Hospitality Revised

I just said goodbye to my cousin and her friends, who are now my friends, and I'm a bit sad but mostly grateful. Grateful that she came and grateful that my view of hospitality has changed.

When I was young, I believed hospitality was making everything perfect. I even kept guests waiting at the front door once while I straightened a bed! I was misguided and, by the time my guests left, exhausted. I'm sure they felt my depleted energy. No wonder we didn't have much company!

Today I simply want my guests to relax and have a good time. That means cooking simple recipes in advance, ready to warm. It means getting out and enjoying the area with them. It means being relaxed myself.

Our home is simple, peaceful, and easy. That's how I want guests to feel. If something is imperfect, I don't care.

You write it: When do you feel most welcome? How do you do hospitality?