The toy thing is SO true! My son has all of his special Lego creations on his dresser, but when kids come over, I put them up high on a bookshelf or even on the top of the fridge. He still has to share his rubbermaid box of Lego pieces, but not the already-made special projects.
What you said about being the hostess and feeling overheated - TRUTH. This happens to me every time. 😂 I'll have to make sure I wear short sleeves next time. Your home is so lovely, as usual!
Your house looks so inviting! I get very overwhelmed when I entertain. I’m learning not to be such a perfectionist and just enjoy the time with friends and family. Thanks for the tips!
I only wish I could be as organized, and put together as you Megan! I learned so much from you and I am already 40 years old! So be proud of all you are and all you do! Cuz you do a great job!
You say you haven't perfected it...I disagree! You do a fabolous job, perfection in every way. God Bless You Megan. You are a blessing to all of us in TH-cam land.
I am 63 and have been hosting for years but I still don't have it all down perfect. I just give myself grace and don't sweat the small stuff. Thank You for sharing!!!
I really prefer to not clean up dishes while guests are over but for some reason my husband just can't help it. I try to say leave them but he just can't. I typically get stressed out having people over and feeling the need to have the house clean and everything done right. I much prefer when I can let it go and just invite close friends over with the house as is, usually spur of the moment stuff. Like in the summer when the neighbors have played with my kids all day and us parents decide at supper time to just get together and make tacos or order pizza. We try not to care what the house looks like and realize both houses are messy and it's okay.
What a great video! I am still trying to get better at hostessing at 67. The struggle is REAL. I really need to get better at planning a menu that can be prepared well in advance (to some degree). That would help a lot! Thanks, Megan, for the work you put into this.
There's a channel called acre homestead and her mum is a super organised person when it comes to parties, big gatherings etc I've seen her twice on beckys channel she works backwards from the time of the meal, party etc. She always preps as much as she can before the day so she can spend more time with her guests.
A baked bean tip that recently occurred to me when I was trying to make my one can stretch. Drain and rinse navy or pinto beans and add those...... there always seems to be extra "ends up wasted" juice in the cans of actual baked beans anyway! So it's a win-win!
This may be seriously random but I LOVE how chit chatty your videos are!!!!! I usually listen to your videos while I’m cleaning, it’s like having a friend over talking to me while I clean🥰.
I loved hearing that hosting and hospitality falls outside of your normal budget too. I go to a lot of Church functions and it definitely increases my grocery budget. I've learned to put this in a separate category instead of stressing that I'm not following my budget plan.
This is what I need to do! We are in a place now where finances aren’t so tight, but I still budget every dollar. Having money specifically set aside for hosting would be a relief for my brain!
Buffet style is the only way to casually host! When my family has casual get-togethers when we were younger (not holidays) we often hired a neighbor girl to help corral/occupy the younger kids... That way moms could concentrate on babies, older kids could play/talk with their age-mates, etc. At holiday get togethers, we still take turns hosting and everyone helps prep food and activities. If needed, we've even helped get the house ready for each other (vacuum, wash dishes, etc.) My generation has adopted my dad's philosophy of guests that are not related, become adopted for next get together! The next generation is doing the same!
I love hosting even to this day. One thing I have learned is when people ask if they can bring something I say sure why not. The more food the better. As for clean up depending on what it is from I will at least get food put away and save the rest for the next day. I am such a morning person anywho it doesn't bother me to clean up. doing a fine job.
I host Thanksgiving, Christmas breakfast and Christmas dinner. I get very warm! Lol! So I need to wear something lite and comfortable. I do clean up a little bit in the kitchen, when the company is still there. When everyone is gone I will straighten up, remove folding chairs, vacuum and steam my floor. My kids and my husband will help. It’s just nicer to wake up and feel more relaxed that everything is cleaned up
This was a great video because a lot of what you say isn't taught. I am sure you gave some people some help and courage to take the leap and host. Wish there was something like this when I was a newlywed. Way to go!!!
I love your family room with the woodburning fireplace and hardwood or luxury vinyl plank. Megan, preparing food ahead of time is smart. I like your suggestions throughout the video. Love your pasta salad! It helps that you are an extrovert. I found your video helpful. Love the dentist house!! 🤗.
ALWAYS clean up AFTER they leave! I want to enjoy my friends and them me! Having people over is ALL about the connections... You are right.... Your house does NOT have to be perfect. Thanks for taking us along to see how you host best....
Over the years, my husband and I have learned that the more simple foods/foods we prep ahead make us feel much more calm and ready to actually visit with our guests. We generally serve a soup or chili with chips/cornbread. My children love to bake so we spend the day ahead baking new, unique, or just really fun desserts. I "need" to feel like I am serving something special but my husband really prefers to keep it simple. This is our compromise.
I hosted the middle school girls from church over last night for a “Galentine’s” day pancake dinner. I have 3 kids the same ages as yours, so I know how hard it is to keep the house tidy for hosting people over. But I love having people over! It helps keep me accountable for having the home tidy.
@@MeganFoxUnlocked I hope you don't mind me asking I have a curiosity to learn about different cultures, beliefs, etc. I respectfully ask, do you wear make-up, earrings, and trousers? if not why?
At 48... with hosting, I have learned everything goes. It doesn't matter if you have the right home, or the house my grandmother had: warmth, chaos, fun with plenty of Highlights Mag (literally 1000), tons of board games & clean dishes, & good food. But we all want what we want, I guess. We build the home that we want. I guess what I am saying is imperfections are not bad things. Thanks for the video.
Agreed!! People would rather come over to an imperfect home than not get together!! We overthink it too much. I do anyway. If somethings not enough, oh well. Tomorrow’s another day
Not gonna lie, the Dyad looks like Evee from the "Wall-e" movie. My top tip for hostess-ing is to leave an extra roll of toilet paper in an obvious location in each bathroom. You don't want your guests to have to ask you for an extra roll (from inside the bathroom).
I'm not finished watching but you made me laugh about the "season" you are in ( 3 littles). I'm almost 40 years older, happily married to first husband for 39 years emtpy nesters with two children raised, married off to fellow Christian and proving us adorable grandchildren. Truly blessed but still not in the "season" to serve meat potatoes gravy and veggies all hot at the time! My age group were stupid and tried to pit together those meals when we were in your season now. It's such a pleasure to watch how you not only manage but enjoy all the facets of your life. Christian, wife, mother, sister, friend, and entrepreneur! Thanks for showing women of all seasons it can be done. You are a true role model. Now back to the show!
Hey Megan!!! My baby is five months old and I have been watching your channel since I was on maternity leave with her and I just absolutely love you! I love how in shape you are and I would love to see some of your workout routines that you do!
My gatherings don't normally wrap up until gone midnight. And I leave everything out until everyone has gone as I don't like people thinking I'm trying to get rid of them by packing away. And yes the more you host the better you get at it 😊 my last gathering was for 50 and went very smoothly...but I guess I have a head start as I'm a chef so I'm very used to catering for 200+ ppl a day. But the secret to hosting is having fun! Enjoy it and welcome your guests and have a lovely time.
Something I found when our children were younger and a lot of children are coming - hire a local teenager to be a babysitter for them. Then you have someone interacting with them and watching out for them. I used to be the teenager hired.
YES! In Thailand I'm always sweating my face off when hosting so I try to remember to dress as cool as possible. I absolutely love your outfit- that top is super cute. We have/use toothpicks , even on restaurant tables in Thailand! I love your hosting tips and it's a great idea to shop for guests and eat leftovers and more simple foods the rest of the week to make up for it in the budget. Totally agree about being realistic in deciding how many people and especially kids to invite so it's pleasant and manageable for everyone.
LOL, I kept hearing the baby too (4:50 ish), and pausing the video, thinking "is that her kids or my kids?" So fun watching other moms sometimes for those real little moments. :)
1 of the easiest meals for huge groups that I have done in the past is this ..... good old stoffers lasagna in the huge pans garlic bread and a huge green salad with tons of goodies in it so easy and everyone has had that lasagna hahaha I bae brownies for the chocolate fix and cut up a huge watermellon. soo easy and done ..... cindy :)
This is all good info! Thank you for showing us how you host. I’m getting better at hosting, but my biggest challenge is figuring out the menu. You always seem to have ideas of yummy things to make or bring.
What a great point about your auditory space and being strategic about who to invite in different seasons. Bigger events with lots of kids in summer. Smaller with fewer or older children in colder months. I have had the same issue with not thinking that through!
Megan, I love your kitchen after painting it and new appliances also your dining room and room off the dining room. Josh and you have made such a improvement to your home. You have so much room and beautiful land.
Yes it definitely looks much better! I'd still love a new backsplash and I'm gonna paint the wood trim hopefully this month! You don't need a lot of $$$ to make a big difference. Just use paint!
@@MeganFoxUnlocked yes paint makes all the difference. What kind of backslash do you want? Megan every time I look at Miller I see Evonnie & Josh but then I also see Fletcher and You. I think Miller has your big beautiful eyes. Do you see Miller this way? Mom's see their babies in a different light. Your babies are so pretty.
Hello from Germany, I host quite a bit (I am also quite a bit older than you 😜). But my rule is only having a total of 6 people for a sit- down dinner. If I have more people coming over I usually make a buffet style dinner and everybody gets their own food. You seem to be a relaxed hostess who enjoys her guests and that's the most important thing! 😘😘😘
So right about the hostess being calm and welcoming. It is the most important part of hospitality! It took me years to understand. I also always wear short sleeves. 😂
I only put away perishables and clear the table when having people over. Usually we sit around talking and laughing until late, so I do the rest the next day.
Your meal looked delicious! I have learned to make it easier on myself and ask guests to bring an appetizer or side or dessert or even chips or drinks if they don't cook. I am fortunate that my husband starts picking up dishes right away to get the first load started in the dishwasher. I am a fan of evening gatherings in case I didn't dust or get every crumb off the floor! For older guests we make sure walk ways are clean and lit and we have a flashlight and my husband walks people out.
Great tips Meagan! I could've used all your helpful advice when I was a young hostess 😉. Trial and error were my informative friends. Lessons well taught and I loved hosting. Keep up the good work. You're a well rounded person. The only place to go is up from here. 👍😉
Nothing motivates you to get your house "guest presentable" like having guests over. So do it often and enjoy the time together. And you will certainly improve as a hostess by serving up tried and true recipes that don't end up as leftovers. I applaud your efforts and successes.
🤗 Good suggestions Megan and looked like a good amount of yummy food! I would say if other food was left but the brisket was gone that means the brisket was darn good and there was enough food! Happy Valentines Day! Take care.
I’m 35 with 4 kids and still get anxious about messing something up when people come over 😅 the husband is super good at cleaning up the house prior in a flash though! It’s good to have the balance and know exactly who is doing what💕
When we had little children, we would keep special toys in their rooms and then the play room had all the communal toys. We also did not allow guests into bedrooms, unless it was a nursing mom. I had a chair and quiet corner for that. In our now house, we opted for the long dining table and no kitchen table. It works. In this season. Im not sure how i would have liked it with littles. I love to host and dont do it much these days. I leave the kitchen a wreck till they leave. 🤣 i face it the following morning. I really want to town a robot vacuum but man, its a real investment! Love your outfit. And your heart to serve others with a meal. 💗
Great video and advise. I love to host family holiday gatherings. My husband is a Pastor and we live next to our church. I love being able to use our church fellowship hall because of space. It’s really a blessing! I just prep everything at home and bring my own supplies. At the end, I like to be the one to wash the dishes and make sure everything is clean and put away. Take care and God bless. ❤️
My favourite tip for doing a sit down meat and potatoes meal for Sunday dinner with guests is to put a beef roast in the slow cooker. I also bring peeled and cut up potatoes to a boil. Once the potatoes have begun to boil, put the lid on the pot and switch the burner off. By the time you come home from church, the potatoes are almost fully cooked!
Watching this belatedly but love your tips on hosting! Some i have used myself!! And whole-heartedly agree on newly married s starting in right away. I realize some like you, Megan and myself love to host but there are others who don't enjoy it as much but i feel like it s becoming a lost art in the younger generation! One of my challenges (and my husband has helped me tremendously in this) is learning to relax and not think everything has to be perfect!
With food quantities as long as everyone makes it through first anything else (2nds, 3rds etc) is a bonus and you know you had enough. Especially since there are sides and desserts for people to munch on if they wanted more food and an item is out. If everything is wiped out and people still want more might want to make more next time. I enjoy serving everything in a crockpot or Tupperware and just toss on the lid at the end of an event and toss it in the fridge or dishwasher if it’s empty. Easier clean up and no one cares about the container just the contents. Takes some trial and error hosting but I agree with you just keep going and it get easier.
So glad to find a video today. I need something to ease my mind. My bulldog Boomer is sick, low albumin, and he’s all swollen. I’m scared and the vet didn’t really have many answers. Ugh. Keep us in your thoughts please.
My family has always said if everyone gets to fill there plates 1 time you are good on food quantity. Your feeding them not fattening them up! Lol! The brisket must have been amazing I hope you share the recipe. Your tips were spot on! I love how positive your videos are.
i clean as my guests are here. usually its the same people and my best friend jumps in and sometimes just cleans for me and tells me to relax and socialize. i am very blessed. i love to host though, its my gift from God. i feel so much better when i can cook and bake for friends and family and then clean up knowing we had a great time visiting. i am very odd i know.
I used to love having family/friends over! Love all your great ideas!! Used to love all the women chatting while cleaning up.. The best conversation, then! Gonna have to check out That vacuum/mop😍
Haha! I don’t think toothpicks are just a Mennonite thing…my grandfather always kept a toothpick around-even in his wallet! Great tips! Thanks for always sharing such great and encouraging content!!
To keep the aphids off of your basil plant get a spray bottle of dish soap & water & pray down the plant. It is safe for the plant & it will kill the aphids
We love hosting. I used to get all flustered, and my hubby knew I would be, and he'd go out for a game of golf or something. Now, we're around 70 or so. Now he helps me get ready. We're a good team. I make the food, some people bring some, and my hubby puts out chairs, extra tables, etc.. I find it easier to get ready for company, because I've been on a decluttering kick. I've missed having parties and people over while Covid has been around. One thing I do, is make freezer meals ahead. Then I'm able to pull out a frozen lasagne or another main dish, and thaw it overnight to use for company...or just cook it longer, if I don't have time to thaw it. I also have the philosophy that if you're cleaning the house for one party, you might as well have a couple of parties that week. I do this around Christmas time, with choir parties, neighborhood parties, and piano student parties.
I really enjoyed this video. Thank you! I have been hosting 18 years and still learned from you. One thing we do differently is that if someone asks if they can bring a side or a dessert we (sometimes, depending on the situation) say Yes. It really does help me out! Do you ever do that?
Hey why not let them bring something?! My husband said ALWAYS take something even if they don’t let you. Lol. Even if it’s flowers in summer time or a jar of jam. It’s a good thank you.
Yes! Our church group of ladies always do that! The hostess will usually do the main dish/hot food and have the guests [if they ask 😂) to bring bread, a salad, fruit, etc! It makes it SO much easier on the hostess and it’s so easy when I’m invited somewhere to bring one simple thing, and help the hostess out!
Having company is a lot of work, but so rewarding 😊 My husband and I have been married for 18 years and have been hosting since the first year when we lived in a tiny apartment, then we lived with his parents for a year and still had some people over, then we lived in a 1500 sq ft. manufactured home for 12 years and had up to 40 people over one time 🤣 now we live in double that space and still have people over. Not quiet as many as we used to because I can’t handle as much since I had a 3rd child almost 5 years ago 🤣 and I’m getting old, not really, lol, but I feel like it some days 🤣
I'm the same in regard to getting as much done well before the guests arrive so I can enjoy socialising with them and not stress about getting the meal prepped while being the hostess. Here in Australia people quite often will offer to bring a plate of food or dessert to contribute to the meal and at the very least bring a hostess gift i.e. flowers
I believe when u have a lot of guests it is always loud. Especially with kids. Even when u have a mix of young kids to teens it is loud but it’s great to host.
I would love a video like this when it's warm enough to host outside! I'm a young pastor's wife and do a lot of hostessing and these tips were excellent! Loved the video!
Honestly, I'd never clean my house if we didn't have folk over! I agree with everything you said about hosting - we've been married 35 years now and I have a few stock recipes now that I know work (especially ones I can prepare ahead of time like you). You're absolutely right tho - folk are so thankful for your hospitality they will not judge you. When we went to a city centre church a few years ago I would make a little extra for Sunday lunch so we could invite visitors back - we experienced that gift of hospitality ourselves sometimes and it can be a very precious thing . The Bible tells us to 'entertain strangers as you may be entertaining Angels' - and it definitely brings a blessing to you as well as them.
I miss hosting dinners! I used to host a few each year but since everything going on I haven’t been able to do that. I liked all the tips and tricks you had to share and can’t wait to host the next dinner.
Ahh I always get super excited when Thursday rolls around to watch your videos ☺️ thanks so much for the good content you put out there for us momma's!! I'm a mom of 2 and have had a really long day so I'm totally enjoying winding down and watching your video tonight 🥰
Wow! That brisket looked tender and juicy!! Yummm!! We wait till they leave and get most of it cleaned up before bed…. Good advice! I laughed about the temperature advice, we keep our heat at 64 degrees usually! So we have to turn it up higher or freeze them out. Yes to cool clothes when hosting cause I get too hot!!
One tip is that I try to always have one meal and one dessert item that is nut-free, gluten free and dairy free to cover anyone who may have allergies. We usually have a side salad and some sort of fruit anytime we host.
When I'm hosting I like to do dishes and clean up after. But a basic clean up is fine. My husband tends to run in the kitchen and do all the dishes 🤣 which I see the utility in doing that because when everyone is gone it's a relief but I'm always in the other room waiting and I feel it kinda messes up my hosting vibe. But it's nothing serious. I could go either way. I see benefit in both. Depends who is over LOL I love being a homemaker and hosting as well. Thank you for your videos! God bless 🙌❤
Sadie., you learn as you go. One tip I would give you is to invest in some real forks, you can pick up nice enough ones at home goods, I think I bought 8 for 8 dollars. You can add forks as you go (I have twenty some extra myself). It is nice for the older folks who have grip issues as well as making coming to your house feel more intentional and friendly. Oh,and one more thing....the rule of thumb is a half a pound of meat per person just so you don't run out in the future.....
Green olive family here too 💚 And our family always has toothpicks around as well. We always eat meat, so we always need to floss. I really gotta start more organized like you. I always just do all the food and light cleaning the day of. And the deep cleaning a couple days before. Now with our third baby coming soon, I really gotta change some things around 😅
I always wait till guests leave to clean up. If I don’t then they want to help when I really just want to visit. Short sleeves, yes. Temperature down, yes. A quick tidy up but not stress over a dusty corner, yes. ❤️
I miss hosting! I'm in the throes of first trimester nausea (I have rough pregnancies) and I have barely been able to take care of my family, let alone host. Hopefully soon!
Yes, the thoothpics-theme is sooo mennonite style. I'm a Mennonite too, but not Amish..from Paragauy... Your hosting style looks so similiar to the way we do hostings.... (sorry my english is not perfect..., german is my first language...Love your videos! I'm always waiting for the new video...
it is wonderful you want to entertain. Just remember they are, at least should be, coming to visit not for the house condition or perfect food. They maybe coming for the food too though :) Your home is wonderful and all the little thoughts you put in for your guests, is nice and comforting.
The toy thing is SO true! My son has all of his special Lego creations on his dresser, but when kids come over, I put them up high on a bookshelf or even on the top of the fridge. He still has to share his rubbermaid box of Lego pieces, but not the already-made special projects.
What you said about being the hostess and feeling overheated - TRUTH. This happens to me every time. 😂 I'll have to make sure I wear short sleeves next time. Your home is so lovely, as usual!
Deflect much
Your house looks so inviting! I get very overwhelmed when I entertain. I’m learning not to be such a perfectionist and just enjoy the time with friends and family. Thanks for the tips!
I only wish I could be as organized, and put together as you Megan! I learned so much from you and I am already 40 years old! So be proud of all you are and all you do! Cuz you do a great job!
I’m sure you are doing a great job right where you are in life! Megan is an inspiration!
You say you haven't perfected it...I disagree! You do a fabolous job, perfection in every way. God Bless You Megan. You are a blessing to all of us in TH-cam land.
I am 63 and have been hosting for years but I still don't have it all down perfect. I just give myself grace and don't sweat the small stuff. Thank You for sharing!!!
I really prefer to not clean up dishes while guests are over but for some reason my husband just can't help it. I try to say leave them but he just can't. I typically get stressed out having people over and feeling the need to have the house clean and everything done right. I much prefer when I can let it go and just invite close friends over with the house as is, usually spur of the moment stuff. Like in the summer when the neighbors have played with my kids all day and us parents decide at supper time to just get together and make tacos or order pizza. We try not to care what the house looks like and realize both houses are messy and it's okay.
What a great video! I am still trying to get better at hostessing at 67. The struggle is REAL. I really need to get better at planning a menu that can be prepared well in advance (to some degree). That would help a lot! Thanks, Megan, for the work you put into this.
There's a channel called acre homestead and her mum is a super organised person when it comes to parties, big gatherings etc I've seen her twice on beckys channel she works backwards from the time of the meal, party etc.
She always preps as much as she can before the day so she can spend more time with her guests.
A baked bean tip that recently occurred to me when I was trying to make my one can stretch. Drain and rinse navy or pinto beans and add those...... there always seems to be extra "ends up wasted" juice in the cans of actual baked beans anyway! So it's a win-win!
This may be seriously random but I LOVE how chit chatty your videos are!!!!! I usually listen to your videos while I’m cleaning, it’s like having a friend over talking to me while I clean🥰.
I loved hearing that hosting and hospitality falls outside of your normal budget too. I go to a lot of Church functions and it definitely increases my grocery budget. I've learned to put this in a separate category instead of stressing that I'm not following my budget plan.
This is what I need to do! We are in a place now where finances aren’t so tight, but I still budget every dollar. Having money specifically set aside for hosting would be a relief for my brain!
@@EmeryShae Agreed! It eases the worry that you are over budget, but you still know where your money is going.
Buffet style is the only way to casually host! When my family has casual get-togethers when we were younger (not holidays) we often hired a neighbor girl to help corral/occupy the younger kids... That way moms could concentrate on babies, older kids could play/talk with their age-mates, etc. At holiday get togethers, we still take turns hosting and everyone helps prep food and activities. If needed, we've even helped get the house ready for each other (vacuum, wash dishes, etc.) My generation has adopted my dad's philosophy of guests that are not related, become adopted for next get together! The next generation is doing the same!
Love that you help each other get the house ready! Those little chores can get in the way of hosting esp if the hostess is not feeling their best.
I love hosting even to this day. One thing I have learned is when people ask if they can bring something I say sure why not. The more food the better. As for clean up depending on what it is from I will at least get food put away and save the rest for the next day. I am such a morning person anywho it doesn't bother me to clean up. doing a fine job.
I host Thanksgiving, Christmas breakfast and Christmas dinner. I get very warm! Lol! So I need to wear something lite and comfortable. I do clean up a little bit in the kitchen, when the company is still there. When everyone is gone I will straighten up, remove folding chairs, vacuum and steam my floor. My kids and my husband will help. It’s just nicer to wake up and feel more relaxed that everything is cleaned up
This was a great video because a lot of what you say isn't taught. I am sure you gave some people some help and courage to take the leap and host. Wish there was something like this when I was a newlywed. Way to go!!!
I love your family room with the woodburning fireplace and hardwood or luxury vinyl plank. Megan, preparing food ahead of time is smart. I like your suggestions throughout the video. Love your pasta salad! It helps that you are an extrovert. I found your video helpful. Love the dentist house!! 🤗.
ALWAYS clean up AFTER they leave! I want to enjoy my friends and them me! Having people over is ALL about the connections... You are right.... Your house does NOT have to be perfect. Thanks for taking us along to see how you host best....
At 49 I still haven’t perfected the whole host thing. So it’s okay if you never do.
I’m all about the pre-prep, best thing ever!
Yes I agree, the more you pre-prep the easier it is.
You are doing great, do the best as You can.
Loved your chat about hospitality! I found myself saying “yes!” And “exactly!” so often while you were talking!
WE DO SO WELL KEEPING TIDY AND PUTTING IT AWAY. YOU MAKE TIDY EASYER THANK YOU GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
I love how you budget so well and I really enjoy seeing how you keep everything clean! The pasta salad looks divine.
Over the years, my husband and I have learned that the more simple foods/foods we prep ahead make us feel much more calm and ready to actually visit with our guests. We generally serve a soup or chili with chips/cornbread. My children love to bake so we spend the day ahead baking new, unique, or just really fun desserts. I "need" to feel like I am serving something special but my husband really prefers to keep it simple. This is our compromise.
I love that! My kids hate soup, so I would probably find another simple meal, just to keep the atmosphere positive 😂
I hosted the middle school girls from church over last night for a “Galentine’s” day pancake dinner. I have 3 kids the same ages as yours, so I know how hard it is to keep the house tidy for hosting people over. But I love having people over! It helps keep me accountable for having the home tidy.
Yes! I enjoy cleaning up so much more when I have a little deadline like that!
@@MeganFoxUnlocked I hope you don't mind me asking I have a curiosity to learn about different cultures, beliefs, etc. I respectfully ask, do you wear make-up, earrings, and trousers? if not why?
At 48... with hosting, I have learned everything goes. It doesn't matter if you have the right home, or the house my grandmother had: warmth, chaos, fun with plenty of Highlights Mag (literally 1000), tons of board games & clean dishes, & good food.
But we all want what we want, I guess. We build the home that we want. I guess what I am saying is imperfections are not bad things.
Thanks for the video.
Agreed!! People would rather come over to an imperfect home than not get together!! We overthink it too much. I do anyway. If somethings not enough, oh well. Tomorrow’s another day
Great advice and tips. You are incredible for hosting with a 10 week old.
Not gonna lie, the Dyad looks like Evee from the "Wall-e" movie.
My top tip for hostess-ing is to leave an extra roll of toilet paper in an obvious location in each bathroom. You don't want your guests to have to ask you for an extra roll (from inside the bathroom).
I'm not finished watching but you made me laugh about the "season" you are in ( 3 littles). I'm almost 40 years older, happily married to first husband for 39 years emtpy nesters with two children raised, married off to fellow Christian and proving us adorable grandchildren. Truly blessed but still not in the "season" to serve meat potatoes gravy and veggies all hot at the time! My age group were stupid and tried to pit together those meals when we were in your season now. It's such a pleasure to watch how you not only manage but enjoy all the facets of your life. Christian, wife, mother, sister, friend, and entrepreneur! Thanks for showing women of all seasons it can be done. You are a true role model.
Now back to the show!
Hey Megan!!! My baby is five months old and I have been watching your channel since I was on maternity leave with her and I just absolutely love you! I love how in shape you are and I would love to see some of your workout routines that you do!
My gatherings don't normally wrap up until gone midnight. And I leave everything out until everyone has gone as I don't like people thinking I'm trying to get rid of them by packing away. And yes the more you host the better you get at it 😊 my last gathering was for 50 and went very smoothly...but I guess I have a head start as I'm a chef so I'm very used to catering for 200+ ppl a day.
But the secret to hosting is having fun! Enjoy it and welcome your guests and have a lovely time.
Love your gray dress, you look great!
Something I found when our children were younger and a lot of children are coming - hire a local teenager to be a babysitter for them. Then you have someone interacting with them and watching out for them. I used to be the teenager hired.
What a great idea!!!
YES! In Thailand I'm always sweating my face off when hosting so I try to remember to dress as cool as possible. I absolutely love your outfit- that top is super cute. We have/use toothpicks , even on restaurant tables in Thailand! I love your hosting tips and it's a great idea to shop for guests and eat leftovers and more simple foods the rest of the week to make up for it in the budget. Totally agree about being realistic in deciding how many people and especially kids to invite so it's pleasant and manageable for everyone.
LOL, I kept hearing the baby too (4:50 ish), and pausing the video, thinking "is that her kids or my kids?" So fun watching other moms sometimes for those real little moments. :)
1 of the easiest meals for huge groups that I have done in the past is this ..... good old stoffers lasagna in the huge pans garlic bread and a huge green salad with tons of goodies in it so easy and everyone has had that lasagna hahaha I bae brownies for the chocolate fix and cut up a huge watermellon. soo easy and done ..... cindy :)
This is all good info! Thank you for showing us how you host. I’m getting better at hosting, but my biggest challenge is figuring out the menu. You always seem to have ideas of yummy things to make or bring.
I struggle with the menu too!
What a great point about your auditory space and being strategic about who to invite in different seasons. Bigger events with lots of kids in summer. Smaller with fewer or older children in colder months. I have had the same issue with not thinking that through!
Megan, I love your kitchen after painting it and new appliances also your dining room and room off the dining room. Josh and you have made such a improvement to your home. You have so much room and beautiful land.
Yes it definitely looks much better! I'd still love a new backsplash and I'm gonna paint the wood trim hopefully this month! You don't need a lot of $$$ to make a big difference. Just use paint!
@@MeganFoxUnlocked yes paint makes all the difference. What kind of backslash do you want? Megan every time I look at Miller I see Evonnie & Josh but then I also see Fletcher and You. I think Miller has your big beautiful eyes. Do you see Miller this way? Mom's see their babies in a different light. Your babies are so pretty.
You make hosting look so fun, enjoyable, & easy! I’m so thankful for your channel! God bless.
Hello from Germany, I host quite a bit (I am also quite a bit older than you 😜). But my rule is only having a total of 6 people for a sit- down dinner. If I have more people coming over I usually make a buffet style dinner and everybody gets their own food. You seem to be a relaxed hostess who enjoys her guests and that's the most important thing! 😘😘😘
So right about the hostess being calm and welcoming. It is the most important part of hospitality! It took me years to understand. I also always wear short sleeves. 😂
I only put away perishables and clear the table when having people over. Usually we sit around talking and laughing until late, so I do the rest the next day.
Your meal looked delicious! I have learned to make it easier on myself and ask guests to bring an appetizer or side or dessert or even chips or drinks if they don't cook. I am fortunate that my husband starts picking up dishes right away to get the first load started in the dishwasher. I am a fan of evening gatherings in case I didn't dust or get every crumb off the floor! For older guests we make sure walk ways are clean and lit and we have a flashlight and my husband walks people out.
You’re so cute! I love your passion and your energy! You are already a great hostess! You will be teaching others by the time you’re 50! Keep it up!!
Avocado and feta on toast! I've been missing out! Thank you for showing the grocery items!
Great tips Meagan! I could've used all your helpful advice when I was a young hostess 😉. Trial and error were my informative friends. Lessons well taught and I loved hosting. Keep up the good work. You're a well rounded person. The only place to go is up from here. 👍😉
Nothing motivates you to get your house "guest presentable" like having guests over. So do it often and enjoy the time together. And you will certainly improve as a hostess by serving up tried and true recipes that don't end up as leftovers. I applaud your efforts and successes.
🤗 Good suggestions Megan and looked like a good amount of yummy food! I would say if other food was left but the brisket was gone that means the brisket was darn good and there was enough food! Happy Valentines Day! Take care.
The brisket looked amazing
I’m 35 with 4 kids and still get anxious about messing something up when people come over 😅 the husband is super good at cleaning up the house prior in a flash though! It’s good to have the balance and know exactly who is doing what💕
When we had little children, we would keep special toys in their rooms and then the play room had all the communal toys. We also did not allow guests into bedrooms, unless it was a nursing mom. I had a chair and quiet corner for that.
In our now house, we opted for the long dining table and no kitchen table. It works. In this season. Im not sure how i would have liked it with littles.
I love to host and dont do it much these days.
I leave the kitchen a wreck till they leave. 🤣 i face it the following morning.
I really want to town a robot vacuum but man, its a real investment!
Love your outfit. And your heart to serve others with a meal. 💗
Everything looks so fresh and delicious! Especially the water omg I must be thirsty but that looked so good. I love your videos and aesthetic ❤️
Great video and advise. I love to host family holiday gatherings. My husband is a Pastor and we live next to our church. I love being able to use our church fellowship hall because of space. It’s really a blessing! I just prep everything at home and bring my own supplies. At the end, I like to be the one to wash the dishes and make sure everything is clean and put away. Take care and God bless. ❤️
My favourite tip for doing a sit down meat and potatoes meal for Sunday dinner with guests is to put a beef roast in the slow cooker. I also bring peeled and cut up potatoes to a boil. Once the potatoes have begun to boil, put the lid on the pot and switch the burner off. By the time you come home from church, the potatoes are almost fully cooked!
Watching this belatedly but love your tips on hosting! Some i have used myself!! And whole-heartedly agree on newly married s starting in right away. I realize some like you, Megan and myself love to host but there are others who don't enjoy it as much but i feel like it s becoming a lost art in the younger generation! One of my challenges (and my husband has helped me tremendously in this) is learning to relax and not think everything has to be perfect!
YES!!! Anytime Aaron can grill when guests are coming, I take advantage of it!
Megan, I love to listen too you especially just going over all the fears and thoughts you have about hosting keep up the great work..
I love this!! I always love seeing how others prepare for hosting. So fun! ❤️
I know exactly what you mean about wanting fresh herbs (aka living things) during the winter 😀
With food quantities as long as everyone makes it through first anything else (2nds, 3rds etc) is a bonus and you know you had enough. Especially since there are sides and desserts for people to munch on if they wanted more food and an item is out. If everything is wiped out and people still want more might want to make more next time. I enjoy serving everything in a crockpot or Tupperware and just toss on the lid at the end of an event and toss it in the fridge or dishwasher if it’s empty. Easier clean up and no one cares about the container just the contents. Takes some trial and error hosting but I agree with you just keep going and it get easier.
So glad to find a video today. I need something to ease my mind. My bulldog Boomer is sick, low albumin, and he’s all swollen. I’m scared and the vet didn’t really have many answers. Ugh. Keep us in your thoughts please.
I’m so sorry. Praying your dog gets better.
My family has always said if everyone gets to fill there plates 1 time you are good on food quantity. Your feeding them not fattening them up! Lol! The brisket must have been amazing I hope you share the recipe. Your tips were spot on! I love how positive your videos are.
i clean as my guests are here. usually its the same people and my best friend jumps in and sometimes just cleans for me and tells me to relax and socialize. i am very blessed. i love to host though, its my gift from God. i feel so much better when i can cook and bake for friends and family and then clean up knowing we had a great time visiting. i am very odd i know.
I typically leave the food and dishes. I tell people “The dishes will be here tomorrow, you won’t. They can wait.”
I used to love having family/friends over! Love all your great ideas!! Used to love all the women chatting while cleaning up.. The best conversation, then! Gonna have to check out That vacuum/mop😍
Haha! I don’t think toothpicks are just a Mennonite thing…my grandfather always kept a toothpick around-even in his wallet! Great tips! Thanks for always sharing such great and encouraging content!!
To keep the aphids off of your basil plant get a spray bottle of dish soap & water & pray down the plant. It is safe for the plant & it will kill the aphids
We love hosting. I used to get all flustered, and my hubby knew I would be, and he'd go out for a game of golf or something. Now, we're around 70 or so. Now he helps me get ready. We're a good team. I make the food, some people bring some, and my hubby puts out chairs, extra tables, etc.. I find it easier to get ready for company, because I've been on a decluttering kick. I've missed having parties and people over while Covid has been around. One thing I do, is make freezer meals ahead. Then I'm able to pull out a frozen lasagne or another main dish, and thaw it overnight to use for company...or just cook it longer, if I don't have time to thaw it. I also have the philosophy that if you're cleaning the house for one party, you might as well have a couple of parties that week. I do this around Christmas time, with choir parties, neighborhood parties, and piano student parties.
I also just got the Tineco cordless vacuum/mop. It is so light and easy to use!
Ha! I used to get so flustered too. And still do sometimes.
I really enjoyed this video. Thank you! I have been hosting 18 years and still learned from you. One thing we do differently is that if someone asks if they can bring a side or a dessert we (sometimes, depending on the situation) say Yes. It really does help me out! Do you ever do that?
Hey why not let them bring something?! My husband said ALWAYS take something even if they don’t let you. Lol. Even if it’s flowers in summer time or a jar of jam. It’s a good thank you.
@@carolschapansky1747 that’s beautiful.
Yes! Our church group of ladies always do that! The hostess will usually do the main dish/hot food and have the guests [if they ask 😂) to bring bread, a salad, fruit, etc! It makes it SO much easier on the hostess and it’s so easy when I’m invited somewhere to bring one simple thing, and help the hostess out!
Having company is a lot of work, but so rewarding 😊 My husband and I have been married for 18 years and have been hosting since the first year when we lived in a tiny apartment, then we lived with his parents for a year and still had some people over, then we lived in a 1500 sq ft. manufactured home for 12 years and had up to 40 people over one time 🤣 now we live in double that space and still have people over. Not quiet as many as we used to because I can’t handle as much since I had a 3rd child almost 5 years ago 🤣 and I’m getting old, not really, lol, but I feel like it some days 🤣
I'm the same in regard to getting as much done well before the guests arrive so I can enjoy socialising with them and not stress about getting the meal prepped while being the hostess. Here in Australia people quite often will offer to bring a plate of food or dessert to contribute to the meal and at the very least bring a hostess gift i.e. flowers
I have always shopped on Fridays for that reason!
I believe when u have a lot of guests it is always loud. Especially with kids. Even when u have a mix of young kids to teens it is loud but it’s great to host.
I would love a video like this when it's warm enough to host outside! I'm a young pastor's wife and do a lot of hostessing and these tips were excellent! Loved the video!
Oh yum - your brisket and pasta salad looked amazing! Loved watching your getting-ready video! ❤️
Honestly, I'd never clean my house if we didn't have folk over! I agree with everything you said about hosting - we've been married 35 years now and I have a few stock recipes now that I know work (especially ones I can prepare ahead of time like you). You're absolutely right tho - folk are so thankful for your hospitality they will not judge you. When we went to a city centre church a few years ago I would make a little extra for Sunday lunch so we could invite visitors back - we experienced that gift of hospitality ourselves sometimes and it can be a very precious thing . The Bible tells us to 'entertain strangers as you may be entertaining Angels' - and it definitely brings a blessing to you as well as them.
I miss hosting dinners! I used to host a few each year but since everything going on I haven’t been able to do that. I liked all the tips and tricks you had to share and can’t wait to host the next dinner.
Everything looked delicious! My favorite chef Ina Garten says, make only few “good” things for the menu and definitely make ahead you did! 🥰🥰🥰
Yes to grocery shopping on Friday!!!! That way there is a lot of yummy food for the weekend.
Your videos are the highlight of my week ❤️ I’ve been watching for years and just love all of your content. Thanks so much for sharing Megan!
Good afternoon Megan, enjoy all of your videos and your beautiful family. Blessings
Ahh I always get super excited when Thursday rolls around to watch your videos ☺️ thanks so much for the good content you put out there for us momma's!! I'm a mom of 2 and have had a really long day so I'm totally enjoying winding down and watching your video tonight 🥰
I clean up as soon as they leave. It doesn’t take long.😃
I wait all day for this video! I know it comes on Thursday while at work but I wait until I’m bathed in bed and relaxed..🙂
I love your water with lemons, limes and cukes. I drink it almost every day. Good with fresh mint sprigs. Detoxes!
I'm drooling looking at that brisket!!!
Your food, Bakes goods and Iced coffees always look so good!
Wow! That brisket looked tender and juicy!! Yummm!! We wait till they leave and get most of it cleaned up before bed…. Good advice! I laughed about the temperature advice, we keep our heat at 64 degrees usually! So we have to turn it up higher or freeze them out. Yes to cool clothes when hosting cause I get too hot!!
One tip is that I try to always have one meal and one dessert item that is nut-free, gluten free and dairy free to cover anyone who may have allergies. We usually have a side salad and some sort of fruit anytime we host.
You are awesome, so organized wish I was like you ❤
Thank you for this video. I want to host more but it makes me so nervous. I would love to see more videos like this with different food ideas. Thanks!
When I'm hosting I like to do dishes and clean up after. But a basic clean up is fine. My husband tends to run in the kitchen and do all the dishes 🤣 which I see the utility in doing that because when everyone is gone it's a relief but I'm always in the other room waiting and I feel it kinda messes up my hosting vibe. But it's nothing serious. I could go either way. I see benefit in both. Depends who is over LOL
I love being a homemaker and hosting as well. Thank you for your videos! God bless 🙌❤
Sadie., you learn as you go. One tip I would give you is to invest in some real forks, you can pick up nice enough ones at home goods, I think I bought 8 for 8 dollars. You can add forks as you go (I have twenty some extra myself). It is nice for the older folks who have grip issues as well as making coming to your house feel more intentional and friendly. Oh,and one more thing....the rule of thumb is a half a pound of meat per person just so you don't run out in the future.....
Green olive family here too 💚
And our family always has toothpicks around as well. We always eat meat, so we always need to floss.
I really gotta start more organized like you. I always just do all the food and light cleaning the day of. And the deep cleaning a couple days before.
Now with our third baby coming soon, I really gotta change some things around 😅
Sooo practical, thank you so much Megan!
Yay!! I was just in the middle of re-listening to another Q&A with you and Josh when this one popped up! 😍
I always wait till guests leave to clean up. If I don’t then they want to help when I really just want to visit. Short sleeves, yes. Temperature down, yes. A quick tidy up but not stress over a dusty corner, yes. ❤️
I miss hosting! I'm in the throes of first trimester nausea (I have rough pregnancies) and I have barely been able to take care of my family, let alone host. Hopefully soon!
Yes, the thoothpics-theme is sooo mennonite style. I'm a Mennonite too, but not Amish..from Paragauy... Your hosting style looks so similiar to the way we do hostings.... (sorry my english is not perfect..., german is my first language...Love your videos! I'm always waiting for the new video...
You are an amazing wife and Mom! I have the Weavertown School cookbook/ my favorite
it is wonderful you want to entertain. Just remember they are, at least should be, coming to visit not for the house condition or perfect food. They maybe coming for the food too though :) Your home is wonderful and all the little thoughts you put in for your guests, is nice and comforting.