:: Hospitality ::
I feel as though I need to begin with a disclaimer. At the risk of disappointing some, this entry has very little to do with tea, formalities, beautiful floral china patterns, or homemade delicacies. Not really. It is a moment spent reflecting on the lost skill of hospitality.
Many people are gracious in welcoming others and have a gift for making people feel received with open arms, so to speak. But on a whole, our culture has pulled away from this skill and through the generations the result has been children growing up without that skill being modeled regularly for them to learn from.
Hospitality is the quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.
If I’m honest with myself, I’d have to say that’s not naturally my “disposition”. Sometimes my own chaotic schedule or insecurities muddle my efforts to be hospitable.
I spoke with a friend of mine about some of my thoughts on hospitality, and she graciously responded with an invite for tea to depict hospitality in one of its forms. Aside from being a phenomenal baker, Lora is simply amazing at making people feel welcomed and received. She quite truthfully could’ve served me saltines and iced water in a mason jar and I would’ve felt the same warmth from her. That’s a skill. A skill I want more of!
I had the privilege, some time ago, to provide care for a dear woman declining with Alzheimer’s. Her name is Ella and we were complete strangers. But through the months after our introduction, we became dear friends; Ella shared so much with me about the memories that were still very vivid for her. Memories of an era in the past so different from the world we live in today – memories of her childhood and young adult life.
Ella’s mother would host what they’d call “sing alongs”. She would open up her humble home and wagons from all over the community would come. Anyone who wanted to dance and sing did just that – late into the night. Enjoying fellowship and having been received into their home openly and warmly. She would make a pallet in the corner, as many of the small children would fall asleep before the adults were done having fun with neighbors and friends!
My point is, elaborate preparation isn’t the focus of hospitality. It’s the value we place on people and how we demonstrate that to them.
Lora decorates her sugar cubes to add a bit of flare to her tea setting; we enjoyed an herbal tea she learned about while in Nicaragua and loved so much she wanted to recreate it at home! Hibiscus, cinnamon, cardamon, honey and ginger. It was incredible – and I’m not even a tea lover! hahaha
Today we are so accustomed to the hustling past people in stores, or walking down the street. And I find some of that spilling over into my home; I’m going to change that.
So, that’s it, then. Bon fire & s’mores – my place – Saturday night! Bring a lawn chair and be prepared to sing!
Whenever we are expecting guests, we always make sure to offer them drinks and usually put out snacks. You are much classier than I am, though, because we usually make things like wonton poppers and things that you can pick at that aren’t fancy.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) recently posted…San Diego Ghost Tour
We are not fancy over here but always appreciate simple hospitality!
Francine @ Teresa’s Family Cleaning recently posted…Why Should I Hire a Green Professional for Power Washing?
Those are adorable sugar cubes!! You are right about the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Hospitality goes a long way!
tammileetips recently posted…TWIX Bites are the perfect travel companion!
It sure does. Thank you for stopping by. It’s very hospitable of you 🙂
The decorative sugar cubes are so great! I want to host a party with dancing. Sounds so fun. I love to entertain guests at our home.
MommaDJane recently posted…DIY Painted Fairy Garden Furniture
It’s definitely something I need to work on. I like having company over, but only if my husband doesn’t share my hidden stash of goodies. 😉
Janel recently posted…Focus Groups Looking for Moms! Paid Opportunities!!
We have to look out for our hidden stash, right Janel!?;) I love having guests too– and if love to more often!
What a lovely post. Thanks for writing this.
Janice recently posted…The Sun and Your Eyes: Eye Health Tips for Families
You bring up a very good point on the lost art of hospitality! I thoroughly enjoyed reading your thoughts on the subject and it really brought a lot of agreeing nods on my end as I read through your post. Hopefully you’ll be able to attend more afternoon teas like the one above (those sugar cubs are just too darn cute) 🙂
Dawn Lopez recently posted…X-Men Fans: Buy $15 of AXE at Walmart & Get Free Movie Tickets
Hospitality is one thing that I am actually pretty great at. My parents hardly ever had anyone over when I was a kid and I always felt like it was more fun to have visitors. I love inviting people over and making them feel at home!!
Jenn recently posted…School’s Out For Summer!
That’s awesome Jenn!- I’m sure you’re a fantastic hostess- I give it a notable effort but always feel like I need to improve;)
It’s so true that we’re often caught up in our little worlds and may not even know our neighbors. I’m certainly guilty of that. I only know one family in my neighborhood, and I’m not the drop in any time kind of person at all. I guess I could take a lesson too.
Liz Mays recently posted…The Magic of Children and Project Sunlight
I’m not either Liz! And when I see my kids flip out if the mail lady pulls in the driveway I knows something’s gone amiss! Hahahaha
Very pretty, looks very welcoming. Love the petite cakes!
Mama to 5 BLessings recently posted…Super Saturday Giveaway Linky — Enter, Share, Win!
I can’t take any credit- I only want to have more of what she models;)
Oh wow! How fancy an beautiful!
Sarah @ Must Have Mom recently posted…$5 DIY Birdseed Wreath Tutorial
Thanks for stopping by Sarah- Lora’s hospitality offered so much more than the beautiful setting.
We are pretty hospitable, but as our girls get older, they are now teens, I feel we are more hospitable to them and their friends. But since they will be off to college soon, it’s just as I want it to be.
Tara recently posted…Dick’s Last Resort Gatlinburg
That’s cool Tara- investing in your kids and their friends! It’s all about how we communicate the value we have in others- family, friend, or stranger!;)
We also offer drinks to our guests. The setting and arrangements for this tea party are beautiful. I love the sugar cubes.
Carlee C recently posted…Date Day at Bonefish Grill #SundayBrunch! {Plus $25 Meal Certificate Giveaway}
I consider myself to be a very hospitable person. But, I have never equated hospitality with anything fancy or elegant, because that I am not.
Exactly my point, Val. That’s why I wrote this entry. It has everything to do with the value we have in others and how we communicate that to them and receive them. Glad you agree 😀
How beautiful and elegant! I absolutely love the porch and rocking chairs.
Kristin Wheeler (@MamaLuvsBooks) recently posted…HBO Series True Detective; Great Gift for Father’s Day at Best Buy! #HBOatBestBuy
Thanks Kristin – it was very welcoming!
I try to teach my kids the importance of hospitality and that it doesn’t mean a lot fo fuss
Debi@ The Spring Mount 6 Pack recently posted…Monster Jam Path of Destruction is Coming To MetLife #Giveaway
Very pretty! 🙂 We are just starting to entertain with our daughter’s friends. You have to be hospitable!