Have you ever been in a position when you have friends or family coming to visit from out of town or possibly even out of country and you’ve been asked to host the special occasion? This is an exciting opportunity to spend some quality time with friends and family from afar, but can also be a time of great pressure and expectation (whether from yourself or your guests). It is important to plan and prepare so you can enjoy your visit, cool as a cucumber, and ensure that when your guests leave, they are vying to return! Here are a few tips that can help you prepare for their arrival.

Your Spare Bedroom

Your spare bedroom, which of course will be their corner of your world, needs to be prepared so they feel like this is “their” space, and not just your space that you are throwing them into. Clear out any clutter that you may have around, and provide for them a place in the closet where they can hang their clothes, that they would rather hang then leave in their suitcase. Lay towels and face cloths on their bed, or side table so they are readily available to them. It is always fun to write them a quick welcome note, with maybe leave some tasty treats (think chocolate!) on their pillow, as this touch will make them feel very welcome in your home. A couple water bottles on their side table are always a great addition as well. Most guests feel comfortable knowing that they aren’t completely reliant on you and don’t have to ask for the basic necessitates.

Prepare your Meals

Prepare ahead of time the meals you will cook and freeze them so that your time spent together is not spent in the kitchen, but visiting, as your oven or slow cooker takes care of dinner. To show that you really care to make this a special trip for them, asking ahead of time their likes, dislikes, and of course if there are any allergies, will make it simple to impress and prepare accordingly. If there are children coming, make sure the food you prepare will ensure their happiness too as their taste pallets are usually much simpler, but can be more difficult to please. Weather dependent, the BBQ can be your best friend as it brings people together outside to visit while the food is being taken care of. There is nothing wrong with using disposable dishes and utensils either when it comes to a BBQ meal… there are some great recyclable options and provide more time to enjoy each others company!

Activities

Of course taking your visitors site seeing and enjoying with them the specific tourist destinations that your hometown offers is always a delight. Take them to your favourite local spot that really encompasses where you live and what makes it so special. A hometown favourite here at Alair Homes Orillia, is the famous Mariposa Market. Their Texas donuts are to die for, and after you satisfy your guests taste buds there, you can peruse down main street! The local shops and our gorgeous Couchiching Park/beach are sure to please. Saturday Farmers Markets are also a delight here in central Ontario, that guests from out of town may appreciate strolling through. Remember though, that your guests aren’t going to want to need a vacation, from their vacation; quality over quantity will always be appreciated.

Be assured, that when guests come to visit, they are there to visit with you and will be so appreciative of the small things you do to make their visit comfortable and enjoyable. Try not to
worry too much about small details though, that will ultimately take away from spending quality time with your guests.

Happy hosting!