N R. (Moonpie) reviewed The Reluctant Entertainer: Every Woman's Guide to Simple and Gracious Hospitality on + 1170 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
When I got this book I was skeptical as to whether or not I would learn anything new about entertaining. I expected a bunch of fluff, perfectionism and Martha Stewart expectations.
Boy was I surprised! I really enjoyed this book! Not only did I learn many new ideas and find myself with a totally different view on entertaining, but it touched my life in other areas too.
I have entertained in the past but it has been awhile. I realized, thanks to this book, I was hung up in some areas that I shouldnt be, and there were many other ways to show hospitality.
I had a duh moment when I read that hospitality is more about the experience your guest has, NOT perfectionism on your part. In other words, its all about PEOPLE, not the perfect menu, place setting, etc. If perfectionism is our focus then it involves us and pride, not hospitality.
We shouldnt focus on what we serve, how our house looks, or even if we are a good cook. Our focus should be on our guests feeling comfortable and special. It is easy to not entertain if we are trapped in the if and then prison. If I had a nicer house, then I could have people over. If I was a good cook, I would entertain. I realized that I was in this very frame of mind. The next time someone dropped by and it was dinner time, I thought, If I had more time to prepare. . . but remembered what I had read and invited them; quickly I whipped something up and we had a wonderful time. The author points out that hospitality also includes meals to the sick, entertaining the elderly, meals for teachers and more. She also suggests including children in your preparation and entertaining, making it a family activity. The book also includes how to plan, supplies, table decorations, and many recipes. This book really motivated me to think outside the box and practice more hospitality. I especially liked the fact that the book was written from a Christian point of view and showed hospitality as an important ministry for the Lord.
I have received this from book Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.
Boy was I surprised! I really enjoyed this book! Not only did I learn many new ideas and find myself with a totally different view on entertaining, but it touched my life in other areas too.
I have entertained in the past but it has been awhile. I realized, thanks to this book, I was hung up in some areas that I shouldnt be, and there were many other ways to show hospitality.
I had a duh moment when I read that hospitality is more about the experience your guest has, NOT perfectionism on your part. In other words, its all about PEOPLE, not the perfect menu, place setting, etc. If perfectionism is our focus then it involves us and pride, not hospitality.
We shouldnt focus on what we serve, how our house looks, or even if we are a good cook. Our focus should be on our guests feeling comfortable and special. It is easy to not entertain if we are trapped in the if and then prison. If I had a nicer house, then I could have people over. If I was a good cook, I would entertain. I realized that I was in this very frame of mind. The next time someone dropped by and it was dinner time, I thought, If I had more time to prepare. . . but remembered what I had read and invited them; quickly I whipped something up and we had a wonderful time. The author points out that hospitality also includes meals to the sick, entertaining the elderly, meals for teachers and more. She also suggests including children in your preparation and entertaining, making it a family activity. The book also includes how to plan, supplies, table decorations, and many recipes. This book really motivated me to think outside the box and practice more hospitality. I especially liked the fact that the book was written from a Christian point of view and showed hospitality as an important ministry for the Lord.
I have received this from book Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.
