Tips for guests coming to stay

[Flowersinspringgrowwild]

What are your best tips for people coming to stay a couple of nights to ensure things go smoothly?

Don't let them in 😉

Have plans for food etc but be open to change. Do you know if they have dietary requirements? Are they wanting to do activities/day trips while visiting? Do they have a budget?

Ask in advance what time they will arrive and ballpark what time they plan to leave ( just so you know what other plans to make)
ask if they have allergies or dislikes beforehand to plan any meals
If you are having a whole family of guests start with an empty dishwasher .
Cook/ prep in advance
Have the bed made up ready to make them feel welcome.
Check if they have everything they need.
Offer a glass of water when they go to bed, cup of tea / coffee when they wake up.

We regularly have friends to stay and last time I managed to have three dinners in the freezer in advance. It meant I could spend more time with them.
We like to plan out what we are all going to do but don’t fill all the hours in every day.

Oh, and we try to organise a visit to a local theatre on one night if we can although last time DH walked out and sat and read a book in the foyer.

Yes to meal planning and shopping ahead. And preparing the room/bed. Don’t forget towels!
Make sure there’s enough loo roll and the toilet is working properly. And mention any plumbing/ house quirks!
Show them where all the tea stuff is and let them know your basic morning routine so they have the option to make some tea/coffee if they wake early/ you sleep late/ need to shower before leaving for work etc.
Also the plan for breakfast - diy as and when, or a big fry up with everyone sitting down together, and the approximate time.

fab tips, keep them coming!

Put tassimo coffee machine in room, along with bottled water, mini snacks

this means they’re not wandering around the house in the night or morning looking for stuff

tell them before they visit plans for activities, they have time to think about it and tell you when the arrive they don’t/can’t do that

also means they can bring correct clothing

have back up activity plans

Sunday roast at home or pub, make it clear if cooking at home what time you’ll dish up - they may want to leave for journey home and can plan around this

Cottage pie is a great cook ahead meal that you can make a day or two ahead, doesn’t spoil in the oven if they’re late arriving and jyst serve vegetables with

a decent curry from scratch made ahead is always better reheated and perfect for second night

Write the wifi code down and leave in their room.

i was going to put a kettle and cups in their room - as it already has a mini fridge and en-suite. wasn’t sure if too much but this has given me the confidence ! I personally would love it 😂

Just say, look I’ve popped a kettle and supplies in your room so you can relax in the morning with a cuppa in bed

Good luck. It will either be amazing or awful.

Make sure there's a bin in the loo and somewhere to hang towels.

I've seen you're putting a kettle in the room which is a nice touch, but if you have a Qooker or similar in the kitchen leave instructions with it!

If you're going for the full B&B experience, some drawers to pop things in and space to hang things, plus a luggage rack thingy are welcome.

@coodawoodashooda thanks - we are not really “people” people and like our own space, but the friends are decent sorts. I know other people who have friends to stay all the time - i can’t fathom it 🙈

Clear communication is always the way forward.

If you need space and separate time, make that clear. If the kitchen closes for breakfast at 0930 make that clear. If you've arranged a day walking the dog on the beach tell them, so they bring a waterproof.
Ask about their expectations and preferences. Put away things you don't want used - the expensive wine that was a gift shouldn't be left in the fridge with the ' help yourself' stuff.

Yeah hide anything you don't want to share or discuss. Excellent idea.

I think if you have a big home it's easier.

Also communicate with them about Sunday tea, are you staying or will you be heading off before then, it'll be about 5pm etc - this starts the conversation about wen they are leaving, without asking.

Much as guests are lovely - its nice to have a clear idea of whats happening and when they are leaving

From experience its good to have somewhere you need to be on the day they leave.