Entertaining

NOBLE UNIVERSITY | Entertaining

Late Spring/Early Summer 2009

The Guest Room

From time to time we all have guests. For some it is stressful to have a guest in their home, even if it is a familiar friend or relative. The guest also may feel that they are imposing, even if they have been graciously invited. When all is said and done, having guests over for an evening is one thing, but having them for the weekend or week can be a joy if care is taken to make sure all parties involve have an enjoyable time.

Having a guest in your home for a few days does not mean that you have to be “on call” every moment of the day. Often a little alone time is appreciated, especially if they have the tools to make that happen. When setting up the guest room, make the room inviting and comfortable. You may be fortunate to have a dedicated guest room, but in some situations it may be a child’s room, den or home office that is doing double duty. Whatever the situation, try to make the room as welcoming as possible, tossing desk papers in the drawer and toys in the closet so your guest doesn’t feel like they are infringing on a family member’s space. The bed is the most important part of the room, and based on the time of the year, make sure there is an extra quilt near by for cool nights and a few extra pillows for those that like to sleep propped up. A good lamp and a stack of magazines allow your guests to do a little reading before bed and a water pitcher and glass on the nightstand is a nice touch. Include some fresh flowers on the dresser and perhaps a small bowl of fruit for those too shy to ask for a bedtime snack. A few sheets of stationery and some pre-stamped envelopes allows your visitors an opportunity to write a letter to someone they have been meaning to correspond to but haven’t had the chance. Most guests bring their own toiletries, but supplying them with a wonderful bar of soap, small bottles of shampoo and conditioner, and anything else you think they might like. A stack of fresh towels in their room identifies them as theirs to use and they won’t have to guess when they visit the bathroom down the hall that might be shared by others.

Of course by making the room too nice and too comfortable, you run the risk of your guests never leaving, but when it comes time to return the favor and you are invited to their home for a short stay, hopefully they will reciprocate in an equivalent fashion.