I have teamed up with Angela from The Thrifty Pineapple today to give you some entertaining tips on how to Prepare Like Martha and Host Like Mary during the holidays! Over on The Thrifty Pineapple, I share a couple of tricks on entertaining tips in the kitchen without getting overwhelmed. (Ahem, how to cook like Martha but still love on your guests like Mary!). Check it out here.
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Hi there! I’m Angela from The Thrifty Pineapple and I am so glad to be joining you here on Abby’s blog to share some simple way to prep your home for guests this holiday season. At The Thrifty Pineapple, I cover a little bit of everything from fashion, faith to lifestyle. I believe God is the reason for everything and I believe in helping, encouraging, or inspiring you, so your life can be a little easier.
Abby and I had the best time getting together with Olivia Fryer at Liv Creative sharing recipes, laughing, and capturing some of these tips and tricks for you.
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The story of Mary and Martha from Luke chapter 10 is very commonly referenced when thinking of hospitality. Martha is the busy one preparing the meal for her guests, while Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and served her guests instead of worrying about the condition of her home.
Often times studies paint Martha as the one too busy and not hospitable or asking you to chose one to be, but why can’t we be both?
Especially during the holiday season life is crazy and hosting can be turned into a stressful event, especially if you are a Type A personality like me. It’s very easy for me to be like Martha and lose sight of the qualities of Mary. I recommend taking certain steps in your home to prep for the unexpected guests or parties so that way during the time spent with your guests you don’t have to worry. I’ve got entertaining tips so you can be the best of Mary and the best of Martha.
3 Easy Ways to Prep Your Home
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Think Simple
Your Christmas decor does not have to be over the top and outrageously expensive to have beautiful holiday decorations. I use inexpensive ornaments to decorate with all over the house. I love putting them in empty lanterns on the front porch, in serving bowl as a centerpiece and even mixed with pinecones in a bucket by the tree. Buy a big pack for your tree and sprinkle them in with decor around the house for a cohesive look and feel.
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Candles go a long way
I keep several candles on hand because even with dirty dishes, they work wonders!
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Keep a bottle of wine in the fridge
Here’s the thing, your house could be a wreck but you’ve got simple Christmas decor and your house smells good because of the candles, pop open a bottle of wine and dive deep into your guest’s lives and they won’t remember what your house looked like!
I try to keep our main living/guest-facing areas generally clean. Now if you look closer, you might find dust. Don’t wander too far because I can’t promise my bed will be made or my bathroom will be clean.
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Do all the prepping, planning, and setting up beforehand so you can be attentive and serve your guests. I promise the food and dishes while be there when you leave.
Wait until the guests are gone to clean up. When you start cleaning up, it can give your guests the impression you are ready for them to leave.
This holiday season don’t worry about spending time making your house immaculate. I urge you to dive deeper into those relationships and serve the ones in your home while they are there.
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Cookbook found here!
