Eat, drink, and cherish time with loved ones!
Thanksgiving is a special time to reflect on what we’re thankful for and enjoy the company of those around us. At the heart of this celebration is hospitality in all its forms.
Whether it’s dining at a restaurant, preparing a home-cooked feast for a crowd, or being a guest in someone’s home, hospitality and Thanksgiving go hand in hand.
In today’s Rising Tides LinkedIn Live, we explore the essence of Thanksgiving hospitality and share some of our favorite holiday foods.
Listen to the replay of the latest room where the participants discussed community service and follow Cali BBQ Media to keep up with the latest and join the rooms to tell your story and have your voice heard
Every Wednesday and Friday at 10am PDT, Shawn Walchef hosts the Rising Tide live room on Riverside. Leading voices in hospitality, and otherwise, from near and far join to discuss all things business and much more.
Key Quotes
“I’ve been married 31 years. My husband’s mom, who passed away a couple years ago, Betty Lou Wilber, was originally from Oklahoma. Came out in the dust bowl. She used to pick cotton, with her siblings. She used to get in fights with boys and her stories. I absolutely love and treasure. But one of the things that she brought to our family tradition for Thanksgiving was dancing in the kitchen.
And I have the most beautiful video of her dancing with our daughter, Sarah, when Sarah was probably seven. And so Betty would like to do swing dancing. And she would, dance with all of us girls. And so she wanted to be the leader and she was a little bit stiff and like forceful in her leading. So it was absolutely hilarious.” – Laura Wilber
“And it’s a great way to kind of get to know people and it levels the playing field around, around the table. And everybody gets to listen in and include some questions that the kids, get to. And at Christmas time, I make them Christmas cards. Focused questions around the table of, have you ever had a white Christmas and that type of stuff?
Anyway, it’s just a fun way to have conversations and even at the restaurants, having that little bit of hospitality to give people something to talk about, maybe put their phones down for two seconds and tell each other stories about their lives.” – Elizabeth Doss
“But one of the aspects that I think my mom who hosts it that she does so well is. She sets out to go to go containers early on, so she makes a giant 22, 25 pound Turkey something massive and there’s always a ton left over. And so she’ll set out during the dessert, dessert portion, she’ll set out all these to-go containers for people to take what they want as they leave instead of.” – Gavin Kinsel
Takeaways
Shared Stories and Gratitude – Everyone emphasized the value of storytelling, recording memories, and creating meaningful connections during Thanksgiving. Themes of inclusion, adaptability, and cherishing family traditions were central to fostering hospitality in personal and professional spaces.
The Power of Togetherness – Thanksgiving is an opportunity to come together, whether with family, friends, or even strangers. Hospitality was framed as more than food; it’s about creating an inclusive space where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and celebrated.
Gratitude in All Forms – Extending beyond personal connections to acts of service, like helping those in need, recognizing the hard work of others (e.g., service workers), and taking time to slow down and appreciate the present.
Homework Assignment
What is the one story you would want to tell the world about a Thanksgiving memory that you had? Also, what is your favorite side dish to eat on the holiday?
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