Love ‘em or hate ‘em, they’re likely to arrive soon. Those loving aunts and uncles who insist on pinching your 40-year-old cheek, or your brother’s weird girlfriend who doesn’t "do" holidays and recently embarked on a macrobiotic diet, whatever that is.
Yes, love ‘em or hate ‘em, houseguests can add stress and tension to an already full schedule.
But with a little work before the arrival, hosts can stamp out the "oh, where is the …" or the "oops, I’ve forgotten my …" syndrome.
With half the nation on the Atkins’ Diet and the other half on Dr. Phil’s Ultimate Weight Loss Challenge, chances are some guests will be watching what they eat.
Gaylord Schaudies, one of the owners of Gaylord House Bed and Breakfast in Everett, says it is important to find out what diet limitations guests have so adjustments can be made to the menu. That way your signature tater-tot casserole won’t have to be thrown into the garbage disposal.
It’s also helpful to know if any visitors are diabetic or vegetarian. It shouldn’t be a huge deal. Remember, meat eaters can eat vegetarian dishes but vegetarians … well, you get the picture.
If guests are renting a car, prepare ahead by writing down driving directions and providing maps. Let them go on their own to visit a holiday event at a park or the waterfront or for a concert or play.
Map out and write out your address, too, and give it to them to take along. Visitors might not know where they need to get back to.
If guests are not planning to drive, scope out what they can walk to in your neighborhood. Perhaps they like to exercise or swim as part of their daily routine. Draw a map with directions.
The Schaudies like to create a "Grandma’s house" atmosphere. They point out what guests can help themselves to, such as the sherry in the living room and the treats in the cookie jar.
Show your houseguests what cupboards hold the dishes and glasses. They may want to make a cup of tea or just get a drink of water.
Upon arrival guests generally like to get comfy and settled in as soon as possible.
Clear out a closet or at least a few drawers for guests who are staying more than two days. That way they can unpack, rather than dip in and out of the soon-to-be-messy suitcase.
Make sure there is a place for long-term guests to store their luggage. The sooner it’s out of the way the less likely visitors will trip on it or have to start thinking about packing it again.
A laundry basket and a wastepaper basket are musts. There’s nothing worse than a guest traipsing around with wet towels or making small piles of trash in the room and not knowing where to put them.
Little touches of comfort such as a box of tissues mean a lot to people who are away from home. A small vase of fresh flowers is a nice welcome sign and adds a fresh scent to their room.
A bedside lamp and a couple of books or magazines of local interest are a good idea for those who like to read before drifting into slumber. These are particularly welcomed by out-of-town guests or first-time visitors who can get a feel for the area and might have an interest in local history.
A stack of magazines in the guest sleeping area for light reading will probably be well-thumbed. No matter what people say they are interested in Tom and Nicole and who they are dating.
An alarm clock prevents guests from having to ask for a wake-up call from hosts who already have enough on their plates.
First of all make sure the bed is big enough. Two people in a twin bed makes for restless nights and grouchy guests. Inflatable mattresses, futons, rollaway beds and sofa hide-a-beds are good alternatives.
When people are visiting during the hectic holiday season, they may want to slip away for an afternoon nap to get away from it all. A comfortable and welcoming rest area is key. Even if houseguests are bunking with others or sleeping in the kids’ room, there’s no reason not to plump up pillows and slip a hot-water bottle between crisp sheets for a warm cozy welcome.
Whether you have a guest bathroom or not, make sure you have the essentials within reach: toilet paper, towels and wash cloths.
Dodie Fox, owner of Fox Farm Bed and Breakfast on Camano Island, likes to put nice gift soaps and bath gels in the bathrooms.
"When I go to a nice hotel I always feel extra pampered when there are new things to try," Fox said. "I like to pass that on."
Other extra touches might include shampoo or some relaxing bubble bath or oils. Be wary of candles. They are beautiful and add a warm glow, but it means leaving out matches and could add one more worry to your already holiday-heavy shoulders.
An brand-new toothbrush and an extra tube of toothpaste is always helpful. People insist they haven’t forgotten them even as they dig through gigantic toiletry bags. A hair dryer and comb are also handy items for the guest room or bathroom.
No-slip rugs and grippers in the tub are helpful to older houseguests who may have problems negotiating an unfamiliar place. And, speaking of safety, give them a lesson on how to turn the hot water or shower on and off.
Nothing says "welcome" like a basket of goodies:
With little effort and not much expense, hosts can put together a small basket or box for those special people who have spent the time, effort and love to visit.
The basket might include a Starbucks, Tully’s or other coffeehouse card. It doesn’t have to be expensive — $5 or 6 is all it takes to give the gift of an eggnog latte or a coffee and a scone to guests out and about on their own.
A small flashlight is another essential. If guests can grab a flashlight to get to the bathroom, then all kinds of minor tragedies including stubbed toes and cat squashing can be thwarted. And who knows when the Northwest windy weather will douse the power. Make sure the batteries are in working order.
The A&E, Outdoors, Travel &Leisure, or Home &Garden sections of The Herald are thoughtful ways to alert guests to what’s going on in the area and where they might visit. Heck, give them the whole paper to get a feel for the community. They can check out the weather, too, so they know which raincoat to wear, the warmer one or the cooler one.
An itinerary of events you have planned is most helpful. Guests will know what night they are going to the tree lighting, when they can relax and watch videos, and what day they should plan on their own.
There’s nothing worse than going to someone’s home and not knowing how to use the shower or which of the five remotes turns on the television. Make a list of these essential how-to’s. Tell guests how they can best reach you at work while they are fumbling around your home.
Include tidbits. Packets of nuts and maybe some cookies are a blessing, especially for those who may be suffering from the jetlag midnight munchies. They will be much more comfortable noshing on a little something in their room than stumbling downstairs to figure out what’s in the fridge and how to heat it up.
Adding a pair of soft slippers or foot warmers will provide comfort and warmth for your guests’ holiday tired feet. For less than $10, guests can warm their tootsies while snacking on nuts and chocolate, and consider what a fine, fine host they have.
Reporter Christina Harper: 425-339-3491 or harper@heraldnet.com.
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