In a culture that is obsessed with perfection, it’s easy to believe that hospitality requires a spotless home, a carefully planned menu, and a seamless itinerary. But the truth is, connection has never required perfection.
Sometimes, the most meaningful moments in life happen with dishes in the sink and pillows on the floor. Deep down, most of us already know this to be true. And yet, inviting people into our space can still feel overwhelming.
That’s why, today, we’re asking the question:
What if hospitality isn’t about impressing others, but about making space for them to feel seen and loved?
My guest today is Abby Kuykendall, author of Let the Biscuits Burn. Abby has spent years exploring what it means to build God-centered community around the table. Through her own journey of singleness, growth, and opening her home in different seasons, she has discovered that hospitality is less about performance and more about presence.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- The difference between entertaining and true hospitality
- Why it’s important to gather with people who are different from us
- Three simple qualities that can help you practice hospitality right where you are
- And more!
I loved this conversation with Abby! It was such a freeing reminder that we don’t have to do hospitality perfectly to do it faithfully.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Prefer to watch this episode? You can now view and subscribe to our YouTube.
- Connect with Abby on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook
- [BOOK] Let the Biscuits Burn: Cultivating Real-Life Hospitality in a World Craving Connection
- [BOOK] The Living Table: Recipes and Devotions for Everyday Get-Togethers
- [BOOK] No More Perfect Moms
- [BOOK] No More Perfect Kids
- [BOOK] No More Perfect Marriages
- As a thank you for listening, get your 3 free eBooks.
My Key Takeaways:
1) Jesus modeled hospitality that crossed boundaries. Again and again in Scripture, we see Jesus sit with people others avoided. He met the woman at the well. He dined with tax collectors. He welcomed children. When we open our lives to others, even in small ways, we reflect His heart. And a “table” doesn’t have to be a piece of furniture. It might be a walk, a car ride, or simply meeting a practical need. The goal is connection.
2) Hospitality doesn’t require perfection. Abby shared a simple idea that I loved: choose three non-negotiables that help you feel comfortable in your home, whether that’s a clean bathroom or a cleared sink. Care for those things, and let the rest go. When we release unrealistic expectations, we can relax and focus on the people in front of us.
3) Don’t let fear stop you from reaching out. Rejection can feel personal, but often, the reason behind it is just a matter of timing or format. If someone says no, try again in a different way. And if hosting at home isn’t possible, consider a coffee shop or a park. Be creative. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Over time, small, faithful steps can grow into deep and meaningful community.
About Abby:
Abby Kuykendall is a writer, home cook, and founder of A Table Top Affair. After years of singleness and spiritual growth, she discovered the power of the table in building God-centered community, which inspired her first cookbook, The Living Table. She then wrote Let the Biscuits Burn as a heartfelt invitation to release perfection and embrace presence, reminding us that hospitality is not about performance but about loving people well. Abby lives in northwest Arkansas with her husband, Kyle, and their son, John Maverick.
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