Sweetly Southern Hospitality : How May I Serve You?

Happy October! This is my favorite time of the year. I love the weather that comes with this month along with the long sleeves, boots and yummy soup. It's simply cozy. I started in private dining service last week during one of the busiest weeks in this department. Literally, I worked about 54 hours in the first week. I was flat out exhausted by the end of it.

Private dining service is basically serving for the banquets that the private dining kitchen, where I was previously, cooks for. Before this week I had never really been a server for more than a few hours at a special event. I am probably one of the least graceful people you will ever meet. I frequently twist my ankle, spill things or fall up and down stairs. The older I get, I can successfully say I am improving though. So knowing this, I went into my first week worried that I would spill water all over the table or trip and knock someone's food right in their lap. Thank you Jesus that didn't happen. I know that you who are reading this are secretly wishing it had happen because that would make a great story, shame on you guys! :)

The first part of the week was no big deal! On Wednesday night the real party began. Wednesday night kicked off the first session of the Stephen's CEO Summit. This event brought in big names from all around the country. The hotel was shut down to the public during this event and the security was heightened. We served a sit down three course meal on Wednesday night and it was absolutely beautiful! The table clothes were deep red with black and white charger plates encased in a gold trim. The centerpieces on each table were made of beautiful red roses with orchids and other beautiful little flowers. The tables were absolutely gorgeous. On Thursday morning I was at the hotel by 5:30 in the morning to set up for the breakfast buffet. Once breakfast was served the participants went downstairs and listened to some prestigious speakers including Condoleeza Rice, General Patraeus, and the former British Prime Minister. At lunch I actually poured General Patraeus his tea! That is my new claim to fame haha. The big event came that evening. Outside of the hotel in the parking area, a huge tent was put up to host all of the guests under one roof. It was like something out of a movie. There were beautiful flowers, food for days, and a real sense of elegance. It was enchanting to say the least. This event concluded the next morning at breakfast and by then I could barely think of anything besides crawling into my nice warm bed.

I have enjoyed my time as a server so far. The hours aren't too bad most of the time and the fact that you get tips is really nice. I think what I have learned most is that serving is all about the guest. It's the essence of what it means to be hospitable. You keep the guest happy and they keep coming back. I don't think I could make a career out of simply serving but it has taught me the art of presentation and that in the restaurant business you make a lot of money on breakfast.

I was so happy to be able to start this week with a day off. One of my best friend's just happened to be driving through town on her way back from visiting her grandpa. I got to have a wonderful lunch catching up and talking through all the fun, exciting, boring and embarrassing things going on in each of our lives. I couldn't ask for a better time. If you think about it, join me in praying for her grandpa. He has been diagnosed with a pretty aggressive cancer. God's will will be done. I also got to briefly see my younger brother who is living it up in college. I think he is having so much fun that we might never see him again haha. I am so thankful for where I am in life right now. I am leaning into what God has to say and trying to grow into who He wants me to be everyday. I can not wait to see where all He takes me.

Until next time, enjoy the weather out there!

-Rachel