer. The kids can be swimming in the pool and hubby can be grilling something yummy! It makes for a relaxing and fun atmosphere!
Every Christmas I make yummy roasted almonds coated in honey and raw sugar. They’re practically candy and so yummy! My husband and I just bought a new (and our first) house, so we’re looking for a good time to have a housewarming party! Hopefully soon!
We hardly ever have people over because my house is never _______ enough (take your pick….clean, big, tidy, organized, etc.) to do so. I need to get over myself, Hubby needs to get over me, and we need to do some fellowshipping (sp?) at our house. This book sounds like just what we need. I’m known for my desserts…..haystacks are a huge hit everywhere, but I also have a mean Mississippi Mud Cake that I love. It’s a little unusual. Love your blog, this is my 1st comment!
we love having people over! during the summer we usually grill burgers or shish kabobs and during the winter its usually chili (because it makes a lot!).
i’m not sure when we’ll be having people over again but i’m sure it’ll be soon! :)
We are having friends over for dinner on Monday! We have people over very often…even though there is a huge train table in the middle of my living room. But, I’d rather keep my home a happy haven for my toddler – a place where he enjoys being – rather than just a pretty space that looks like something you’d see in a catalog!
I am known for my strawberry cake hence the name of my blog Strawberry CAKE….one moms recipe for enjoying life! I would love a copy of Sandy’s book.
I like to cookout and make brownies with ice cream for dessert. Just something easy and quick as I’d rather spend my time enjoying my guests!
We used to have people over at least once a month for Rockband parties. Yes we are all in our upper twenties/early thirties with kids but parents can still have fun too, right? With our new addition (a bouncing baby boy, literally he’s in his jumperoo right now bouncing away) we haven’t had one in a while. I’m the world’s worst hostess but my house is clean and we order pizza and let’em know the drinks are in the fridge in the garage!
I have recently decided to do away with the notion that everything has to be perfect in order to entertain. Last time we had friends over, I warmed up a frozen lasagna. The adults drank a couple glasses of wine and watched the kids play. It was a great time!
Your words spoke to me, time that I got back to entertaining, no matter the state of my house!!
Fingers crossed!!!
I make an awesome mashed potato dish that is heavenly and everyone seems to love. Thanks!
For over a year I’ve been reading Sandy’s blog and crying each time because I just love the way she shows us how she entertains with ease and style. Well, finally, just last month, I took the plunge and invited my seven-year-old son’s friend and his mom to our home for an impromptu party with pizza, lemonade, tossed salad, ice pops, and sorbet. We had a ball!!!!!! They didn’t want to go home!!!! Later that evening, after the guests went home, I thought about how long I waited to have guests over. What came to mind was the famous quote from “The Wizard of Oz,” “Dorothy, you had it in you all along.” Well, Sandy tells each and every reluctant entertainer (past and present) gently and beautifully, “You have in you to entertain. Just be yourself.” Thank you, Sandy. God Bless You.
We recently began having monthly potluck dinners with 3 other families from church, and we rotate hosting. What I learned – and sadly, usually gives me some anxiety – is they have such nice big homes compared to our 2 bdrm condo. We’re up to host next month … and I’m trying to just let that go because really, we all have such a great time together, i don’t think they care that we’re all bunched up together :)
We love company! We seem to run a b&b, but the free kind… and everyone loves our Aunt Carrie’s dump dip–takes less than 5 minutes to make and gets gone every time.
This book sounds fantastic!! We are having family down in Sept. for our once every 3-4 years get-to-gether. My husband will be preparing his to-die-for BBQ with homemade sauce, which everyone trys to analyze! & I will make my delish homemade pound cake with homemade oreo ice cream! YUMMY! I would love to gather tips from this book to incorporate into my Not-so-perfect life for our gathering! Please pick me!! :)
I’ve never had people over outside of birthdays and thanksgiving. I guess I’m a little embarrassed to invite people over without a reason–and for the life of me I can’t think of a reason to have people over. Your post really hit home for me–I think I might grab a copy of that book to see what it’s all about.
I can’t wait for the book! I love entertaining outdoors. My backyard is a little bare, but I have hung “gazebo” style lights on my covered porch. My next gathering will be September when my niece turns 8.
I love the idea behind this book. Sometimes it can be so hard to just let go and have fun when trying to entertain. In fact, my husband and I haven’t had anyone over in ages because of how small our house is. It sounds silly but it does really impact how many people you can have over and what the overall feeling is like. And yet, NOT having anyone is far worse than feeling slight discomfort because there are only two chairs at the tiny dinning table. There is plenty of other seating!
Though we don’t entertain much we do go out to friends quite a bit and one of our standbys is my husband’s family recipe for homemade applesauce. It is ALWAYS a hit with the kids, which wins us over since we don’t have any of our own. =]
we love having people over! this is a book i have to have. i am having a lot of showers this summer.. 3 of my friends are pregnant. thanks for the chance to win. i can’t wait to read it
blessings,
kristi
I have house guests right now so my standby entertaining staple is chicken skewers and spinich artichoke dip – SO easy yet looks fabulous!
My husband and I recently got married and are so excited to use our new dishware. Whenever we have people over, I always go for my old faithful Chicken Parm recipe. Which of course I’ve tweaked to perfection. However, when it comes to dessert, I’m always up for trying something new. That’s just one thing I can’t make twice!
On another note….I’m SO excited to read this book! It really sounds like it’s something that will help us to actually have people over more often. Just like The Nester said, it’s always something we want to do, but it always gets pushed back because the house isn’t clean, or we don’t have everything we need to make the night perfect. Knowing that I’m not the only person out there with these feelings, is quite comforting. I absolutely cannot wait to read this book! I’ve just recently started following the blog and love all the ideas on there, so I can only imagine how fabulous the book is!! :)
Bean dip–black beans pureed with salsa and pepper jack cheese. So easy, and so tasty.
I am hosting my mom’s family reunion NEXT WEEKEND!! I am doing so with a smile even though half of our house is under construction, meaning not only unfinished drywall but actual holes in the walls and studs exposed. Not to mention the fact that we only have one closet for FIVE people and half of our clothes are “put away” in the master bedroom on the couch, the ironing board and the exercise bike…. did I say I’m doing it with a smile? Maybe that’s a grimace….
I have been so excited for this book to come out! :)
We will be having friends over next weekend. I love summer entertaining. Grilling steaks, salad, fruit salad and cobbler.
Thank you both for your wonderful sites.
~Yvette :)
I love the thought of entertaining more than preparing for company… so when we do invite friends over i’ve been known to make a pasta dish, salad and brownies. so yummy! if summertime, we might have ribs and fixings. i’m glad for the hubby to do the grilling.
My stand by meal is spaghetti, garlic bread and salad. It is so easy I feel guilty, but everybody requests that meal.
Thanks for offering this great book, that I am sure I can learn a lot from it.
Wendy B
We’ve always been the entertainers in our group of friends, usually having at least 2 big parties a year and then smaller gatherings at least once a month — this despite our house being a half hour drive out of town. I never worry much about the house because most of our parties are outside. Even when they are inside, I’d say the majority of our friends are male physics grad students and aren’t likely to care if the house is perfect! lol
Anyway, we just moved across the country and the house we’re renting now is full of boxes and half-assembled furniture. No entertaining in the near future, but I really hope to have the house presentable by the end of August, when family is coming to visit. So far I’m happy if I get one box unpacked a day, since I have a toddler and infant at home and no family support network down here. Can’t wait to make new friends and start entertaining again! And this book sounds AWESOME. I’ll definitely be getting it as soon as I can budget for it. :)
Well I’ll tell you what I had all planned and mostly made for my company yesterday…before they canceled at the last minute :(
Chicken Fajita Salad
Spanish Rice
Whole-wheat cornbread
Tortilla chips/salsa
Fresh sliced fruit
I am a reluctant entertainer…I’m intrigued!
I love the premise of this book. I remember as a child my mother fretting over every detail when entertaining at our house. I wish she could have had this book long ago! I am inviting over old friends that I used work with. As always, my friends have requested the famous french vanilla ice cream cake and chicken and dumplings. Very yummy.
I never have anyone over because my house is never perfect, never decorated, never this, never that…I could go on and on! Please convince me otherwise!
In fall and winter, I’m known for my homemade soups–all kinds, full-bodied, a meal-in-a-bowl, and delicious. Different every time. Recipes are always adapted. In summer and spring, it’s probably grilled chicken breast, made with a marinade that always leaves the chicken fork-tender and delicious!!!
Next week my niece comes for a visit!
BTW Thanks! I’ve gotten in a rut/overwhelmed with my new house and all the new projects that “need” to be done. Just knowing that someone else is working on projects too helps me!
Thanks Nester
we have people over almost every week… I love to hang out with my friends! My best-known (and desired) dish is creme brulee… it’s become my standby for fancier occasions. It’s so good, and so easy!
We have people in our house almost daily. Even though I’m confident of my abilities to make people feel comfortable in conversation, I really need help with decorating my home to make our home feel like home to everyone who visits us. We host a group meeting in our home every Wednesday with about 15 to 20 people. I’m looking forward to putting this book to good use!
This book is exactly what I need! I would love to have people over more. I have been doing better at it, but would love some hints. My favorite dessert to fix is hot fudge pudding cake. My family expects it whenever we have company!
Ooops forgot to leave my name! Love your web-site. Usually the first I go to
We’ve had friends over several times this summer, and it is usually spur of the moment notice. We are in the process of taking down what seems like acres of wallpaper throughout the entire house, so it is nowhere near “show ready”, but we still have a great time. Our home run menu includes marinated pork chops on the grill with roasted potatoes and onions, baked beans (grillin’ beans out of the can!) and homemade cherry ice cream that is super good and easy to make. But the best thing of all is the precious time we have with friends and family.
this looks like a very nice book to have. i would really like to win it. i enjoy your blog it is fun to read your posts. thanks!
I’m having an indeterminate number of people over on the 31st for a co-ed baby shower for my sister.
After years of stressful entertaining–planning, preparing & cleaning like a mad woman days before guests arrived, I came to the conclusion that my method was not at all pleasing to the Lord. I would become an impatient, irritated mom who would ignore her children in an attempt to maintain a perfectly put together home. This was pride and NOT hospitality. I love entertaining now and would be very excited to win a copy of this book.
My man is an excellent helper and we like to grill meat such as tri-tip/london broil. I try to make sides that can be made early–even a day ahead of time if possible–like a dear friend’s recipe for sunshine potatoes and a green salad (cut up veggies day before & assemble day of gathering). During the summer months, an ice cream, chocolate chip cookie cake is a favorite–also can be made days in advance. My children now also help with the “get-the-house-in-order” tasks allowing them to be a part of the preparations as well. Now, I’m usually not a sweaty, stressed out hostess who isn’t enjoying her company–notice the word “usually.” I still have things to learn!
Dear friends from out-of-state will be arriving in a few weeks so this is a good reminder that it’s about love & hospitality NOT PRIDE!
We love to have people over. Contemplating a “back to school” get together before school starts. My go to recipe for church dinners, etc is Asian Cole Slaw.
Would love to win the book. Need help with a big Birthday Party this fall.thanks for sharing…Pat H
I have just moved into a new (new to me) house and am planning on having friends over as soon as I am settled. Its time to start new traditions!
It’s gorgeous! I could use the inspiration–I already love her blog, it would be soo cool to hold her book!
would love to win this book. don’t know which came first for me, the chicken or the egg (ie the nester or the reluctant entertainer) but I enjoy you both. Great review. If I don’t win….off to Amazon
I have to admit that in my six years of marraige, I have done very little entertaining for the very reason this book has been published. Living in “toddlerdom” doesn’t help anything either. Does she have any advice in her book about this season in life and how it relates to entertaining?
I usually entertain with italian food. I start my marinara sauce in the crockpot in the a.m. In the afternoon, I assemble baked ziti or the like and toss on the oven 30 min. before company arrives. It’s casual comfort food! Can’t wait to read the book!!!!!
We always say we want to entertain all the time and then everyday life stuff happens and we don’t. I guess it’s time to make sure that entertaining is a part of our everyday life stuff. Hands down my go to never fail recipe is marinated flank steak. Turns out perfect every time and quick clean up makes it a hit with me as well. (What’s not to love about throwing away a ziplock bag?)
I currently have a house guest, does that count? Then two more in early August. I would love to win the book…it looks gorgeous!
I’d LOVE to win this book! I just taught a ladies’ SS class about hospitality. There’s so much to learn, and this book looks like it would be helpful!
As someone who rarely bakes or cooks anything, one would think I’d be in dire need of this book! If I do make something to share, it usually is the pecan pie recipe I learned from my mother years ago…It’s so simple and always appreciated! Thanks for the opportunity, I’d love to win a copy of this book…:)
I love to make Asian Slaw for 3 reasons:
1. I can make it ahead of time
2. It makes a large amount
3. It’s always a crowd pleaser
The book is BEAUTIFUL!!!
I am having people over tomorrow for a breakfast brunch for my mother.
My favorite brunch food to make is a cheese danish bread. “YUM”
We recently moved to a new house, which my husband liked because it seems inviting. (For his job, ideally we’d have people over often.) My cooking skills are about equal to heating frozen pizza, but I can usually do baking and desserts. Fortunately, my husband can cook, so when we do have people over, he makes something like sausages from scratch, or schnitzel, and my standby desserts are brownies and banana bread (either with ice cream).
I grew up in a house where the idea of cleaning up for company was so insurmountable, my older sister taught me, literally: throw a sheet over it.
This book looks so beautiful and necessary!
We try to have a different family from our church over for supper every Friday evening. Although our church is not that large, we find that we get to know people better that way. In fact, our guests just left! Summer begs alfresco entertaining which is our practice and cooler weather finds us indoors lingering at the table with all kinds of comfort foods. We make a repeat mistake though…my eldest daughter and I regularly make something new and untested for guests. Not so bright, but so far, other than creating extra work for ourselves, always tasty!
the next time i’m having ppl over is when we move into our new house next month!! i would love to have a house warming party… i make a mean cupcake centerpiece, so i think that’s what i’ll go for!
I always stress about everything being perfect when people come over. maybe I need to get a few hints from this book :) My brother and sister in law are coming to visit in 3 weeks with my new neice, and my aunt is coming from California to visit us (where the wind comes sweeping through the plains) in September. I’d love some new ideas!
We live in a “rectory” (parsonage) and are trying to get everything unpacked/settled so we can have an open house after church soon. I am a very reluctant entertainer, so this gives me major hives. I think I need to read this book! LOL It would be so cool to win it, but maybe I should pre-order it just in case?
We are having our second baby in the next few weeks and will be having family over a lot as they come into town to meet our new little one. The favorite dessert that people request when they come to our home is cream filled chocolate cupcakes. I think this book would be great as I will have my hands full with a newborn!
I don’t have plans to have anyone over this week, but last week we did spontaneously invite some friends over for shishkabobs on the barbie and we had a great time!
I’m having a friend in with her two boys next week. She came through last summer and sent me the sweetest card when she got home – she said you could feel the love and personality of my family throughout my home. That’s what I want more than anything when I have people over – for them to feel comfortable and to know ours is a home of fun and love.
i would love to win a copy of this book…it looks fantastic. we’re having some folks friends over next month and this would be perfect.
We invite people over as often as possible. I’m “known” for my desserts which makes entertaining a little easier – no meal necessary as long as I promise a dessert and coffee! I love Sandy’s blog and can’t wait to get my hands on her book!
I would seriously love to get my hands on this book! I want to entertain, really I do but I don’t have enough drive I think. The next time we are having people over over is for my son’s 2nd birthday early September.
I have some friends coming into town next weekend (for the whole weekend!!!). I love to do a lot of appetizers/finger foods…my buffalo chicken dip is always a hit!
Go-to-dishes for company: in the winter, pot roast – and in the summer, tacos. I like to keep things simple so I’m not stressed and so hopefully our guests feel at home and not like “company”. :)
We’ll be celebrating our daughter’s first birthday in a week.
I bought “luau” themed clearance partyware (paper plates/tablecloths for 98cents each) @ Target for 75% off recently in order to have old friends over before school starts again….going to make chicken enchiladas from a crockpot recipe and have everyone bring their fave mexican dish or side. Might make the ice cream sandwich pie that I always bring as my dessert from the box of ice cream sandwiches recipe I use that is super easy, but I add chopped up toffee bits or peanut butter cups on top to make it more “original”….never done this before, but Sandy’s use of tables and candles in the backyard on her blogsite have made me want to try this….kids can play on the playground while we parents eat and talk I hope!
we entertain a lot. I always get a crowd when I make my cabbage rolls, or crock pot beef strogonoff. Next gathering is Sunday after church.
Entertaining, for me, has real challenges. We have a big drooly English Mastiff here. More than that, I can become easily overwhelmed when congregations of people surround my private space.
However, my ideal “Chit Chat” get-together (very informal) would involve desserts. I feel competent in the sugar sector of homemade “cooking.”
I’m famous for my chocolate chip cookies. They are simply an adaptation of the Nestle Toll House recipe. My own version has evolved over time. (I do incorporate a “secret ingredient!”)
Hope I win the book!
Best,
Ellen
Looks like a great book! We are having his parent’s over – staying a few nights next week. I have been making the menu out this evening. And I am known for my baked goods.
Oh my .. a book!!! How exciting : ). Here at the Nester I know this is going to be huge, but here is my shot at it : )
The next time we are expecting friends is next week. The neighborhood stay at homes and their kids for coffee and a playdate.
I am known for making lemon scones. I like to have the ladies over for coffee & fruit to acompany my scones. Sometimes I cheat with Trader Joes, but it feels so much better to serve my own!
I just found your website and am so in love with it, I will be a daily reader now as I am hooked. This book looks awesome as well as I love to have people over and entertain but get caught up in the “I can’t” because this or that is not perfect or this or that needs to be cleaned first. I want to live in the moment and enjoy being hospitable and not be stressed. This last month we were honored with being able to open our home to the widowed woman who runs the orphanage in Kenya to over 140 children that our church supports for dinner one night while she was here in the U.S. What an honor it was and so much fun. I tried not to stress, did not worry if things were not perfect, lived in the moment and enjoyed the hours that we had together. We made the items for desert that my 6 year old son loves and requested (cookies, brownies and rice crispie treats and I added fresh strawberries to the desert menu). All the desert items were things that are our family stand by favorites. I am looking forward to figuring out who to invite over next for a fun evening, and again I will not stress and enjoy the moment.
What a great looking book! This week we had multiple company every day. I have 5 little ones so it can get complicated. I think we will wait until next weekend for any more company. :-)
Kari
I am in dire need of this book. We seldom entertain because of my need for everything to be perfect. My family often jokes that if we did have friends over we would have to lower the draw bridge and put away the alligators. I think I need an intervention. :)
Love the book – we are having several couples from church over tonight to celebrate SUMMER – corn on the cob, homemade salsa, hamburgers & a beery cobbler plus the fare each couple will bring – can’t wait!!!
I am such a devoted fan of Sandy and Reluctant Entertainer! Sandy makes entertaining a joy instead of a chore! We’re hosting a “we’re moving” party to say goodbye to our house and use up all the beer and food so we don’t have to move it all – despite the fact that all of our belongings are in boxes! Hows that for casual entertaining?!
My go-to when my in-laws come (they are from NY) is southern food: homemade mac-n-cheese, fried chicken (cutlets, it takes about 10 mins to cook a bunch up), and various garden veggies. Oh, and a midnight chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting. I make up the dry ingredients ahead of time in ziploc bags so I can crank these out easily. And biscuits with homemade jam this year for breakfasts. Needless to say, everyone loosens their belt a notch, but it’s fun to stuff people with good food.
This book looks FANTASTIC! As does the warm glow of your deck at night with those lights!! We are actually having people over today for my son’s first birthday party. We’ll be cooking out…having hamburgers, hot dogs, pasta salad, fruit kabobs, veggies, and of course, cake! My go-to dish is probably artichoke dip – I always take that places with us, pop it in their oven when we get there, and then, it’s GONE!
Grilled chicken, Salad with homemade ranch dressing, and baked or sweet potatoes. yum-o
I’m trying to shed the perfectionist attitude that keeps me from entertaining. This looks like a great book!
I usually make apple cake with yum yum sauce…. my go-to dessert.
So excited the book is ready. Sandy’s blog has helped me let go of perfectionism about entertaining the way your blog has helped me overcome perfectionism with my home and decorating.
Thanks
Lately it seems like all of our entertaining involves juice boxes, gold fish and cup cakes for all the little people in our lives. I do make a homemade pizza that is a big hit at sporting events.
i SO need to get this book! we never have people over. my husband always wants to but it just stresses me out! :)
Well, I’m not really reluctant to entertain, I love it…but I sure could use some tips!! Anyhow, I never win giveaways…but I will enter because you never know. I’ll go put this one in my amazon cart right now, just in case ;)
Love the idea of this book. So many times my perfectionism drives me crazy. I love making jalapeno appetizers from The Pioneer Woman. OOOH that woman can cook! I always get raves!
We’re having friends over tonight!
I love Sandy! She has changed the way I look at entertaining! I have a standard menu when we entertain…Red Apple Inn Chicken Breasts, Mexican Chicken or Chicken Spaghetti.
I am always relunctant to entertain. Our house is small and is always needing something done to it. However, from reading blogs like yours and Sandy’s, I’ve begun to make my home and my mind more inviting to entertaining. I will most likely be having a baby shower for a friend, in August. Since it is going to be a brunch, I will be making a breakfast casserole that everyone always seems to enjoy.
The book sounds like a must have! I am having friends over in 3 weeks and would love some good ideas.
This book looks amazing! This is the time of year for BBQ’s with lots of grilled veggies and light salads. I love making “banana soft serve ice cream” as a very healthy dessert, its a fabulous alternative.
I’d love to get over the idea that it has to be perfect, maybe the book would even convince my hubs! Thanks for the giveaway!
We had weekend guests last weekend but I don’t have people near as much as I would like. I have been saying lately that we really need to make it a point to have people more often. I would love to read this book….
Oh! Oh! Oh! Pick me! My dish that I am “known” for is from scratch banana pudding. I’d love to tell you it’s a secret family recipe, but Nilla Wafers prints this treasure on the side of every box!
I’m known for my pumpkin bread. It’s an old Amish recipe that I’ve altered a bit. Everyone loves it!
I have people over about once a week. I am known for potatoes with goat cheese, banana bread, and generally experimenting with recipes on a regular basis!
This book looks wonderful and it’s an area I want to be better at and can always use help in!
I don’t know WHEN I’m having a party next because we are about to start some construction on our house… but my go-to is fajitas with all the fixin’s. My mom’s marinade recipe is AMAZING and well loved. :)
It’s my high school 20th reunion this month (31st). I’m putting it together (!!) along with one of my best friends from high school. This has been 18 months in the making and I think my friend is going to crack under the pressure (she’s been handling payment and rsvps). So, yeah, in a couple of weeks I will be cohosting the biggest party since my wedding–but not at my house, thank goodness. It can’t hold that many people!
As for dishes I am known for, I’m pretty good at most desserts. Emeril’s banana cream pie and my Boston cream cheesecake are frequent requests.
We have people over right now, but we always have lots of informal BBQs, so this book would be great to ease my stress about having people over!
i”m a reuctant entertainer! would love to win the book!
I love entertaining! We try to have a different family over each weekend after church or get together with someone over the weekend. I love making a variety of foods but I think my favorites are foods those that are savory! I love making appetizers and grilling at any chance (I’d do it all year if I could stand the cold! :) I would LOVE LOVE LOVE a copy of this book! Thanks so much for doing this giveaway! I love reading your blog!
Looks like a wonderful book – thanks for the chance to win! I love having friends over. My go to dish is my spinach & artichoke dip – it’s always a big hit!
We love to have people over after church on Sunday. It’s a great way to get to know the Body of Christ and really connect with them deeper…to spur one another on to love and good deeds. I would love to have this book though :) My staple meal is Caesar salad, green beans, a casserole (in the Winter it’s a large pot roast with carrots and onions and mashed potatoes), raspberry tea, and brownie a la mode. I try to make the meal as simple as possible, so that I will actually “do” it. I hope to move to even more simplicity too…allowing company to bring a side dish when they offer and make it about people, not necessarily the perfect food (although that’s good too :).
That looks like a GREAT read! My go-to recipe is Italian Mini Meat Loaves!
Fruit and yogurt smoothies are our summer go-to dessert! mmmm,mmm!
I love Sandy’s blog and would love a copy of her book, it’s going on my Christmas wish list for sure…. unless I’m a lucky winner :-) When I have guest coming over I either like to make a quick and easy pasta dish and fresh salad, or I put out a buffet where I’ve prepped everything before hand and that way I can spend more time out of the kitchen and with my friends and family.
I have been waiting with my grubby hands too! haha! I am a very reluctant entertainer…. but Sandy’s site is getting me over that! I am entertaining more and more because of the confidence the inspires with her easy to do suggestions! So, I will be making my “famous” chocolate delight ALOT this summer!!!! ~E
I’m working on having people over more and more…My go to meal for a large group of people is brisket in the crockpot, roasted potatos, salad or some kind of veggie and brownies w/ whipped cream for dessert. It’s all stuff that can be started ahead of time and since I’ve found Sunday lunch is the best time to have people over (w/ everyone’s busy schedule they still have to eat lunch after church!) that’s a huge help. I love Sandy’s site and would LOVE to win her book!
My husband has become known for his dip. It is a simple Nigella recipe – feta + nuts + herbs – that he’s tried all sorts of variations with. People are starting to request it before they come over!
I am a renter, too, and always fear the criticism of guests (which has never happened, but that’s no reason not to worry about it, is it? It is? Crap.).
I’ll be having my knitting group over in September for brunch and Stitching n Bitching, but before then I’ll have my coworkers over for happy hour. We’re all just waiting on this heat wave to break so we don’t DIE while trying to enjoy my twinkle-lighted deck.
Wow, over 800 comments here already! She’s going to have a lot of buyers! :) I will be hosting family for dinner here at our home for my birthday in late August. I would just love a copy!
I first came across Sandy and her book a couple months ago on her blog. I am now happily a blog follower and have had her book in my sidebar under “friends” for a while. As an Author myself, I wanted to support the launch of her new book. :)
Thanks for the chance!
Warmly,
Karla
I absolutely fa-reak when I have to entertain guests other than family members!! I try to only have people over if I can get away with making a dessert. This book just might change my life in a big way!!
I need all the help I can get. I would call myself “the panicked entertainer.” I could use some advice. I need this book!
We will probably have some neighbors over on Sunday night for a bonfire. I am always asked if there will be brownies. I make an espresso brownie that melts in your mouth and am frequently asked to bring them to church, neighborhood or school events.
I’m a fellow renter, and feel like it isn’t “worth” making things nice for guests because it won’t be perfect. I don’t mind cooking, but desserts are definitely my thing. We will be having two sets of house guests in August so this would be great!
This book looks amazing! I love to entertain and most often it is a game night so I serve finger foods. I don’t have a signature dish per say, but I am known for making killer cookies and quick breads. Not the hardest thing to do- but tasty!
This looks so great- I am definitely reluctant when it comes to entertaining… there’s always one more project I need to get done before anyone can come over : ),
I entertain in my home all the time. It’s something I’ve loved to do ever since I was a little girl. I was fortunate – I grew up in a home with a mother who loved to throw parties, too. We always, always had something going on and in each of our houses, my parents always had a full bar. In my last childhood home, we had a pool and an amazing backyard. A perfect setting for parties! I’ve carried that into my own home (ok – no bar and no pool) and my love for parties always has people so excited when I come up with a reason to throw one for them. My stand-by? I have a cherry cheesecake recipe I like to make. We’ve almost had to flip a coin a time or two to see who “wins” the last available piece…
Thanks for a fun and encouraging post Nester! I would love to pour over Sandy’s book. My favorite go-to recipes are anything in the dessert category, with a favorite being Rocky Road Fudge Bars. We had Small Group over last night and I served a simple dessert, and our next company is my mother-in-law coming for a long-awaited visit to see the grandkids!
My house is always a disaster thanks (in part) to my three children, three and under. My husband and I have gotten very good at “panic cleaning” when people are on their way over.
My “go-to meal” these days? Pizza. :)
I very rarely entertain as I don’t really know how to pull it all together so please, I really need this book! Not too good in the cooking department either. I have learned to make Ambrosia, though.
The next time I will be entertaining a crowd is for my husband’s homecoming from deployment this coming weekend! I am so excited & it is a surprise that he doesn’t know about…I can’t wait! I hope I win because this book looks right up my alley!
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
I would love to win this book! I always get stressed having people over, which we need to do more often. I have a broccoli cole slaw dish that everyone loves, and in the summer I usually pair it with grilled burgers or chicken, corn on the cob, etc. In the winter I either make lasagna or taco soup. I’ll be ordering this book for sure if I don’t win (and will probably get one for my sister too!).
We just had friends over last night! Served my favorite Pioneer Woman recipes and store bought ice cream for dessert. Would love to have a copy of this book! Now off to hang Christmas lights on my patio…in July.
We haven’t entertained much since moving in our house a year ago, because there was so much work to be done. But I’m hoping to have a big gathering this fall to celebrate the harvest from the garden we put in this year, and this book will certainly help me plan that!
Your book looks fabulous, just the thing I need to get me out of this rut of non-entertaining! Thanks for a great website!
This book would inspire me to entertain more–which is something I’d like to do. I haven’t had too many friends over because I tend to freak out over entertaining people. I guess it boils down to having some insecurities in this area. I always have home projects going on and I say to myself “when we get done with this project, then I’ll have so and so over.” The truth is that I probably will always have a home improvement project on my list of things to do. My husband would love to have people over more. He says when we do have people over that I create so much stress by trying to have everything “perfect” that it takes all the fun out of it. I desire to be more hospitable and enjoy having people over rather than stressing about it. You are so right about entertaining being more about the connections with people than having to have everything just right. It sounds like this book could help me overcome my insecurities about entertaining and learn to enjoy inviting friends to my home.
I’m having people over tonite and it’s simply frozen burgers and dogs that we’ll grill. I’ve kept a big box of hamburgers and the large package of hot dogs in my freezer for impromptu meals ever since my kids were teens and they and their friends were always “starving”! Now I always make PW Restaurant Salsa and roasted veggies to go with. I can invite people over on a whim because I don’t worry about it.
Last time I had “Girls’ Night In” we had an appetizer pizza and all the naughty munchies we could think of.
This book looks awesome! So proud for you girls!
Blessings, Shay
Such a GREAT book… looks like a must have for my ever growing library! :)
we’re having family in a couple of weeks – my parents, sister and her two boys. YIKES! thankfully they don’t care that the walls are half painted and my real plants are dying!
my go-to meal is baked ziti…. at least in the cooler months. in the summer… FIRE UP THE GRILL! :)
great giveaway… once again!
Sometimes we need permission to not follow the rules. I can’t wait to read this book for that reason. Friends will be over as soon as I read this book!!
I am having company over right now! In fact, I had 13 (yes, that’s a 10 + 3) people arrive this past Wednesday to stay at our home during the Sonshine Music Festival that is going on in our town this week. I have a houseful of people until sometime tomorrow! I had to make my favorite lemon trifle with fresh berries – so good and, everyone always loves it! :^)
The next time I will be having people over is my mother in law. She is coming out on vacation in a couple of weeks. While she is family, I still like to really step it up when it comes to meals, etc. while she is here! Would love to win!
My husband loves to entertain, and I’m learning to enjoy it. He is known for his super yummy guacamole. We are having some friends over next weekend.
Great book! Looking forward to reading it and entertaining more!
Oh you are inspiring me! Maybe sometime this coming week I’ll have someone over. My staple, fool-proof dish to serve (but only to girlfriends/women b/c it just doesn’t cut it for my husband or any of the other men I know) is a chicken-curry salad. Thanks for the chance to win as entertaining scares me and I just tend to avoid it!
I seem to always make rotel dip and love to try new & different desserts. We love having people over and may have them as soon as tonight!!
When I entertain, I am known for my salads. One of them is a black bean(bell pepper,cilantro,etc) salad that has a red wine vinegar/lime juice dressing. If I want to make an easy dessert, my guests enjoy brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream(and hot fudge). Entertaining always ends up being fun, though I always have excuses not to do it. I look forward to reading the Reluctant Entertainer!
We just had friends over last week–and I make the BEST chicken tacos and salsa. And meatloaf (yes, meatloaf) and mashed potatoes! :)
i don’t “cook” a ton, but i do love to entertain! my go-to dish is my fruit, nut, and blue cheese salad which changes seasonally. in the fall it’s apples and walnuts, in the winter, it’s dried cranberries and walnuts and in the spring and summer it might be blueberries, strawberries (i did this for the 4th of july- red white and blue!), raspberries, orange slices… and walnuts or pecans.
I’m planning to have a party for my daughter’s 12th birthday. We are living in a new neighborhood, and I’d like to have some of the Moms over, so that we can all get to know each other, and our daughters a little better, especially before Middle School begins this Fall. I’d love to have Sandy’s book, as I know that she has great ideas for bringing together families. I love RE!
Oooo…I’m so excited for this book!! When I got married I registered for a bunch of different napkin rings, cloth napkins and placemats for entertaining. I love having people over! I think my go-to dish is taco salad. I know it’s one of the easiest dishes ever but it can feed an army, everyone can make it how they like it and it’s soooo filling! Yum!!
Stand by meal is homemade tacos. Yum!
Just moved into a new (to us) home and LOTS of people want to come see it. (We’ve already had one family with five kids.) It’s not all the way done, so I’m freaking out a little because of a bathroom with wallpaper halfway ripped off the walls. My mom didn’t entertain at all. Ever. She always said it was too much work, so I still have her voice echoing in my head every time I plan something. This looks like a book that could change my life.
I don’t usually do a whole meal, but having people over for dessert doesn’t usually panic me. I make lots of desserts, so am comfortable with a few different ones, fudge jumbles, carrot cake, brownies, etc.
I sincerely hope the book does well.
Wonderful inspiration… A good friend from out of state call just as I was reading this… When she asked when it would be a good time to visit I said right now! Who cares that I have paint samples taped to my wall :)
I’m known for my chocolate chip pound cake. It’s so easy and it’s what I almost always make when we have guests!
I would love to win this book and hey, even if I don’t, I’m going to read it anyway! :)
This isn’t necessarily a story about my “best” entertaining moment, but here goes…
I had learned late on a Friday night some devastating news. The next morning, I called my friend and said, “look, this is the news that I just received. I need a few friends, lots of laughter and NO pressure for my house, dishes, etc. to be “perfect. I’m not up to making a dinner, but I will go to Sam’s and buy a yummy dessert. Any takers?” The next day, true to my word, I went to Target and picked up some pretty paper plates, napkins and matching forks. I then stopped at Sam’s and bought one of their Strawberry Cakes and one of their cheesecakes. My friends fed themselves dinner before they arrived at our home and brought their hubbies and kids and we had the best time playing board games (everything from Chutes and Ladders to Sequence to the longest Monopoly game ever!) and eating the easiest of desserts and enjoying the even easier clean-up!! My hubby and son and I actually remember that incredibly painful day in our life with more joy than sorrow. I think sometimes we just have to squelch those “perfect” voices that tend to rear their ugly heads from time to time. I have a feeling that this book will remind us that it’s just as much about the fellowship as it is about the “entertaining”. Thanks for hosting this give-a-way! :)
I have my cousin and his fiancee over every Sunday afternoon. They never seem to notice that the couch pillows are all over the floor and matchbox cars are stuffed in the creases of the couch by my three year old or that lunch clean-up is left to them and my husband because I have to nurse my four month old. Having this weekly time with them has built my confidence that it doesn’t have to be perfect.
I like easy summer foods best- roasted veggies can be used so many ways. But I like fall and winter nights for entertaining as candlelight and softer lights make me strive even LESS for perfection!
We entertain often, sometimes as much as once a week (not formal parties, mind you; we’re a very casual bunch!). I get pretty high marks (if I may say so myself) for my lasagna. We rarely have many leftovers when its on the menu!
we don’t have people over as often as my husband probably wishes (he has the hospitality gift more than me!) Therefore, he is getting to be known for his pheasant poppers (pheasant, jalapeno pepper, and jarlsburg cheese wrapped in bacon and grilled) – YUMMY! So i’m the reluctant one!
oh my i need this book! i always want to have people over but don’t because it’s not perfect. to the kids around here i’m known for making nanaimo bars. they’re canadian, easy, and apparently kids love them.
I always make grape salad for get togethers. We don’t have people over very often because we, and all of our friends, have young children. I would love to win her book!
Oh, my, this book sounds like it was written for me! We rarely have people over because I stress so much about what to make, cleaning the house, etc. that it isn’t even enjoyable. I’m a good cook but don’t have any particular old standby to fall back on. Maybe that’s part of the problem – if I had a couple of things that I always make, it wouldn’t be quite as stressful!
this book looks lovely. I would love to win a copy.
We have people…only usually really young ones over daily. We are in a very kid oriented neighborhood. I typically bake a cream cheese pound cake but have started baking a blueberry coffee cake. Mmmm.
oh…she is one of my favorites-
sandy toe
I need this book, trust me :) I make a BBQ pulled chicken that people seem to like a lot, and it’s super-easy, so that’s my go-to entertaining food.
Hi Nester Girl! I just caught up on your blog, and this book sounds wonderful. I think it is sooo easy to think when this is done, or that is done, we’ll have so and so over. I love to have company and I love to cook for folks, but I can get caught in the “my house isn’t good enough” mindset when I’m not careful. God cares that we are hospitable, not perfect entertainers! We had 14 dear friends staying with us for a week in our 1, 000 square foot house. (After 20 years of marriage and 5 children, we are in the process of building on and will be 3000 sq ft when it’s all said and done…another story, but so exciting.) We were packed in and had a blast. My kiddos and I cooked for 2 weeks straight before the company came. 4 Dozen biscuits, 4 ham and potato casseroles (a real crowd pleaser), 2 huge lasagnas, 4 dozen cinnamon rolls, 6 pizzas, 2 batches of beef enchiladas, 4 chocolate desserts, plus we fried up all the sausage and 4 pounds of bacon ahead of time to save on time and mess when company was here. It was wonderful! We enjoyed and were thankful for every crazy minute. Thanks for your lovely blog. Have a great night.
Warmly,
~Debbie~
I am having a friend and her 3 year old son over this week to swim! We live in a tiny 1 bedroom apartment and I am always hesitant to invite people over becuase I always feel it isn’t “enough,” but I am throwing caution to the wind and doing it anyhow! She specifically asked for me to make a cake and I am going to make her a cake and maybe even make some special popsicles for her son!! THank you for the opportunity to win the book!!
I’m having a playdate at my house in 2 days. I’m not known for making any desserts, however, I do a very good job at ordering cake balls from a local bakery.
We have only lived in our house for a little less than 2 years and there are so many things that aren’t the way I want them to be…I know I need to get over that but it’s not easy! I am having a friend over Monday so I’ll start there!
I’m invited 40 women for a baby shower for a dear friend in about 2 weeks. It is such a celebration since she was told the baby would not live past birth. We are rejoicing this little life as it has been confirmed that he will live and be healthy. Praise God!
This looks like such a lovely book! I have a weakness of being overly casual. We have four kids under 9 and often have families over with young kids, too. Recently while setting the table {with the guests present} I tore a paper towel in half and said {laughing}, “This is our last napkin, hope you don’t spill too much.” They are also casual entertainers and good friends, but it makes me wonder if all these years of IKEA plasticware had made me numb to good hosting etiquitte.
So, I know I have a 1 in 1,000 chance, but it’d be nice to learn some new tricks! Thanks for sharing your talents, both of you!
I’m hoping to have some good friends over this week…and we live in a rental that we are trying to make “cute”, too…would love this book!!!
Amy in CA
Hello! My “go to” entree for entertaining is fried, breaded chicken cutlet. Everyone always loves it. I make it the way my Mom did. This book give-away sounds nice! Thanks for letting me enter.
Best regards,
Gloria
I have to confess…we don’t people over very often! We are squeezed into a 1400 sq ft rented townhouse…with three kids. Its always cluttered…always…something. But i totally dislike this about me, and intend to become a gracious host :)
I’m not sure when I’ll have people over. Maybe a fun gathering with friends in early December. I love doing something holiday-ish.
We are moving in about 3 weeks. Maybe I’ll have a very last hurrah in my empty living room of my current house – pizza on paper plates and store bought salads. Nothing homemade will be served but it will be a great way to gather with friends and reminisce about all the good meals and gatherings we had at our very first place.
I am trying to have more gatherings of my college friends from gaming club, so my next gathering is going to be a Rock Band / board games party, probably in two weeks. My standby food item.. is it wrong to say pretzels? :( My roommate is REALLY GOOD at covering things in chocolate, though… :D
I am new to entertaining, but my husband and I find that it is something we really enjoy. Yet, we definitely need some help! Just this past week we served chicken coated in dijon mustard, bread crumbs and parmesan cheese with a tossed salad, french loaf, and roasted vegetables. For dessert I made chocolate and peanut butter pillow cookies served with ice cream. This may become one of our “go to” menus.
I would LOVE this book!
Oops…forgot to tell my favorite recipe! :) I love to make guacamole when people come over. And i want to learn how to entertain more. I have the desire, but the execution falls short.
We are hopefully moving next week, so I hope to have people over shortly after that. c-:
We love to have people over, and cram them into our tiny place (it took me a while to get over how small it is and invite people over anyway). We are closing on a bigger house in August, and I am soooo excited, and would love to have this book to kick off a fresh start in a new home!
P.S. I am known for my lasagna (I am Italian) and chocolate-peanut butter cake.
Believe it or not, I am hosting a yard party TODAY, and why? This is the four year anniversary of the day I got my cocker spaniel at the shelter!!! Yes, in this neighborhood we will eat for any reason……..
Anyway, everyone is bringing a little something and my neighbors (who are like family to me) are barbecueing. I am known for my baking, am making strawberry bread and a blueberry cobbler. Someone better bring the ice cream!
All of you ladies are so creative and fun, your blogs are something I MUST check on a daily basis. Thanks so much for expanding our horizons!
Lynn
We love going to the farmer’s market and getting fresh veggies to grill, to go with burgers and hotdogs. My go to recipe is an apple crisp recipe ….but you can use any fresh fruit with it….so we pick something from the farmer’s market and serve it up with vanilla ice cream. A simple dinner to share with friends.
The book looks great! :)
I was just thinking that we needed to have people over SOON….it has been a while so I’m thinking for my husband’s birthday or mine; maybe both!!! I was with you Nester; I always feel like my house needs to be “perfect” before I have a gathering when in reality guest are just there to visit with you not the inspect your home . My go to dish is lemon pound cake. So easy and who doesn’t love a yummy pound cake, right?!?
Oh. My. Goodness! I can’t wait to pet this book (er, I mean, GET it!)! We moved into a new-to-us house two months ago, and literally within days had dear friends from out of town stay with us for a week. Hosting is THAT important. It’s a lost art in our culture. But a necessary component to LOVING our neighbors, huh?! For years we’ve hosted “Sunday Supper” – everyone is invited and welcome, the menu is simple (something crockpot or the like), the kids run wild while the adults have a chance to really connect . . . what a gift we can give to those we host, but what an even bigger and lasting joy we are left with, even amongst the chaos of a messy, after-the-shebang house.
I need this book!! (o: I have 4 kids from 10 months – 10 years. We do not have guests over as often as we should because I stress about the little toys cluttering the house and things that might be out of place (imperfect). In addition to my clutter excuses, I am reluctant to cook. I enjoy Sandy’s site because it puts me at ease – things don’t have to be perfect and she often posts great recipes that aren’t very time consuming. We can have a beautiful, hot meal on the table without stress! My mother-in-law and her husband are coming over for dinner this evening because it is her birthday. My daughter and I are making Paula Deen’s baked spaghetti – it is easy AND delicious!!
Thank you!
Aimee
I would like to enter to win this wonderful book!
I need this book! I finally have a great house for entertaining and still find excuses (what will I cook, the windows are dirty, the dog hair…..). I’m committing to having girlfriends for coffee soon! But, what will I serve……….. :)
I can’t wait to read this book. Having people over is an area I definatly struggle in. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
We just had people over last night! We are always having impromptu parties with the boys’ baseball team…..fun but crazy! I LOVE (and my boy’s love me to) make me fmous chocolate cake! :)
Actually we had our friends, who came over last few days ago. I also have a friend, who came over yesterday. Of course I am having company, who will be coming today. I have an idea of what to cook for dinner for all of us today.
In addition, I am well known by preparing and cooking healthy food. And that I am creative when It comes to prepare and to cook meals.
I’d love to read this book and learn a variety of ideas of how I could make my guests to feel welcome in our home.
simple is the name of the game. roast in the crockpot or a premade king ranch casserole that i can stick in the oven an hr before guests arrive… with a fruit salad, or green salad. realllly want to read the tips in the book though- i could definitely use the HELP :)
oh I would love to get my hands on this book. . think I will go order one and then if I happen to win. . give that copy away :)
Every Sunday, my hubby and I sit down and talk “life”, “business”, “goals”. . we pray and ask God to show us who we are to invest in that week. . and then pick up the phone and do some inviting over. We like to do fondue for dessert because it stretches out dinner. . makes you linger a little longer. . .talk more.
Thanks for sharing about this book-
Su
What a great book. We’re having people over today. I’ve also given up having the perfectly clean house when guests come over. They have come to visit me, not my house. It’s really freeing.
I am planning on having a birthday bash for my daughter- so this book would give me some neat ideas for catering for the adults!
I just came across your site…my new fav. Also, I would absolutely love this book. My husband and I just moved back to the USA from a year in Africa and are redoing our house…we can’t wait to make it a place that is hospitable and welcoming to all our new & old friends…I love the fall time and having friends over for fall desserts–warm apple crisp, pumpkin cheesecake, coffees and hot cocoas…i missed it last year and can’t wait to start entertaining again! Pick me for the book…pick me! :) But even if you don’t I will still keep reading the blog…love it for new design ideas for our renovated house.
We have people over all the time, Our Patio is our hang out all yer long.
Margaritas are always a hit.
The book looks great. The next party we are hosting is next month for my 30th birthday. The book would certainly come in handy.
Next houseguests come in five days, but we are always having people over! I’d sure love this book!
I “reluctantly” had a family over for dinner at the last minute on Friday…it turned out great…they didn’t care that it wasn’t perfect and we had a great time. :-)
We are having a pool party/barbeque in a few weeks. We haven’t had people over in a few years and I really miss it. Sandy’s blog has replanted the entertaining seed!
The book sounds perfect for me! I’d love to be able to have people over and enjoy it instead of stressing about the cleaning and making everything perfect. I’ve been putting off having an old friend come over for dinner, because with two toddlers our house doesn’t stay clean longer than half a day. I think I’m going to invite her over for next weekend – that gives me some time to pick up and to hang the new curtains that have been on my dining room floor for two weeks!
This book sounds JUST like what I need to get people over to my house! Perfectionism gets in my way ALL too often:-)
i always make this choclate chip cake in a bundt pan that is super easy, comes out every time and every body *loves* it. I make it when i’m taking meals to people to. It’s my standby and it’s super yum. http://queen-of-the-house.blogspot.com/2010/06/chocolate-chip-cake.html
When I started entertaining 38 years ago my weekly Bible study sisters and I had a motto to help us in this area: “A peanut butter sandwich always tastes better at somebody else’s home.” Entertaining is a simple as that. Who doesn’t like to be invited over, it’s not the food (although yummy food is wonderful) its the fellowship. The thought that someone wanted to be with me and/or my family. How sweet.
Onward and upward, Pam L.
I just had guests last night – and it was so much fun! My husband is in the Army and when he is deployed, as he is now, I find it very challenging to stay motivated to cook nice things or to entertain. I’ve come to realize though, that my kids and I really enjoy having people over and that it blesses everyone when we open up our home.
Last night I made a homemade pizza (with several variations of toppings), twisted garlic and herb buttered breadsticks, and a yummy salad. It was simple and fun for the kids, yet grown up enough for the adults.
I’m looking forward to starting to entertain weekly.
The only big thing we’ll be hosting anytime soon (at least, that’s already on the calendar) is my daughters 1st birthday party the beginning of November! Can’t wait!
Yes. I need to read this book. I love to serve others in my home, but I hate my teenyweenie kitchen/living room (well, t.w. house, for that matter.) We always have such a great time when we have friends over, even though it is very crowded. I so need to get over it already!
We are having friends over for dinner soon and the husband is going to fix two of our dysfunctional computers. The wife, one of my best friends, requested either my Snickerdoodles, which she loves, or Pioneer Woman’s Apple Dumplings, which I make. :-)
I am truly a Reluctant Entertainer. Hopefully this book will help be a more confident reluctant enteratainer! I hope I win!
One of my fav. family times is when my sisters and I get together once a month. There are four of us and we do dif. things on dif. months. Our parents have been gone for a while now, so this is our way of staying close. We have seen each other through a lot of ups and downs, including weddings, baby showers and just crying on each others shoulders. I wouldn’t trade these times for anything. I love having them come to my house, which is what we do most often. It’s the best times!!
When having friends over, I visit our local Fresh Market Store and get as much semi-prepared stuff as I can…grab some fresh flowers and pretty napkins…good to go. Guests are so easy to please. As long as someone else is doing the hard work, it’s always a treat for them to sit back and enjoy.
My sister is getting a visitor from Spain this week and they plan to come stay with my husband and I sometime during the course of her 3 week visit. I can’t wait to have an international traveler in our home and am anxious to impress her with our hospitality. :)
I had some ladies over spur of the moment friday eve, and we had Hot dogs on the back porch with all our kids.. wonderful good times.
The atmosphere of the home is felt ,not seen by all who enter..
but i do like i nice looking house, why else would i love your blog so much?
Oooh, I would LOVE Sandy’s book!! Her & I started blogging about the same time and it thrills me so see her blog become such a success!! And now her own book!! Congrats Sandy!
The next thing that I’m going to host is a “studio walk” at my house. I’ve been working hard to organize every inch of my art studio in my house (actually, I’ve been organizing every part of my house). Since I work better under deadlines, I’ve set a date to have my artsy friends over to see the finished product. I’m pretty sure when they’re here I’ll make pinwheels and they’ll bring the other yummy treats. ;)
Wow – that’s a hard one – usually I make red beans and rice or gumbo with potato salad and buy something for dessert.
hello!!!! Can you even see me, #964, way down here at the bottom? I sure hope so, because I too have judged this book by its cover and want it oh-so-badly!
I usually make my famous cheddar burgers in the summer, and chicken fettuccine Alfredo in the winter. Don’t be fooled by the fancy name of the latter. It’s one of the easiest from-scratch meals I’ve ever made!
I am having a family of 7 (gulp) over for dinner this Friday night. I think I will serve up a chicken curry with rice, crunchy bread and salad (it’s winter here) – and then we have two more families (that’s a total of of 21 people in my wee cottage!) coming for dessert… it’s a surprise 40th! Will my shelves be dusted – probably not. I have a teething 17 month old which means we are in survival mode. But, I hope this Friday night will be a blessing for a friend who so selflessly loves others.
Thanks for the chance to enter – it looks such a neat book.
this book looks amazing! i think we all struggle with wanting our homes to be “perfect” before we have people over. my go-to staple is a mexican corn/black beans/avocado salsa, and fajitas.
We are currently on vacation in the States so I’m being entertained! :) However, when we get back to our duty station, I am planning on hosting a coffee for the military wives in the city- they come from all over the world and it’s always fun to attend and get a taste of different cultures, so I’m looking forward to preparing some American favorites to share.
Chicken Kabobs:
Diced Chicken, Fresh pineapple, Green pepper, Red pepper
Stick ‘em on the skewers, brush with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce and Frozen OJ Concentrate.
Grill to perfection. These are so yummy and very beautiful.
We love having pple over and I am having a ‘back to school’ party for my soon to be Kindergartener, just b/c we like to party! :)
Here’s a link to the recipe:
http://themetzgars.blogspot.com/2009/02/dinner-is-served.html
We just “entertained” this weekend, dear friends of ours from forever ago that were passing through town. My shelves were definitely not dusted and my nasty floor was not mopped. Things were picked up and that was about it. I made my old stand-by: salsa chicken and for dessert we had brownies and ice-cream. It was delish, crazy easy, and most of all we were able to relax and catch up…I’ve been married 15 years and I’m only now “getting it” with regard to entertaining. Would LOVE to read your book. {Recipe: Dump a bag of frozen chicken tenders or breasts in the crock-pot with 2 jars of favorite salsa and maybe a can of diced tomatoes. When cooked, shred chicken. Serve over rice and topped with cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, whatever. Or wrap it up in a tortilla.}
I’m always up for new ideas on entertaining without all the stress!
After years of watching too much Martha Stewart I started to feel that EVERYTHING had to be perfect. I have learned though that, just like Martha, I should rely on my “staff” (my family) and delegate a few chores to help make things easier. When I remember to involve everybody it turns into a wonderful memory instead of a “crazed mom event.”
What a beautiful book! I’m having family and friends over on August 3rd for a Scentsy party. It’s really just an excuse to get everyone together. I figure if I have it on a week night, during the summer, they have to come…right? I won’t be serving my ‘standby’ for this party though, which is spaghetti with homemade sauce. So finger foods it is, since it is a come and go.
I’m Holly and I am a reluctant entertainer. This sounds JUST LIKE ME! We have two families on the list for coming over for an evening, but I keep thinking, once I get something here, once I get something there, once we do this, etc. I’m putting this in my Amazon cart to remember it.
I am so excited for Sandy’s book! Her sis one of the first blog I read! Hmmm…it is summer expect people over at any time tomorrow…that is how we roll here! Better make my salsa and homemade tortillas!
Holly
I’m having 25 girlfriends over at the end of August for a Lilly Pulitzer inspired party. Unfortunately I’m not known for ANYTHING! As a workholic in DC, I’ve made politics my life and have sadly put being a good host on the back-burner. I’m desperately trying to change that now, but needless to say it’s a slow process.
I am having house guests next week and would love to read your book. :)
I sure hope I’m not too late to enter this drawing! We have just retired to a new part of the country – so I am enjoying lots of visits from friends and family. That part is not too hard for me. But – now I am trying to get to know ‘new’ people and I find that kind of entertaining more difficult. I am hoping that this book will encourage me to step out of my comfort zone! My latest favorite ‘go-to’ meal is pulled pork cooked in the crockpot.
I’m having family staying with us for a few days in two weeks. We live cross country from each other so we haven’t seen them for a couple years. I’m excited to see them, even though we will have some half painted walls and carpet that needs cleaning.
Can’t wait to get your book Sandy. Love your blog. Something I always try to fix whenever I entertain is an oriental salad. People always want the recipe & it can be made ahead (keep the lettuce & green onions in a zipper bag with a paper towel to absorb the moisture). It’s simple enough (4 key ingredients) to even take along in a small cooler (prepared ahead of time) when the girlfriends go to the beach or mountains. I love to entertain and have friends over, but sometimes it’s more of a good intention than an actual DO! I want to DO more! Thanks for all your tips!
I just recently bought a big glass iced tea container with a silver spout from Target so I make sure to always have sweet tea or lemonade now when people come over. Basic drink ideas, but suddenly so pretty in this new container. I have homegroup at my house every week and could use new ideas!!!!!
We are like most people, we love having people over. I have 4 kids, so to say that my house is less than perfect is the understatement of the year! But nonetheless, I’ve learned that life does not wait on perfection. We, like you Nester, are renters. And for me, a person that loves to decorate can not be stopped. So last week my hubs went out of town and my sweet friend and her two girls came for a visit. We just moved into this house 6 weeks ago and I definitely don’t have everything “just so”. But I wanted to spend time with her and there was no hiding stuff because when someone stays in your house for two days they are bound to open closets and look under beds! So I just sucked it up and had them here anyway! And it was totally worth it. I’ve learned through the years that real friends are REAL and they don’t care! Thanks for helping us all remember “it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful”!
On August 8th we’ll celebrate the adoption of ALex and Lily! We’ll baptize them and come back home for a mid-summer night’s dessert party! Lots of fun, dancing, and an outdoor movie!!
My in-laws will be here this weekend. Thanks for the giveaway!
We recently remolded our kitchen and friday night was our first dinner party. I was stressing out some, as I wanted everyone to feel at home. I really need Sandy’s help with conversation around the table. And would love to receive copy of her new book.
I am a huge fan of Sandy and her blog – she is such an amazing person, I have been so inspired by her.
We are having people over this weekend for a 30th birthday BBQ – looks like rain and the BBQ still hasn’t arrived but we’ll work something out, I’ll just have to rememeber Sandy’s advice and relax and enjoy it!
Jade
This book looks wonderful! I dread the thought of all the preparations involved with having people over to our house and stress myself out with it, but in the end love the event itself. My chocolate chip pound cake is my go-to dessert that makes anyone forget the dog hair they might have noticed collecting in the corner!
I love entertaining, especially around a theme like a tea party or birthday. In the past few years, I have discovered that I prefer serving a make-ahead menu when possible so that I can enjoy visiting with my guests when they arrive, rather than being focused on food preparation.
I tend to be detail-oriented when it comes to planning parties, and I thoroughly enjoy crafting invitations, favors and decor. That’s great, great fun to me. Even as I lie recovering from back surgery, my mind is swirling with more party ideas!
Where I could use some inspiration is in opening our home to impromptu gatherings when I haven’t planned things out and the house is in its natural state. And also, realizing that in order to be able to physically handle entertaining from here on out, I may need to pull back from some of my plans. And that simplifying my plans might even help everyone feel more welcome in the end.
We are looking forward to having a low country boil with friends. It is almost time for fresh corn….
The book looks fabulous and I loved the blog!
We plan to have DH’s grandparents over next. Most of the time we do crock pot BBQ or penne pasta with vodka sauce and shrimp. Easy peasy! We also host a low country boil every summer that is easy to do. My dislike of clutter and slight OCD means that the house can be ready to entertain almost at a moment’s notice, but the flip side is that I have to work really hard on my hospitality and push aside my perfectionism and awkwardness :(
My standby would be a chicken recipe. It’s such an versital meat to cook!
I think that I’m probably best known for ordering pizza. But what I love to make are my Chicken Enchiladas. I just wish I could have a whole Mexican Buffet instead of chips, salsa and salad to go with it.
I really don’t know when I’ll have company next. It doesn’t happen that often b/c I feel like I have to deep-clean the house AND cook something fancy! (With 3 kids under 6 that can be pretty overwhelming!) When I do have people over (often impromptu), I like to make a simple spinach salad — baby spinach, tomatoes, dried cranberries, crumbled goat cheese, and candied pecans and serve brownies (Ghirardelli mix from Costco) and ice cream for dessert!