"Joy to the Soul Summer"

My talented friend and fellow blogger (real writer) Joy asked me to participate in her Summer blog series, "Joy to the Soul Summer", a six-week series where she's featuring several bloggers and asking them to connect the season with their faith.   She's asked that I join in the fun! You can link to her blog HERE.  I'm so happy to be sharing a little bit about opening up your home to others in a fun, fulfilling and stress-free way.

I view myself as a steward of everything I have and that includes my home.  I figure if it belongs to God, I think He'd want me to share it with others.  Don't you?

 Romans 12:10-13 "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality."

This is one of the many reasons why I love to entertain.  Lately however, I have let my busy schedule get the best of me and haven't done it nearly enough.  That all changes this summer!

One of the things that holds many of us back is the pursuit of perfection.  I know because it chokes my creativity and keeps me from moving on ideas too.  We tend to think that everything needs to be "PERFECT" before we open our homes to family and friends.

Homemade Photo Booth - New Years' Eve Party

The problem is, things are never perfect and honestly, your family and true friends likely don't care too much about perfection.  I've found that people just like to be in a laid back environment, gathered around great people, good food, with a little fun mixed in.

Here are a few ways to open up your home this summer while keeping things pretty simple:

1.  Begin with a theme.  I find it much easier to plan when I have a theme in mind.  A few of my favorite past events include an outdoor Movie Night, Friendsgiving and an Afternoon Tea.  This helps to drive the decor, the menu and games and makes planning much easier.

Friendsgivingmas Tablescape

2.  Keep the decor simple.  Literally, clean the house, set the table and be done.  Remember the guests are coming to spend time with you and others, not to admire your decor  (although they may) or scrutinize your home. 

Outdoor Living 

"Summer Salads" Spread

3.  Maximize your strengths.  Don't let a weakness keep you from opening your home.  No one is good at everything and the fact that you aren't either, often puts guests at ease.

Romans 12: 6-8 "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a]faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

For me it's cooking.  It totally stress me out, so while I like to entertain,  I often host potlucks or outsource the food.  Hey, I'm a designer not a chef.  😃  Because I love to create a beautiful home, I often play that strength up when entertaining.  I host events just after I've decorated for the holidays or revamped my back porch.  Maybe you make great desserts or cooking is your thing, maybe you love creative party games.  Whatever your "thing", play to that strength and your guests will be happy to help in areas where you need it.

4.  Relax and enjoy!  It's really not about you.  The purpose is to share what God has richly blessed you with, with others.  Shift your focus off of what hasn't been done or what isn't perfect and focus on creating a great time for you and your guests.  

Above all, be intentional about enjoying yourself.  That's what it's all about. 

Outdoor Living Refresh Party

Friendsgivingmas Party