Thoughts on hospitality

I'm realizing lately what great lessons I learned from all the Greek food traditions.  Hours spent lingering over a meal, the rituals of the mezes (or appetizers with drinks), the family feasts with the Hatzigianni and Manousaridis clans.  I especially think of the Greek Evangelical pastor's wives, who were so proficient at hosting - such inspiring women!  They filled their table with creative and tasty foods, in an orderly and welcoming home, seemingly effortlessly.  Many times on visits to the US, friends would ask me about hobbies, and I would often say food! How we love the afterglow of a great meal, when a few guests linger, satiated and full of laughter.

It's been such a joy to invite friends to join us in a feast of food and company, sitting around the table to share stories, the pleasure of food and drink,  our little space.  I hesitated to invite friends over when we first arrived, since we live in a little basement apartment in my parent's home.  But in the end, this is becoming one of our favorite parts about life here.  The funny thing is that I think we host meals here more than in Athens.

I wonder why sharing meals isn't such a part of life here?  Maybe because we're so busy or don't enjoy cooking or too many Martha Stewart expectations?  I've heard from others that in the NW US it is particularly uncommon to invite people over for meals.  Or is it the stage of life with little kids who make messes all the time or won't eat wierd foods? 

It is such a joy to share the meals, and I hope that I can continue to grow and be inspired to cook so it can always be a consistent part of our lives.  I want my kids to know that food is pleasure too, and grow up accustomed to slow dinners full of conversation and company. 

How do you make hospitality part of your life?