A Masterclass in Hospitality

My Nana passed away this past month. She lived an incredible life. She was the mom to five kids. When the kids were between the ages of four and twelve, my grandparents took the family of a travel adventure, following my Grampa to his different Peace Corps assignments. From narrowly escaping Afghan robbers, to navigating a self-guided African safari (after losing the windshield to their VW van) to evacuating the island of Cypress on a moments notice to avoid a coup, Nana lived a life of adventure and service.

I spent time reflecting on her life this past week, and it's not the travel or the accomplishments that come to mind. My Nana and Grampa lived in a big house perched on top of a hill overlooking the ocean. Their house was the gathering spot for my Mom's side of the family. It's where we spent Easter, Thanksgiving, and their epic annual Christmas party. I remember Nana hosting these events with such ease, always graciously welcoming extra, last-minute guests. Nana's house never ran out of food or seats.

Without ever knowing it, Nana was an expert at hospitality. When I think about what she did that made her home feel so welcoming, these three things come to mind:

1. Nana and Grampa romanticized life. Whether you dropped in on a random weeknight or Thanksgiving dinner, the table was set, the candles were lit, the music was playing softly, and the fire was roaring. The ambiance of their dining room was unparalleled.

2. You could find Nana's long table still crowded hours after the meal was finished. Conversation and wine both flowed late into the night.

3. Whether you were one of Nana's four daughters or a guest at their house for the first time, if you offered to help, you got put to work. And something about Nana's expertise at delegating dinner tasks made you feel even more at home.