Did I just open a coffee shop in my apartment?
A few months ago, I did something unexpected and a little out of my comfort zone—I turned my apartment into a coffee shop for a day.
Now, this wasn’t some big public event or anything extravagant. It was just for my close friends and family. I wanted to create a cozy, welcoming space where people could gather, enjoy some delicious drinks, and most importantly, connect with one another.
I’ve always believed that there’s something truly magical about inviting people into your space—especially when it involves good food, cozy vibes, and some of my favorite people. And what better way to make that happen than with a good cup of coffee? But this wasn’t just your standard brew.
First of all, we used beans roasted in my local neighborhood by Filtrô, literally minutes from my front door. Their wonderful coffee set the tone for creating something local and deeply personal. One of the stars of the show was the Filipino Latte—a sentimental (for me) and oh-so-purple mix of ube jam and condensed milk that had everyone talking. Watching people try something new and light up over it? That was definitely one of the highlights of the day.
As people trickled in, my apartment started buzzing with the sound of laughter, conversations, and the constant hum of the coffee station. There were insta-worthy Salted Caramel Banana lattes, gorgeous Matcha Strawberry Lattes, and the snacks? Oh, the snacks. Banana bread, savory muffins, and chocolate chip tahini cookies—all homemade by friends, which gave everything a personal, intimate feel. It wasn’t about serving up some professional coffee shop experience, but instead, about creating this warm, laid-back atmosphere where everyone contributed something special.
And then there was the merch. Yes, I actually made custom t-shirts, tote bags, magnets, and stickers with our very own “Friends & Family” logo. The best part? Every dollar we made from those sales went straight to Cantinho da Milù, a local dog shelter that I absolutely adore. We raised over €500 euros for those precious pups! It wasn’t just about coffee and cool merch; it was about giving back and making the day even more meaningful.
By the end of it all, what really hit me wasn’t how good the coffee tasted or how great the snacks were (though, they were both pretty amazing). It was the feeling of connection—of slowing down, sitting together, and simply being present. In a world that’s so obsessed with productivity and getting things done, it felt so good to take a break and just... be. That’s what hospitality is about for me. It’s not about everything being perfect; it’s about creating a space where people feel like they belong.
As the last guests grabbed their tote bags and maybe an extra slice of banana bread for the road, I couldn’t help but smile. What started as a fun idea turned into something bigger—a day of memories, laughter, and deepened relationships. Sometimes, the best way to build community is as simple as inviting people in, sharing a cup of something warm and comforting, and enjoying the moment together.
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