Etiquette & Entertaining
House Guests – A Two-sided Coin I
n Central Kentucky many are taught, at a very young age, to love having “company”. Sleepovers grow into weekend houseguests. Keeneland and Derby serve as magnets for visitors. If you are living away, you want to come for all the festivities. If you live here, friends hope to come visit. The coin flips both ways – you either are a house guest or you have a house guest. Regardless, preparation is the key to a successful visit. Entertaining a Houseguest Planning a comfortable guest room is of the utmost importance. It is beneficial to imagine that you are the guest; what would you wish for? In a clean and organized room, the bed is very important. Illustration by Elizabeth Edwards Build your bed with layers, adding as many as you find inviting. Beginning from the floor, the bedskirt presents a very put-together look for the bed. Add a comfortable box spring and mattress set. Top with a featherbed and protector. The sheet set should be immaculate and well pressed. A winter or summer blanket should be selected according to the weather rather than the current season. Folding a comforter at the end of the bed offers options for the guest. As for the pillows, several firmness choices should be available with protectors and crisply ironed cases. In addition to the welcoming bed, other niceties will make for a comfortable guest room. A chair and lamp for reading is important. An uncluttered closet with matching hangers. A collection of current magazines and several publications about the area and events is always enjoyed. A luggage rack to hold the suitcases makes the room neater. Bowls of fresh fruit and flowers give by Sue Ann Truitt the guest a feeling that the hostess is Etiquette & Entertaining happy they are visiting. Consultant
Preparing for houseguests goes beyond the guest room. Planning events to be enjoyed by everyone will make a pleasant visit. However, in scheduling the activities for your visitor, allow periods of free time for resting, reading or other leisure activities. Communicating with your soon-to-be guest regarding these activities and type of attire needed will be most helpful. Meals at home, specialty locations and events can be one of the most exciting parts of the preparation. The hostess and guest should have prior communication to answer any questions about the dietary needs of the guest. Arriving as a Houseguest There are few personal honors greater than to be invited to visit in someone’s home. You become a part of an established private life of friends. You should try in every way possible to fit into the plans and lifestyle of the hostess. Arrive with a gift in hand or have something delivered prior to your coming. This hostess gift might be flowers, wine, an addition to a special collection or a gift card for a restaurant the hostess enjoys. Carrying the luggage into the neat, cleaned house, made ready for your arrival, can be overwhelming. It is only polite to travel light and have your belongings well organized when you arrive. Take them directly to the guest room, being careful not to leave a trail of “stuff”. Keep your possessions contained in the guest room while you are visiting. Being a house guest means you fit into the plans and schedule of your hostess. As the visit progresses, try to be helpful when you become aware of a need. Make time to retreat to your room to read or at least, to be out of the way for a while. Too much togetherness is rarely a good thing. Be agreeable and appreciative for whatever is planned. Whether you are opening the door as a hostess or walking in the door as a house guest, it is an honor to share a friendship. Enjoy your time together.
MARCH 2016 | TOPS MAGAZINE
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