"My great-grandmother used to share how difficult times were and how hard the day-to-day living was during the Civil War. There was no tea to drink, and certainly no lemons for lemonade, which was a favorite Southern drink. However, she set a fine example of gracious hospitality even then. When guests came, she would go to the well or to the spring and fetch cold water. She served this refreshment in her grand silver Tea Tipper, an ornate tea pot… The cup she offered her guest was the one without the chip on the rim. Grandma never lost her sense of giving.
The spirit of gracious hospitality lives in each of us regardless of our circumstances. The ambiance we create for our guests is warm, genuine hospitality... not based on what we have or what we can buy."
~ Alda Ellis, The Gentle Art of Hospitality (affiliate link)
When we were living on an extremely tight income, my husband and I still desired to have company. I found that I could serve very economical food in a delicious way if I put just a bit more effort into the meal. For instance, I would slow simmer a batch of beans in homemade, nourishing stock. I would serve the beans on handmade flour tortillas with a side of shredded garden greens, freshly made tomato salsa and a bowl of hand-shredded cheese. There is something very special and delicious about a burrito (or anything else for that matter) when it’s made with from-scratch ingredients… It elevates a humble meal.
Hospitality is a beautiful component in a believer's life. So many blessings come from opening your home to others -- family bonds grow stronger, friendships are built and/or strengthened and comfort and/or joy is given to the lonely or grieving guest. These are all things that the Almighty commends.
So many people have been alienated for so long, it is time to open our doors and love one another… and be “hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy..." ~ Titus 1:8
"Do not forget to entertain strangers,
for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels."
~ Hebrews 13:2
🍞 🧺 🕯
We feel blessed to be invited into another's home even if only for a glass of ice water. My Mom was a master at delicious meals for little and like you it was meals made from scratch. My go to is
ReplyDeleteContinued....somehow it posted before I was finished. I find that chicken thighs with homemade mashed potatoes and gravy with a green vegetable, homemade biscuits and homemade coleslaw is always enjoyed. These are very inexpensive foods that so many do not make anymore. This was always my go to for a tableful of college kids since all our kids went to college nearby and often brought their friends home for supper. We were often repaid for our kindness with music or singing. You can find one of those college guys on You Tube, Wael Farouk. He would play for us after dinner and we enjoyed it so much. Another sings with the Metropolitan Opera. I don't know who blessed who more!
ReplyDeleteThat is so special Lana! Thank you for sharing! What a special home you created ♥️ And I completely agree, coleslaw is often my go to (with a potato dish) as they are both inexpensive and can be prepped a day ahead also!
DeleteYou are quite right & the first thing I thought when I saw the pix, was "Oh, those are homemade tortillas - yum!"
ReplyDeleteExactly my friend ♥️
DeleteIt is such a blessing to the guest and the host when you can share a meal...no matter what it is. It's nice to be able to serve simple meals. We just had burritos for supper here...no company though. My mom always made more then we needed just incase there was surprise company...which happened often when I was growing up. If no one came then we just had leftovers for the next day.
ReplyDeleteI just love that your mother prepared extra for surprise company! What a beautiful example ♥️
DeleteI love this. I've fed many a guest a simple soup or burritos.
ReplyDeleteBe blessed dearie, you inspire me.
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage
Yes, we mustn't forget the blessings of a simple soup!!! Thanks for sharing Laura ♥️
DeleteWe frequently do a potluck/potlatch with everyone chipping in - just like the soup in the story Stone Soup, everyone's little bits add up to something more - and we always end up with leftovers even when people take a plate home!
ReplyDeleteI also remember when I moved into my first apartment, it was a dreary, drizzly day; all of my helpers appreciated the soup a friend made and warm rolls; hot from the oven makes things better :-)
Take Care!
DavetteB
This is a very new idea to me (though I have read Stone Soup and love that little book)! Thank you so much for sharing! ♥️
DeleteYes it's a fun and simple way to entertain.
DeleteEveryone brings a dish; you can make a theme, like soup or chili, or international - everyone brings something representing their heritage, or just something from a country where they like the cuisine - or you set a menu and ask a different part from each guest, sides, salad, rolls, main dish, dessert, beverages; try to organize it some so you don't get 4 potato salads and no dessert. Iced tea and coffee are easy to make for a crowd and not terribly expensive. Depending on what is easiest and the amount of people involved you can do either disposable dishes and silverware or the real deal (sometimes those that don't cook offer to bring them or beverages).
Since everyone tends to take a little of everything, the food stretches out to accommodate everyone, even with some eating more than others. I've never seen anyone leave hungry.
PS: be mindful to ask if there are any dietary concerns
Take Care :o)
DavetteB
Hello sweet Jes! How funny that tonight for dinner, I am making one of my family's favorite meals - chicken fajitas with homemade tortillas, and homemade salsa. It is nice to unwind on a Friday evening with a delicious meal that is so much cheaper cooked at home, than eating out. Like you, I love to entertain, and its always fun to get together with others and share our lives over good food. Truly in these days, so many people are alone, and we really do need one another. I have a bible study in my home every other Sunday night, where I cook the main course, and others bring sides, then we study the Bible together. It is a blessed and very special time. There is something so nourishing about eating and fellowshipping with other dear friends and believers. Have a blessed and wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteOh Marilyn! I love all that you are doing! This is exactly what speaks to my heart ♥️ thank you so much for sharing!
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