Hospitality

Hospitality is everything.  It’s a necessity to the short-term rental (STR) community and essential to so many areas of life.

I don’t write as someone who considers themselves an expert, but as someone who is continually figuring-it-out.  In fact, I’ve always said that hospitality isn’t one of my gifts.  However, I love people.  I am convinced that loving people is a pre-requisite for genuine hospitality.  And make no mistake, for hospitality to be effective, it must be sincere.

Unless you have been endowed with overflowing patience, desire and willingness to host, a genuine heart of hospitality can be developed with a better understanding of the concept.  You see, many define hosting as simply and freely opening up your home or space to anyone who asks or has a need.  I have a couple people in my life who’ve hosted in this way, and truly…it’s amazing!  For me, this definition actually limits me from hosting as often as I’d like, and I know I am not alone.  It’s unfortunate because inviting others into your “space” can truly be a joy and a blessing!

So, after decades of contemplating hospitality and creating spaces for — first teens in youth ministry at my church, then moms in moms’ groups (MOPS International) all over the country, couples and families in home life groups, family & friends in my home, and now guests at our beach condo — I have determined that hospitality is easiest when we apply the following concepts in their simplest form:

Make others feel special. You don’t have to go crazy, just make your effort wholehearted.  Simply listening is the first step to making someone feel special…to showing that person that they are cared for.  Then, create an environment where others are willing to share.  How can we create this kind of space?  Choose to be patient with their communication (style & timeliness); be sincere and kind with your responses; then, while listening, look for a very doable-for-you opportunity to serve.  This opportunity might look like an offer to help with a project, or in our STR-world, this could look like leaving a vase of fresh flowers with a card of simple encouragement for that family that just endured a personal difficulty and are now finally going on vacation. Details like these make people feel noticed…and being noticed makes others feel special.

Create an atmosphere of home. Simply put, how can we create a space that makes another step inside of it and feel like they are safe?  That in our space they can feel the freedom to let down their guard?  In general, keeping a space — a home, an office, etc — in-order, clean and pretty helps those who enter feel comfortable.  Even more so with an STR!  Here’s the thing, making a space look like home does NOT have to break the bank.  My go-to’s are the Facebook Marketplace for new (yes, NEW) or artisanal furniture and household items; Hobby Lobby for wall art, etc (pay attention to their alternating sale weeks); Costco, IKEA, Home Goods, TJ Maxx, and Bed, Bath & Beyond (use those coupons you receive in the mail!) for many household items; and Amazon to fill-in my gaps.  A beautiful space, within budget, is achievable!

Maintain boundaries.  I am an organization junkie.  I share that because I find that people who think in boxes, like me, also like boundaries.  As such, don’t believe that a good host/hostess is void of boundaries.  It’s simply not true.  In order to host well and regularly, create a few, reasonable boundaries that are most important for you and your home — or second home — yet helps others feel like they are important…special.  Find kind ways to implement your boundary.  For your STR this could be a cute sign or a quick list of a few “Do’s & Don’ts” in your pre-check-in PDF or email.  But, most importantly, all along the way, find consistent opportunities to remind your guest that you are readily available and happy to serve. 

Yes, I expect to experience some things go not-quite-as-I-hope, but God and life have taught me that I’ll get through it, and to choose to love others anyway.

~ Nydia