Breaking Bread | Asian Chicken Cranberry Salad | Hospitality Habits

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Yesterday was the day for us to host our church fellowship. 

(I was even dressed before everyone arrived!) 

We had decided to have a salad lunch after our worship time. So easy!

On Sunday morning, we set out paper products and plastic utensils.

When using disposables, I like to use sturdy paper plates (like Chinette) and the heavy duty plastic utensils. Of course, I always keep a stash of pretty paper napkins on hand. As I told my friend Deanna, my policy is "Buy the napkins. The occasion will come." This time, I chose the red stripe "feed sack" napkins that I had picked up at HomeGoods in February. (I bought three packages of them; there are plenty left for other summer gatherings.)

We set up the coffee station with some of my Warren Kimble mugs. (I bought a pair on eBay last week, one with a sheep, one with a horse, bringing my total to 16.) The WK creamer was a gift from a friend.

We set up a tray of sodas. Kati made pitchers of sweetened and unsweetened tea (not in the photo).

We moved the dining room chairs to the living room,

set the hymnals on the table,

and enjoyed a time of worship and fellowship.

I had made my salad the day before, using a new-to-me recipe found at Reluctant Entertainer. Here is the recipe with my adaptations. (Original ~ here ~ .) 

ASIAN CHICKEN CRANBERRY SALAD 

Ingredients: 

2 bags cole slaw mix

4 cups cooked chicken, chopped

1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted (I'd have used more, but that's what I had.)

1 1/2 dried cranberries

3/4 cup diced red onion

1 1/2 cups fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup sesame seeds

1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3/4 cup balsamic vinegar

4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

3-4 cloves garlic, chopped

4 tablespoons honey

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

2 teaspoons sesame oil

wonton strips (optional)

Directions: 

1) Layer cabbage, cooked chicken, toasted almonds, cranberries, onion, cilantro, and sesame seeds in large bowl.

2) In blender, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, ginger, and sesame oil. 

Add 3 tablespoons water and process until smooth.

3) Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss lightly. 

Top each serving with wonton strips, if desired.

Hospitality habits go a long way towards making hospitality happen. 

Of course, we all know that hospitality doesn't just "happen." We have to make it happen. But it is easier if you develop some hospitality habits. Like some of these: 

Keeping paper supplies on hand. 

We buy Chinette plates and plastic cups in bulk from Sam's Club so we rarely run out. I pick up a box of plastic utensils as I do my weekly shopping. And my eyes are always open for pretty napkins. They often set the theme of the party. 

Keeping a variety of soft drinks stocked.

Again, I usually buy a pack of soft drinks with my weekly groceries, often calling Bekah at home for the "drink inventory." Family favorites are root beer and cream soda. 

Collecting serving dishes and platters.

You'll be surprised at what you'll find if you keep your eyes opened. Many of my serving pieces are bargains! You can be creative too, using baskets and boxes in unusual ways.

And the most important hospitality habit:

Reminding ourselves of the purpose of hospitality.

It is "Not to impress, but to bless!"

What are some of your hospitality habits?