Inviting Family & Friends Over: Practical Tips for Opening Your Heart and Home This Season

The holiday season brings a special opportunity to gather with loved ones, but the thought of hosting can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether you're part of our First Assembly Memphis family in Cordova or connecting with us through Boundless Online Church from anywhere in the world, we believe that opening your heart and home is one of the most beautiful ways to share Christ's love during this season.

At FA Memphis, we've seen countless families create meaningful memories by simply making room for others at their table. And through Boundless Online Church, we've connected with families across the globe who are learning to embrace the art of hospitality, no matter where they are. The truth is, hospitality isn't about having the perfect house or the most elaborate spread: it's about creating space where people feel valued, loved, and welcomed.

Start with Your Heart, Not Your House

Before you worry about decorations or menu planning, remember that the most important preparation happens in your heart.

The first step in hosting is shifting your mindset from "entertaining" to "welcoming." Entertaining focuses on impressing others; welcoming focuses on blessing others. This small but significant shift takes the pressure off perfection and puts the focus where it belongs: on relationships and connection.

Consider starting your preparation with prayer. Ask God to help you see your guests through His eyes and to use your home as a place where His love can be experienced. Whether you're hosting family members you see regularly or friends you're getting to know, invite the Holy Spirit to be present in your planning and preparation.

Planning with Purpose and Peace

Once your heart is prepared, practical planning becomes much easier. The key is to plan thoughtfully without becoming anxious about every detail.

Right-size your gathering. Be realistic about how many people your space can comfortably accommodate. A smaller, more intimate gathering often creates deeper connections than a crowded room where people can't really talk or move around freely. Remember, the goal is fellowship, not filling every seat.

Create a timeline that includes margins. Start planning your menu and shopping list at least a week ahead. Prepare whatever you can in advance: appetizers, desserts, and side dishes often taste even better when made a day early. This approach allows you to be present with your guests instead of stressed in the kitchen.

Delegate with joy, not reluctance. Many people actually love contributing to gatherings. When someone asks what they can bring, give them specific suggestions that genuinely help you. This isn't about being lazy: it's about allowing others to participate in the blessing of hospitality.

Creating Spaces Where People Feel at Home

Your goal isn't to create a magazine-worthy space, but rather a space where people can relax and connect authentically. Think about the spaces at FA Memphis that make you feel most comfortable: they're clean and welcoming, but they're clearly designed for real people to gather, not for show.

Prepare guest spaces with thoughtfulness. If you have overnight guests, stock their room with fresh linens, towels, and simple comforts like water glasses and reading materials. Even if it's just your living room where people will gather, make sure there are comfortable seating options and good lighting for conversation.

Don't skimp on the basics. Ensure your bathroom is well-stocked with essentials like toilet paper, tissues, and hand soap. Light a candle or use a subtle air freshener to keep things pleasant. These small details show care without requiring major expense or effort.

Give the kitchen tour. When guests arrive, show them where they can find drinks, snacks, and anything else they might need. This isn't about being lazy: it's about helping people feel comfortable helping themselves rather than constantly asking you for things.

Food that Builds Fellowship

The meals we share together have been central to Christian community since the early church. At FA Memphis, some of our most meaningful connections happen over shared meals, and the same can be true in your home.

Focus on food that encourages lingering. Choose dishes that don't require precise timing or constant attention. Slow cooker meals, casseroles, and finger foods allow you to spend time with people instead of hovering over the stove.

Create opportunities for interaction. Consider setting up a hot chocolate bar, coffee station, or simple appetizer spread where people can serve themselves. These gathering points naturally create conversations and give people something to do with their hands while they're getting acquainted.

Plan for different appetites and dietary needs. A simple question when you invite people: "Are there any foods you avoid or particularly enjoy?": shows thoughtfulness and helps you plan appropriately.

Breaking Down Holiday Barriers

The holidays can be complicated. Family dynamics, financial stress, work pressures, and social expectations can create barriers that make both hosting and attending gatherings feel burdensome rather than joyful. As followers of Christ, we have the opportunity to create different experiences.

Address the awkwardness directly but gently. If there are family members who haven't spoken in months or friends from different circles who don't know each other, acknowledge this without making it a big deal. Simple introductions and conversation starters can help people feel more comfortable.

Create space for different comfort levels. Some people thrive in large groups; others feel overwhelmed. Design your gathering to include both group activities and quieter spaces where people can have more intimate conversations or simply take a break.

Be prepared for holiday emotions. The holidays can intensify feelings of loneliness, grief, or family tension. Keep tissues handy, be ready to listen, and don't take it personally if someone needs to step away for a few minutes.

The Spiritual Heart of Hospitality

At both FA Memphis and through Boundless Online Church, we're constantly reminded that hospitality is a spiritual discipline, not just a social nicety. The Bible is filled with examples of God's people opening their homes and hearts to others, and it's always presented as a pathway to blessing: both for the host and the guests.

Include moments of gratitude. Whether it's a formal blessing over the meal or simply taking time to share what you're thankful for, acknowledge God's goodness together. This doesn't have to be lengthy or formal, but it reminds everyone that your gathering is grounded in something deeper than just social connection.

Be open to spiritual conversations. The holidays naturally bring up big questions about life, purpose, and hope. Don't force spiritual discussions, but be prepared to share your faith naturally if conversations move in that direction.

Model grace when things go wrong. Something will probably not go according to plan: the turkey might be dry, someone might spill something on your favorite tablecloth, or an unexpected conflict might arise. How you respond to these moments teaches your guests about grace, flexibility, and what really matters.

Making Room for Everyone

One of the beautiful aspects of Boundless Online Church is that it connects people who might never be able to gather physically. As you plan your holiday hosting, consider how you might include people who can't be there in person.

Use technology thoughtfully. A quick video call to include grandparents who can't travel, or live-streaming part of your gathering for friends who are far away, can help expand your table beyond your physical space.

Send care packages. If you know people who will be alone during the holidays, consider putting together simple care packages with homemade treats or small gifts. This extends your hospitality beyond your home's walls.

Plan post-holiday connections. The period between Christmas and New Year's can be especially lonely for some people. Consider planning a simple gathering during this time for people who might need extra connection.

Embracing Imperfection with Joy

Perhaps the most important tip for holiday hosting is to release yourself from the pressure of perfection. The most memorable gatherings are often the ones where something went "wrong" but everyone laughed about it and drew closer together as a result.

Focus on presence over presents. Your attention and genuine care for your guests matters more than expensive decorations or elaborate meals.

Remember your why. When you start feeling overwhelmed by details, remember that you're creating space for people to experience love, connection, and hopefully, a glimpse of God's heart for them.

Give yourself grace. If something doesn't go as planned, model the same grace you'd want others to extend to you. Your guests will remember your kindness and flexibility far longer than they'll remember any small mishaps.

The holiday season offers us a beautiful opportunity to practice the kind of radical hospitality that Jesus modeled throughout His ministry. He made room at the table for everyone, created space for authentic conversation, and showed people they were valued and loved. Whether you're gathering in Cordova or connecting from anywhere else through Boundless, you have the same opportunity to open your heart and home as a reflection of God's love.

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Dr. Layne McDonald serves in Assimilation and Retention ministries at First Assembly Memphis, focusing on helping new visitors and members feel welcomed and connected to our church family. Whether you're able to join us in person in Cordova or you're part of our Boundless Online Church community from anywhere in the world, we believe that everyone deserves to experience the love and fellowship that comes from being part of God's family.

First Assembly Memphis

8650 Walnut Grove Road

Cordova, Tennessee 38018

Phone: 901-843-8600

Email: info@famemphis.net

Website: www.famemphis.org