Looking for some helpful hospitality hints? I've asked some friends for suggestions that worked for them when entertaining guests. It was interesting to notice that the Golden Rule kept coming up in our conversations in various ways. "Therefore, however you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12. Or paraphrased, as many of us learned it, "Do unto others the way you want them to do unto you." After all, isn't that what having good manners is all about? Showing love and consideration to others by treating them the way we would want to be treated? It's amazing how following that very simple rule automatically takes care of a host of hospitality questions! For example . . .
Question: What should I feed my guests? Answer: Ask them if they have any food allergies or preferences.
Question: What theme should I choose for my party? Answer: Think about the interests of your guests and pull those interests into a theme.
Question: Where should I seat my guests at the table? Answer: Consider my guests' personalities, if they would prefer to sit by someone they feel comfortable with or make a new friend.
God's Word is so practical for all circumstances, isn't it?
Let's get on with the tips! After contacting several friends, here is the gist of what they suggested. Some overlap, so I tried to minimize repetitions.
"A fun idea," says Tina, "to make your overnight guests feel welcome is to have a basket in the bathroom with little toothpastes, hotel soaps, shampoo, etc. Also, a mint on their pillow when they open up their bed for the first time is so fun!" (Personal tip from Linda: Great idea, Tina! Although if you have a dog that climbs on beds, you may want to close their bedroom door! Dogs aren't supposed to eat chocolate, you know. :o) )
Bonnie suggests, "I leave their clean bath linens on their freshly made bed before they arrive. Also, I make sure Kleenexes are plentiful."
Rose, a hostess whose overnight hospitality I have personally enjoyed on many occasions, shares the following: "When someone stays overnight in your home, put yourself in their place (Notice the Golden Rule here?). If they wake up during the night, is there going to be enough light from a street light so they can tell where they are? It's often confusing to wake up in a strange house. Keep a couple of night lights handy to plug in when you have company, even if you don't need them yourself. We are fortunate to have two bathrooms. When we get company, we use the one in the basement and let our guests have the main bathroom next to their bedroom. It's handier for them to have their own space to spread out into. Keep an eye on the toilet paper supply. We have friends who keep an extra roll in a little basket in plain sight. Little things go a long way. "
Rose continues, "People are more important than things. Usually overnight guests are not coming to inspect your home. They are there to see YOU! So be yourself, get a good night's rest so you can enjoy your company without being tired. What you don't get done, chances are they'll never notice. If you didn't get that special dessert baked for them, take out the pail of ice cream; they'll be none the wiser. (Tip from Linda: Ice cream makes a great treat for drop in guests, too! Purchase vanilla and keep several toppings on hand.)
The first thing Donna said was also "I put myself in their place" (Again notice the Golden Rule!). I want them to have all the comforts of home and not have to ask for them. " She mentioned many of the same things others have already said and then gave me additional suggestions of things to have handy for overnight guests.
Donna keeps a drawer in the guest bedroom that contains an assortment items that may be needed including a hair dryer, heating pad, shoeshine, lotions, toothbrushes and toothpaste, aspirin. Bottled water and drinking glasses are available and she places a bowl of fruit for snacking. She also suggested that a min-fridge would be a great idea for the guest room!
Deb, the hostess for a party I recently attended, had a delicious and creative, yet simple menu plan. The entree she served was called "Tropical Mountain" and it truly was a mountain (at least it was on my plate! :0) ), heaped with yummy food. Set up a help-yourself bar in this order: lettuce, bag of Fritos corn chips (crushed), refried beans, rice (optional) ground beef cooked with taco seasoning (this she had on the stove; you could use an electric heating plate), onions, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped tomatoes, black olives, pineapple chunks, and chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and salsa. Deb's side dishes included guacamole, tortilla chips and salsa. A simple dessert of cookies, bars and fruit easily complete the meal. For "pot luck" style, each guest could bring a topping.
A very special thank you to each of you who gave me suggestions! And please feel free to share any additional tips of your own under "Comments."
Next Wednesday, please join me for a tribute to Mothers, in honor of Mother's Day coming up this Sunday!
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