When most of us think of hospitality we envision hosting a dinner party or barbeque at our own homes. But, hospitality is less about our homes and more about sharing ourselves and our resources with others and making others feel appreciated and special. There are many ways to show hospitality outside the home. Here are my 10 favorite ways to show hospitality to others.
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1. Take someone a meal
We don’t have to invite people over to our homes to share a meal with them. We can simply take the meal to them.
Many of us share meals with those in need through our churches, but have you ever thought to just call a busy friend and offer to bring over a meal? We all go through rushed and busy seasons in our lives. How nice would it be for a friend to call you up on a random Tuesday to say she’s bringing a casserole over? That’s one less thing a busy mom has to worry about.
2. Take a special treat to work
There are few moments at work that are better than walking into the break room and seeing a plate of homemade cookies. Am I right? Everyone’s spirits are suddenly lifted and the workplace becomes less stressed.
What a simple way to brighten people’s day and share hospitality!
If you don’t work outside the home, but your spouse does, send a treat with them that they can share.
3. Meet someone for coffee
Sometimes it’s just easier for both parties to meet up somewhere other than the home. Meeting for coffee is a great way to connect with someone and show them that they are worth your time.
As an added bonus, you can also bring a little gift with you, like homemade soaps or baked goods.
4. Send a letter
Nothing says “I’m thinking about you” better than a letter or funny greeting card. Receiving an unexpected letter in the mail always brightens someone’s day! It is an inexpensive way to show hospitality.
If you have extra money, you can throw in a gift card.
5. Meet at the park for a playdate
Meeting at the park is a great way to share your time with someone! Neither party needs to get dressed up or clean their house.
Let’s face it, kids are a great excuse to come out of your shell and make friends. You can’t keep them cooped up in the house forever! I am very introverted and I don’t tend to make friends easily, but, for the sake of my children, I got over my shyness and made some great friends along the way.
Offer to bring a picnic meal with you with special treats for the children.
6. Visit the elderly
A great way to show hospitality is to spend time with and take a meal to those who can’t get out much. Make it a point to visit the older members of your church, or check in on your elderly neighbors.
Make this time all about them. Ask about their favorite memories, or about their families. Let them talk as much as they want. Though this is your way of showing hospitality, I guarantee you will come away greatly blessed by the time spent with them.
7. Meet friends for a walk
Be the one to organize a weekly walk with a group of friends. Many women would love to have this time with other moms and they would also love the accountability. Unfortunately, I think many of us are waiting for someone else to ask and organize it for us.
Offer to be the one to put such a group together. The time it takes to organize people’s schedules and find the perfect time and place to meet, is a way to share your time your others – a form of hospitality.
8. Offer free babysitting
If you have a young mom friend with small children, offer to come over and watch the kids for a while so she can rest or go out.
Not having to pay a babysitter is a huge relief to many young families!
This is also a great time to bring along a freezer meal, a small bunch of flowers, or some other little token to show her she is loved.
9. Remember birthdays
My husband has an uncle who keeps up with ALL the family birthdays. Young and old, alike. He sends birthday cards to EVERYONE. Every time someone in my house has a birthday, we can’t wait to receive our card from Uncle Steve.
What a great way to be known among your family, circle of friends, neighborhood, or church!
Be the person who sends the birthday cards.
10. Be kind to everyone
You don’t have to plan hospitality. Life offers us plenty of opportunities to make others feel special.
Be kind to everyone you come in contact with – the grocery clerk, the waitress, the person next to you on the park bench. Smile at others. Say “Good morning”. Hold doors for people. Let others merge into traffic ahead of you. Be patient with others – the man ahead of you at the store who’s paying with a check, the child talking your ear off at the bus stop, the person walking slowly ahead of you.
A funny thing happens when you show kindness to others – it tends to come back on you.
Be sure to check out these other posts from Homemaking:
How to Thrive as a Christian Homemaker
10 Basic Home Repair Skills Every Homemaker Should Master
How to Be a Good Homemaker When You’re Not Very Good at Homemaking