When my husband and I were engaged, we went through a 7-week marriage prep series with a mentor couple. The material was great and the couple was so supportive. During marriage prep we decided part of our mission as a family was to have a home of hospitality. What the heck does that mean?

Well, good question. The short answer is we want everyone who enters our home to feel welcomed, honored, and comfortable. What a nice idea! But how exactly do we do that? Doesn’t everyone want that? I’m sure no one invites people over and has no desire for them to be happy or welcomed. Who would do that? What we’re going for is intention. I don’t want people to think, “Wow. She’s organized.” I want them to think, “Wow. We feel so at home here.” I want them to feel valued. I don’t want a pat on the back to show off my skills. I want people to feel important, to feel worthy of a fuss. Don’t we all need that reminder? We are all worth fussing over. This isn’t just about how you present your home for the annual Christmas party. This is about welcoming people in regularly. It’s about always being ready to host, never turning someone away who arrives unexpectedly. You’re not just opening a door; you’re sharing your life with them. The decor, the photos, even the paint colors. All of this is a reflection of the home’s inhabitants, so show them who you are! Share life with them!

Our home has been used for so many occasions. We’ve had various birthday parties, Christmas gatherings, family holidays, Bible studies, marriage prep, quizzo, quiplash tournaments, fantasy football drafts, baby showers, you name it! Friends ask us to host meetings or parties because our home is always ready. We welcome people without hesitation (for the most part) and we love that. Even my introverted husband is passionate about this. He wants people to come to our home so we can show them love and support.

We have so many cherished memories with family and friends within these walls. I also want to add that we don’t have a large home! We live in a city twin home that is plenty of room for us but by no means big. I think there’s a misconception that you need lots of space to be a good host. There are ways to make a big impression in a small space. People can be comfortable and close. Our house might end up a bit cozier and less glamorous, but it’s home. We like being close. We like bringing people home.