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Family Matters:  Any helpful tips to make guest feel welcome?  |
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Garden_artist
True Blue Farmgirl
182 Posts
Tammy
Southern Coast Oregon
182 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 06 2006 : 12:42:32 PM
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We are expecting a visit from my MIL, FIL and niece this Saturday. They are coming for the entire month of July. We are so excited!
In the past I have tried to make the guestroom feel welcoming by placing fresh flowers on the night stand, there is a couch with pillows in there, plus I put an Oregon Coffee table book out. But this visit is going to be two weeks longer than the usual visit, so I would like to really make it special for them.
I've read in the past, to sleep a night in the guest room, so you can feel how welcoming the room is, but I don't have time for that. So I would like to hear if you have any tips to make the guest room more inviting, warmer, and a relaxing retreat for them.
When I feel spring coming I have to plant or I’ll go crazy! |
Edited by - Garden_artist on Jul 06 2006 12:47:02 PM |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2006 : 1:15:38 PM
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I have little fabric bags for guests with things like toothpaste, toothbrush, razor, etc. that they may have forgotten that I leave on the dresser - I also leave a dresser drawer open for them. One thing I do that seems sort of "hotel-y," but I actually take great pleasure in doing it, is that in the evenings, I sneak into the guest room, turn the light on the nightstand on and turn down the bed. I also sneak in during the morning sometime and make the bed. It's a little thing, but I know how nice it is to come in to a bed that is freshly made. The flowers sound so nice! How fun!!! I hope this visit is wonderful for all of you - it sounds like it sure will be...
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
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berries
True Blue Farmgirl
475 Posts
gloria g
Florida
USA
475 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2006 : 1:15:50 PM
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This is always fun. I put their own essentials in their room like, new toothbrushes, soaps, lotions, and things they would like to use, but may have forgot or didn't have room for when packing. A note at their bedside is always a nice touch! Hey maybe a new apron and MaryJane's book on the bedside table!
Have fun and enjoy your family, while you are able to. We miss ours so very much!
hugs and strawberries from Richards, TX gloria g. :>)
strawberry fields forever and ever! |
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_Rebecca_
True Blue Farmgirl
568 Posts
Rebecca
OK
USA
568 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2006 : 1:21:25 PM
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Just some ideas:
A small candy dish of goodies, some non-perishable snacks like small snack bags of chips, chex mix or teddie grahams or trail mix in a small basket, maybe some bottles of juice, I always leave out bottles of water for night-time drinking, a local phone book, a couple of candles (w/matches), a bottle of air-freshner (Oust unscented is my favorite). A clock with alarm and radio. A couple of cool magazines, local news mags or fun stuff. Extra sheets, blankets, pillows etc. You never can tell what people like. A small fan is nice in case they need the white noise. A place for their things, like a couple of pretty wicker baskets. Coasters for drinks that sweat. Pens & pencils displayed in a nice cup with a pad of paper. Kleenex, maybe a thing of handi-wipes. Maybe even a few small bottles of tylenol, advil.
Pretty hand lotions, soaps, bath gels. Those bath poofs.
Not to clutter up the place, but just enough to pamper. And make sure there is a flashlight, a nightlight or small lamp for night time needs.
Sounds like I am desribing the checkout stand at the grocery store because you see all these items there plus batteries, sunscreen, bugspray & film! 
.·:*¨¨* :·.Rebecca.·:*¨¨* :·.
Wife of Jonathan, Mother of Joel, Caitlyn, Elia |
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Whimsy_girl
True Blue Farmgirl
576 Posts
USA
576 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2006 : 1:34:25 PM
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I am not a coffee drinker, gives me tummy troubles, but when someone is staying with me, I try to find out their preferred blend and have some ready each morning for them.
you can be oh so smart, or you can be oh so positive. I wasted a lot of time being smart I prefer being positive. |
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Garden_artist
True Blue Farmgirl
182 Posts
Tammy
Southern Coast Oregon
182 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2006 : 2:00:35 PM
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Oh I just love all of the idea's, I am going to print this off at the end of the day tomorrow and use is as a shopping list and last minute set-up list for the guest room, thank you all so much.
When I feel spring coming I have to plant or I’ll go crazy! |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2006 : 2:00:50 PM
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I am 57. When I was 27, I got ready for company (family or not) by spending weeks cleaning, scrubbing, arranging, and making the house look just right for when they walked in the door. Time has taught me a very valuable lesson!
Now when my loved ones and friends come, I cook up a big mess of food, give them soft clean sheets and towels, a nice bed, and a TV in the guest room. Throw in a bottle or two of wine, and they are just as happy as clams. I don't clean and buy new stuff; I hug them and feed them and let them sleep.
Peace |
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Garden_artist
True Blue Farmgirl
182 Posts
Tammy
Southern Coast Oregon
182 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2006 : 2:21:23 PM
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Oh, I totally agree. I am not the neatest person by any means, so I am putting the time into the house (or should I say the kids are). Heather and her friend Nicole are at home right now, helping clean (thank god for the youth!) I plan on shampooing the carpets tonight and tomorrow and then all I want to do is enjoy their visit. 
The first trip they made up here, I was a cleaning fool. Anytime anything got out of place I would stop and clean it up. But I found I spent most of my time cleaning instead of visiting. I would even sweep and mop the kitchen floor every night before I went to bed.
But now, I just want to give them a clean, comfortable place to relax. Thanks for all the tips and advice, the more the merrier!!
When I feel spring coming I have to plant or I’ll go crazy! |
Edited by - Garden_artist on Jul 06 2006 2:22:13 PM |
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Mumof3
True Blue Farmgirl
3890 Posts
Karin
Ellenwood
GA
USA
3890 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2006 : 2:26:21 PM
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I would try to find interesting pamphlets and maps at your local rest areas and put those in a basket along with local magazines. This lets your guests read about the area and have a part in planning activities while they are with you. Also, giving them an extra house key would be a nice thing -In case you are busy and they want to go out to do something on their own.
Karin |
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Buttercup
True Blue Farmgirl
1433 Posts
Talitha
Vermont
USA
1433 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2006 : 5:42:42 PM
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Well I think all the gals before me covered it!!
But here is my four cents! I have been a guest at more homes then I can count!!! A clean bed with extra pillows and blankets available, books, magazines/catalogs, and brochures on the area, snacks available, a nightlight in the bathroom and/or hall to it, and a fan for white noise make the visit so comfortable! IF you really want to go all out, slippers, a cookie jar full of cookies, a basket of snacks, a throw for curling up with the reading material, a disposible camera, a container of mints, a ribbon tied around the basket handle of snacks and around the folded linens, a small pitcher and glass by each guest side filled with ice water or beverage you know they love, and bouquets of fresh flowers ( any kind does and make sure to shake the bugs off!!! lol). And if the niece is young a teddybear bought just for her to keep on her pillow and a basket of age appropriate toys ... but all this is OVER the top..just if you want! Honestly what mattered to us as we traveled the world was kind people, comfy clean beds, a fan for white noise because the sounds were new to us and made it hard to sleep in some places, and the courtesy to sleep when we needed to!
I think it is wonderful that you are being so thoughtfull!! I love to be because I KNOW what it is like to sleep at someone elses home, but I think it is so kind when people take the time to make their guests welcome and I am sure they will have a wonderful time!!
"If we could maintain the wonder of childhood and at the same time grasp the wisdom of age, what wonder,what wisdom,what life would be ours" |
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summerbreeze
True Blue Farmgirl
277 Posts
Laura
WA
USA
277 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2006 : 7:29:05 PM
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I love something to read, books, magazines etc. My husbands goes to sleep before I do and my Grandmother left a little book light by the side of the bed. It was an item she picked up for under $10 and I loved it.
I live in WA and it is much cooler her, I always leave a couple of pairs of fleece socks for guests. I found that my family likes to be helpful when they come.
We have a family peanut brittle recipe that you can't learn until you watch someone make it. I bought all the ingredients and my Grandmother and I spent a day during her visit making it. It is a memory I now cherish as she passed away last year.
Maybe you could have MIL bring some of the recipes your husband loved when he was a child. She could show you just how to put her special touches on it.
Enjoy their visit!
You only live once,if you do it right once is enough. |
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ByHzGrace
True Blue Farmgirl
348 Posts
348 Posts |
Posted - Jul 06 2006 : 9:05:06 PM
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First I got to say there sure seems like there is a lot of sneaking and playing with the bed going on at Libbie's house
Ok now to visitors, I have run the homeawayfromhomehotel and this experience taught me that what everyone wanted most was pantry and frig full of mouth watering food fixings(they will help conjure up the spreads)
... and  my mother in law :::May she rest in peace ::::always preferred the additional extra large jug of white vinegar and I'd be sneaky like lilLibbie and splurge and throw in a pair of new rubber gloves  and with those she worked well alone on my windows LOL  |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2006 : 12:39:01 PM
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Ellen! You're cracking me up!!! I was just imagining myself tip-toeing around my own house sneakily turning down beds... Maybe I should edit that first post!!!  Tooooooo funny......
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
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Garden_artist
True Blue Farmgirl
182 Posts
Tammy
Southern Coast Oregon
182 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2006 : 4:41:47 PM
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They are here. I didn't get to everything before they got here, but I figured I could do little things here and there while they are here.
I cleaned the room, top to bottom, new linens and plenty of extra blankets. I also found a couple magazines I thought they would love. I emptied out a few drawers for them and placed chocolates and flowers in the room for them.
It's going to be a great visit, I really appreciate everyones ideas. I'll write more soon.
When I feel spring coming I have to plant or I’ll go crazy! |
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katiedid
True Blue Farmgirl
601 Posts
Kate
West Jordan
Utah
USA
601 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2006 : 4:52:31 PM
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Hey ladies...
All of you are so thoughtful and nice...I want to come for a visit. Especially to Libbie's and jpbluesky's. Don't buy anything, or deep clean for days on end, just a clean bed, a hug, and a meal....it sounds like home away from home!
Even if Libbie sneaks around and plays with the beds!
Kate |
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annart
Farmgirl in Training
40 Posts
Emily
columbus
in.
USA
40 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2006 : 2:00:59 PM
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I read a line in a book once where guest were coming to stay in the winter,and they were welcomed with,"come in ,come in," we have a clean bed and a warm room."I could just imagene a snowy landscape ,late at night, and tired people ariving .
I love collecting quotations and passages from books. |
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Linda Houston
True Blue Farmgirl
538 Posts
Linda
Lake Charles
Louisiana
USA
538 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2006 : 4:51:00 PM
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I don't have much to add--I have LOTS of guests and my home is perfect for their visits. My quest bedroom is on one side of the house (with it's own bath) and mine is on the opposite. I try to make their room and bath as comfortable as if they were home. I always leave magazines, water, and fresh flowers. I also have a small basket with snacks.
As it has been stated, it's not the cleanliness of the house, it's the heart of the home. I love having them and several have threatened to move in with me !!! ( I live alone) and , Kate, you would be more than welcomed to come down South and stay a while. !!!!! |
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Bluewrenn
True Blue Farmgirl
1122 Posts
Erin
Texas
USA
1122 Posts |
Posted - Jul 19 2006 : 10:17:19 PM
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My teenaged niece came to visit for a couple of weeks one summer and while we both took turns entertaining her (he during the day and me after work), there were periods where she was bored (while we were busy with chores or cooking, or after we went to bed.) We also spent a fortune taking her to every touristy place in town.
So when it came time for her to visit again, we got together a big box of paperback books (at least 30 or so for her to read in bed at night), a couple video games, some movies to watch on a tv in her room, some craft projects and art supplies, and lots of extra batteries for her walkman & gameboy.
That and a disposable camera and a bag of her favorite snacks and she was set to go. It was a much less stressful visit for us all and she went home relaxed and rested. |
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Family Matters: Any helpful tips to make guest feel welcome? |
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Any helpful tips to make guest feel welcome?
