Yes, it’s true. Today when I answered the door, at the sound of my annoying doorbell, I got more than I bargained for. It wasn’t the postman. It wasn’t the water guy this time. It wasn’t the neighbor kids looking for Jack and Annabelle. But, in order to know, you are going to have to go back in time to Saturday afternoon with me.

My husband and I were out and about at the local bazaar when my cell phone chimed.  My friend, a mother of one of the children from Jack and Annabelle’s class, was calling to say that she and another friend wanted to come and visit on Monday.  These two friends were part of a tea group that I joined and wrote about in the post, Introducing the Gün (Goon).  I was thrilled that they would be coming.

So, on Monday, being that it was only a couple of gals coming that I knew well, I stayed in my sweat pants.  I did pick the clothes up off the floor and do the dishes in the sink.  I didn’t stay up all night dusting, cooking, placing flowers on the tables and choosing my attire for the next day, like a good hostess–including these two friends, might have. I made some pasta salad, and a small cake.  I do say SMALL. Miniature.  Teeny.  Paltry.  And I mean, not enough for 6 women.

Ah!  Yes, there you have it!  When I answered the door, I got more than I bargained for–not 2 ladies were standing on the other side, but SIX.  All of my tea group came that day!  Yet, we had a gloriously rich time of laughter, tea, food, tea, chatting, tea, and sharing Avon.  Oh, and tea.  I had to fill them with something!  Now, in our culture, when we “drop by,” (do we “drop by?”) we might stay around 30 minutes. My girlfriends stayed about 4 hours.  Long enough for some coffee after all that tea!

In light of this, I thought I would give some tips for being prepared for that drop in blessing.  I’ll admit, I have not always been able to see it as a “blessing.”  But this is something wonderful I have learned from my host country, and I have picked up some tricks along the way.

1.  Open your door! I have realized over the years that very often when I think it is “not a good time,” I really am not involved in anything that can’t be done later.  Now, those times do occur.  At that point, be gracious and be sure to give a better time and ask them to please come again.

2. “Never apologize!!” Let those words of Julia Child ring in your ears!  If it is messy…if the kids are half naked…if you have nothing but a glass of water to offer…if 3 phones are ringing…it is O.K!!  Do what you can to quickly gain control, and don’t even hesitate to ask for help from your guest.  Especially if it is a long time friend.  Just say, “Oh!  You are just in time!  I really needed some help!”

3.  Keep some tea, coffee, herbal tea bags and so forth on hand. It is my opinion that a conversation opens even greater over coffee!

4.  Rethink the order of your rooms. In 1950’s America, it was very common to have both the “living room,” and the family “den.”  It is still much this way in our host country.  After a couple of years, we adopted this plan, and it has served our family well.  We have a sitting room, where the TV, computer, and kids toys are allowed.  This keeps the kids, and thus the mess, out of the living room.  I focus on keeping this one room presentable.  And, I find that the kids don’t even want to be there…they much prefer the comfy room to hang out!  Of course, this isn’t the only way.  Just find what works for you!

We are by no means the perfect hosts.  I forget to refill tea cups.  I often don’t have food prepared.  I once sent a young man to the hospital after learning too late that he was allergic to chili powder.  BUT…we will keep trying…and I know you will as well.

O.k…I am off to sort my tea bags!

Tash