Are you stressing about Easter brunch or dinner? Are you worried that your house is a mess? Are you comparing yourself to other people on Instagram? Don’t do any of those things. If we think about it, Jesus talks a lot about hospitality in the Bible. In fact throughout the Bible it talks about hospitality. Can you imagine Jesus saying to you, I am coming over for dinner for now? I know I would be stressed about it and wanting my house to be perfect, but that isn’t what God wants. It is the gathering part that is important. It is the talking and laughing that is important. He wants us to open our homes and welcome people in it with open arms. It isn’t too late to invite people over for Easter. Don’t be afraid to ask guests to bring stuff and don’t say no if they offer. That is their way of helping. 

Are you going to a friend’s or family member’s house for Easter? Be kind and grateful they are opening their home to you. Work might have been crazy and they are behind on getting ready. They could be having a rough week with the kids. Check in with your host and see what you can do to help. Offer to bring something else, besides what you are already offered to bring. 

Here are some of my favorite ways to make Easter and Holidays a little bit easier, so I am not spending all day in the kitchen. 

1. Prepare casseroles, desserts and anything you can ahead of time. Like my carrot cake, you make the cake layers and freeze them ahead and frost 1-2 days before Easter. 
2. Paper products. I mean who really wants to stand around and wash and load the dishwasher. I remember as a kid we always used fancy dishes for meals, so we would spend a lot of time cleaning up and washing dishes. I truly hated it. Paper plates and cups make it so much easier and they really do have some pretty ones out there. Even during the week, we sometimes use paper plates to make cleaning up easier. 
3. If using regular dishes, it’s okay to leave the dishes to after everyone leaves or if people offer to help, say yes. Lots of hands can make the cleanup easier and quicker. Don’t be afraid to let someone load your dishwasher. I know that is a tough one. I always go back and rearrange the dishwasher to fit the most dishes in it. 
4. It is okay to limit politics around a table. I mean what can ruin a meal quicker than people clashing over politics. 
5. Be thankful. If you are going out to eat, make sure you tip a little extra and let them know how thankful you are for them working today. 

 Be thankful for the table you are gathering around and the people you are gathering with. Enjoy those precious moments with them. This year we will be gathering around a table at my favorite restaurant for brunch since we will be away. The kids are excited about this because it is very different from last year and they love this place.

Tips From My Kitchen ????

Billie-Jo