Being an overnight guest at someone's house can be just as stressful as having guests in your own home. As hostess, it's part of our job to anticipate the needs of our guests to make them as comfortable as possible. In addition to the house cleaning and grocery shopping, I like to prepare their bed and bath quarters to alleviate any possible embarrassing or uncomfortable moments. Making sure they have everything they need so that they don't have to ask for it is central to that strategy. Here are five ways you can silently earn Hostess of the Year!
Tissues in the bedroom - Once everyone retires to their sleeping quarters it becomes awkward for house guests to leave the room for items they may need. One common need is facial tissues. Be sure to have a fresh box available for them in their bedroom along with a trash can for disposal.
Personal care items in the bathroom - It's common for guests to forget something they end up needing on a trip, and some of those items might be a little embarrassing to ask for. Place a basket on your bathroom vanity that contains a variety of personal care essentials, and don't forget the tampons, deodorant and extra toilet tissue.
Plunger in the bathroom - Don't laugh; it wouldn't be funny if it happened to you. Even if you only own one toilet plunger, keep it in your guest bath while you have overnight guests. Make sure it is visible - it won't do any good if they don't know it's there. You might want to include some old towels, too, just in case.
Drinks and snacks at their fingertips - 'Ever get the urge for a midnight snack while you're a guest in someone's home? The more you tell yourself you don't need it, the hungrier you become. Make a point of having drinks and snacks available for your guests, and be sure to show them where they're located before retiring for the evening. You may also want to get out coffee cups, etc., so they don't have to go searching through your cabinets for dishes.
Medicines in the medicine cabinet - There can be several physical side effects to traveling and most of them are unpleasant. I stock my guests' medicine cabinet with sleeping aids, stomach medication, anti-diarrhea medicine, hemorrhoid cream, bandages and aspirin. I make sure my guests know that they should help themselves to anything they need.
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