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

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

Soiree: SL in the QC

Invitations designed/created by Moi

I've cropped the bottom of the invitation for privacy - No creepers/stalkers welcome

This past Saturday I hosted my first soiree in our new home.

It was a time to gather with my gal pals and a welcoming of my return to the Queen City. 

I also wanted to debut our house and it's interiors as I've been keeping it somewhat a secret.
(Posts to come)

Decorating is an ongoing process and there's always tweaking.  I find myself never quite ready or satisfied with a room but my Mamma reminded me that 'Rome wasn't built in a day'.  You can't do it all.  It takes time.  Sadly, my house didn't come with a money tree in the backyard and decorating isn't cheap!

There's no perfect house nor life, but it's ours and it's perfectly filled with Love! 

I was tickled pink to use these family heirloom crystal glasses and to serve from my antique buffet

My goal for this shindig was not only to celebrate our new home but to also show gratitude for the welcoming our friends and family have shown us.  They are our support and encouragement through our day-to-day and our milestones.  Cheers all around! 

These pink bubbles were a gift and I've been saving it just for this occasion

POP FIZZ CLINK

 And for those driving or expecting a baby some sparkling lemonade & water
Fancy Another Tray: Kate Spade || Ice Bucket: Lenox ||
Zebra Cocktail Napkins: Here ||

Bar carts are essential for serving in the formal room or away from the kitchen

I served heavy hors d'oeuvres and sweet treats

barbecue chicken sliders, orzo pasta salad, bacon wrapped dates, roasted sweet potatoes, 

hummus & veggies, pepper jelly over cream cheese & crackers

Strawberry cupcakes with cream cheese icing & sugar cookies with lemon curd

My co-host all gussied up 

Our moving announcements by Shutterfly 

I have a thing for snail mail :) 

When throwing a soiree remember, it's not all about the decor, food and how fancy the presentation is; rather the company and fellowship that fills the room!

Stay tuned for a peek into my home and design next week!

Dress Your Next Soiree Beautifully

XOXO Sarah Louise