If you love to cook, this post is probably not for you. If you’re like me, however, and get easily stressed when preparing for guests because cooking is not your thing, then keep on reading. I’ve got you.
As much as I love hosting friends, I always stress over what food to prepare. That’s why I’m going to tell you about my friend Sarina. Sarina lives near me during the winter in Florida, and I watch her host multiple guests every year. She never seems stressed in preparing for them, and her guests have nothing but compliments on her “hotel-like” hospitality. So I went straight to the source and asked for her secret. She shared her strategy, and it was simpler than I ever imagined! Three steps, folks. Three steps. I think I can handle that.
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1 – the set up
There are two set-up areas Sarina always stages before overnight guests arrive – one for coffee and one for food. If you’re lucky enough to have an actual coffee bar, I’m jealous. But if your coffee maker just hangs out on a corner of your counter, that works too. Just make sure to put out the following items: coffee (I love this k-cup carousel), cream and sweeteners, and cups (it’s so much nicer to set a few out, so guests don’t have to search your cabinets.)
The second area is for food. Designate a spot on your counter for a simple buffet style set-up. This includes plates (paper is fine), cereal bowls, a few juice glasses, and a caddy for utensils and napkins. Leave it there throughout the visit, replenishing as needed.
2 – the menu
Obviously, some cooking is necessary, but most of it all can be done ahead of time. What I love most about my friend’s easy formula is that Sarina sticks to a few basic dishes, and she doesn’t reinvent the wheel each time she hosts.
These are her go-to items for breakfasts: overnight oats and a sweet bread (or muffins), a frittata (a quiche would work too – opt for one that can be made and frozen ahead of time), yogurt and berries. Prepare these items once and serve them every morning. They should last several days.
For lunches, she stocks her fridge with cold cuts, precuts a plate of tomatoes and onions, and offers two different types of bread. Lastly, she either makes a cold salad or buys one from the deli. Once again, these items will last several days easily.
3 – the tray trick
This last step is not mandatory but genius. Use a tray. Buy a couple melamine trays for your set-up stations. A beautiful little tray holding juice glasses and other accoutrements offers a thoughtful welcome when your guests come down for breakfasts. You can also use a tray for the deli meats and condiments.
Besides, there are so many lovely trays available! Here are few of my favorites:
Photo above: (top) Pimpernel Morris & Co, (middle) William Morris, (bottom) Tatsu Craft
The other day I read something I just love. “Hospitality is alongsidedness. We come together – in our home, at our table, on our porch – to share joys and sorrows, alongside. (II Corinthians 1:3-4 MSG)
Yes, there is some preparation to do before entertaining guests, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. The food doesn’t have to be gourmet. Your house doesn’t have to be immaculate. You just need to open the door and allow your guests to come in and share their joys and sorrows… alongside.
The biggest compliment is a little share – pin the photo below.
