Sarah Harmeyer, founder of Neighbor's Table, is a passionate 'people gatherer' dedicated to building community through shared meals. In this conversation, she dispels common fears about hosting, emphasizing that inviting others is the first step. Sarah shares the essential ingredients for a delightful gathering, focusing on authenticity and kindness. She highlights the joy of serving others and the transformative power of hospitality, encouraging listeners to nurture connections and consider the heartwarming 'Recipes for Connection' booklet as inspiration.
Sarah Harmeyer emphasizes that people simply desire an invitation to connect, highlighting the significance of relationships over superficial perfection.
Creative hosting solutions, such as potlucks and encouraging guest participation, can ease common fears and enhance communal experiences.
Deep dives
The Power of Gathering
Gathering people has a profound impact on building connections and addressing feelings of loneliness. The discussion highlights common fears associated with hosting, such as worries about food and attendance, which often prevent individuals from organizing gatherings. One key insight is that most people simply want to be invited, emphasizing the importance of connection over perfection. The speaker encourages everyone to embrace a mindset focused on blessings rather than impressing others, reinforcing that genuine interaction is more significant than the quality of food or presentation.
Neighbors Table: A Journey of Connection
The initiative known as Neighbors Table began with a personal desire to foster community in a new city. Inspired by cherished moments shared around the dinner table, the founder initially set a goal to gather a significant number of people through consistent dinner parties. Starting with just a few neighbors, the effort unexpectedly attracted a large turnout, reinforcing the belief that people are eager for invitations and meaningful social interaction. This realization propelled the founder to continue emphasizing gatherings around food, creating a welcoming environment for those seeking connection.
Overcoming Barriers to Gathering
People often hesitate to organize gatherings due to various barriers, including concerns about their cooking skills or the adequacy of their space. Creative solutions such as potlucks and setting clear expectations can alleviate these fears, allowing hosts to engage others and share responsibilities. Encouraging participation from guests not only eases the workload but also enhances the communal atmosphere, which is central to successful gatherings. By prioritizing connections and shared experiences, the focus shifts from the host's performance to the enjoyment of everyone's company.
Creating Safe Spaces for Conversation
Addressing potential conflicts during gatherings requires hosts to establish a safe environment where open discussions can flourish. While political conversations are typically avoided, facilitating engaging topics can unite participants and foster deeper understanding. Techniques like structured sharing, where individuals discuss highs and lows or unique personal interests, can bridge diverse perspectives. By directing conversations thoughtfully, hosts can create an atmosphere of connection, encouraging guests to listen and share stories without the fear of disagreement.
Have you ever wanted to gather people, but then something stops you? What if I burn the apps? What if the house is a mess? Will people bring something, or chip in? Or, the biggest fear of all – what if nobody shows up?
Sarah Harmeyer, the founder of Neighbor’s Table, calls herself a “people gatherer,” and is an expert at bringing people together. Sarah offers some practical advice and much comfort. In her view people just want to be invited. As she says, we should be about blessing, not impressing.
Also – In the spirit of building more connection, we have released “Recipes for Connection.” Gathering stories and ideas from all over the country, this booklet offers all sorts of ideas for connecting over food. So whether you’re deepening relationships with old friends or creating new connections, we hope “Recipes for Connection” will be an inspiration to get together.