Hospitality

       I took a moment last night to flip through my guest book, which dates back to the fall of 2012, and was pleasantly surprised to see how many friends have come through my home in that span of time.  From casual after-work tea gatherings, to an impromptu spring party, I must confess that I enjoy having people over.  Reading through the comments, I note that many of them are written in languages other than English (almost all of my visitors being non-native English speakers), and a fair number of them are accompanied by sketches or drawings, some of which are truly amusing!  It is interesting to see that many of my guests come out of town, or are otherwise passing through en route to another destination; however, there are also posts from several friends who frequent my place often and write simply "thank you very much for everything -- again!"  I also notice that several "regular" visitors manage to sneak by without signing the book, but for the most part, it provides a fairly reliable record of those who have come for a visit.

     It's true, good friends who stimulate, encourage, challenge, uplift you -- what would life be otherwise?   Birthday celebrations (mine and those of others!), Christmas caroling evening, ladies-only clothes-swapping party (complete with chocolate covered strawberries!), Independence day dinner, Saturday morning brunches.... and the list goes on.  And how lovely it is to engage in lively discourse on all manner of topics, or just catch up on daily life, over a cup of tea and home baked carrot cake?   When you enter someone's home, you also enter into a part of their life you otherwise might not get a glimpse of.  Much of my home furnishings were gifts or hand-me-downs from friends leaving the city, and I love to recount to my guests how I came to possess each one.   

      Recently, a friend lamented that people just don't invite others over anymore for a full meal as it is quite costly -- instead, we busy people tend to go out to eat, splitting the bill, of course.  And yet, however nice it is to have a vast restaurant selection to chose from and to be served, it just isn't the same as being in someone's home!  

      A wise friend once told me "hospitality must be practised." Coming from one who is forever opening her home to others (and makes the best baked salmon I've ever had!), I was surprised to hear her reminder that just like anything else, if you wish to be a good hostess, you must actively and regularly make the decision to invite someone over.  And for me, the invitation is only the beginning.... then I take some time to plan the menu (sometimes I try a new recipe, but many times I return to something that has been tried, tested, and enjoyed by many), and for more elaborate gatherings, advance preparation is required.   I for one, love the process of creating interesting meals to suit various palettes, but above all, I love spending time with people and having them at my table.  So to all my past and future guests -- thank you for gracing my home with your presence!