Woman's take on how the once-valued art of hosting is fading away hits the nail on the head

Times have changed drastically, and people are no longer as keen on being the perfect host as before. In the past, hosts would warmly welcome their guests and serve them delicious food and drinks. Also, guests used to bring thoughtful gifts or a token of appreciation for the hosts, no matter how small the party or gathering was. However, this warmth and graciousness is largely missing in today's households as people take such customs too casually. This is how Olivia Mancuso, a 32-year-old Chicago-based entrepreneur (@oliviamancuso__ on TikTok), feels after being a guest in certain homes and her perspective resonated with many.

Mancuso begins her video by wondering if she was alone in this opinion or if it was a generational issue. As a millennial, she felt that people in her generation and younger have lost "the art of hosting." Sharing her experiences, she proceeded to point out that often, it took 15 to 20 minutes for the host to even offer her a glass of water. But that's not the case in Mancuso's home, where she and her husband make sure to warmly welcome their guests by offering water, wine, or specialty cocktails. From cheeseboards or appetizers to home-cooked meals, the couple is always prepared with everything if they have planned to host.

Mancuso feels that the same kind of courtesy is rarely reciprocated, though that isn’t the reason she extends it in the first place. This "lost art form" bothers her immensely, and in her video, she touches upon how many guests arrive at her parties empty-handed. "I just was not raised that way. I could not fathom showing up to someone's house empty-handed. Especially if it's like someone I don't know very well. Those are always the people who do it too," she explained. She added that it was okay for long-term friends or close family members not to bring anything at times, but when new or not-so-close acquaintances do the same, it doesn’t sit well with her.

"It just leaves such an icky feeling. I can't expect out of other people. But I just feel like we've lost this, I don't know. It's like a societal thing that has shifted," she mentioned. The woman anticipated that this opinion would make people deem her as an "elitist" or a "rich" person. "Because you can bring something over to someone's house that is small and thoughtful. And if you're having someone over, you can at least offer them water. We have lost that touch," she added. Being a person who feels uncomfortable going empty-handed to a party or a gathering or not offering her guests water, Mancuso wondered if she was expecting too much. Her video went viral with nearly a million views in just a couple of days and many people expressed that they don't think Mancuso has far-fetched expectations.

"It's definitely not elitist. I grew up poor in Mexico and let me tell you, you bring something!" reassured @fabiolawho. "Absolutely! Hosting is dead and it kills me. I love hosting. I also love putting together little baskets when I go to people's homes. Recently, I started baking my own bread, perfect addition," shared @ojsimpin94. "Even when I was broke and 19 in NYC, I'd bring a bottle of lemonade, a store-bought dessert, and a small bouquet of flowers anytime I went to someone's apartment," added @atp646464646.

You can follow Olivia Mancuso (@oliviamancuso__) on TikTok for more lifestyle and wellness content.