For me, the difference between entertaining and hospitality is that entertaining is entertainment; while, hospitality is the act or service of welcoming, receiving, hosting, or entertaining guests. As a Pampered Chef consultant I know what entertaining is at my house. Entertaining chooses a menu that will impress, and then frets its way through each stage of preparation. It requires every throw pillow to be in place, every cobweb to be eliminated, every child to be neat and orderly. It plans extra time to perfect apron all before the first guest knock. My entertaining perceives the entire evening has to focuses the guests attention on their needs for kitchen products. On the other hand, when I’m concentrating on hospitality, it involves setting a table that makes everyone feel comfortable. It chooses a menu that allows face time with guests instead of being chained to the stovetop. It picks up the house to make things pleasant, but doesn’t feel the need to conceal evidences of everyday life. It sometimes sits down to dinner with flour in its hair. It allows the gathering to be shaped by the quality of the conversation rather than the cuisine. Hospitality shows interest in the thoughts, feelings, pursuits, and preferences of its guests. It is good at asking questions and listening intently to answers. Hospitality focuses attention on others. Therefore, hospitality, offers itself expecting nothing in return. It keeps no record of its service, counts no cost, craves no thanks. It is nothing less than the joyous, habitual offering of those who recall a gracious table set before them in the presence of their enemies (Ps. 23:5), of those who look forward to a glorious table yet to come (Rev. 19:6–9). It is a means by which we imitate our infinitely hospitable God.
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