House Guest Etiquette
How to be the World’s Most Gracious Host
If your home is referred to as “The Inn,” meaning the light is always on and the door open, you must be the world’s most gracious host! July seems to mark the busiest month for traveling which brings to mind how we can help guests feel welcome at our “Inn.”
Going to visit your friends and family should be a breeze, and having company should be fun! Having a game plan before guests arrive at your home helps smooth the preparation, gives you a chance to be creative and insures you are fully stocked for the unexpected. Here are a few worthwhile tips to keep you the world’s greatest host.
Is the Bathroom Stocked? More times than not, toiletries get left behind. Rather than leave guests digging quietly through your cabinets so as not to disturb you or even make you wonder what in the world is going on in the powder room, stock useful items you know you would need if traveling:
Q-tips
Kleenex
A powerful blow dryer
Curling iron
Toothpaste, toothbrushes and floss
Disposable razors
Sunscreen, lotion, shampoo, conditioner
Lavender soap (personal favorite)
Brushes and combs, clean towels that are free of mascara stains
Hairspray, feminine products, etc….
Place these much appreciated items in baskets or in the cabinets, and be sure to show your guests where to find them should things go wrong in the night. That reminds me; plug in a night light to avoid weary guests crawling back into the wrong bed.
Is the Bedroom Stocked? It is always a good idea to keep guest bedroom sheets and bed coverings separate from your own master and kids’ room linens. This keeps the sheets stain free, in better shape and like “new” each time you make the bed. Spoil your guests with the best quality sheets you can afford, provide quality pillows and dust under the bed before they arrive. Feeling creative? Dress up furniture with bottled water, magazines, pen and paper, and fresh flowers. Make space in the closet, including hangers, for your guests to hang enough clothes to avoid room clutter, and provide an extra blanket just in case the temperatures dip too low for their liking.
Make a Menu List Some guests are picky, others not (thank goodness). A good hostess insures there’s plenty to eat and meets the likings of all. Do a little investigating beforehand to find out if there are any dietary issues to consider. For example, “Mom, I’m so excited you and dad are visiting us in July! When I go to the market to pick up dinner for Friday night, is there anything special you’d like? Is there anything I can get you while I’m there? Is there anything I should avoid picking up for you?”
As the economy shifts, more people are choosing to spend time with friends and family. To have good company means to be good company. Use your home as a place to play, laugh and enjoy all life’s comforts without having to bust your bank account. By the way, nothing lovelier than all members of your “Inn” greeting guests at your front door with open arms. Peel the kids off the couch and make it a family affair.
Tiffany Nielsen shows men and women of all ages how to stand out-not stick out socially and professionally. She is the President of Premier Etiquette, a full-service etiquette and image training and consulting company, and co-author of The Power of Civility and Incredible Business. Visit her website at www.tiffanynielsen.com to learn more about how you can thrive socially and professionally!
Copyright 2011 Tiffany Nielsen. All Rights Reserved. To reprint, please contact Tiffany Nielsen at tiffany@tiffanynielsen.com for permission. www.tiffanyynielsen.com