Hospitality - it's not about me!

One of my loves is hospitality, and a big part of what I do for our office is, hospitality! Whether it's serving meetings in the boss's office, or church-wide events, or recieving a guest, taking them out, or buying a gift for where the boss may be traveling to, I love it all! Hospitality is about blessing the other person, or persons, you're encountering, therefore, I put great thought and prayer into whatever I may be doing in order to achieve just that. From the smallest detail to the largest, it matters, and it matters for each occasion to be unique and special - this in part for me so I don't get stuck in a rut!!! If it's about being a blessing for the other person anyway, it can't be the same thing every time as each person is unique and special (too cheesy? I mean it though!). :) :)

This then is a sampling of what goes through my mind...

Bringing food in:

If it's an inner-office gig, what does the boss like or in the mood for? A routine meeting, what do they like? If it's a meeting with out of town guests, what is something they can only eat in KC? Or a former KC'er passing through, what do they miss from home? A work-while-you-eat type meeting, something very practical, non messy, non smelly (who wants to work through lingering smells??). When none of these applies, what is the meeting about - talking about the local community, bring in food from a local; talking about Latin America, bring in Latin food; talking about how to form a personal small group, bring in coffeehouse type foods, since so many meetings like this take place at local coffeehouses; etc. Also, take delivery into consideration, even if there's a cost, when it matters more for you to stay back with your guests or at the event! The best for the overall picture does not need to be based on the cost alone, your time and presence has a value too.

For drinks, good coffee must NEVER fail (this is slightly about me, since I AM Costa Rican after all!, but the boss is a coffee connoisseur in his own right too), as well as a variety of other options, for the rare breeds that don't drink coffee. :) I recenly served a guest in his office that was a hot tea drinker, and ended up serving her the worst cup of tea imagineable, not because I meant to, but because I was not equipped to serve tea, therefore had no tools (knowledge!) for heating up the water correctly or even providing some nice, fresh teas. Felt terrible! She was kind enough to teach me :), and I'll be ready next time she passes through. By the way, pay attention! If you have a repeat guest to serve, remember what they liked from the previous time you served them and offer it before they even ask! I was a server at a restaurant for three years during HS and college, and this little gesture sure turned guests into regulars at your tables! Who doens't like it when someone pays attention to your likes and dislikes! Hospitality; refreshing their spirits.

Going out for a meal:

When taking someone out for a meal, I take into consideration all of the above as well. Depending on the person, the occasion, the purpose, the time at hand, I think of a place to match that. There are also the times, the meetings, where it simply doesn't matter to think this hard, so, we go somewhere new and just have fun experimenting. (On this note, if you hit a local spot you love, please let me know!!).

Here are a few of my resources:

• KC Originals
• KC Restaurant Guide
• Urbanspoon Kansas City
• Foodie KC
• Food Blog

Gifts for receiving guests/taking to hosts/thank you's:

Again, all of the above matters...as well as...what would the person like (age, gender, profession), is it useful, what level of gift is appropriate for the occasion, what travels best (not too bulky, survive temp changes, etc), what is unique and obvious some thought was put into it, etc. This area is a bit more difficult to stay fresh in. There are a lot of puzzle pieces that matter here, especially when it's taken abroad, or if it's for a man! :) I like KC items when it's taken abroad, but don't like the cheesy souvenirs. A few of my fave's for local items are (I'd love your suggestions here too!):

• The Roasterie Coffee - Kansas City Blend
• Benetti's Coffee Experience - House Blend
• Christopher Elbow Chocolates (sometimes paired with their coffee blend from The Roasterie)
• The Kansas City Store (some nice choices in this store)
• KC Plaza Book

We're all called to be given to (pursue!) hospitality and how we express it is different for all...this is just a little dab into my hospitality world. So thankful for the freedom and opportunity to express my creativity in this and to continue growing, in order to (hopefully!) bless those around me. It's so fun!!