Entertaining in the minister's family is different. The minister's wife is often called on to entertain at short notice. She must prepare meals for visiting ministers and conference officials and often there is little time for these between-meeting meals. She must, therefore, plan ahead and organize well. Her budget is limited and demands on her hospitality many, so she entertains simply. In this she sets a good example.
Sabbath Dinner
Plan for easy preparation on Sabbath. Do all you can on Friday.
Set the table before you go to Sabbath school.
Have your husband take care of guests' wraps, et cetera, while you go ahead with meal preparations.
Leave the talking and social visiting—go ahead quietly and efficiently with meal preparations.
It helps to make a list of the things you have to do, and check off as you take care of each item.
Unexpected Guests
Make them feel welcome.
Let them help you if it does not fluster you to have a stranger in the kitchen.
Always keep something on your shelves that you can turn into a satisfying meal at short notice—noodles, spaghetti, soups, canned fruits and vegetables, et cetera.
Have two or three menus of easy-to-get, simple meals that you know from experience you can turn out in minutes if necessary.
Seating Guests
Seat your husband at one end of the table, yourself at the other. Lady guest of honor on your husband's right, gentleman guest of honor at your right.
Serving
Ladies first, please and always! Even the General Conference president is served after the lady guests.
Clear the table of used plates and silverware, dishes, hot pads, et cetera, and replenish water if necessary, before serving dessert.
And need we mention immaculate table linen, shining silverware, and speckless plates!
Sharing Church Guests
Don't monopolize the entertaining if others in the church like to take their turn, but if your minister guest has another appointment in the afternoon, you had better take care of the meal yourself unless you are certain they can get him to his next appointment on time.
Overnight and Weekend Guests
A guest room is wonderful to have, but usually we have to substitute. Here are some suggestions:
Arrange the study or den so that it can be turned into a guest room.Give up your bedroom while you camp in in the living room or children's room.
Have the children give up their bedroom (but do keep them out of it while it is so occupied).Some Points to Remember
Set out some papers and books that he will enjoy reading before going to sleep or on arising.
Do let your guest have time to unpack and rest after his journey.
Be considerate of his program and do not detain him when he needs to rest or study by himself.
Don't be offended if your visiting minister shows a preference to stay at a hotel. Many do.
Before he retires, casually mention the time you are serving breakfast and acquaint him with any bathroom plans you may have. Tell him, for instance, "We have another bathroom downstairs, so you can be free to use this one whenever you like," or "John and I will be through with the bathroom by seven-thirty. Would you care for me to knock on your door?" or "We are serving breakfast at eight-fifteen. When would you like to have the use of the bathroom?"
A lady guest usually appreciates the offer of an iron and ironing board, especially in summer.
