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!
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!