admin Hosting guests during the festive season, can be stressful unless you prepare yourself in advance. Planning and setting a timeline for what needs to be done prior to your guests arrival, will set you up for a successful evening.
The most important aspect when hosting guests is to prepare your home and create a welcoming environment for your guests. Whether you are hosting a party (sit down meal or standing reception) or having guests sleep over I am sharing with you 7 tips on how to be a good host:
- First Impression – Outside the House
Make sure the outside of the house is clean and well lit. If guests are arriving in the evening, make sure that the outside is well lit……you do not want them to trip over something because they cannot see where they are putting their feet.
2. First Impression – Inside the House
The first impression of your home, is your entryway. Put away any personal items, such as shoes, papers and bags…..so your guests do not feel as if they are invading your space. Designate an area where your guests can leave their coats and bags. If shoes are not allowed in your house, providing an alternative house shoes is a must. 
Lighting up a candle and having some warm lights in your entryway, makes your home feel cosy and welcoming.
3. Scent
A good smelling house makes everyone feel welcome, however avoid strong perfumed smells. Cleaning thoroughly your bathrooms and kitchen will definitely give a good smell to your home. If you have pets, make sure that their bedding is washed and they have been given a bath.
If your guests are sleeping over, having clean bedding and towels is unquestionable. Once again, remove any personal items from the guest bathroom….you do not want them to see your hairbrush and toothpaste. If on the other hand they are sleeping over, it is nice to prepare some basic travel size toiletries. Do not be reluctant to decorate the bathroom for the festive season.
4. Bedroom
If your guests are sleeping over, make sure that the bedroom is clean and comfortable. Have extra pillows and blankets. Prior to their arrival, open the windows to let in some fresh air. If you know they enjoy reading before bedtime, prepare some books or magazines for them to read.
If you have space, you can also prepare some snacks and coffee/tea making facilities, so if your guests wake up early they can help themselves to a coffee or tea in their room without waking up the household.
5. Family communication
If you have young children, make sure you communicate with them about their expected behavior. If you are having a sit down meal, make sure that your children are aware of table manners, unless there are other kids invited and you can allocate a designated table for children. If you are having a stand up reception, have a designated area where children can entertain themselves….to avoid having them running around.
If your guests are sleeping over, remind your children to knock before entering a room and to avoid complaining if guests spend too much time in the bathroom. It is good for children to know how to be a good host.
6. Guests arrival
Make sure that upon the arrival of your guests everything is ready. You do not want to be still running errands, when your guests arrive. Welcome them into your home, introduce your family members (especially children if they never met them), show them where they can leave their coats. Once they have settled in, offer them a drink and something light to eat and where the guest bathroom is.
If your guests are sleeping over, show them their room and bathroom. Inform them of the time when breakfast is served or if you would be leaving breakfast items on the countertop of your kitchen. If there are any plans for the following day, communicate them to your guests.
7. Don’t Stress yourself
If is very likely that not everything will go according to what you have planned…..so keep it simple, do not over do it. Keep a list, to make sure not to forget important tasks that you need to do especially for meals…..this applies if guests are sleeping over.
If you are entertaining a meal or reception, have a plan of the order of the food you want to take out so as to make sure you do not forget anything…..set a timer if you need to warm food as you do not wish to burn anything. Prepare in advance so you can RELAX and ENJOY your evening.
If something goes wrong, it’s not the end of the world…give it a laugh….as long as your guests feel welcomed am sure they would not mind if you burnt something.
Now that your are prepared Relax and Enjoy.
Love
Strugglingmum xxx
