You’ve tested one of our “Come on Over Recipes,” and you’re ready to take the next step and invite someone over for a meal, for a yummy dessert, or for a friends-and-family game night. Or maybe you’re an experienced hostess just looking for some fresh ideas or for ways to simplify your current routine. We’re here to help!

Joe and I believe that our home should be a haven—not just for us, but for all who enter its doors. It’s not about stuff. (Otherwise, decluttering/simplifying wouldn’t be a multimillion-dollar industry!) It’s about being who we are, where we live…living out our faith.

That said, here are a few quick-and-easy hospitality hacks from the Henderson house!

(The following portion of the post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you click on the link to purchase the item, we receive a small commission, at no additional charge to you.)

Once the meal is over, set the table for the next meal.

• It feels great to have something accomplished prior to when it is needed!
• When you are preparing to entertain, this allows you to see if anything is missing or if there is something you have forgotten to set out.
• It creates a sense of order.
• It produces a sense of anticipation.
• Don’t just do this for guests, do it every day! This is our house, not staged, after dinner this evening. Notice that the breakfast table (back in the sunroom) is already set for tomorrow morning as well. You may need to use your table for other tasks between meals, and that’s okay. Just set everything out once the table is ready to be used for the next meal.

Have calm instrumental music playing in the background.

• It presents a peaceful atmosphere.
• It invites pleasant conversation. (My mom would often say, “It’s hard to argue when there’s pretty music playing!”)
• It states that their arrival was not a surprise. You planned for it by having the music playing when they arrived.
• It helps to keep the cook (you!) calm.
• Some of our favorites (click to learn more and/or to purchase):
  • Maidens of the Celtic Harp (CD or unlimited streaming via the free Amazon app)
  • Eine Kleine Kaffeemusik (MP3 available with unlimited streaming via the free Amazon app)
  • Reflections of Praise (sacred, instrumental) (CD via the Mieczkowski Family website)

Use games as household decor.

• Unique games like mancala (pictured in the photo from our Great Room) make great conversation starters.
• They provide a comfortable environment for conversing with someone you are just getting to know.
• They are convenient to use when you’re “killing time” until the casserole is ready.
• They create cross-generational settings.
• They’re fun!

The most important thing to remember is the oft-quoted truth: Hospitality is not about the condition of your home; it’s about the condition of your heart.

So open your heart and tell a friend, “Come on over!”