Come On In, Y’all: A Charleston Host’s Guide to Hospitality

Hosting is an art in Charleston, y’all. The Holy City knows hospitality like it knows biscuits—warm, generous, and layered with butter. Whether you’re born-and-bred Southern or a Charleston transplant looking to charm your guests, here’s your breezy guide to hosting in true Charleston style.

Porch Greetings and Proper Hug Protocol

A proper Charleston welcome begins on the porch—preferably screened and definitely rocking-chair-equipped. Greet your guests warmly (we don’t shake hands here, darling—we hug). But read your audience: If they’re newcomers from up North, start slow with a gentle shoulder pat before graduating to the full bear hug next visit. Give it time—they’ll catch on.

Drinks First, Questions Later

Sweet tea? Mint julep? Bourbon neat? Your bar should always be ready for immediate action. Offer refreshments before anyone steps over the threshold. It’s perfectly acceptable—encouraged, actually—to offer an adult beverage before noon on weekends. “It’s Charleston, after all,” is the only explanation needed.

Let Them Eat Crab Dip

Charleston etiquette requires one culinary constant: crab dip. Warm, creamy, slightly spicy—paired with buttery crackers—it’s non-negotiable. Serve it generously and wave off calorie-counting with a friendly, “Calories don’t count in Charleston.”

The Delicate Art of Gossip

Down here, we don’t gossip—we merely “catch up” or “share updates.” Always preface your juiciest tidbit with a soft disclaimer: “Bless her heart, but…” That one phrase absolves you of all sins—at least temporarily.

The Charleston Tour

True Southern hosts have a tour ready for visitors. Stroll past rainbow-colored homes, point out jasmine-covered fences, and offer intriguing tidbits of local lore (but spare them ghost stories till after sunset, unless you want overnight guests).

Mastering the Endless Goodbye

Southern goodbyes have multiple stages. First, the inside goodbye. Next, there’s the porch farewell, lingering near the door, followed by driveway chit-chat. Last comes the final car-window send-off (“Drive safe, now!”). Resist the urge to shortcut any of these stages, or you risk seeming inhospitable. Plus, we secretly enjoy prolonging farewells to squeeze in just one more story.

Y’all Come Back Now

Finish strong. No goodbye is complete without a sincere invitation to return soon. Make it clear you’re not just being polite—you truly mean it. Because in Charleston, once you’ve visited and been properly hosted, you’re no longer a guest. You’re family.

And family always comes back for more crab dip.

Photo by Milada Vigerova on Unsplash