Holidays often means you will be playing host to family or close friends. Houses get fuller, and there are more needs to be met. With this in mind I've been thinking about how you can be a good host. This goes to people stopping by for dinner, or maybe guests staying the night.
-Be prepared. Know as far in advance as possible who is coming for dinner, and if anyone will need to be staying the night. This gives you chance to prepare yourself and your home. This will also help lower your stress. If you know ahead of time, you won't be caught off guard and you can be a good host.
-Make the necessary plans. Which bedroom will the guest stay in? Do you have a pet they may be allergic to, or not get along with? Does the guest have any special needs that need to be catered too? Figure out how sleeping arrangements will work, and jot down any important things to remember. Like perhaps picking your guest up at the airport, or helping them to find a hotel if they aren't staying with you.
-Make a list. These can be things that need to be done, or a list of reminders. Make sure the bedding is washed, and the room is clean and uncluttered. Remember to move the nightstand out to make extra room, etc. List everything out even if it seems nit picky or silly. It's a great way for you keep from forgetting something.
-Prepare their room. If a guest is staying at your home for the holidays, make them feel at home. Make sure they have nice clean bedding, a clean space that is not cluttered. Make sure they have a nightstand, outlets to plug in anything that may need to charge, and extra towels just in case. I also think it's a great idea to make sure there are some interesting magazines, a bedside lamp, and kleenex. If you are able, put in a small coffee pot and/or microwave. Include a basket that has towels/washcloths, popcorn, coffee, and any other goodies. You also may want to include some festive decorations or flowers. The goal is to make the space feel inviting and luxurious.
The above tips will help ensure your guests feel at home in your house. There is still one, very important thing you can do for your guests...whether they stay overnight or not.
Your attitude. You may not want to believe it, but the way you act can really impact guests and others around you. If you are hurried, stressed, frazzled, cranky and snippy, your guests are NOT going to enjoy themselves. They want to be in a happy, warm, and fun environment. It is so important for you to take care of yourself mentally and physically before hosting Thanksgiving or a guest. You need to have a plan, but you need to be able to roll with the punches. If your guests breaks a piece of fine China, don't get upset! Remember that this guest at your home is more important and valuable than any piece of dinnerware. If you're adorable niece or nephew dumps a glass of grape juice on your brand new rug, remember to stay calm, laugh, and pull out your carpet cleaner. Do not be negative, argumentative, silent or snippy. Even when you get tired, try to be as gracious and grateful as possible. If for some reason you do reach a point where you are feeling too frazzled and spread too thin. Tell your husband!! Hand over the reigns, and excuse yourself! Grab a warm cup of tea, and recess to the quietest room in the house. Sip your drink, breathe deeply, and think about how grateful you are for a full house and plenty of food for the bellies at your table! Thanksgiving is just a holiday, the people celebrating with you are eternal.
This concludes day two for our 2012 guide to Thanksgiving post! I hope you are getting in the planning mood and getting prepared! As I've mentioned in the last posts if you have a question please feel free to drop me a comment or an e-mail. I'd love to answer any of your questions and help in whatever way possible! If you'd like to save this post for later, feel free to click the little "pin it" button next to any picture. You can pin this to pinterest for safe keeping, and share it with others to help guide them this Thanksgiving!
Other posts in this series:
2012 Thanksgiving Guide: Being a Good Host
2012 Thanksgiving Guide: Menu Planning
2012 Thanksgiving Guide: Setting the Tone
2012 Thanksgiving Guide: Fun for Kids
2012 Thanksgiving Guide: Recipes and Time Management
2012 Thanksgiving Guide: Tips and Tricks
2012 Thanksgiving Guide: Resources and Reminders
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