I look forward to the warm months all year long, but the Spring and Summer always leaves my weekends jam packed. It seems like if I’m not going somewhere, I have people visiting me. And while I do love seeing my friends and family, the act of entertaining can become an exhausting chore. Fortunately, I’ve come up with few hints to avoid the headache that comes with entertaining overnight and out-of-town guests. To check them out, read more.
- Find out in advance if they have anything that they really want to do. Not only will it take out some of the guesswork, but it’ll let you plan ahead.
- Don’t pack the schedule too tight. In fact keeping blocks of time open will give everyone a moment of rest.
- If you want to keep busy, schedule time for a matinee or a leisurely lunch, which will keep everyone distracted while offering some downtime.
- Unless you have young guests or a single person visiting, it’s okay to remove yourself from the situation and let your guests fend for themselves for a while. Make dinner reservations for them at a local hot spot or buy them some museum passes and leave them to wander. Not only will you get some much-needed alone time, but they’ll be happily entertained.
- As their visit nears its end, you’ll find yourself getting more and more worn out. That’s why on their last night, I always recommend planning something at your home; this way you all can relax while still making their final night memorable. Order a pizza and play a board game, or order in Chinese food and rent a classic movie.
Houseguests pick up the mood of their hosts more easily than you think, so if you’re feeling overwhelmed, they’ll feel unwelcome. Taking some time for yourself will make sure you can stay upbeat through their entire visit!
Vivienne Westwood
Fred Perry
black'Up
Great tips, thanks sugar!
1that was me this last weekend.
2Great tips! When my cousins and uncle came into town last year, we played poker to unwind on the last night.
3Afrochic - Poker is a great idea. I'll definitely be stealing that one next time!
4One thing I hate when visiting other people's houses is feeling like I must be constantly VISITING with them during every waking hour. It's exhausting for me to feel like I'm expected to talk to my hosts every minute of the day - particularly early in the morning.
So when people visit me, I make a point of letting them know I am really, really not a morning person!! I may wake up early, but I like a slow, quiet start to my day.
So I will set out breakfast ahead of time, get the coffee maker set up, make sure they have fresh towels and know how to work the shower.
Then I encourage my guests to get up and help themselves in the morning. I may peak my head out briefly to ensure they have everything they need, and grab my own cup of coffee, but then I go take my time getting ready myself. This gives them private-time to themselves as well.
The rest of the day I'm quite social! Don't get me wrong! But I find this slow-start works great, and that my guests appreciate not having to be "ON" with me either.
5When my Dad's mom used to visit us, she wouldn't leave my mother alone. My mom would go to the bathroom to try and get away and she'd stand on the other side of the door and talk to her.
6My mom is coming to stay with me on Thursday and Friday, but she's really good at doing her own thing and letting me do what I need, etc.
7Well those are the most awkward shoes I've ever seen. It's so awkward visiting with relatives.
8I would like to add that 3 days is the perfect visit for guests. 4 maximum. After that, everyone starts to get on each other's nerves, and it's tough to keep playing host.
9I agree with you Marci, except I'm less patient (I think 2 days is ideal)! Anything longer than 3 days and the guest needs to find a hotel!
10Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.