What makes hosting challenging for you?
I have a friend who rarely hosts because she doesn’t think she’s a good cook, although, whenever I eat her cooking, it’s always great! Does having people over for dinner seem intimidating? We have lots of reasons that hold us back. We can be low on: time, funds, energy, space, experience, and confidence all of which can make hosting challenging.

False Beliefs
Our beliefs and expectations of ourselves affect whether we will host or not. For example, if I expect everything I serve must be made from scratch; I will never have enough time to prepare it. Or, if I believe my house isn’t nice enough then I’ve mistakenly believed that the environment I present to my friends is more important to them than our friendship.

Comparison
We get into trouble the minute we start comparing ourselves to other’s best qualities and expect to match up. We might not think of fun dinner games, or have great conversation starter questions, or set a creatively decorated table like them. Although we can learn a few things from our friend’s specialties, I hope you don’t host exactly like they do.

I hope you host like YOU.

Here is a Secret to Hosting
It’s really fun! There is joy in giving, serving, and making someone’s day that is often better than being the one served. Plus, you get to make it how you like it!

You Make your Guests Feel Great!

When I get invited to someone’s house, I feel:

• Important and special to be invited
• Happy to have a place where I belong and are welcome
• Included
• Cared for and valued
• Wanted
• Grateful for the meal and a night to enjoy someone else’s cooking

If you don’t host much, but want to, pair up with a friend and get to the bottom of your hosting reservations. Maybe you’ll uncover some false beliefs or comparisons that you can throw off like an old coat. Host something together and share the duties so it isn’t too overwhelming. Soon you’ll be kicking it up at your own dinner party!

Check back next week where I will be writing some tips for overcoming your hosting challenges.

Overcoming hosting hurdles together,
Stephanie

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Stephanie Allen is Co-founder and President of Dream Dinners and a New York Times best-selling co-author of The Hour that Matters Most. Naturally a visionary and optimist, Stephanie hopes to inspire America through her nurturing voice of encouragement, assuring families…    

“You’re doing a great job!”