My 3 Steps To "You Are Welcome Here"

It’s the best feeling in the world when someone laughs at an event that I’m hosting. I can’t describe it, or put a sufficient word to it.  It’s like satisfying and gratifying in one.  Maybe I’ll make up a word someday.  You know I will, right?  If you've ever hosted anything, you probably found it exhausting and exhilarating all at the same time.  My hosting mentality has matured over the years.  I was queen of the "over complicated" event.  I wanted to have giveaways and raffles and if I could have added a quick game of tag, I probably would have.  I now have a simple formula I follow for my events. The foundation  is simple for me and starts with, "how will you make your guests feel welcomed"? 

Sitting

I have one rule, so I’ll keep it simple. I only invite enough people for the seats available in the space.  I personally don’t believe in standing room only.  I didn’t know why until I did some work on healing from some childhood trauma. But even understanding the history behind that desire, I still feel it’s important that everyone have a seat if they desire to use it.  

The Food Situation

Now this is where I can go a little off the rails, as I tend to use my guests as guinea pigs for the latest Pinterest or Facebook inspired recipes. The way I see it, I’m auditioning for my future Mrs. responsibilities (Excuse me while I manifest. LOL!).  I tend to look to the evening, the number of people, the space that I’m working with and the traffic flow to help me determine the level of complexity to what I’m serving.   

Smiling and Laughing

Finally, nothing lights me up more than to look across the room and see people in conversation and smiling with each other.  Beyond the sitting , the food, and drinks, it is when you feel welcomed enough to smile and create space for others to share. That is where my satisfying, gratifying collides.  But then, when that first sound of laughter hits the room, BAM! The room lifts and signals to all that You have indeed been properly welcomed!