Whether we like it or not, were all put into the host or hostess role at some point, perhaps at home for out-of-town company or in a business situation for clients. What we do in these situations is just as important as what we dont do. By no means are Nick and I experts as host and hostess, but weve handled both situations successfully in the past.
1) Spend the night in your guest room. I did this and noticed our still new featherbed let too many feather poke through the sheets. Think about how you would feel as a guest in this room. Are the curtains easily closed and light-blocking? Ours werent so I simply used fabric glue to adhere a lining fabric that made all the difference. Do you have different types of pillows available as well as extra blankets? The United Feather & Down Outlet, www.ufandd.com/frameset_outlet.html, is an awesome, inexpensive resource to ensure you have something for every preference. Use promo code 15OFF at checkout to save 15 percent.
2) Offer plenty of snacks and food, and even consider placing a few items with bottles of water in the guest room. I always feel weird about going into someones cabinets, even with the, help yourself directive. I typically leave a few breakfast items out on the counter. There is nothing worse than being up early and hungry!
3) Stock the guest bathroom with often-forgotten personal care items and a hairdryer along with more than enough towels and toilet paper. Our small basket under the guest room sink includes: toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, conditioner and the like. You can even repurpose the travel-sized ones from hotels.
4) Offer up your favorite tourist attractions as possible options. If youre spending the day with your guests, offer up your personal favorites or activities on your want-to-try list as possible activities. My favorite summertime activity is the Chicago River cruise, and Ive done one almost every summer with out-of-town guests. And if theres something on their must-do list that creates a personal hell for youopt out! My brother-in-law did this during our recent trip to Florida, and we had a great time at Aquatica, www.aquaticabyseaworld.com, while he did stuff at home. And everyone was happier!
5) Ask questions, and engage your guests. This has come in handy so many times at business events, especially those where you dont know all the attendees. And above, anything else, be yourself, and express a genuine interest in your guests well being. Before you know it, everyone is having fun, and enjoying all the best parts of having company.
About Us: Were a married couple living in Schaumburg. Nick runs his own law office, www.nickrichardsonlaw.com, and I work in communications promoting eggs.
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Therichardsonstakeatgmail.com.
