Sometimes all it takes is a delicious recipe to spark the hospitality flame. Honey and garlic baked brie will get you out of any party slump you might have fallen into. If you’re in a hosting rut, you’re not alone.

Biggest Challenges for Hosting A Party

Recently I was speaking to a group of women about hospitality. Specifically, we were talking about hosting small, simple gatherings in our homes. When I asked, “do you wish you had people over more often?” every woman in the room raised her hand.

Then I asked the question, “so, what keeps you from inviting friends over for a gathering?” On a big flip chart, I scribbled answers as we shared our biggest obstacles. Can you guess what the biggest challenges were to hosting a party? Even a small one?

Not enough time
Worried about the house — not enough room, always a mess
Stressed about what food to serve

Not Enough Time

Time was the biggest hindrance. Every woman in the room expressed the desire, in fact it was stronger than desire, women share a deep need to spend time together. But, schedules are filled to the brim and busy lives leave little or no margin for parties. It’s an odd paradox if you think about it… we long to be together, but can’t find the time. We’ve let our calendars become the boss of us.

Worried About The House

We women are funny about our homes. I’m sure there’s some deep psychological explanation for why we fear being judged by the amount of square footage or dust bunnies in our humble abodes. But since we’ve already established we don’t time for frivolities, much less appointments with the shrink, let’s all just vow to put on our big girl panties and “get over it.”

There’s no shortage of fabulous magazine-worthy homes to drool over. But, have you ever noticed what’s missing in the majority of these enviable rooms? People! We are not empty room people, we are living room people. We are Front Yard People.

Somewhere in fantasy land I’m sure there are spotless living rooms without dirty socks, Sharpie stained sofas, and broken plastic pieces. I don’t know about you, but I would never turn down an invitation to gather with friends because the hostesses house was a mess, or her kitchen too small. I’d be so happy to be out of my own clutter, I’d actually welcome someone else’s.

What Food to Serve

Sometimes the hardest part about inviting friends over is coming up with something simple to serve. The trick is not to over think it. I’ve spent countless time and energy pouring over cookbooks or Pinterest searching for recipes only to wind up in a perpetual state of analysis paralysis. In reality, having three or four tried & true recipes is all you need. Keep it simple and serve what you know. Whether it comes from your oven or the local food market really doesn’t matter.

Go For It! Host a Small, Simple Gathering

What do you say? Are you ready to ditch the excuses and make a commitment to gathering with friends? I know I am.

Pick a date. Invite a small group of friends or neighbors. Straighten the house, but don’t stress. Better yet, if you have a turquoise table — head out to the front yard. You’ll encourage others who see you enjoying company.

A long time ago, I clipped this recipe from the newspaper. Back in the day, it was my go-to appetizer for cocktail parties and festive gatherings. I recently added honey & garlic baked brie back into my rotation of tried & true recipes.

File this one under, if you bake it they will come!