Playing host to guests is no easy task. Sure, you can leave your guests up to their own devices, but they might not feel at all welcome and comfortable. Chances are, though, that you really care that your house guests have a good experience while they share your home. And if they stay longer than an overnight visit, you really need to start caring, if only for your own sanity. The art of hosting There really isn’t any great art to hosting guests. Some people are just naturally more caring and sociable, and much better prepared for having people over. But just by imagining yourself as a house guest, you can probably already see a few things you can do to give your guests a better experience. A better guest experience In case you need some more help, here are some useful tips to help you prepare for your guests. 1. Give your home a spring clean: Nothing will make your guest feel as uncomfortable as entering a dirty home. You should definitely at least vacuum the carpets and wash the floors. Also make sure that the door handles, walls and surfaces are clean. You should put extra effort into cleaning the bathroom. If you have pets, a thorough cleaning will help the place to smell better, and to give some relief to guests with pet allergies. And yes, wash your pets, too. 3. Prepare a guest room: It’s best to have a guest room if you have guests staying over regularly. They will appreciate the privacy of having a spot to make their own. For shorter stays, a sleeper couch or inflatable mattress in the lounge will suffice. Either way, supply your guests with clean bedding and blankets, and some extra pillows. 4. Cook hearty, healthy meals: The most welcoming thing you can do for guests, is to feed them. The most important meals will be dinner on the night that they arrive, and breakfast the following morning. However, don’t cook a heavy, rich, fatty meal, as if it’s Christmas or Thanksgiving. Unless, of course, it is Christmas or Thanksgiving. Lighter, healthier meals will help keep your guests feeling great and more energetic. You could invest in an air fryer. That way you can cook things like french fries or fried chicken without any of the heavy fat. 5. Stock extra daytime food supplies: Your guests will have different routines and needs from you, especially when it comes to meals. Give them some autonomy by having tea, coffee, and snacks for them to help themselves to during the day. 6. Give them some privacy: Being a good host is hard. Being a good guest is no easier. You can make everyone’s experience a bit more pleasant by giving your guests a bit of privacy in the mornings and evenings. 7. Keep extra toiletries: Your guests are bound to forget something important. You can help them out in an emergency by stocking things like an extra toothbrush, facecloth, feminine hygiene products, and plenty of extra toilet paper.
|