5 Ways to Make Hospitality a Habit (Without Hosting a Dinner Party)
In honor of National Do Something Nice Day and shoutout to Natty Writes for the idea for this blog post!!
When most people hear the word “hospitality,” they think of opening their home, setting the table, or throwing a dinner party. And while those are all beautiful ways to show hospitality, the heart of it goes far deeper than meals and menus.
As I wrote in Simple Hospitality,
“The world doesn’t need more perfection—it needs more welcome.” (Invitation #57)
Hospitality isn’t just about entertaining—it’s about making people feel seen, known, and cared for in the everyday.
On National Do Something Nice Day, let’s reframe hospitality. Let’s talk about the small, powerful ways you can live it out today—no guest list or casserole required.
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1. Write a Handwritten Note
“Every handwritten note says, ‘You matter.’” (Invitation #11)
You don’t need a reason to send encouragement. A note that simply says, “Thinking of you today” can become someone’s keepsake. Keep stamps and notecards close by, so you’re always ready to offer comfort or joy through your pen.
I love sending cards to our grandchildren and surprising them by tucking in a small sheet of stickers to brighten their day!
📬 Try this: Write one note today. Don’t overthink it—just be sincere.
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2. Share Something You Have
“Kindness can be as small as folding a towel or making someone laugh.” (Invitation #6)
Hospitality isn’t about doing more. It’s about offering what’s already in your hands. Maybe you have flowers from your garden, extra soup in the fridge, or time to help a neighbor with errands.
🎁 Try this: Offer a small gesture to someone today—drop off muffins, run an errand, or even just give your full attention in conversation.
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3. Make Eye Contact & Offer a Sincere Compliment
“Hospitality is often quiet. It’s a rhythm, not a performance.” (Invitation #5)
Hospitality starts in the grocery store line, the school parking lot, or the post office. Every interaction is an opportunity to let someone feel seen.
😊 Try this: Look someone in the eyes today and offer a kind word. “That color looks great on you” or “You’re doing a great job.”
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4. Set the Tone in Your Home
“When we open our doors with love, we make room for someone to feel seen, known, and cherished.” (Invitation #23)
Your home doesn’t have to be spotless or styled to be a refuge. Light a candle. Play gentle music. Make a pot of tea. When we choose peace, we’re creating space for connection—with ourselves, and anyone who might come through the door.
🕯 Try this: Make one corner of your home more welcoming today—for yourself or someone you love.
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5. Welcome Interruptions with Grace
“True hospitality isn’t about convenience. It’s about offering presence, even when it costs us something.” (Invitation #35)
That text from a friend. A child needing your attention. The neighbor stopping by unexpectedly. These moments may not be on your schedule, but they are sacred. Hospitality invites us to slow down and be present.
📞 Try this: When someone needs you today, pause. Take the call. Listen with your full heart.
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Hospitality Starts Here
Hospitality doesn’t always look like a full table—it can be as simple as a full heart. As you go through today, I hope you see how every small act of kindness is its own kind of welcome.
“You don’t have to be perfect to live a life of welcome. You just have to be willing.” (Invitation #2)
And if you need a little help finding your rhythm of kindness, Simple Hospitality is full of stories, prompts, and invitations that remind us: hospitality can start right here, right now, with you.
💛 Order your copy of Simple Hospitality here or gift it to a friend who has a heart for others.