Southern Hospitality

by ERIN SHARPLIN LOVE
erinlove@panachebyerin.com

What do the words “southern hospitality” mean to you? Images of fresh-brewed tea, fresh flowers, pewter serving pieces, and the scents of homemade bread and chocolate chip cookies pop into my mind when I hear these words.  Every region has its own version of hospitality, but the South is special. We are known for our graciousness and willingness to host parties and overnight guests.  There is also something special about a true southern home that is warm, inviting, and stocked for any occasion.  Aside from those special traits, there are several things that make a southern home, truly “southern.”

The Exterior – Not all southern homes are as grand as plantation homes, but many will have a porch, maybe some columns, and steps.  Each is a smile that leads guests to a “happy you are here” kind of welcome.

The Porch – Porches can be as simple or grand. They are designed to shade the inside of the home from the sun and to allow for the opening of windows, even during rain.  The front porch is often the first thing your guest will notice, so it is like the first course of a five-course meal.  It sets the stage for what comes next. Porches are often one of the most used areas for hosting.  There is something so southern about sitting on a back porch sipping a drink and chatting with friends.  Not to mention, back porches are perfect for taking naps!

The Entrance – During a formal southern event, just inside the entrance a butler (or the host) will  welcome guests with a glass of wine or some other refreshment.  The entrance is the connection leading to all other areas of the house and, therefore, it sets the atmosphere for the rest of the home. 

The Living Room – This room is also called the “gathering room” or “great room.”  The living room is where your guests will sit and stay a while, so it should appear as though you have put a lot of thought into creating a comfortable atmosphere.  Living rooms are often surrounded by natural light, which is more welcoming than canned light, making your guests feel more at ease.  Oh, and always have a bowl of snacks to offer your guests.

The Dining Room – A true southern home has a formal dining room complete with candles, flowers, silver and crystal serving pieces with offerings of scrumptious food and drinks.  Often these pieces will have been passed down through generations and will be useful as conversation starters among guests.  It is said that silver is a symbol of welcome, relaxation, and joy.  Many southern homes use the formal dining room every day and not just on special occasions.

The Powder Room – In the “old” days, a powder room was only for “powdering one’s nose” as there was not the luxury of running water.  Today, however, a powder room is one of the most decorated and elegant spaces in a home.  Beautiful appointments can be put into this small space to show guests a true welcome.  One thing that all southern powder rooms should have is a pure linen towel.

The Guest Room – In the Old South, people traveled long distances to visit family and friends, and that is often still true today.  As such, a guest room should be decorated beautifully with all the extras that one might need while away from home.  Think freshly laundered sheets, candles, soft blankets, fresh flowers and things that one may have forgotten, like a toothbrush and a hair dryer.  A carafe of water on the nightstand is also a nice touch.

The Kitchen – The heart of the home where cornbread is cooked in an iron-skillet, and memories are made over jam and cream cheese.  The kitchen serves as a gathering place for the host and her guests where they can share stories and memories while serving food cooked with love.

All in all, if you want to show true southern hospitality this season, just make sure the gatherings happen in a way that your guests will not forget.  We all don’t have the elegant appointments of the Old South or a butler, but we still have the most important elements of southern hospitality—the ability to make our guests feel welcome, comfortable in our presence, and appreciated. Pay attention to the small courtesies, and you will be demonstrating true southern hospitality no matter the size of the home or the age of your serving pieces.