This post is part of my ongoing series on hospitality.
As you have hopefully seen from the list of creative ways of showing hospitality, it involves more than just hosting dinner parties! I know those of you who have a small house are limited on space, so this post is devoted to some creative ideas for still practicing the biblical command to show hospitality.
First of all, print off the list of ways to show hospitality and circle the ones you can definitely do. There are probably more than you initially thought!
Evaluate your space. Do you have room for one other couple to come for dinner? Try that. If your table is small, consider borrowing a church table. Ditto to not having enough chairs. Many churches would be happy for you to borrow a few folding chairs provided you return them before the next gathering.
If you truly don’t have room to eat at your table, see if you could have a simple meal in your living room using your coffee table to set drinks. Set up a buffet line in the kitchen and then move to the living room to eat. Don’t be afraid to move extra furniture out of your living room (into a bedroom) so you have more space.
Consider hosting outside rather than inside. If you have a front porch, a carport, a patio, or a backyard, you can host several couples or a family. Invite your friends to bring lawn chairs so you have enough seating.
If your kitchen is quite small, you definitely will want to keep your menu very simple. Perhaps a potluck meal would be a good idea if you’re limited on oven or fridge space. Grilling out can also utilize space other than the kitchen. If you have a tiny sink and/or no dishwasher, keep it simple by using disposable plates/cups.
If serving a meal is just not an option, have friends over for ice cream and card games or popcorn and a movie.
Invite a friend over for coffee one morning and have a good chat.
Again, there are lots of other ways you can show hospitality without having a sit-down dinner party!
Even if your house is small, you can still offer a BIG welcome to your guests and make them feel like you are very glad they are there!
I’ve been enjoying this series! We love having people over, although during the school year when Jacob is busy all. the. time. it’s hard to do much of having people over. We’re already planning our summer entertaining 🙂 Our home is quite small – small kitchen, no dining room, etc. We usually set up a buffet line through the kitchen and then sit around the living room to eat. We borrow tables and chairs from our church too. Last summer we had some larger groups over and people split up (of their own accord) – the “older adults” inside (where it was cool) and the younger families outside where the kids could play.
Thanks for sharing that, Kelly! It’s great to hear how you are showing hospitality in a small home. I love what you said about how not everyone has to stay in one room or even inside or outside! People can mingle… great point!