Hospitality Tips

This weekend we had a gathering with some friends.  It was an end-of-the-summer celebration with all the typical picnic trimmings - grilled burgers and dogs, corn and melon from the garden, and homemade chocolate and peanut butter ice creams that we cranked together.  With a few glow sticks and "ice breaker" questions thrown in for good measure, the evening was a sweet one.

A few tips:

* A friend shared this idea, which I adapted slightly (thanks, Fay!).  Place napkin and silverware for each individual in quart Mason jars.  I also added a neon-colored straw to each to encourage the use of the jars as glasses.

* Each jar also contained a small sheet of folded cardstock on which was written an ice breaker question that E. and I made up.  The kids sat around after dark, answering each one.  The questions:

- What is your favorite animal?
- What is your favorite car?
- What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
- What is your favorite season?
- If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you want with you?
- If you started a restaurant, what would it be called?
- If you could have any job you wanted, what would it be?
- If you could trade places with someone, who would it be?
- If you could have any color eyes you wanted, which color would you choose?
- If you could go on vacation anywhere you wanted, where would you go?
- If you could pick your birthday, which day would you choose?

* Our guests brought me a lovely jar of big, bright zinnias from their garden.  My friend grows cut flowers with the express purpose of sharing them all summer long with others.  She mentioned that every week, she takes a jar to church with her and gives the bouquet to whomever she thinks may need a little encouragement.  A great idea!