It's the way I was raised and it seems so natural to me, but I have learned that Southern Hospitality is a learned behavior for those of us below the Mason Dixon line. My mother is a Southern Belle, born in Alabama and raised in North Carolina with very traditional values, which she has since instilled in me. Southern hospitality does not stop with welcoming someone into your home and serving them overcooked vegetables on your fine china (or if you're me then it's second hand Ikea china and mason jars), but it also includes being a gracious guest.
There are a few things that are especially important that I learned from my mother:
-Never show up empty handed. You always need a hostess gift. I still take a gift even when I'm going to my best friend's house to watch Monday night reality television.
-Always volunteer to help with meals, even if you are turned down, at least you offered.
-Be the first to stand up to clear the table.
-Sirs, ma'ams, yes pleases, and no thank yous go a long way.
-Keep your guest space tidy and don't make additional work for your host.
-Strip the bed of dirty sheets when you leave and hang your wet towel appropriately.
-Always send a thank you note.
Gosh I'm glad I'm Southern.
