Macon Magazine

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2022 | maconmagazine.com 67 by setting it up for success from the start," Grisamore explained. For him, that means keeping his house and yard well maintained on a daily basis. "My space is always presentable," he said. "I keep good music queued up and extra drinks on hand." Another strategy Grisamore has honed is to grow commonly used ingredients himself. "I grow tomatoes and use them on a charcuterie board. These herbs find their way into dips and drinks. And the jalapeños are used for my signature cocktail." His jalapeño margaritas greet every guest, who are considered the main component to a successful evening. "I want everyone to feel excited to be here," Grisamore said. "Good conversation in a happy environment allows people to connect. I invite people that I know will have a good time together. And don't be afraid to ask people to contribute! At my gatherings, everyone brings a snack to share." Sharing, whether it be snacks or ideas, is a signature element for Grisamore. His goal when hosting is to create an environment that is exciting and inclusive. The casual, creative nature of his space allows room for each guest to bring their full self and collaborate in generating the vibe of the evening. JALAPEÑO MARGARITA SPRITZER 1.5 oz tequila 1 oz triple sec 1.5 oz fresh lime juice Splash of simple syrup Top with topo chico and serve over ice. Garnish with jalapeño and lime. Rim glass with habanero tajín and salt. STEVE AND LAURA BELL Intown Neighborhood S teve and Laura Bell have spent a lifetime opening their home on College Street to others. They hosted their first couch surfer (before CouchSurfing was a thing) in 1997, the year they married. Since then, they have housed everyone from friends to foreigners, some of whom now host them in countries across the globe. When society shut down in March 2020, they knew they had to find a way to keep their relationships afloat. "We started taking walks every day," Steve explained. "We began to connect with neighbors along the way. We'd say hi to them on their porches and they'd say hi to us on ours. From there, our porch quickly evolved into a weekly porch party." The front porch, another southern staple, paired perfectly with their hosting habits during the early season of COVID-19. Monday nights became a ritual, a gathering of friends and neighbors that allowed them to maintain their social ways outdoors and at a safe distance. Jim Crisp, a weekly porch patron, described Monday nights on their porch as "finding a port in a storm. It was like being shipwrecked and finding a safe spot." Monday nights on the porch quickly became a fixture for all involved. There are some friends who come by Steve

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