For years, my husband and I have told people, we’d like to have a bed and breakfast or something like that, when we retire. We love having overnight guests in our home. Usually we host people we know, like our good friends Mike and Terrill who are coming today for a long weekend. Sometimes we have hosted people we’ve never met. I know some of you may be freaking out a little here…wondering how we could possibly entertain folks in our home we’ve never met, but I have to tell you, these unexpected visitors have all become lifelong friends…not to mention they bring the world into our home. We met Igor from Istanbul, Turkey. Igor is a pastor who stayed with us for a couple of nights and shared stories of life in Turkey…and we introduced him to steamed crabs.
Dinner with Albert, Irene, Todd, Chris Ann, Devon and Kristin
There is Albert from the Netherlands who is a doctor. He came to do his residency at Johns Hopkins and needed a place to stay for a few weeks until he found an apartment. He stayed in Baltimore for a year in which time even Chris Ann and her husband Todd, came to know him and his wife. Devon claims Albert as one of his closest friends. They are scotch and cigar buddies. There was also the family we had come stay with us on their way to Brazil. They were traveling from up north to the south to say goodbye to family. Here’s a crazy story. As we were getting to know them and their two little girls, they were reliving their road trip experience so far. They said, “We spent some time in Minnesota with our best friends.” We asked them where in Minnesota. They said, “A little area called Prior Lake.” We said, “Our best friends live in Prior Lake.” It turns out, the friends they were visiting are neighbors and good friends of Chris Ann and her husband Todd. Can you believe it?! I think that is why we love to have both guests we call friends and guests we’ve never met, stay with us…the unexpected happens!
As I am getting ready for Mike and Terrill, there are a few things I do to make my guests feel welcome and comfortable. I strive to make them feel at home and a part of the family. We have our guest room in the basement. We use to rent it out, so it has an efficiency kitchen and a full bath. Our guests have their own privacy. I always prepare two baskets, a snack basket with little treats. I usually put a couple of granola bars, fresh fruit and of course a few pieces of chocolate in the basket.
I also stock our downstairs refrigerator with water bottles. Then, a trick I learned from Chris Ann, I fill a toiletries basket, full of items our guests may have forgotten.
Then I write a handwritten note, to welcome our guests and let them know how excited we are that they’ve come to stay.
Years ago, I started a guest book. My family loves to be the first to run downstairs after a guest has left, to read the message they may have left for us. It’s a treasure in this home. It’s a treasure of memories and moments we spent nurturing friendships, old and new. Even kids have left us notes.
What are your tips for getting ready for house guests? Have you ever had interesting people stay with you?
Good tips for overnight guests! I love having people stay with us! I always make sure the bathroom is stocked with tons of toiletries and pampering items, and I like to include a few books on the nightstand of course with some fresh mints also
I love having guests I know well stay with us, so then I can be sure to have all of their favorites things in the fridge/on the menu.
Love the way you make your guests feel so special. I need to book a night’s stay at your house.
Just make a reservation! Only fee…a jar of homemade jam.
i really love this post! you are such a gracious and generous hostess…no wonder people love staying with you. i love all of your details, and am inspired to try them myself!
Wonderful tips and I’d LOVE to stay with you guys! My Mom helped me see our place through the eyes of a guest this past week she was with us. She helped me set up her “area” downstairs. We put a coffeemaker down there, brought glasses & tea cups, extra tea, water bottles and snacks. Of course, we made sure there were extra blankets, pillows, towels, etc. She requested a reading light, rather than having to turn on the overhead lights – I hadn’t thought of it, because the lights are on dimmers. This was much more convenient for her and we had one in storage we weren’t using anyway. I love the note and guestbook idea too – so great!
I love the reading light idea! And you can stay with me anytime! I’d love to have you and your family…anytime you want to visit DC/Baltimore, let me know.
I do the overnight basket as well.
In my ‘net travels, whenever I see a sample for a toiletry, I sign up for it. When I receive it, into the basket it goes. It’s a great way offer a homey touch without spending anything.