Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Hospitality and so much more


I was thrilled to receive a copy of the The Reluctant Entertainer: Every Woman's Guide to Simple and Gracious Hospitality by Sandy Coughlin to review. I've been a browser of her blog, The Reluctant Entertainer, for awhile now, so I had a sense of what this book would be about. I must say it exceeded my expectations and I was already set for a great read. This truly is an every woman's guide. I must say my own personal experiences in hospitality and entertaining were very similar to Sandy's. In my 20s I couldn't wait to host events and have friends over even in our small 600 SF condo. We would host dinners for up to 12 guests there. Now in my 30s with kids a little bit bigger home I've locked myself a bit in the need to be perfect box, just as Sandy shared. I guess I feel, as many others probably do, that I should have it more together now that I'm older. I've raised the expectations on myself and in turn have simply started to shy away from hosting events. Or maybe I've just had more time to build up my arsenal of excuses.

I'm so glad I got a copy of this book so it will not take me until I reach my 40s or longer to get my priorities and expectations set right. Sandy's writing style is personable, open and gracious. This book is packed with all the practical tips, recipes, ins and outs of hosting events in a simple and inviting way. Add in all of Sandy's warm encouragement and you will be set to start opening your heart and home to others. This is a must have guide to entertaining and will be a resource that I will go to for many years to come.



I received a free copy of this book from Revell: A division of Baker Publishing Group. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.



DaySpring introduces the new Ever Grateful Collection

15 comments:

  1. Sounds like a helpful book. I have always loved hosting people and I think it's important to remember that most people come to see YOU, not your house, and not what type of food you have to offer. One helpful hint: invite several people at once, so that they can help entertain each other! :-)

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  2. Hi Michelle!

    I have begun to shy away from hosting things in my 30's too. Sounds like an interesting book.

    Congrats on being the featured blogger! Have an awesome iFellowhsip day.

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  3. I'm going to confess...I didn't have the Hospitality gene passed on to me. I get so stressed about hosting events/small dinners/coffees, that I'd just rather not. The only exception is birthday parties for my chilren. Now, those I love! I think I need to read this book. :o) Happy iFellowship Day! :o)

    Larri at Seams Inspired

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  4. This sounds like a book I need to read. I'm getting better, but inviting people over seems like so much work. I feel like I need to entertain them when they're here, rather than just letting them enjoy being here. I'm definitely getting better, but I have a long way to go!

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  5. Sounds like a great book... I'll have to visit her blog soon, too! Thanks for sharing this!

    Happy iFellowship Wednesday!

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  6. Recently my BIL had a surprise anniversary party for his wife--he asked several couples and there was no food--well, he didn't prepare any--one of the guests just happened to bring a chocolate cake But you know what??

    We had an awesome time and I ended up making a precious new friend--Why do we always feel that things have to be so elaborate when we get together??

    Sounds like a great read!

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  7. Hi, visiting from iFellowship today. That book sounds like a good one. I love having people over but need to be more diligent in actually doing it. I make lots of excuses but really they are not good ones.

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  8. Congrats on being featured today at Seeds of Faith!!! I TOTALLY love your blog!!!

    This sounds like a great book!

    Thanks for educating us all on these wonderful treasures!!!

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  9. I'm visiting from iFellowship. I've found myself in a similar situation...this sounds like a great book!

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  10. Congrats on being the iFellowship featured friend! For someone like me, a book like that is essential. Thanks for keeping us up-to-date on another great new book!

    http://LivingMontessoriNow.com

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  11. ooooooh! i totally want this book! i'm not kidding - it's on my Christmas list already.

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  12. I am such a book nerd - will definitely have to poke around your site some more. (the little ones and I can't leave the library with less than 20-30 books most days!).

    Quite honestly, our house is just too darn messy for me to want to have people over regularly (aside from my best friend or family). Our kids' bday parties tend out to be a big ol' bash that goes well, mostly in part b/c my mom takes over with coordinating the food, etc. and everyone brings a dish.

    Stopping over from iFellowship - Congrats on being the featured blogger!

    http://www.momkaboodle.com

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  13. Hosting? Um, ya that frightens me a bit! I have slowly gotten better but I need all the help I can get. Great review, I will be looking into this book for sure!

    I have gotten way behind on everyones blogs, shame on me. I am attempting to get caught back up, which is quite a task!

    Make sure you zoom over and check out all the new changes to my blog. I have tons of new giveaways too, new one posted all the time!!
    Stay Fabulous
    Chara
    www.nothingbutfabulousity.com

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  14. Sounds like a book I definitely want to check out!! I have something for you over at my blog!
    http://briansgirl1999.blogspot.com/

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  15. This is a book I could really put to practical use. I host people in my home often. My husbands side of the family is HUGE. Only they DO want specific foods when they come over.

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