Sentimental Soiree

I'm far from a hostess with the mostess but I do adore gathering, celebrating and making others feel loved. In fact my love language is quality time which to me is the most valuable (also the most challenging to obtain). As my 40th birthday approached I didn't just want a dinner or party, I wanted to honor the people that make my life the blessing that it is.

Here are some of the things I incorporated to make this soiree a special time ...

CHEERS

After everyone had a few minutes to mingle as the host I toasted them as a group with a greeting of gratitude and purpose.  I shared how special each one is and in efforts to spare our make up of tears that I'd write to them individually in the coming days.

I believe it's important to open your time together in recognition of why you're together.

Even if it's a casual shindig at your home, begin with a greeting. 

CAPTURE THE MOMENTS

Delegate someone to take pictures of the fun memories being made.

This allows everyone to be present with their phones down and eyes up!

EMBRACE

Share all the smiles and squeezes you can! Our days are so full and thank goodness for technology that allows us to keep up it's not the same as face-to-face fellowship.

ENJOY

Make sure all are eating the food, participating with one another in conversation and 

GIVE

I gifted my guests a classic silver frame.

The following week I printed and mailed a photo of us together with a handwritten note.

Whether the occasion is a milestone or impromptu backyard hang out, 

make the moments count with the people around you!

Dress Beautifully Being a Graceful Host

XOXO Sarah Louise

EST 1983

 

Tomorrow is my 40th birthday!

I am going to rejoice in it with gratitude! In the months leading up to this occasion I have felt worldly pressure to make this milestone a significance that it isn't. I suppose a new decade is a turning point but in reality it truly is another year and each and every day we have breath is one to honor.

I'm going to jump in focused on ...

PERSPECTIVE

I want to look at life's circumstance with a perspective of hope and confidence. Despite what comes my way I want to be grounded knowing it was His plan and I will be protected, provided for and never alone. I also don't want the challenging times to get more attention that the every day or joyous times. I want to fully appreciate it all!

PEOPLE

I want to love people well! I want to cherish them, celebrate them, encourage them, and support them with a generous heart. I want to use my gifts and talents to bless others. People are given to me to teach me, guide me and strengthen me and I want to honor them.

PURPOSE

I was born with a unique and profound purpose just as every single person is! I want to be all in on what He has designed me to do (even when it's hard). I want to glorify Him in the way I live, what I do and say and how I give to this world. I want to embrace the person he made me to be confidently and shine my light where ever I am.

These are wonderful goals but they're not always easy.

I encourage you to find areas that you want to focus on, pray over them 

and with His help we can grow in them!

Dress Beautifully Established in Who You are Made to Be

XOXO Sarah Louise