Entertain With Intention
October is a great time to pause and set intentions for how you entertain. We have holidays and other important milestones coming up.
As it gets colder outside, we find ourselves entertaining more. With the pandemic we find ourselves craving connection even more.
So let’s pause and prepare.
What intentions do you want to set for your guests?
Perhaps you have never considered setting an intention for entertaining. No worries. Most of us are so busy and rushed, we never stop to consider it.
Here are some questions to consider:
- What upcoming events are you hosting that are important to you?
- When you think about each event, what do you want your guests to walk away remembering?
- What is most important to you when you entertain?
- Who are you most excited to reconnect with?
- What traditions are important to you?
- What creative ideas do you have to build new memories?
- What legacy do you want to leave behind this holiday season?
That was a LOT to consider. Let’s dig into this a bit more.
When I consider setting intentions for entertaining, I tap into my creativity.
Tapping Into Your Creative Genius
If this has you feeling stuck, you are not alone. When we get overwhelmed we lose touch with creativity.
And heading into the holidays is overwhelming for most of us. Instead of letting overwhelm get the best of you, be intentional. What things can you let go of? And what is most important to you?
Be intentional with your time. Rank what’s most important to you and your family.
As you map out what’s important, brainstorm with your family. How can you make this season fun, festive and stress free?
When we get clear on what we want to get out of an event or holiday, it’s easier to prioritize what we want to get done. It’s also easier to visualize what’s most important to us. That makes it easier to plan which reduces our stress.
Let’s go into this season clear on what we want. What we can let go of. And the memories and feelings we intend to build this season. Who we want to connect with.
I guarantee once you are clear on this, everything will fall into place. And you will be set up for an amazing fall and winter.
Planning, Travel & Schedules
As you map out your plans with intention, don’t forget about your travel plans. Many of us are either traveling or hosting guests in our home.
Mapping out a high level plan and schedule can relieve stress and anxiety. But don’t let the schedule and plan drive everything. The biggest challenge with plans and schedules is when things don’t go according to plan.
Let’s face it. Life is constantly throwing us curveballs. So instead, prepare for the curveballs. Have a high level plan. And move forward with grace.
It’s important to have a plan but prepare to go with the flow. When we expect things to go a certain way we are always left with disappointment.
What if you instead set an intention for how you want things to go?
Intention Examples:
- I intend to connect with my family with love and joy.
- I want this season to be all about gratitude and celebration.
- I will build a deep connection and community this fall/winter.
- I want to share love and peace.
If intentions don’t work for you, consider openness instead. Let go of expectations. Expectations are rigid. When things don’t go according to plan, it’s disheartening.
Instead, show up with openness. Go with an open heart and mind. Go with openness to experience joy, love and fun. But also be willing to go with the flow.
Release rigidity. I guarantee you will have so much more fun. You will enjoy time with those around you. You will be more present and peaceful.
Tradition & Menus
It’s also important to consider what traditions you want to continue. Which ones are important to you and why?
Many traditions are tied to our recipes. When we bake our Christmas cookies, they remind us of grandma and sharing stories. When we make that turkey casserole, it takes us back to when we were five and celebrating black Friday.
Our taste and smell senses are powerful. They bring back memories. Powerful moments. They help us reconnect with memories and loved ones.
And they can even give us ideas for themes. When we are hosting with intention, we want themes that tie into a deeper meaning.
What is that deeper meaning for you and your family?
Reflection Questions:
- As you consider entertaining with intention, what traditions come to mind?
- What recipes bring you the most joy and nostalgia?
- When you think about the meaning of your traditions, what themes come to mind?
- Which traditions, recipes and themes tie into your intention?
I hope you found these ideas helpful. I love this time of year. And when I take the time to set intentions, I build amazing connections and memories.
I hope you take the time to reflect and build your intention this year.
I Want to Hear From You
What intention are you setting for entertaining this season?
What creative ideas came up for you?
Comment below.
Need Help?
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