Countdown

I’m the kind of person who will add something I’ve already done to my “To Do” list just for the thrill of checking it off. If you’re a list maker, too, you’ll appreciate these checklists for getting ready to swing your front door wide open and welcome your neighbors into your home. If you’re checkmark-challenged, you might feel overwhelmed by so many details. Take an approach that works for you… just don’t forget to vacuum under the furniture. Trust me on that one!

Review

Let’s review. You’ve already figured out when to have your Open House and the day, time and frequency of your Neighborhood Café Bible study. You know roughly how many people you should invite to fill your room UNcomfortably. You’ve made an invitation, turned it in to a little gift, and knocked on your neighbors doors.

As you speak to your neighbors, keep track of who you talk to and make note of anything you learn about them so you can later ask, “How is your knee since your surgery?” or “Are you enjoying your newly remodeled kitchen?” Try to keep a tally of who is coming to your Open House, but here’s the thing: it’s open. Women will wander in and meander out at any time during the time you’ve specified. Some may stay the entire time, others may only stay a few minutes. This preparation takes the stress out of setting the table so you can relax and enjoy your guests!

Two Weeks Prior

  • Pass out invitations to neighbors

One Week Prior: Menu Checklist

  • Plan menu and select recipes for a bread or pastry, fruit and beverages
  • Prepare grocery list
  • Purchase non-perishable groceries
  • Purchase any needed paper or disposable products (plates, napkins, silverware, cups, etc.)
  • Prepare any dishes that can be frozen
  • Ask friends if you can borrow serving dishes or carafes

One Week Prior: Housekeeping Checklist

  • Determine if any chairs or seating need to be brought into the room, or if furniture will need to be moved to accommodate guests
  • Clean windows and window treatments
  • Vacuum sofas and chairs
  • Clean light fixtures
  • Clean doorknobs and light switches
  • Polish furniture
  • Empty wastebaskets
  • Clean front door and entryway
  • Vacuum thoroughly (no dust bunny surprises if items need to be moved to accommodate more seating!)
  • Clean guest bathroom
  • Wipe kitchen cabinets and appliances
  • Clean out refrigerator
  • Mop all floors

Tip: Look at the room you will be using at the same time of day as your Open House to see where the sun shines on potential problem areas. Don’t worry ~ you only have to do this deep cleaning one time, and it’s only one room! An added benefit of hosting a Neighborhood Café is that it helps you keep your house clean.

Three Days Prior

  • Arrange any special décor
  • Clean a closet and fill it with hangers, or designate an area such as a spare bedroom to store coats
  • Finish grocery shopping
  • Plan for unfriendly or too-friendly pets
  • Make any reminder calls

One Day Prior

  • Set the table or buffet area where food will be served with all serving dishes and utensils
  • Buy and arrange flowers if desired
  • Finish as much of the cooking and food preparation as you can
  • Quick-clean the living room: Clear any clutter;  straighten cushions; dust furniture; straighten tables, pictures, books and magazines
  • Quick-clean the bathroom: wipe sinks mirror, toilet; put out fresh hand towels or paper towels
  • Quick-clean the kitchen: put away dishes, clean sink, wipe counters and appliances, fold towels

Tip: This is your Café! Make it as fancy or simple as you like. Don’t let the details become stressful. Instead, pray as you prepare for each woman who will visit your home. You can use paper plates and napkins or crystal and silver—it’s totally up to you. The point is extreme hospitality, overwhelming kindness and extravagant grace… not grandeur.

  • Vacuum and mop floors
  • Fill coffee pot so it’s ready to turn on
  • Set out sweeteners and any condiments
  • Have name tags and a pen or marker ready
  • Lay out any Bible study materials you are considering
  • Display the Guest List for your guests to sign
  • Remove heavily scented candles or potpourri in case guests are sensitive or have allergies

Day of the Open House

  • Rearrange furniture if necessary. Note: It is better to pull in more seats as additional guests arrive than to have empty seats unfilled.
  • Finish any last minute cooking
  • Set out food and beverages
  • Brew coffee
  • Heat water for tea
  • Put pets away
  • Relax and open your heart as you open your home to new friends and blessed fellowship

Tip: be completely ready at least 30 minutes before the start time of your Open House so that you won’t be flustered when early guests arrive.

These checklists are included in the Café Kit! The Planning Guide, a convenient purse-sized, spiral-bound book that leads you step-by-step through the process of starting and leading your Neighborhood Café, includes the following:

  • Calendar
  • Seating Calculator
  • Invitation Notes & RSVP’s
  • Open House Checklists
  • Recipes
  • Shopping List
  • Follow Up Notes
  • Member List
  • 12 Café Checklists (Hospitality, Bible Study, Attendance, Prayer Requests & Praises, Follow Up)
  • Website Instructions
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