Never Clean Up While Guests Are There
This illustration is part of my Collective Food Wisdom series, for which I asked people across different languages and cultures to share a nugget of food wisdom or advice they’ve received that they continue to carry with them in their kitchen, garden, or life.
This wisdom comes from Beth, a woman from my home state of Ohio who really knows her food!
What is the most useful piece of food wisdom or advice you have ever received?
Beth: Never clean up a meal while your guests are still there: sit and enjoy. This is hard for northerners to do.
Who gave it to you?
Beth: I learned this from a friend with some southern ties. She said they can tell a northerner if they clean their kitchens when their guests are still there. I remember when living in Switzerland the host never left to clean up; we would sit and enjoy conversation and wine or liquors till early hours. Always a sign of a great night was how long the conversation lasted. Growing up in Ohio we always left the table to clean up after a meal while our guests and family were there.
How does it show up in your life?
Beth: I try now to sit and enjoy my guests and give them permission to relax and enjoy the conversations.
Yes! The meals that linger on for hours are so good for the soul. I am loving—truly loving—learning from all the folks who have been sharing wisdom. I hope you are, too.
To sink your teeth into more Collective Food Wisdom, and perhaps even hang a reminder of it in your own kitchen, head on over to my shop. Sometimes I sell the originals, too, so make sure you're signed up for my monthly inspiration email to be notified next time they go on sale, and you can snag your favorite.