“Entertaining with Betsy Bloomingdale” was published in 1994. Although the book is about entertaining with food, it does contain a commentary about house guests. Every occasion has a purpose, according to Bloomingdale’s, whether it’s a dinner party, birthday party, or out-of-town guests. She spends an entire chapter setting the stage for entertainment.
When you prepare for out-of-town guests, you’re also setting the stage. For Bloomingdale’s, part of the scenario was to place a bouquet of calla lilies by the front door. You can put a jar of daisies or a pot of geraniums on the kitchen table. This checklist will help you prepare for out-of-town guests and make them feel welcome.
* Make the bed with your best sheets.
* Place an extra blanket within easy reach.
* Check bed pillows for wear. If the pillows are dirty, buy new ones at a discount store.
* For a fresh look, attach new pillow protectors to existing pillows.
* Replace a worn-looking mattress cover with a new one.
* Clean the closet and empty some hangers.
* Clean tub (or shower) and sink. Make sure all drains work properly.
* Remove any mold from the shower or bathtub.
* Put new bars of soap in the bathtub and/or shower and at the sink.
* Put clean towels (bath sheets if you have them) and a bath mat.
* Place a basket of shampoo, toothpaste, lotion, and a new toothbrush by the sink.
* Make sure the tissue box is full. If not, get a new one.
* Put a clock and a small radio on the nightstand. You may also want to place a TV in the guest room.
* Inform guests of any peculiarities: a door that sticks, a window that doesn’t open, noisy pipes, and the like.
* Provide adequate lighting. Move a lamp from another room into the bedroom, if necessary.
* Add a comfortable reading chair. If there isn’t room for a chair, pile more pillows on the bed.
* Put reading materials (the latest magazines, a book you loved) next to the bed.
* Ask your guest if they have any food allergies.
* Show your guests where you keep your coffee and tea and demonstrate how the coffee maker works.
* Leave late-night snacks on the kitchen counter.
* Update guests on your schedule, such as getting up at 6 am and leaving for work at 7:00.
* Give your guest(s) an extra house key and a map of your town or city.
* If you live in a big city, give your guests a map of the air routes.
* Suggest places to see and offer to take your guest(s) on a mini tour.
* Just before your guests arrive, place a flowering plant, bouquet, or rosebud in your room.
Copyright 2007 by Harriet Hodgson