Inside-Out Hospitality

This is a guest blog post by Audrey Sibenu. Enjoy!

In Part 1, we laid the foundation—how thoughtful planning transforms hospitality from a chaotic scramble into a peaceful, Spirit-led experience. When your heart is calm, and your hands are ready, guests don’t just eat well—they feel seen and heard.

In Part 2, we move beyond checklists and meal prep into the quiet, sacred details that whisper, “You belong here.” From the scent in the air to the shoes at the door, these subtle gestures may not shout—but they speak volumes.

Are you ready? Let’s dive in.

Tip 2: An Organized Home

Wouldn’t it be pleasant to walk into a house and it smells really good?

Before you rush out to buy every diffuser in the world, pause. No fragrance can cover up disorder. Imagine spraying your best perfume on sweaty skin—exactly! The same goes for your home. A clean base makes all the difference. Start with the basics: declutter, wipe down surfaces, take out the trash, and let fresh air in.

 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.- 1 Corinthians 14:40 (NIV)

Organization Tips When You Have Little Ones

This is very easy to apply if there are no children. When children are involved, you really must be intentional about the space!

But note that there is a difference between an organized house and a house no one lives in. 😁 Don’t expect perfection, especially if you have small kids.

Here are a few tips to at least give it your best shot with kids:

• Limit access to toys before guests arrive. One or two favourites are enough.
• Put temptations out of reach. Cleared surfaces help both visual peace and little hands.
• If they are still toddlers, manage them in a way that won’t frustrate them and cause a meltdown.
• Use a catch-all basket in the living room. Toss in random toys or clutter before guests arrive and sort it later.
• Let them play in their room or outside (supervised, of course) for a bit.
• Teach the children tidiness and home organisation. Encourage them to develop habits of arranging their space; it shouldn’t be limited to days when there are guests around. They will grow, and it will become part of them.

Plan for shoe removal

If your home is a no-shoes zone—especially with little ones crawling around—this detail matters. So, all the dirt carried outside will stay outside. Rather than having them barefoot, it will be awesome for your guests to have something to put on after removing their shoes. Here are a few tips

• Clean slippers for guests or disposable shoe covers (if preferred)
• A bench or chair for comfort while removing shoes

Small effort, a big gesture. It says: “I’ve thought of your comfort too.”

Now, the fun part!

Tip 3: Let the House Smell Like a Hug

Fragrance has a powerful, invisible way of saying, “You’re welcome.” It softens tension, elevates the mood and masks unwanted odours (Hello, crayfish stew! Hello, choking pepper frying odour! Oops, I mistakenly burnt my meal!).

I think it’s more elegant for guests to be welcomed by a random pleasant odour than the odour of the food you cooked. Though I love the smell of food, it kills that mystery of the set dinner table. Let them discover the meals when you place the table😀

“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart… —Proverbs 27:9, NIV

To maximise your home’s scent experience:

• Finish cooking early, especially if it involves strong ingredients.
• Give enough time for the scents to settle in
• Layer scents wisely

Home Fragrance Ideas:

• Diffusers (electric or reed)
• Scented candles (classic and cozy)
• Room or linen sprays (can be made with essential oils)
• Candle warmers
• Oil burners
• Traditional air fresheners with camphor (keep out of reach of children!)
• Scented sachets for smaller spaces
• Homemade Simmer Pots—affordable, safe (can be drunk as tea!), and welcoming

Here are two of my favourite simmer pot recipes:

Always simmer on low heat and never leave unattended.

Call to Action

So, here’s your invitation:

This week, pick just one tip: light a simmer pot, set a basket by the couch, and lay out a pair of slippers. Small things, yes. But done with love, they shift not just the atmosphere of your home—but the posture of your heart.

Did something in this post spark an idea or memory? I’d love to hear it in the comments.

Like it? Share it with a friend who’s learning the rhythm of inside-out hospitality, too.

Don’t miss Part 3, where we explore the blessings of appetizers—the small bites that open hearts before the main meal ever hits the table.

And if you haven’t yet, go back and read Part 1 — it’s the blueprint that holds everything together.

Until then, may your home smell like a warm hug, and may your hospitality be from the inside out!