Have you ever just dropped in on someone unannounced and they acted like they had been expecting you? Most people don’t care much for unexpected company. However, there are those select view who it seems must be sitting looking out a window, waiting for someone to drive in and when they do, open arms welcome you to their home.
When entertaining, experts suggest that there are certain things that should always be found in the kitchen. For some, you must plan to do this. For others, it’s second nature and you can’t imagine why someone wouldn’t have these things.
Water. You say, “This is America. Don’t we all have water?” Oh, this isn’t just tap water. This is a glass pitcher with citrus or cucumber slices in the water, chilled in the refrigerator. Ice is also a must for those who like it even colder. Whil e a cold bottle of water might be acceptable, that pitcher is a classy touch.
Perhaps you say, “What about pop (or soda, depending on where you’re from)?” The only problem with that is, there are so many different kinds out there. It can be expensive keeping a variety of pops available. Some like diet; others like regular. Then comes the Coke vs. Pepsi battle. Starry vs. Sierra Mist. Faygo orange vs. Crush.
You just can’t go wrong with water!
Cheese boards or an assortment of cookies. Most Baptist preachers have a
weight issue. Would you care to guess what a contributing factor for that might be? Every visit we make, food is offered, and it would be impolite to reject it, right? And who in their right mind would want to reject it?!? Those dear Baptist ladies are doing exactly what the experts say should be done. Cookies, pies, and breads, oh my! Delightful, delicious desserts. Cheese and crackers. You must have snackage readily available for your guests if you are going to be the expert hostess.
Fresh sponge/dishrags (for those without dishwashers). The bottom line to this recommendation is that you want your guests to feel comfortable with the foods they are served. If the kitchen is a mess, dirty sink water filled with dishes is evident, and the rags look like they’ve scrubbed grease out of the messiest pans, your guests will eat with fear and trembling, hoping they don’t develop salmonella! Dirty kitchens are a quick turnoff.
Coffee and tea. Maybe you don’t drink either. But the ready hostess knows that most other people do and they will keep these on hand. Milk, creamer, and sweetners will also be made available.1
While there are some who really excel at hospitality and it is their gift, all Christians are to be hospitable. Romans 12:10, 13 says, “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another… (13) Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.” And, 1 Peter 4:9 says, “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” Notice that these verses don’t say, “Be hospitable if you are a hospitable person.” EVERY Christian is to have a hospitable spirit about them.
The special moments of company stopping by are quickly becoming a thing of the past in our fast-paced culture. We can still find ways, though, to reach out and offer an encouraging, hospitable expression of love to our Christian family. Let’s try it today.
1https://bestlifeonline.com/items-need-kitchen-news/
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