Holiday Hospitality with Children

Posted by JenniferS | 0 comments

Christmas is a season for kindling
the fire for hospitality in the hall,
the genial flame of charity in the heart.
-Washington Irving

My children love for our home to be full of friends, big and small. Whenever we host a dinner or party, their excitement is overwhelming in those important hours before guests arrive. Instead of being frustrated by their energy level, I have found that delegating a few creative jobs can make that time very pleasant and fun for all of us. Additionally, they are able to share in the blessing of hospitality and learn what it means to honor guests in our home.

Make it personal. For more formal dinners, my daughter loves creating place cards with each guest’s name. From basic, folded card stock to names beautifully written on leaves… the possibilities are truly endless. All they need is a list of names and a little inspiration (maybe from Google images – kids handmade place cards). Legos will also hold a place card very nicely.

Prepare the table. Here is the opportunity to teach children a valuable life skill: how to set a proper table. When every fork/spoon/knife/plate/glass is in its place, let them have fun with the napkins. In our home, I simply offer a few ideas like creative folding, tying them with ribbon or twine, a natural embellishment, or a handmade napkin ring and they’re ready to go.

Also, while you are busy readying your home, have the kids enjoy a simple (clean) holiday craft that can be used as a decoration. Pomanders are lovely in a bowl on the coffee table. And one of my favorite winter table ideas is to fill glass jars with epson salt (snow) and candles (but maybe this should be done in the garage, just in case).

For little ones who may not be quite ready for table settings, there are simple yet important jobs to be completed. They can arrange crackers on a tray, or cocktail napkins on the coffee table. Are there small children coming? Ask your child to fill a basket with a few age-appropriate toys especially for the young guests and place it in the corner of the living room. My 4 year-old son often is put on “bathroom patrol” before we open our home, making sure there is sufficient toilet paper and a clean hand towel or guest towels. While he is in there, I beg him to check to see if each toilet is flushed and each lid is down. My six and nine year-old usually take great honor as the “May I take your coat?” collectors when guests arrive. Gathering extra hangers for the coat closet beforehand is a tidy, little job.

When all the food is prepared and the candles are lit, take a quick look around and remember this house is not a stage for a grand entertaining performance, but a home. It’s simply a place God gives us to love on people. Then stop to pray together as a family that all who enter would feel at ease, comfortable, loved, and honored.

May your home would be filled with the sweet aroma of Christ.

Jennifer is a pastor’s wife and homeschooling mom to three – ages 9, 7, and 5 – who is continually amazed by the wonder of God’s extravagant grace. Living in Washington DC, she enjoys exploring the city with her children, early morning runs, and free museums. She delights in simple and natural living, the arts, and finding beauty in ordinary days. Her greatest desires for her children are to love God, love the church, love people, love books, art, music, and the outdoors. Jennifer blogs at Planted by Streams.