Before the Doorbell Rings: Three Things I Try to Do Every Time I Host
I’ve come to believe that true hospitality doesn’t begin when the door opens—it starts long before that. Hosting well, for me, has less to do with presentation and more to do with posture. It's about preparing a space—yes, physically—but also spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.
Over time, I’ve found a rhythm, a few quiet practices that anchor me and make hosting feel less like a performance and more like a ministry. It’s not about impressing—it’s about creating room for connection, rest, and grace.
Here are three things I try to do every time I host:
1. Create Space for Unhurried Conversation
In a world that often rushes from one thing to the next, I want my home to be a pause. I want people to walk in and exhale.
That starts with me slowing down first—clearing my own mental clutter, turning off the to-do list in my head, and choosing to be fully present.
Real conversation, the kind that matters, often comes in the in-between moments:
• Over second helpings
• While drying dishes side-by-side
• Sitting in the quiet after the candles burn low
I try to leave room for that—not by filling the evening with activity, but by letting people linger.
2. Pay Attention to the Small Details
There’s something sacred in the details. A lit candle. A folded blanket. Soft music playing in the background. The way the table is set, even simply, with care.
None of it needs to be elaborate—but when done thoughtfully, these small things whisper:
You matter. You’re welcome here.
Sometimes it’s:
• A snack I know someone loves
• Fresh flowers on the table
• Turning the lights down just enough to feel cozy
These details aren’t about creating a Pinterest-worthy moment. They’re about creating warmth. Intention. Welcome.
3. Pray Before People Walk Through the Door
This might be the quietest rhythm of all—but it’s the most important to me.
Before anyone arrives, I take a moment to pray. It’s usually simple:
Lord, let this be a place of peace. Let laughter come easily. Let burdens feel lighter here. Use this space for Your good.
It reorients my heart. It reminds me why I open the door in the first place—not just to share food or conversation, but to invite God into the evening, too.
Warm, inviting kitchen and dining space with layered textures and vintage-inspired decor. A table is set with a neutral gingham cloth, layered plates, and gold-rimmed glasses, ready for guests. The kitchen in the background features open shelving, globe pendant lights, a marble island with woven leather stools, and thoughtful details that create a cozy, lived-in feel.
Presence Over Perfection
If there’s one thing I keep learning, it’s this:
Hospitality isn’t about being impressive. It’s about being present.
It’s about making people feel at home not just in your space—but in your company. And maybe, if you’re lucky, a little more at home in their own hearts too.
So whether you’re setting the table for a crowd or brewing coffee for one friend—
Take a breath.
Light a candle.
Say a prayer.
The most meaningful hosting happens in the quiet, intentional things.
