Summer guests - a hot topic continued

Several readers have responded to my last column, “Guests are here to stay - Watch out!”  Kevin wrote, “We have had both good and not-so-good houseguests at our home near the beach. Good houseguests are people who are staying with you because they want to be with you and are willing to help out with dinner preparations and contribute to the at-home meals. They often bring their own comfort foods (tea bags or morning breakfast foods). These guests do not expect their hosts to make plans and reservations for them, nor to chauffeur them around. These guests are also happy to meet new people who are part of their host’s circle of friends and enjoy the encounter their hosts created for them.

“The Not-So-Good Houseguests expect to be entertained.  They want to know what you as their host have planned for them including what you are preparing for them to eat at breakfast, where you are taking them for lunch/dinner and what activities are planned before, during and after each meal.”

Well said, Kevin! As a host, I volunteer to do too much and then can end up feeling resentful. Most of the time, I enjoy cooking a meal for my guests especially on the night they arrive because restaurants are crowded, noisy, and costly. I provide all of the breakfasts too, but find it interesting that only a few guests will offer to pay for one lunch or dinner bill when we are sightseeing - even after I have already fed them multiple meals.

I enjoy being a comfortable guest too, and so I know what I want from a good host. I want a quiet room where no ceiling fan will hum to distraction. I am elated when a room has darkening shades. I need a nightlight in the bathroom or hallway. I must have my morning coffee and adore a host who says, “The coffee is made. Just push the button if you get up before I do.”

Also of importance is the weight of a bedspread or comforter to ensure a good night’s rest. I once purchased a comforter that could trap a 300-pound gorilla underneath.

“All good hosts should set rules for themselves,” wrote another friend of mine.

“Number one: NEVER host people on a holiday weekend – that’s Memorial Day, 4th of July weekend and Labor Day.

“Number two: Block out one summer weekend per month that is for yourselves and not guests. Don’t schedule too many guests back to back. Encourage midweek guests when there is less traffic on the roads or at the beach.

“Number three: Family guests are more demanding than friend guests and make sure they know your rules apply to them as well.”

One woman told me, “My dad is the worst guest because he raids the refrigerator of all my gourmet cheeses and leaves cracker crumbs on the counter before he goes to bed.”   Dad, you can do better!

My friend Ginny Daly who wrote the book about Guestiquette is the most amazing hostess I have ever encountered. Her guest rooms are fun and inviting just like she is. For your reading pleasure - a picture is worth a thousand words. Who doesn’t feel welcomed when they are greeted by a sparkling tree next to the head of a bed with a lovely down pillow?