Rules for Entertaining from "4 Reluctant Entertainers"

MY TEN COMMANDMENTS
#1 Hospitality is not only a gift I have but a gift I give. Be passionate about it! #2 Organization and planning ahead: Know Thy Recipe! Have a plan! Makes lists! Experience the power of delegation! #3 Set the mood with your specific style of music, lighting or candles. When in doubt, ask your guests to bring their favorite music. #4 Perfectionism is a robber. Lower your expectations. Your guests do not expect perfection and neither should you. #5 Ignite conversation by planning ahead of time 2 or 3 specific questions and topics of conversation for your guests. #6 Transform your home or meal with thrifty ways and low-cost ideas. Make garage sales and thrift or dollar stores part of your errand ritual. #7 Apologizing for a perceived error in your meal just draws attention to you and pulls away from the enjoyment of the meal. #8 Be yourself. Don’t compare yourself to others, but create your own style. #9 Learning - always be willing to try new things. Use the Internet or library, along with your favorite cookbooks, for recipes and unique ideas. Try new recipes on your family first. #10 Expect life-changing impact! Those who feed people lead people.
Go to '4 Reluctant Entertainers' for examples on how to incorporate these commandments into a successful dinner party for 17 adults and 15 kids or just when unexpected company drops in at dinner time. Whee! This blog is excellent!
My house is too small to even hold many but I am having Pastor, Sue and their 4 kids over for a holiday time together delayed by our schedules and responsibilites but held in place by our caring for one another. Jenna may be present also for this time. So I have a few rearrangements to do when I find a minute (an evening actually should do it!) and I want to use these wonderful rules to capitalize on the opportunity to show hospitality and enjoy my guests.