The Forgotten Art of Hospitality
http://www.culturesociety.net/articles/9068/1/The-Forgotten-Art-of-Hospitality/Page1.html
Glo Johnsen
Glo Johnsen owns the Organic Coffee Storea successful website specialing in organic coffee. Our selection of coffee is from around the world.? For great bargins & a huge inventory, visit http://www.OrganicCoffeeStore.biz and you will enjoy the huge selection of coffee to please any discriminating taste. By Glo Johnsen
Published on 02/22/2010
In this fast-paced world where we communicate with text messaging and emails, rarely even speaking on the telephone, the art of hospitality is becoming a “lost art” Some folks even conclude that since times are economically hard, we can’t afford to have anyone over – much less be hospitable
In this fast-paced world where we communicate with text messaging and emails, rarely even speaking on the telephone, the art of hospitality is becoming a “lost art.” Some folks even conclude that since times are economically hard, we can’t afford to have anyone over – much less be hospitable!
Growing up, my mom wasn’t into “entertaining,” but she knew how to be hospitable! When friends came over, even if the coffee pot was on; she would put a fresh pot of coffee on and bring out some goodies to snack on. Friends would sit around the kitchen table and just “visit” for a while. Those were the days when folks didn’t even lock their doors!
My sister-in-law has taught me much about hospitality. She meets you at the door with a hug, usher you in and provide you with a drink and a snack and usually insisted you stay for supper, if possible. My brother-in-law would bring out the dominoes or cards and a game would be on until it was absolutely time to go home! They were all about loving everyone that came through their door, providing for their needs and listening with their heart.
When we were first married and in the Air Force, we had no money, so we would invite friends over for a game of cards and some popcorn. We had so much fun around that kitchen table enjoying our friends while beating them at a game of Hearts!
I’ve come to conclude that the art of hospitality involves caring about all five of our senses: touch, sight, smell, taste and sound in an effort to show respect for one’s guests, provide for their needs, and remind them that someone really cares.
Perhaps an example would be appropriate.
• Touch – welcoming your guest with a handshake or hug.
• Sight – a smile; your eyes meeting theirs; a table already set for them; showing them a seat
• Smell – the aroma of fresh made coffee, some fresh, hot herbal tea or a snack being prepared (cookies being baked or fresh popcorn in the microwave, even a fragrant candle
• Taste - a little something to eat (chocolate yummies are always a favorite), keeping it simple – perhaps a pot of soup?
• Sound – pleasant relaxing music in the background (that says, come in and stay a while)
As you can see, none of these things are expensive, but invite friendly conversation. Instead of thinking that everything has to be perfect, learn to invite friends and neighbors over for easy things like dessert and coffee, sandwiches, cards and popcorn, or a pot of hot, herbal tea. It’s the time shared together and the strength received from each other that is more important than the food. Inviting someone to your home conveys, “I value you and want to spend time with you.”
Just last week, a friend came over unexpectedly for a visit. I put a pot of hot water on, pulled out some wonderful herbal teas and set some chocolate yummies (made the day before) on the table (which took less than 5 minutes) and just chatted for a while (actually about an hour). Looking back, it was the highlight of my week!
Take a chance! Go for it…and invite someone over for this evening. Use your home (it’s your gift from God!) and use what He’s given you to build a new friendship!
Growing up, my mom wasn’t into “entertaining,” but she knew how to be hospitable! When friends came over, even if the coffee pot was on; she would put a fresh pot of coffee on and bring out some goodies to snack on. Friends would sit around the kitchen table and just “visit” for a while. Those were the days when folks didn’t even lock their doors!
My sister-in-law has taught me much about hospitality. She meets you at the door with a hug, usher you in and provide you with a drink and a snack and usually insisted you stay for supper, if possible. My brother-in-law would bring out the dominoes or cards and a game would be on until it was absolutely time to go home! They were all about loving everyone that came through their door, providing for their needs and listening with their heart.
When we were first married and in the Air Force, we had no money, so we would invite friends over for a game of cards and some popcorn. We had so much fun around that kitchen table enjoying our friends while beating them at a game of Hearts!
I’ve come to conclude that the art of hospitality involves caring about all five of our senses: touch, sight, smell, taste and sound in an effort to show respect for one’s guests, provide for their needs, and remind them that someone really cares.
Perhaps an example would be appropriate.
• Touch – welcoming your guest with a handshake or hug.
• Sight – a smile; your eyes meeting theirs; a table already set for them; showing them a seat
• Smell – the aroma of fresh made coffee, some fresh, hot herbal tea or a snack being prepared (cookies being baked or fresh popcorn in the microwave, even a fragrant candle
• Taste - a little something to eat (chocolate yummies are always a favorite), keeping it simple – perhaps a pot of soup?
• Sound – pleasant relaxing music in the background (that says, come in and stay a while)
As you can see, none of these things are expensive, but invite friendly conversation. Instead of thinking that everything has to be perfect, learn to invite friends and neighbors over for easy things like dessert and coffee, sandwiches, cards and popcorn, or a pot of hot, herbal tea. It’s the time shared together and the strength received from each other that is more important than the food. Inviting someone to your home conveys, “I value you and want to spend time with you.”
Just last week, a friend came over unexpectedly for a visit. I put a pot of hot water on, pulled out some wonderful herbal teas and set some chocolate yummies (made the day before) on the table (which took less than 5 minutes) and just chatted for a while (actually about an hour). Looking back, it was the highlight of my week!
Take a chance! Go for it…and invite someone over for this evening. Use your home (it’s your gift from God!) and use what He’s given you to build a new friendship!