To freestyle with visitors this weekend?

[ViviPru]

We've got family coming to stay at the weekend.

Usually when people come to stay here, I book a table at the local for one of the meals over the weekend, look into what's on locally, think about a route for a local walk that will suit whoever's visiting, make sure a big shop is delivered the day before with plenty of treats and snacks, booze, something to make a pudding with, lots of goodies for breakfasts etc. I make up the sofabed in the office as well as the guest room before they arrive. I make sure that there are enough towels laundered for the guests. I order a few DVDs from lovefilm with the tastes of the visitors in mind.

I'm feeling buck-wild and crazy well I can't get a table at the local which has prompted these musings. Should I just sack it all off and freestyle this weekend?

Better freestyle than breast stroke.

No idea but can I come and stay please? Sounds wonderful, what a lovely host!

No, stick to your usual plan but invite me instead

It's probably less stressful for you to sort beds and food stocks before rather than during the visit, but as to activities, freestyle away!

Hide in your room when they arrive!

Ooooh, can I come and stay with you? Not on a freestyle weekend though.

Its much nicer here in the summer - you're all welcome then.

In all fairness, DP's very good at being delegated to, so I'm not having a stealth moan here. I quite like hosting. I don't get massively stressed much. Mostly because I make sure I'm prepared. But I've never tried it the other way. I've had a right old heavy week and can't be arsed

I bet you get loads of visitors. My mum used to be like you. She got so pissed off in the end with the endless procession of guests who never reciprocated, that she moved to a smaller house!

We offer an uncomfy sofa bed, and the joys of early morning cartoon viewing. We don't have many visitors!

Yer not wrong, Endo It's like a flippin b&b round here sometimes.

I don't get eggy at the non-reciprocation so much. But with the exception of the guests who are visiting this weekend, it's the level of comfort and thought vs. grating journey that makes me think twice about going to stay elsewhere.

Zombie begins to wonder if ViviPru is a separated at birth twin sister. Their "having people to stay" entertaining styles are scarily similar...

OK don't freestyle - if your normally so lovely and organised it will just stress you out to not have that planned!! I'd LOVE to be that organised!!

Can I book a weekend at yours please???

Hey Zombie :) I'm usually rather zombie-like after we've had visitors

My resolve is weakening. I've booked the pre-weekend delivery slot for the big shop and a table for Sunday lunch at a different local. I'm trying hard to be free and easy but its like I have a compulsion I'm always conscious that I don't want to Do A MiL and turn myself inside out to 'make it nice' only to spend the weekend tired, sour and begrudging. Its finding a balance, I guess.

Besides, it wouldn't be fair to undertake Freestyle Hostess experiments with these particular guests who always extend excellent hospitality.