Hosting family and friends for the holiday season is supposed to be fun, but oftentimes we find ourselves feeling like it is more of a job than a time of togetherness. When you have people staying for a few days or a week, planning is everything. Doing a little prep work before your guests arrive will make it so you too can partake in all the excitement. 

By Lynn Norusis

Prep your home

• A deep clean is always a good idea when it comes to the holidays or whenever you have guests coming over. Make sure to declutter any items that are not going to be used and give all windows, baseboards and trims a wipe down. And clear out the coat closet so everyone can stow away their bulky coats.
• Make sure to have plenty of seating for both the table and in the living room. You can move around extra chairs that you have throughout the house for living room seating on those nights everyone gets cozy for a holiday movie. Plan for all of the adults to have a seat. For tweens and younger, floor pillows are a good, easy option.

• If you have guests staying the night, prep the guest room or guest space with useful items such as a basket of toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soaps and towels), a surge protector for extra outlets, extra pillows and blankets, a tissue box and a nicely scented candle.

• In the main areas of the home put out information for your WiFi log-in. One should be placed in the guest room, the living room and kitchen.

• If possible, post a schedule of events the entire group will be participating in. This will help your guests plan their extracurriculars for their stay. If you will be working while guests are visiting, leave some information on nearby activities or events. If they are going to be using Metro to go into the city, pick up some farecards for them prior to their arrival.

Stock the pantry

• Clean out the refrigerator and pantry to make space for all of the holiday cooking and stocking. If you have a secondary refrigerator or freezer, clean that out as well so you have room to stock pile some pre-made meals for those busy days.
• Pre-make dinners for nights that people will be floating in and out of the home. Leave a post-it note on the top with reheating instructions so it is easy for anyone to pop it in the oven.

• Set up a coffee and tea station in a corner of the kitchen so anyone can make themself a warm drink. A single serve maker is a great investment to have on hand to make it easy for your guests.

• Stock up on snacks such as cheese and crackers, granola bars, pretzels, pastries and yogurts to help with the different schedules people in the house may have. Not everyone is hungry at the same time so having these items easily accessible will allow for anyone to either grab-and-go or be able to find something to eat without having to ask.

• Label a shelf in the pantry or refrigerator as an off-limits space so you can store any groceries or ingredients you will be using for the holiday cooking. The last thing anyone wants during the holidays is to have to run to the store because someone used all the eggs you need to make your holiday cookies.

How To Be A Good House Guest

If you are traveling for Thanksgiving and staying with friends or family, keep in mind the following tips to being a good houseguest.  It will make your visit more enjoyable and reduce stress of your host. If you are traveling for Thanksgiving and staying with friends or family, keep in mind the following tips to being a good houseguest.  It will make your visit more enjoyable and reduce stress for your host.

Bring Your Welcome With You

Your hosts have done a lot of preparation in anticipation of your visit – including cleaning the house, accommodating sleeping arrangements and preparing meals for your visit.  Show you appreciation by arriving with a gift.  Whether it be a nice bottle of wine, a scented candle or a gift basket – bring something that your host will enjoy.

Be Your Own Tour Guide

It’s fun to visit a new town and explore when you are on vacation.  However, keep in mind that your host most likely is not on vacation and may have work and other daily responsibilities. Research interesting places to visit in the host town.  You can invite your host to join in but don’t take it personally if they can’t join the fun.

Don’t Make A Mess

A good houseguest understands and respects the fact that they are a guest in someone’s home.  Don’t expect your host to pick up after you. Make  your bed each morning, wash out your coffee cup, clear the dishes after dinner and keep common areas free of your stuff.

Be A Helper

Hosting guests is lot of work.  A good houseguest will help out when and where they can.  Whether it is unloading the dishwasher in the morning, running to the grocery store for needed items or help setting the table. Perhaps, a family member needs a ride somewhere.  Be a helper where you can.  It will relieve some of the stress of your host and allow you to feel like you are helping.

Send A Thank You Note

Once you are back home, send a written thank you note to your host and let them know how much you appreciated their hospitality.