Be Our Guest!
Having moved away from Boston a few years ago we have had a tremendous number of guests. I still remember getting a call from Dan Krason who stayed with us and asked if we ever got the upstairs shower fixed. I had that confused and perplexed look on my face (which if you know me is very common) and I replied “Dan, our shower isn’t broken.” Dan mentioned that when he stayed with us and tried to take a shower he thought it was broken and actually had to walk downstairs in a towel. Thankfully my family was sleeping so nobody got scared with seeing Dan like that.
I didn’t realize it but our shower is a challenge to figure out. In fact you have a better chance of completing a Cryptoquote or the daily Sudoko.
This story gave me some thoughts about the rules or tips for both the host and guest when people are staying at your house.
For houseguests:
- Try NOT to overstay your welcome. Give careful consideration as to how long you will stay
- Make sure your room is clean. Don’t leave wet towels around and make sure you strip the bed when you leave. Try NOT to make extra work for your host!
- One of my favorites (accidents do happen): if you break something just say something. Yes I had someone stay with us in Boston and they didn’t say anything for a few years.
- Yes bring a gift (clearly obvious but not everyone does it.) It needs to be more thoughtful than expensive.
For hosts:
- Make sure you tell your guests what types of pets you have
- Make sure you show people any things that might be a little odd (see above) about your house
- Make sure the bathroom has plenty of supplies like toilet paper, soap and shampoo
- Show your guests a closet or drawers where they can put things away. This way they will be more comfortable and the room will be a little less messy
- Give your guests an idea of your routine (what time you eat breakfast, what time the kids get up, what time you workout, etc…)
- If your guests are coming in from out of town have a list of things you will want to do. Give them choices. This way everyone isn’t looking at each other saying “what should we do today?”
With summer right around the corner, I hope this list helps a little bit with guests you might be having.
I look forward to your comments about my suggestions and others you may have.
May 16th, 2007 at 8:19 am
Excellent posting Merrill. A gift for your host is essential. If your friend or family member is “someone who has everything”, then alternative is to make a contribution in their name to their favorite charity, recognizing their hospitality
May 16th, 2007 at 11:32 am
I saw this quote this morning and thought it was very appropriate:
Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people only once a year.
– Victor Borge
May 16th, 2007 at 11:41 am
Most of all know who you are visiting - for most visits to old friends, it is more important to bring a gift to their spouse. After all they have to put up with the visit, which usually involves some form of debauchery, if not laundry service.
As an aside, I did happen to visit the host of this blog on one occasion and in the process of getting him a gift prior to arrival, I almost ran out of gas - Merrill, the gift was close to being a phone call to come get me at the shopping center 2 miles from your house! Lucky it was a nice bottle of wine and some flowers for your lovely wife instead of that phone call - hope I get invited back.
May 16th, 2007 at 5:03 pm
My favorite proverb on this topic is:
Guests are like fish. After 3-days they begin to smell bad.
May 18th, 2007 at 10:53 am
Hi Merrill,
Any special requests for a special gift from Mexico?
Are these hints and tips related to my upcoming trip? We’ll be sure to review and follow them closely
We are REALLY looking forward to the wedding and to our visit with you after the honeymoon!!
See you soon!
May 18th, 2007 at 12:26 pm
Interesting topic, Merrill, and very appropriate timing just prior to the summer traveling season. If the hosts I am visiting have children, I like to bring them a little something. I also like to take hosts out to one of their favorite restaurants as a “thank you.” I really like Ed’s idea of a charitable contribution!
May 18th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
Great post! I would add that if the hosts have EVERYTHING - I have gotten them a little “guest” book - and began it - by writing them a little note and adding things I did - so others may enjoy what I did. Also - Be sure - if anyone is like me - to tell the guest where you keep extra blankets! - That 3 Am freeze is awful and you never want to wake your hosts to merely ask for a blanket!
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:12 am
Living in Phoenix, most of my guests are during the winter months, one year I actually had 9 sets of golf clubs in the garage (and I’m not a golfer). Growing up, we always had visitors, my mother used to say, “your house is as big as you want it to be”…equating to it will hold/sleep as many people as you want to make room for. I feel the same way, I enjoy having my family/friends staying with me. When visiting, keep your belongings in your room (don’t leave your shoes by the door, coat on a chair or items on the bathroom counter) use common sense and pick up after yourself. It is the small things you do that a host will appreciate, if you’re are a thoughtful guest, you’ll be welcomed back over and over. Nicest hostess gift received, had friends from the UK that stayed with me for a week, we crammed in so much and we had a blast, after their return to the UK, they sent a monthly fruit basket…this allowed me to relive the fun memories we experienced every month for a year!