Come On Over for Coffee

Back when we were in the US Navy, the wives opened the doors of their homes weekly to host 'Coffees'. Over hot cups and light breakfast we shared the hard things and the highlights of our lives. We got to know each other on a personal level, something that I believe is lacking in our world. The time we spent gathered together was such gift. 

Note: Social Media has us 'seeing' others but that is NOT real community. It is a virtual form that does has its place but it's incapable of replacing face to face time.

Now that Vivian is in kindergarten I am craving connection with others in my season and decided rather than be discouraged to spearhead fellowship by bringing those military 'Coffees' back into my home.

I decided to invite fellow kindergarten mothers from Vivian's school into our home. I want to be honest, I was apprehensive to put myself out there not knowing any of them but I knew my intent to foster friendship was greater than any fears.

I know it's silly but I had such a worry that no one would come ...  I was immediately met with excited responses. 

I ENCOURAGE YOU TO OPEN YOUR HOME TO FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS ... 

ANYONE IN YOUR CIRCLES!!!

Here are my tips for hosting your own coffee ...

INVITE THEM

Don't just talk about it, find a date/time, create your invite. I will print and mail invites whenever possible! But for digital convenience Canva is my favorite via email, evite, text etc. Just SEND IT! 

BRIGHT & EARLY

The timing of hosting a coffee is the best part. Early morning allows for guests to arrive casually and it doesn't infringe on their responsibilities for the day. 

Tip: I put a start and end time and politely wrap up timely thanking guests for attending.

COFFEE

There's a slowness that comes when sipping a hot cup together leaving room for listening and sharing. With a small group your personal coffee maker is just right. When it comes to larger groups, I don't know about you but my coffee pot can not fuel a crowd. To keep things plentiful consider catering coffee - most places you can order in advance and simply grab and go. The single serve coffee makers would also be easy for individuals to make their own.

DELIGHTS

I served far too much but also wanted to make sure I had ample not knowing how many were attending.

I believe a bowl of fruit and 1-2 smalls offerings is plenty.

Do not overlook purchasing premade. This eliminates stress & mess!

Disposable & porcelain dishes are equally great ... I like a blend of both. 

Note: I donated the leftovers to the teachers' break room, neighbors and our bus driver.

HOME

There is far too much unnecessary pressure on the aesthetics of our homes. These are the sacred spaces where we raise our families - not a museum or magazine photo shoot.

Embrace the imperfections and items that represent the people that live there. (we even have a piece of our ceiling missing in the breakfast room from a water leak - we live a normal life in a normal house!)

I adjusted our furniture placement slightly to give greater walking room.

With that the bathroom, floors and surfaces should be clean in the main areas.

Tip: I intentionally schedule cleaning for the day before.

DETAILS TO CONSIDER

Setting aside a space for guests to put their handbags so they're hands free.

Frame tv's are so pretty - but simply uploading an image (possibly the invite graphic) on your tv adds a great backdrop. 

If small children will be accompanying - a basket of toys can save the mothers & children.

Have a small waste basket near the food table - prevents guests from asking.

Label beverages & food with a card

Name tags if guests are unknown

Let guests know where the bathroom is 

HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS

As for your outfit, I believe it's important to be polished but also to be understated so that others feel comfortable. I wore straight jeans, a sleeveless white blouse and ballet flats.

Use what you have for serving & decor, showing your guests who you are - that's the meaningful presentation.

Be sure to include everyone, giving each guest space to share.

A warm welcome and goodbye fills guests with feelings of belonging and friendship.

Hosting doesn't have to be intimidating. Opening your home to others is a great blessing not only to the recipients but it's rewarding to you too! Whether it's a gathering of 2 or many share connection & love with one another.

Dress Beautifully Hosting a Coffee

XOXO Sarah Louise

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

Christmas Dinner Party

This past Friday I hosted a traditional dinner party for 13 ladies belonging to my 'Mothers of Preschoolers' group. I co-lead this group with my dearest friend in efforts to encourage, bless and love one another while building community. 

As mothers we are the magic makers when it comes to Christmas so we first and foremost wanted these ladies to be celebrated, fed and made to feel special for one evening during this full season. Oh and we definitely wanted them to laugh! 

Our home was already festive with Christmas decorations throughout so with the addition of setting the tables the presentation was complete.

Nearly all of my decor & linens are vintage that I've acquired over the years at various antique and thrift shops. I like a classic red and green color scheme that will transcend across decades and hopefully Vivian will use one day. A simple pair of dinner candles adds a timeless and elegant centerpiece. 

I have an affinity for place cards. To me, they feel so fancy and intentional. I find that anything personalized adds a thoughtful touch.

I used my breakfast table in addition to my dining

I made sure to greet each guest at the door with a bright smile and a squeeze to convey how valuable their presence was. I created a area to hang coats and place purses in the office which is by the front door but in a non utilized space for the evening. I then directed them into our formal living room to offer a glass of champagne.

Sparkling wine is my favorite because again, fancy! I served the bubbles in these Waterford crystal coups my father in law purchased in Europe while on military assignment. They were gifted to me several years ago and will be something I cherish forever.

I garnished the drink with sugar coated cranberries & a sprig of rosemary from my garden.

Note: Using the bar cart makes for easy serving while mingling and eliminates traveling from room to room.

We served a traditional Christmas dinner with a pre-plated salad (makes for easy serving), followed by the main course served buffet style: glazed spiral ham, asparagus, roasted rosemary red potatoes and rolls.

The shining star was the homemade chocolate cake!

Following dinner we gathered back in our formal living room with our dessert for some games that made us all laugh so hard I was worried we'd all spill our drinks! 

We concluded the evening by gifting each lady a present served on a silver platter. The symbolism here was fully intentional. As women and mothers we serve others with our best and on this occasion I wanted it to be reciprocated.

Wrapped in tartan paper and tied with a navy velvet ribbon were a pair of gold knot earrings that we affixed to a card that reads "Friendship is a knot that cannot be untied". 

The ladies were surprised and flattered! 

I hope that by sharing this evening with you it inspires you to open the doors of you home to share hospitality with others. The table setting, decorations and gifts are not necessary to be a blessing but simply your warm smile and attentive ears are goodness enough!

 Dress Beautifully at Your Next Party

XOXO Sarah Louise

Summer Sips

 A refreshing cold beverage really hits the spot on a hot Summer day! #ahhh

Vivian loves the lemonade & cookies after church on Summer Sundays

Ryan always says 'hydrate or die' during a workout or outside in the heat.  I'm pretty sure he picked it up during his military days or at work in the hospital ... for all I know all the cool kids are saying it. Either way it's true. 

Every. Single. New Year's I add the same little goal, drink more water.  I never do. My sister is always nagging me about it. I'm at a place of acceptance that my intake of black coffee will outweigh that of H2O.

Take me on a date, girls' night or somewhere on a beach and I'll happily sip with a smile. But beverages aren't just for fun, they're also a way to extend hospitality. Upon greeting your guests one of the first questions I believe you should ask is, "May I bring you something to drink?"

It makes guests feel welcome, comfortable (having something in your hands is calming and prevents fidgeting) and avoids parching while having conversation. The beverage itself can actually spark chit chat. 

I'm the farthest thing from a foodie ... I don't even think there's an antonym for foodie but if there was it would accurately describe me.  So this post is the closest thing you'll see to anything on consumption. 

Here are my favorite Summer Sips ...

1. Paloma - I discovered the deliciousness that is this tequila cocktail in Kiawah Island with Ryan.

2. Slightly Sweetened Iced Tea - possibly spiked :)

Tip: Sip and sit for a spell on the front porch or out back ... whereever you can catch a breeze!

4.  Bubbles - especially to cheers with!

And for when it's mid-day and your toddler's bedtime is far away ...

I imagine I'm sipping it here, alone!

5. Black Coffee - French press is best!

6. Flavored sparkling water ... I don't discriminate between La Croix, Bubbly, AHA or store brand.  I find them all to be light, refreshing and a sweet tasting treat. I typically have one in the evening.

Whatever your flavor, clink a glass together with cheer!

I thought this post would offer more than this but as I was writing, it turns out I'm pretty simple with my sips. But I was committed so you basically learned I like Palomas, sparkling wine and black coffee. I suggest you redirect to other food bloggers, Pinterest and my favorite, Southern Living for all things tasty!

Dress Beautifully While You Sip

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Come On In

Come and knock on our door .... We'll be waiting for you :)

We are finally at a place where we are able to open our doors to our family and friends. 

Note:  When initiating or responding to an invitation to gather I've been letting others know that it's welcome 'when they are comfortable'.  It's important to be respectful to everyone's place during this pandemic. 

I despise the phrase that everyone uses 'please excuse the mess' when someone walks through the front door. Your home is where you live your life, creating memories not a place that someone walks into intending to white glove your belongings. They come to spend time with you, filling your space with their contribution to those memories. 

Confession:  I'm not self conscious about our mess (I diligently keep that managed) but I am about the renovations and decor projects we haven't completed yet. I clearly need to listen to my own advise! 

The key gals, is to be prepared so that your focus is on your guests.  Stash a few things away and add a few steps to your routine and you'll be opening your front door with a relaxed smile rather than a stressed out sigh after shoving and scrambling to make your space presentable.

Below are things I keep on hand and best practices I maintain so that I'm always ready for company.

Candles

This is my most favorite scent. It's pleasant to walk into a nice smelling home. 

 I also keep a few small ones stored away as they make great gifts for hostesses, thank you or any other occasion that comes up.

Pretty Hand Towels

I have quite the collection of vintage and embroidered hand towels that add prettiness to the powder room.

It's the little things that make a difference. And while our powered room needs big things to refine it these will have to do for now. 

They're another great gift option!

Snacks

Crackers, nuts and jelly don't perish and make a great snack platter when you don't have notice.

When you do have time to prepare, I like to have fruit, nice deli meats and easy dips to serve.

It's not a meal, but a nice little something so your guests aren't hungry.

Also, snacking aligns with watching kids during play dates and with my lack of culinary skills!

Beverages

Flavored carbonated water, coffee, and wine are things that are always in plenty in our home.

For an extra touch serve chilled water infused with citrus out of a pitcher.

Housekeeping

When it comes to cleanliness I live by maintaining a standard of shine throughout the day.

Toys are put away after lunch prior to nap (I make it a point to include Vivian in the clean up in efforts to teach her) and before bedtime so that we start and end the day clutter free. I also don't allow toys throughout the home - they are confined to her containers in the den and in her room.

As for the kitchen, the sink is always empty and the only things allowed on the counters are the coffee maker, knife block and hand soap by the sink.  I also clean the counters and floors daily.

When doing laundry I only remove clothes out of the dryer if I can immediately fold them and put them away.

For our bedroom, the bed is made first thing and the only thing on our bathroom vanities are our toothbrushes and hand soap.

If ALL items have a home and there isn't any excess then maintaining tidiness is a cinch.

I highly recommend reading and living by this book on tidiness!

Share any house rules with your guests, like taking your shoes off at the door or offering coasters.

Turn on overhead lights and lamps.  A bright home feels happy & cheerful.

Let your guests know where the bathroom is right away. Every one has to go and it makes the departure less awkward if you don't have to interrupt the fellowship to ask for directions.

Have the refreshments displayed so that they feel comfortable enjoying them.
Should you have to ask they'll probably decline (and be hungry) as to not be an inconvenience and it takes away from the fellowship if you're distracted putting it together.

Don't forget about your china & silver.

It doesn't do any good stored away and you don't need a special occasion or holiday to use it.

Pizza night is special enough for the fancy dishes. Personally, I believe in beautiful presentation (hence this blog).

Tip: Antique stores are great places to build your inventory of fine serving ware.

Open your doors to fellowship!

Dress Your Home Beautifully in Gracious Hospitality

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mamma Monday: Baby Blessings

Remember when you were engaged and you went from girlfriend to fiancee.  It was such a short time and then you'd be wife forever.  It's a sweet chapter as you prepared to wed.  I find pregnancy to be similar (well instead of sweet mine was filled with puke but special nonetheless).  Those you love are in celebration for you and send blessings of happiness.

Well this past weekend I hosted a baby shower (I'm starting to loose count of just how many over the past 5 years - don't drink the water!) for a dear friend from our church.  She's my age and was just married a little over a year ago.  We bonded over her sickness during her first trimester ... so much PTSD!  I did my best to encourage her and lucky for her it passed.
I was silently hoping for her to have a girl so that I could share Vivian Louise's wardrobe and other girlie things but she's having a precious baby boy.

I immediately raised my hand to host her shower - Mr is constantly asking me why I'm always so eager to host showers. Because it brings me great joy to bless others.  We all love to be celebrated and to know that I've contributed is an amazing feeling.

I find that hosting showers can be intimidating to most ....
My home isn't big or nice enough
I don't have nice enough serving ware
I'm not creative

I'm here to tell you that you can host a very elegant and beautiful shower regardless if you live in a mansion or have crafting skills (UGH I think 'Pinterest' showers are incredibly tacky)

1. I believe a home is the best place to hold celebrations.  It's personal and comfortable. No one, and I mean no one cares about the size or how fancy your house is.  Open those doors wide! As for room, ladies will gather together chair or no chair.  But I find you can always slide the furniture around and squeeze in some chairs (even if they are from your patio set, I've done it).
I hosted a bridal shower and my sisters baby shower in my 1 bedroom apartment on the second floor with over 20 gals - and we all had a blessed and cozy time!

2. I didn't inherit any fancy crystal or silver.  My china was my Mamma's and it's not a high end brand but it's more special to me because it was hers.  My silver was all purchased at my favorite thrift store here in Charlotte. I have two sets so that I have plenty for large gatherings. I have a few sets of tea cups that I will mix and match and can select based on the occasion.  I also collect vintage linens from this same thrift shop and use whenever I host.
Gals, if possible please do not use paper/plastic products. I know it will be a lot of dishes to clean and laundry but these occasions are worth it!

3. As for creativity, a colored pen is as crafty as I get.  I don't even color code my spreadsheets. I find crafts and 'Pinterest' type decorations tacky. Some colored balloons and bouquets of flowers are all you need! Favors don't have to be expensive or crafty either.  On Sunday I handed out sachets of gladiolus bulbs for guests to take home and plant. I've gifted tiny plants, soaps, lavender sachets, and nice chocolates.

You gals know I avoid my kitchen at all costs, so I always delegate when it comes to the food.  Guests want to help so include them by letting a few bring a dish.  It saves you time and mess.

Yes those are Chick-fil-a nuggets on a silver platter. #classy

I believe the key to a wonderful shower is to remember the reason you're hosting/gathering - to bless another!

Maybe you don't have a shower to host, but you could have your gal pals over for a meal or keep it simple and serve coffee and dessert sprinkled with chit chat.

Dress Your Next Shower Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise