Out
of Town Guests
12-30-05
Dear
Kathi,
I have dear friends coming into town for the holidays and
they will stay with us into the first week of January. I am
feeling a bit apprehensive about how to plan for all of the
dinners and outings. I have to work almost every day that
they are here and won’t be able to spend as much time
with them as I would like. I want to make sure they have a
good time even though I can’t be with them except in
the evenings. Any suggestions on ways to plan for their visit
ahead of time?
Sue, Carmel Valley
Sue,
For starters, realize that you can’t be their tour guide
during their whole stay. They are grown up and certainly will
recognize your limitations as a hostess because of your work
schedule.
An easy and thoughtful thing to do for them is to create a
day-trip binder. Visit your local Chamber of Commerce, or
better yet, head to the airport or nearby car rental office
to pick up tourist brochures and publications about area events
and attractions. Put all of these brochures into clear pockets
or hole-punch them and group them in similar categories in
a three-ring binder to provide many interesting activities
for them to explore on their own while you are busy at work.
You can also earmark a few favorites on your Internet for
more things to do in San Diego. Two of the more interesting
websites are http://www.AroundAndAboutSanDiego.com, which
shows virtual tours of various county locations to explore,
and http/www. sandiego.org, sponsored by the Convention Visitors
Bureau.
Provision your guest room with nice bedding and cushy pillows
to help your guests sleep better. A reading lamp and a few
magazines by the bed will help them acclimate to the guestroom.
One elegant hostess I was lucky to be a guest of placed a
decanter of liqueur, a crystal liqueur glass, and a small
covered cut glass bowl of nuts on an embroidered cloth lined
silver tray on the bedside table. If your guests don’t
drink alcohol, a decanter of water with a small glass will
also provide a thoughtful touch.
A nightlight in the hallway and bathroom will help them find
their way in the dark of the night.
On the first night of their visit, prepare a meal so that
you can all sit together and catch up on each other’s
lives. This will start their trip off on a good note and will
relieve you from other formal meals during their stay. If
there is no time to prepare a full meal, have a small appetizer
set up and then take them out to dinner that evening.
Prepare a few casserole dishes in advance if time permits
and stow them in your freezer. You can leave instructions
for heating with a family member. This way you will have a
few painless dinners taken care of for your guests.
Buy bagels, cereals, jams, juices and eggs and let them know
they can sample anything they wish from your fridge throughout
the day. If they are late risers put a pot of coffee on for
them as you leave for work. For the midday meal they can surely
make do on their own.
Make your guests feel extra special! With a guest basket they
will know how much you have looked forward to their visit
and how much you appreciate them.
FOR YOUR GUEST BASKET:
Shampoo
Crème Rinse (or shampoo/conditioner combo)
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Dental Floss
Comb
Deodorant
Bath Gel or Shower Wash
Bottle of Water
Fingernail Clippers
Lint Brush
Sewing Kit
Small perfume/cologne samples
Additional Provisions:
Towel
Washcloth
Bathrobe
Have fun with your guests and don’t worry about them
when you are at work. They will appreciate your efforts to
make them comfortable. Treat yourself to a relaxed visit with
them during your off hours. Have fun playing like a tourist
or guide in your own town. Enjoy!
