Hosting + Cinco De Mayo

This quote combines all the best parts of homemaking. From a young age, I was taught the beauty of making our home welcoming to all who enter through the doors. Whenever I was asked to set the table, I took great pride in doing so for our guests. At holiday gatherings and events, I watched hostesses pour their efforts into setting the perfect table and accounting for every little detail. Even the smallest detail has the capacity to help set the mood for a gathering.  

^^Truly, Julie Andrews (Queen Clarice) is the Queen of Etiquette!

“I believe that a godly home is a foretaste of heaven. Our homes, imperfect as they are, must be a haven from the chaos outside. They should be a reflection of our eternal home, where troubled souls find peace, weary hearts find rest, hungry bodies find refreshment, lonely pilgrims find communion and wounded spirits find compassion.” - Jani Ortlund 

I love that Jani indicates that our homes are imperfect in her writing. Yes, you heard that correctly…our homes are not meant to be picture perfect, like a page straight out of Home & Garden magazine! These spaces are lived in - sometimes the dishes and laundry pile up, and mud gets tracked in the door.

We aren’t supposed to maintain an image of the perfect home to be able to invite others in! A generous heart and open arms will bring forth a sense of welcome and “home” to any guest. 

The quote above and several other inspiring messages helped spark my creativity for this week's blog.

Even within the Bible, Christ shows us the perfect example of hospitality—even if all we can give is the tiniest portion—that will be rewarded in Heaven. 

Matthew 18:20

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Hebrews 13:2

Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.

1 Peter 4:9-10 

Be hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

"The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely."

-Louisa May Alcott

A woman is tasked with making a house a home. “Woman’s true mission is to create a place of love and joy - which no one can find [solely] in professional work.”

Dr. Alice Von Hildebrand 

Ranch Water To-Go

Speaking of all things hosting…I look forward to celebrating Cinco De Mayo this week! A fiesta theme is always fun for this time of year. We plan to grill out and serve Mexican Food and Beer-A-Rita’s. I also created the best little drink set-up - I call them Ranch Waters To-Go! 

What I included: 

• Topo Chico 

• Miniature bottle of Tequila

• Miniature Tajin bottles (Amazon has it all) 

• True Lime Packets 

These serve as great party favors or even gifts! They are convenient and easy to travel with also. 

Lady K’s One Thing: 

The easiest and most tastiest Beer-A-Rita Pitcher Recipe. My mom and I have spent countless hours around the pool, and her pitcher recipe for Beer-A-Rita’s is guaranteed to go down easy! My mom taught me that you can visibly tell if a margarita is going to be good by its color in the glass. She is one wise lady, as I have learned her wisdom the hard way! This margarita is the perfect mix - not too tart and not too sweet. The color is perfect also, not neon yellow or bright lime green…it is just right! 

Beer-A-Rita Pitcher Recipe 

Ingredients: 

• 1 - 12 oz can frozen limeade concentrate

• 12 oz tequila

• 12 oz Topo Chico or Sparkling Mineral Water

• 12 oz beer

• Ice

• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Directions

1) Gather all ingredients.

2) Pour limeade concentrate, tequila, water, and beer into a large pitcher. Stir until the limeade has melted.

3) Add plenty of ice to the pitcher and garnish with lime wedges. This tip is very important - be sure to adjust with additional water and beer to taste. This ensures your pitcher will not get too watered down or too strong! 

Have a great week! 

Yours Truly,