Comments on: How to Be a Gracious Host

By: Michael

Michael — Mon, 25 May 2009 18:05:26 +0000

I recently visited friends in the USA. By and large all the points made regarding both guest (me) and host obligations were met. However, on one occasion I was tired (probably some jet lag also I am 60) and didn’t want to watch TV in the evening but go to bed early. I was criticized for not being a good guest. I said that they were not being a god host putting an obligation to do something that I didn’t want to do when it had no impact on them in not watching TV. If they had gone to trouble to get a film or something I would have made the effort but plain TV, I just felt that the host had the duty to make me feel at home and that was not the case. Who is correct?

By: Barry

Barry — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:00:49 +0000

Great article. Also make sure the guest’s sleeping area has some basic conveniences like an alarm clock, a lamp next to the bed, night light in the hallway to prevent nighttime accidents, good window shade, extra blanket, etc.

In preparing for a guest, I think it is a good idea, before they arrive, to use the guest bathroom yourself to shower and get ready for the day. You will probably find problems doing this and be able to correct them. You might find that the shower head is broken or the electrical socket doesn’t work or a towel rack is needed, etc. It is hard to notice these things unless you actually go through the process of using everything. And be sure there is plenty of spare toilet paper in there. Nobody wants to have to ask for that in the moment of need.

Also remember that you are not just hosting a person, but all their stuff, too. Make some room for their stuff. If you can clear out some drawers and some closet space and surface area on dressers just for them to use, it will help them settle in much better. If your coat closet is jammed, pare that down. And they will need some space in the bathroom. A way to keep their stuff organized and accessible is always a major issue for a guest.

By: Fotios

Fotios — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:07:27 +0000

Definitely good timing on this article. Having recently moved into a townhouse in a touristy area (right outside DC), I’ve been having more houseguests who come into town to visit me, but also the city. A few things I’ve learned :

– If you have a guest bathroom, keep some basic items in there. If it’s not in your main bedroom, guests might be more apt to look in the medicine cabinet (or use whats on the counter). Some things like Advil/Tylenol, Tums/Pepto Bismol, bandaids can really save a night. It’s the worst feeling when you think a guest is having a bad time, only to find out later they had a headache, but didn’t want to impose on you.
- If you will be at work with your guests at your house, make sure they know how to operate your super fancy TV/Entertainment system. Also make sure they have the password to your wireless network, or maybe let them know they can use your computer to check email or whatnot.
- Have some visitor guidebooks or brochures around, so that when they get in, they can look over some things. Also, when your guests do these activities, you can put a post-it note in the book commenting on it.
- If there is public transit in the area, have a few pocket maps around. Bonus points for circling your stop on the map and explaining how the ticketing or schedule works

By: Virilitas

Virilitas — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:23:51 +0000

I like Sean Sentenn’s suggestion, above, about having good drinks on hand when hosting. Let’s be honest: sharing a drink (or two) together helps us bond with guests and get along better.

By: April Braswell

April Braswell — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:16:44 +0000

@MPS - How wonderful. Indeed, understanding and communicating those differences is essential for long term marriage happiness and filial relationships over the long haul. It is all within the purview of the host, is it not? If you INVITE them, then they are your guests, and there is no imposition. Of course, communicating the EXTENT of the invitation, essentially communicating boundaries, and being upfront about that in a tactful fashion is best. Don't you find doing that helps to avoid hurt feelings? Formalized invitations, those in writing, i.e. on Crane's bonded paper, are SO helpful that way. So and so request the pleasure of your company for the Thanksgiving Holiday, Tuesday, November 25-Friday, November 28. And of course, they are family. So, sometimes they will then book their travel to fly out of the airport furthest away late Friday night actually Saturday morning. And we all live with it then don't we? :) On the chick front, we LOVE being greeted with roses at the airport and will often have GUEST ROOM accoutrement. Little baskets of STUFF in the guest bathroom. Scented soap, lotion, toothbrush, STUFF. Some of which will be totally girly and some of which will be appropriate for our MALE guests. All the best, April Braswell Online Dating Expert, Romantic Relationship Coach, Romance Coaching Online Dating Sites Review, Internet Dating Sites Guide