Hostess with the Mostess
As a host, make your space warm and inviting to guests!
As a follow up to my Be My Guest post, being a gracious host is just as important! These rules and tips are from my years of hosting friends and family, and as an AirBnB Superhost!
Whether your uni friends are coming for a weekend, or your in-laws are over for the Holidays, here are some things Hosts can do to make sure that their guests are comfortable and happy:
You can say no. But once you say yes, try not to cancel. Plane tickets are usually non-refundable.
The three-day maximum rule still applies. If your guests need to stay for longer, suggest they break up the trip with a short stay in a neighbouring town, or find other arrangements. Every time I have broken this rule I have regretted it; the only people allowed to visit for more than three days is my step-brother and two close friends!
Set your ground rules before they come; not when they get there. I have a STRICT no-gluten rule in my house, and make sure my (potential) guests know that they won’t be able to use my kitchen if they stay over. I also give them a mini-fridge and microwave in their room and offer to make them breakfast, but this is something that should be up-front and discussed! Just like no smoking = no smoking. They don’t have to come/stay with you if they don’t agree.
Set boundaries (if you need to sleep for work, or if you’re an introvert that needs space). If you don’t want your friend bringing strangers they met at the bar home with them, say something.
Go grocery shopping for the essentials beforehand: milk, eggs, cheese, bread, coffee, sugar, tea, and some fruit. Leave out snacks and beverages. When I had a guest house, I left a way to make coffee, tea (with a sample of teas), breakfast snacks and fresh fruit. If they are staying in your guest room or even on your couch, leave these things out for them with a note!
Gluten-Free pancakes are a favourite for my guests!
6. While the guest should take the host out for dinner on the first night, breakfast the next morning should be on the host. There is some wiggle room here if the host would rather switch around meals (ie the host cooks dinner for the guest on the first night because they arrive late, and then the guest buys a fancy brunch on the third day before they depart), but this is my general rule.
7. Make sure that your (guest) bathroom is ready for use: clean hand towels, bath mats, a rubbish bin, and a nicely scented hand soap in a pump (do NOT make your guests use your bar soap). Let guests know what they can use. Clear out your shower and sink area of things that you don’t want guests using, because they will. I’ve heard about guests using a hosts’ toothbrushes, an entire bottle of $30 conditioner, washcloths that weren’t meant for them, etc. Put these under the sink, in a linen closet, or in your bedroom
8. Along with rules and boundaries, let them know what’s broken, what needs to be done, how to use the things you won’t be around to ask about. Think like an AirBnB Host: Wi-Fi network and password in plain sight, how the shower works, if the stove takes a while to turn on, etc. Does the dog stay in at night? Where should they NOT park? Watch out for the loose step!
Don’t leave your guests on a hard couch with no blankets or pillows!
9. Have a private place to sleep and unwind, with clean bedding. It was disappointing when I went to visit a friend and her new boyfriend and had to “crash” on their dirty sofa, using a blanket I’m pretty sure was for his dog… then having her boyfriend watch TV until 11:30 when I was exhausted from flying. Even if someone is just coming to stay on your couch: a towel, sheets, a pillow, and a blanket are the minimum, and give them as much privacy as you can. Make sure to wash sheets and towels between guests. If you don’t have extras, let your guest know to bring their own linens.
10. Have a guest kit: new, sealed toothbrush and tiny toothpaste, soaps, lotion, pads, Advil/ibuprofen, band aids, extra pillows, and extra blankets. As a guideline guests should bring their own, but things get spilled, lost, or forgotten and a good host should be ready for it.
11. Ask if they like your pets, if they have any allergies to food or household things. If I know my guests are allergic to cats, I try and keep the cat out of their room and off of their belongings. If they have a peanut allergy, I do my best to keep the peanut butter in the cabinet.
12. Know what they would like to do (in advance). Try to create a loose schedule of activities and meals. Your guest may eat dinner at 5pm or 8pm, or need extra rest breaks in between activities. Try to adjust your schedule to your guest a tiny bit. If I’ve been bothering a friend to come visit me and they want to get up super early to see the sunrise in the desert, I get my butt up. If they want to go out super late to check out the nightlife, I tell them I will - if I can take a nap first! In my previous article, I put this mostly on the guests, but do make an effort.
Pomegranates from my desert garden make a great parting gift!
BONUS: As a nice gesture (rather than a rule), I try and give my guests something to remember their stay. Did they like a candle I had? Take it! A throw pillow on my couch? I can get others. Fresh fruit or flowers from my garden? Enjoy! Again, nothing major, but giving always makes me feel better.