Summer Living: How to Welcome Weekend Guests

olldbobbi These are all great ideas. I would also like to see an ideabook about "How To Be A Great Houseguest" along side this one. Last year we had guests (3 weeks!) who hadn't the slightest clue that our home wasn't a hotel with cooks and housekeepers to satisfy their every need! Imagine?

the_misfit This is great. When I have a house guest for more than a day or two, I always try to pack in activities. I'm always afraid of being a terrible host, and as I run out of things to do, I become increasingly frazzled and, no doubt, unpleasant. Especially because what I really need to do is go grocery shopping, take a nap, or send some emails. Only later do I think that my guests might have relished those same opportunities - as I do when I visit someone else! I try to remind myself to say at the beginning of the day (for example), "I thought we'd go to the pool in the morning, then this afternoon I have to run a bunch of errands - let me know if you need anything while I'm out - and then tonight we're having dinner at the Johnsons'. Sound good?" And NOT FEEL GUILTY about my errands. Guests need naptime, and errand-running time, too.

comfy by design I really like this article. I often have guests that come from out of town. When I have errands to run or things to do in the afternoon I make a cheese, fruit and fresh bread tray with herb butter and leave it in the fridge with a bottle of wine so they can help themselves to an afternoon snack. I have had many of my friends comment that this little ritual of stopping for a bit to nibble and drink a glass of wine is one of their favorite times when staying with me.

hillsidemartin winterberry porch idea

The Old Painted Cottage Laura, I really enjoyed your ideas and tips for weekend guests. Thanks for including a photo of our kitchen in this ideabook!

crabbygirl I prepare the guest room with a tote of towels and lotions to add to their room.
On a side table I will add water bottles , and sun block creams for their stay.
Living in Florida this is really a blessing so they do not leave with the famous
Lobster Red coloring.

lucca I have a "guest suite" in the back of our house. I write on the bedroom door in chalk welcoming each guest by name. I also write a silly note on their bathroom mirror using a dry erase pen made for clear glass. I made the king size head board out of a solid door that I painted white and ask each guest to write a note the headboard with a permanent marker. We have notes written in Italian & English....some are funny some are heart felt and all are treasured. I also do the little things like baskets filled with everything they may need in the bathroom, fresh towels and sheets that were sun dried (love the smell!) And I add vases of fresh lavender that is grown on our property.

wingoms We are hosting a dual graduation party for 2 college students and will likely have a full house for the weekend in addition to the family so we are converting a pool house sunroom into a bunkhouse for the girls, and the boys get to camp tent it in the woods in the rear of the property near the pond. The actual party will be rustic and nature themed, using multiple picnic benches in the trees near the pond and will have a lavender grape and white paper lanterns with the surrounding moss green. For activities, musical instruments will be available for the budding musician to be inspired or harvest and planting in the veggie garden. Pool, spa and swimming pond will allow our guests to cool off for a quiet or splashy time. There are nature trails to hike on for the actively inspired. And of course, food and sangria to fuel the masses! The planning will be equally fun to the actual event I suppose. A mix between Woodstock and Etsy you might say.

astraea I have a lovely guest room with its own bathroom, and many of the amenities mentioned in the article. Most of the time I just have overnight guests, when we attend something, and it will be too late for them to drive home. Some of the suggestions here sound more like you're running a Bed & Breakfast, than just having company a couple of nights. I personally try to get people away from their cell phones & electronics, so I don't plan to provide any ipod or other docking stations for them, nor an electric kettle in the bedroom. While guests do need some down- or alone-time, I don't want them to think of my home as a hotel!

dczech53 Since relocating to Florida 11 years ago, we have had family and friends visit frequently. I always ask about food and beverage preferences (and record them in my on-line address book so they are readily accessible for every visit). I have a small welcome gift - flowers, candy, something I know that they like. I also do that for the children - pool toys, a game, etc.

I typically prepare the first evening meal ahead of time so that I'm not running around at the last minute at the grocery store or working in the kitchen. That also helps if planes are delayed, etc. not trying to go out for dinner the first night - making reservations, deciding where to go.

I also like to bake something to have on hand the first moring for breakfast. An apple cake, banana nut muffins. Something tasty but nutritious.

In the guest rooms I leave a schedule for TV channels, magazines and CDs suited to the individual, as well as a pretty pitcher for water and glasses.

I bought a guest book designed in the same theme as the main guest room - bird houses. I always have my guests, including family, write in it. I also take at least 1 picture of an activity that we have done and keep it in a scrapbook for my memories.

mrsben Immensely enjoyed this article. Not to sound repetitious --

In order:
Prior to the arrival of my house guests, I inquire about culinary preferences and prepare daily menus. I then make and pre-cook what I can and freeze it. That way it frees up my time as a hostess and hours that might be spent in the kitchen. I normally serve only two meals; a large breakfast and a three-to-four course dinner. However, one rule that is standard in my house is; guests are expected to serve themselves which eliminates guess work of portions and doesn't cause embarassment to those who wish seconds. Mid day snacks, evening nibbles and beverages are always on hand as well, to fill any void or to quench a thirst.

For entertainment, I usually make up a calendar of events etc. and let guests choose their favourite activities with the understanding of 'no out-of-pocket expenses for them. The treat is on me'. Some days, I ensure there is free time set aside for everyone in case they wish to do their own thing however from my experience I have found this strategy usually results in a group separation of the genders.

As we have four bathrooms, the largest is always reserved strictly for guests and stocked with sample size disposable toiletries and other miscellaneous needs.

Last but not least, like many others who have commented; though the guest bedrooms are equipped with a Television and we have a library of Movies; T.V. viewing is something I do not encourage nor rely on when entertaining my guests.

mountainglory What do you do when almost every guest leaves something behind after they leave? We have been mailing items back but it gets expensive. We have jokingly said we would like to have a sign that says left items will be donated to Good Will.

writercook @ Bobbi P: Funny but I just wrote a post on my blog: Five Ways to be a Particularly Good Guest
http://inmykitcheninmylife.blogspot.com/2012/07/unsolicited-advice-five-ways-to-be.html
This article on welcoming guests has great ideas. I think the key for both parties is to follow the golden rule.

astraea To Mountainglory - Maybe you need to find or make a wall plaque or sign, reminding guests, "Did You Pack All Your Stuff to Go Home?" Maybe it's also worth saying that to them, a few hours before guests are scheduled to leave!

alimahdances One way also to make guests feel at home is to have refreshments put out when they arrive. Thank u, this was very helpful...

tamijde In our guest room, I too have a small basket filled with things like deodorant, razors, hand cream, shampoo and such. I also have sample perfumes on the side table with a journal that they can write in, a devotional to read and easy read books. The room also has two bookshelves to choose from. I leave tissues and bottled water as well. I check for food allergies, set up the coffee maker in advance and set out cups and sugar. I also have a super soft robe and slippers for those lazy mornings...
Tami