How Do You Make Guests Feel Special?

I loved many things about my family’s recent trip to Mexico, like the mossy trees we saw while driving past the Veracruz montane forests. Or the ancient pyramids of Tajín, with seashell-imprinted steps ascending into the sky. Or the food. The FOOD. Pineapple-kissed al pastor, tender carnitas, fried gorditas de papas, and fluffy tamales steamed in banana leaves.

But when I think back on those two weeks, visiting the villages where my grandma lived as a girl, one moment tops them all.

On day two, we arrived in Tamujín after a full day of driving, complete with multiple potty breaks and kids giggling and bickering in the backseat. Meeting my grandma’s nieces for dinner was on the evening’s agenda, and as we walked from the hotel to my tía’s home, my stomach twisted into knots.

My nerves centered around one question: What are we going to talk about? I didn’t speak Spanish, and the thought of traveling over 2,000 miles to not connect with our relatives broke my heart.

As soon as we turned the corner, however, the whole family let out a hearty Bienvenidos!. A large white tent draped in twinkle lights made us — relatives, but also strangers — feel completely celebrated. The homemade backdrop spelled Bienvenidos a Casa Familia in golden letters. Baby’s breath spilled out of empty wine bottles on every table. And metal fans blasted at full speed to give us a little relief from the tropical heat.

My daughter and her cousin in front of the welcome sign.

That evening, as we sat shoulder-to-shoulder eating soft tortillas, crispy chicharrón and chocolatey mole that my tías had spent hours preparing, my fear of not understanding one another disappeared. My extended family had made it clear that we were wanted and loved.

Throughout our trip, our family continued to surprise us with considerate acts of hospitality at every turn. Like the table covered with colorful totes, Mexican candies, and handkerchiefs at my cousin’s home.

And the fans our cousins gave us at the Huasteca altars.

And the piñata they pulled out for our send-off. The little kids — and my grandmother! — were thrilled.

By the end of our trip, I felt bolstered by all the ways our family went made us feel cared for. So, on our flight back home, I daydreamed of how we could make future guests feel special when visiting our home. So far, here’s what I’ve come up with:

* Hang a colorful ‘Welcome’ sign in our living room.

* Bake a plate of delicious chocolate chip cookies.

* Stock the guest bedroom with fresh flowers, a bag of See’s Lollypops (my fave), and disposable cameras.

* Serve my #1 cozy dinner: roasted chicken and potatoes, with a side of Alison Roman’s Leafy Herb Salad.

What do you do to make guests feel welcome? What have people done to make you feel celebrated? I’d love to know.

P.S. How to be a great house guest and a trick for avoiding small talk.