Love. Welcome. Serve.

When she was growing up in Arkansas, Amy Hannon watched her grandmother Euna Mae care for everyone she met with food. Now, Amy’s set out to do the same! In her cookbook Love Welcome Serve, she encourages folks to open their homes and hearts, and connect with others over a plate of something delicious. She’s sharing some easy tips to make hosting a breeze, and one of her favorite dishes to place on her table.

Whenever you make a casserole, it’s easy to assemble two! One for your family, and one for a friend.

Is someone else hosting? Bring a small gift! I keep cute tea towels, notepads, and delicious soaps on hand for quick hostess gifts.

Want to send guests home with leftovers? Use deli containers! I keep a whole lot around—usually the 16 oz. and 32 oz. sizes—so I can share food with friends, and nobody has to worry about washing and returning them. Easy!

New neighbors moving in? Make them a snack box! Line a small cardboard box with paper cups and place in fresh fruit, Goldfish crackers, chocolate-covered almonds, maybe flowers from your garden. So simple, so kind.