I mentioned a few posts back that an American couple from church invited us to their home. Well, because of where they live we weren't allowed to go to their house, so we invited them to ours instead. Because of safety issues we decided that a lunch would be better so that our guests wouldn't have to be out after dark. So this Saturday we had our new friends over for a casual lunch and fellowship.
Now, I will be the first one to admit that I have a LOT to learn about being a hostess. Not so much from a lack of desire, just lack of experience. Since we've been here and I've had to entertain more I have gotten better at some aspects of it. In the past I would have striven for absolute perfection; probably trying to make something extraordinary and offering about a dozen different choices, trying to please everyone. I have learned, through many of you actually, to make it more about the fellowship and focus less on the food and all the little details. I did well with that part today. I made potato salad the night before, put beans to bake slowly in the oven, and my husband grilled hamburgers; it was very casual and easy. Not everything was perfect, but I've also learned not to apologize for that. Our guests live in the Arab/Muslim side of Jerusalem, so having American food was a real treat that they enjoyed. Okay, so that was lunch and it lasted all of about 30 minutes. Next came the hard part.... conversation.
Here's where I need your help. Our new friends are not big talkers. They are nice and friendly and everything, but they're very reserved. My husband is not a big talker either (those of you who know him can attest to that). I can talk all day long, but I don't like to be the only one in the room doing so. At the first lull in the conversation my husband suggested a board game; but that idea was rejected. Back to talking. We managed to keep a (rather dull) conversation going, but everyone was starting to yawn after about 4 hours. (Yes, I said FOUR hours!!) We obviously need help here. What kind of things do you do when you have guests over that you're just starting to get acquainted with? All suggestions will be considered!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
4 hours? You must have done something right!
I think a great way to draw people out and get things rolling is to ask question about what is important or interesting to you to know: hobbies? experience in a foreign nation?
And the best one yet: testimony for Jesus!
Hi Pam again i agree with the above commenter, the best advice i was going to give would be to play a board game or a card game to break the ice..Maybe dominoes? it's really easy and fun..testimony for Jesus is great..discussing great books is good too..maybe watching a few good movies with them at home or going to the cinema (IF it's safe, not sure about Israel though)
but i think you did a wonderful job, 4 hours is very impressive :))
just talk about what God has done in your life that's always wonderful to chat about, maybe with your lady friend you could talk about cooking, recipes, crafting skills, quiliting, knitting, crocheing..etc..maybe invite just her for a nice afternoon of shopping (If safe) or just a nice day of doing craft projects +))
like scrapbooking, album creating with photos, quiliting, knitting, crocheing, embroidery, chatting, sewing....so many ideas i have LOL
maybe watching a nice christian movie on DVD..and have a few wonderful treats..with tea cups??
;))
nice tea and bisquits, or appetizers..is that enough ideas yet? LOL
hehe
I'll admit i have a lot more ideas on how to entertain a girlfriend then a couple..but just talking to both about what God has done in your life and chatting about books, politics would be enough with most couples!
And try Dominoes!! i know it's a board game but most folks love it =))
well i hope you have a wonderful day there in Jurusalem Israel!
Have a great weekend!
I hope this helps!
Take care!
Blessings & hugs!
To God be all glory!
In Him, Jane.
We do the game thing..you could always but on some old classic wholesome movie...
some may disagree but I have had some wonderful *get to know you* times when I have asked the female guest to give me a hand in the kitchen, doing dishes...one girl got saved from our discussion over dishes....
Look forward to seeing what everyone else suggests...
~~deby
I would suggest asking some questions about hobbies and such to get to know them. Try to find something you have in common.
I have never really "hosted", but my parents have multiple times, so I have learned from years of observation. Hope I helped! :o)
Post a Comment