Getting Ready For Guests
For many of us, the thought of having guests can be a welcome or dreaded experience. While most of us want to see friends and relatives from time to time, a little planning can make the experience enjoyable for all.
Plan Ahead
Part of this planning should include mapping out your own schedule. Set aside time to be with guests and at the same time allow both of you time for your own activities. If you're working, save time for purely sociable activities so you don't feel guilty when you have to be away from your guests.
Everyday Things Aren't Ordinary For Guests
Doing routine things can often be entertaining for visitors. For example, I've found that taking a guest with me to do errands is a great way to show them the island and what it's like to live here. Most visitors are surprised to find that everyone isn't on vacation and enjoy seeing "behind the scenes" life of those who live here. Your guests will enjoy knowing what your day consists of and getting to know your town in this way.
The Guest Room
No matter how small, a guest room can be comfortable and pretty. Here's a check list:
1. If possible, the room should be devoid of any of your personal items in the closet and drawers.
2. A comfortable bed is extremely important. If the pillows are filled with feathers or down, be sure to have non-allergenic extras in the closet. It's nice to have plenty of pillows for sitting comfortably in bed to read, a comforter, and an extra blanket in the closet.
3. Keep the furnishings to a minimum. There should be a night table and reading lamps on each side of the bed, a small dresser and chair.
4. Accessories that make a difference include: a mirror (full length is practical on the back of the door), a clock, scatter rug on each side of the bed if the room isn't carpeted, an outlet for a phone (the phone itself may not be necessary, just the availability for a private call), a small television is optional, and a fan if needed.
Keeping Things Handy
A wicker trunk or blanket chest at the end of the bed is perfect for holding all the bed linens and guests can put a suitcase on top.
Small Touches Mean A Lot
If it's summertime the following will make the room special: a linen table cover on the dresser with a vase of fresh flowers, light and airy curtains with a shade for privacy, lace trimmed pillow cases, pretty pastel or pure white sheets freshly ironed, a basket of potpourri in the bathroom, a basket filled with small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer and pretty soaps.
For Their Information
It's practical and considerate to leave reading material on the night table. It might include: the local newspaper, books about your area or books by a local author, a schedule of events, the information guide from the Chamber of Commerce, and a map of the area. If you know your guests' reading tastes you might take some books out of the library.
Extra Amenities
If your guests have special interests, check out local happenings before their arrival. For example, they're interested in art or crafts you might find a show in the area. If you're having small children, look into events that might interest them. Plan for rainy day activities and fill a basket with small toys to bring out when needed. If you have plans that don't include your guests you might provide them with theater tickets for the night you'll be away from them, or leave the menus from several restaurants you think they'd enjoy.
Outdoor Living
If it's summertime, the patio, yard or deck should be carefree and comfortable. Having guests is a good excuse to get your potted plants looking good. Set up a badminton or crochet set. A well outfitted picnic basket is another nice touch to keep on hand.
Mealtimes
Plan ahead meals so even you will feel like a guest. Make it easy for guests to help themselves or, join in the cooking as an activity. Stock up on grocery items so you aren't running to the store at the last minute. Change the pace of everyday by using lovely table linens while your guests are here. Use fresh flowers wherever possible.
Making Guests Feel At Home
When my daughters were little, we went each year to visit my grandparents in Florida. What I remember best about those visits is that nothing seemed like a chore for them. Even when non-family members visited, my grandparents made them feel like part of the family, rather than an imposition. There may have been much preparation before we arrived, but while we were there everything seemed effortless. Planning your schedule, being flexible about it, letting guests help with whatever is being done, and feeling relaxed yourself will insure a good time by all.
Copyright Leslie Linsley, author
Reprinted with permission HouseNet, Inc.