There is nothing like Southern hospitality. Nothing compares to the kindness of strangers. Southern rituals and customs are more of an institution that goes beyond gathering together, sipping on sweet tea, and swinging on the front porch. Many definitions of Southern hospitality include being neighborly and welcoming to family, friends, and even strangers into homes. But, it is so much more than that. Here are five keys to providing guests with Southern hospitality.
- Comfort Food
Delicious food and entertainment go together. Southerners take pride in their rustic yet delectable food. Time-tested recipes often passed through generations. One dish is never enough in the South because of the uncertainty of guests arriving for dinner. The southern mentality is having more food, than not enough. They welcome unexpected guests as well and always have more room at the table.
You can always find cast-iron skillets and slow cookers in kitchens to make the most soul-satisfying food. They unapologetically embrace tradition in the kitchen. A traditional Southern meal comprises pan-fried chicken, peas, mashed potatoes, cornbread, collard greens, and sweet tea for drinks. Typically followed by a warm pie or cobbler. Cooking is the Southern language of love. Nothing says “I love you,” like a yummy homemade dessert.
- Cold Brew and Sweet Tea
Cold brew coffee and sweet tea are two of the most essential drinks in the South. There is nothing like a good sweet tea on a scorching summer afternoon. Cold brew coffee is also an excellent drink served almost everywhere. These refreshing drinks surely quench your thirst. They serve these trademark Southern drinks to guests as a form of hospitality and it makes them feel more warmly welcomed.
They often enjoy great drinks like these are often on the porch then the dinner table. The only agenda is to enjoy your company. They form a bond by sharing a drink and for you to feel like their home is your home.
- Politeness
Manners are necessary for the South. They are big on saying “please,” “thank you,” “yes/no sir,” and “yes/no ma’am.” They taught manners to children for them to carry throughout the rest of their lives.
The company, conversations, and talking with guests are unhurried and relaxed. The way they speak and engage with other people is their way of saying that guests are welcome to stay as long as they like.
Southerners do not give favors as an obligation. They expect nothing in return because they do it out of respect, courtesy, and sometimes habit. They do this with hopes of you returning.
- Kindness
“There are no strangers, just friends we haven’t met yet,” as the saying goes. They treat guests like family in the South. They extend this kindness to everyone to form lifelong connections. One of the kindest things people from the South do is opening their homes and heart. A powerful gesture of kindness is often just a simple handshake.
Southerners are helpful out of the kindness of their hearts. They take pride in preparing home-cooked meals, serving them to company, and cleaning up after becoming gracious hosts. It is their honor to give guests a meal and let them relax without worrying about anything else.
They are always gracious helpers to neighbors and strangers. They will help you out if you lose your way on the road but prepare yourself for a few stories about town landmarks.
- Charm
Making other people feel comfortable and welcome is part of the Southern charm. Southerners take grace under pressure and pleasantries seriously. They deem the Southern way of being kind as charming because of wittiness, kindness, and consideration to everyone they encounter at church, grocery store, diner, post office, etc.
Southerners always welcome guests but hate to bid them farewell. A polite host always says “Y’all come back now, you hear?” Southern charm is about being well-mannered, fair in expressing opinions or judgments, and always patient.
It is important for guests to feel like family in the South. It begins with trying to connect with them and treating them like you have known them forever. This solidarity is present in almost every Southern home, bed-and-breakfast, restaurant, diner, you name it. Southern hospitality will make you feel warm and welcome, and pleasantly relaxed. These are five key things that make Southern hospitality unique and a pleasure to experience.
