Sometimes, it’s not possible to invite others into your home to show hospitality. This could be due to a loved one who is ill, a home renovation project, or any number of reasons.
But just because you can’t have people over it, it doesn’t mean you have to give up on hospitality altogether. In fact, there are plenty of ways to show hospitality that don’t require opening up your home. Here a few ideas to get you started…
Deliver an Edible Treat
This treat can be a batch of cookies baked in your kitchen or a delicious dessert from your favorite bakery. You can also go healthy by bringing a fruit basket or a satisfying smoothie that you made yourself.
Help an Elderly Friend with Their Lawn Work
Keeping up with home maintenance can become difficult for senior citizens. You can help by volunteering to clean gutters, rake leaves, shovel snow, or even mow the lawn. Use your time working together to chat about life, family, or a shared interest.
Invite a Friend to Walk with You
If you’re trying to stay healthy and active, ask a friend to walk with you. You can walk around local neighborhoods. If the weather isn’t cooperating, consider walking around a mall or at the gym. You can also check with local universities and schools. Some open their halls for walking during the early morning hours.
Bring a Meal to a Homebound Friend
If you have a friend or loved one that isn’t able to leave their home, consider delivering a meal. Even better, include extras and stay to visit while you share the food. Don’t think you have to Julia Child to do this. You can get a delicious, hot meal from a supermarket deli.
Show Up with a Game
Gather up some party games and go visit with a friend or family member that needs community. Pick games that are fun and don’t rely on complicated strategies or have a million rules. Try Telestrations (a drawing game) or Apples to Apples (a simple card game). Both of these games usually get participants laughing after just a few minutes of play.
Love On a Stay at Home Mama
If you know a stay at home mom, show up to her house with activity bags for her kids and a cup of her favorite coffee. You can fill the activity bags with coloring books, crayons, stickers, and washable paints. For older kids, you could include glue, foam, glitter, pipe cleaners, craft sticks, beads, clay, and craft pom poms.
Don’t let the fact that you can’t practice hospitality in your home hold you back. There are dozens of simple ways you can connect with others and let them know how much you care.
