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!
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).
Sandy
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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!
Sandy
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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!
Sandy
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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!
Sandy
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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!
Sandy
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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!
Sandy
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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! :)
Sandy
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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!
Sandy
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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!
Sandy
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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!
Sandy
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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!
Sandy
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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! :)
Sandy
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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! :)
Sandy
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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!
Sandy
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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!