Inside-Out Hospitality

I love the holiday season! For me, it’s more than just rest—it’s a time to reconnect. People are finally more available after long months of work, school, and busy schedules. And if you grew up like I did in Cameroon, then you know that holidays usually also mean one thing: A FULL HOUSE!

Growing up, we either spent the holidays with family or—more often—our house was filled with holidaymakers, as we say in Cameroon. Sometimes they were invited, sometimes not—but either way, they stayed! It was part of the culture. Back then, I didn’t realise it, but now that I’m a wife and mom, I see that hosting family during the holidays is almost like a rite of passage into adulthood!

My friend had it good!

Recently, a close friend of mine found herself with four extra kids in her home during the holidays—on top of her own two little babies. We sat on her balcony one hot afternoon, sipping cold juice and laughing through the chaos, wondering how our mothers managed it all without collapsing—or complaining (scratch that… lots of complaining was involved, and our ears couldn’t hear the end of it hahaha).

But as inside-out hosts, we must see this as an opportunity to bless others and rely on God for wisdom, provision, strength, and grace.

That chat turned into a brainstorming session, and today I want to share some of those tips with you. Because hospitality doesn’t have to drain your wallet or your joy.

“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” – 1 Peter 4:9

1. Set a Budget First

Before they arrive, decide how much you can spend—and stick to it.

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” – Proverbs 21:5

Write out what’s most important: food, drinks, treats, activities, transportation. Then make choices accordingly.

2. Plan Ahead to Avoid Panic Buying

• Nothing pushes you to overspend like last-minute cooking. When you don’t plan, you end up ordering food or making emergency runs to expensive stores.
• Make a weekly or monthly menu, list your ingredients, and group similar meals to avoid waste.

3. Buy and Cook in Bulk

Shop and cook like it’s done in boarding schools. Buy fresh, seasonal foods from local markets.

• Get a bag of rice, a carton of spaghetti, a sack of garri, a sack of dry corn, or a crate of tomatoes. Also, stock up on other pantry staples such as flour and oil.
• Buy fruits in season—mangoes, bananas, or pineapples are cheaper and tastier when in abundance.
• Cook in big pots, so you don’t have to cook multiple times a day. You save both gas and time. Our grandmothers would mix a pot of tea and have all the kids sit while they poured it into small cups, rather than making tea cup by cup.
• Substitute wisely: Beans and legumes are good protein options that cut down the need for meat and chicken. Try bean stew, koki beans, accra beans, groundnut stew—or use eggs and mackerel fish instead.
• Buy from affordable markets and local farmers: Keep your ears and eyes open for the best deals. E.g. a church member may announce he’s returning from his farm with some plantains or vegetables. Those are usually grab-fast opportunities because prices hike in the market.

I used to shop in high-end supermarkets like Carrefour when it was just my husband and me. But now with a growing family and more visitors, I’ve discovered smaller local markets with fresh produce at half the price. Compare prices, and don’t be afraid to switch up your usual routine.

4. Embrace Leftovers (Don’t Apologise for Them!)

Leftovers are not shameful—they are God’s provision extended.

“Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” – John 6:12

Warm them up creatively:

• Yesterday’s njanga rice can become today’s fried rice with added eggs and veggies.
• Leftover stew can flavour beans or spaghetti sauté.
• Leftover groundnut soup and egusi soup can serve as the base for okra.

5. Be Honest and Set Expectations

It’s okay to lovingly communicate limits to your family and guests. If you’re working with a tight budget, let your holiday makers know there won’t be juice every day or meat in every meal—even if they come from homes where that’s normal. You are no less hospitable for being wise.

6. Manage Portions Wisely

Another classic boarding school tip! Let someone (usually the host or a trusted adult) dish out the food. It prevents one child from taking too much while another gets too little. Also, consider reducing portion sizes for meat.

7. Go Homemade with Drinks

Instead of bottled drinks, try homemade options like:

• Foléré (hibiscus drink)
• Ginger and lemon juice
• Plain cold water with slices of cucumber or lemon

It’s healthier, prettier, and more affordable.

8. Track Your Spending

Use a simple notebook or planner to track your expenses. That way, you can adjust if you’re going overboard or plan better for next time.

9. Teach Contentment and Prayer

Pray before meals with your guests—especially the kids. It helps them see food as a gift, not a given. Teach them simple prayers like:

“Thank You, Lord, for this meal. Help us enjoy and not waste it.”

10. Celebrate a Few Special Moments

While you’re saving, it’s okay to plan one or two special treats:

• A grilled fish night at home
• A family outing to a local restaurant

These small highlights create big memories.

Cameroon-Inspired Meal Ideas

Here are some affordable, filling, and crowd-friendly options to consider:

Main Meals:

• Njanga rice
• Spaghetti sauté
• Cocoyam porridge
• Banane malaxée
• Groundnut soup
• Tomato stew
• Okro with dry fish or egusi
• Beans with ripe plantains or pap
• Cornchaff
• Fufu corn with vegetable soup
• Koki beans (high in protein and delicious!)
• Ekwang (a bit of work, but a treat!)
• Pomme pile (Irish potatoes)
• Fresh vegetables!!!

Affordable staples to stock:

• Rice
• Spaghetti
• Cocoyams
• Unripe bananas
• Cassava
• Garri
• Dry corn

Inside-out Takeaway

Hospitality doesn’t have to be fancy to be meaningful. Take your five loaves and two fish, give thanks to God and watch it multiply. With a bit of planning and a lot of love, you can bless your holiday makers without burning your pockets—or grumbling.

So this holiday season, whether you’re hosting two or ten people, remember: it’s the heart that makes people feel welcome—not the fanciest food.

Inside-Out Question

How about you? How many people are you hosting this holiday season, and what strategies are you using to manage costs? Please tell us in the comments section.

Did you find this article helpful? Please like and share.

Here’s to hosting from the inside out

And may your home be full of laughter, gratitude, and God’s sweet presence.