Sharing some information with your visitor will go a long way toward making her feel at home in your home.
Before friends or family arrive, tell them about any activities the family has planned during this time.
1 Send brochures on activities in your area and a list of restaurants about a week prior to their arrival.
Ask them to look the information over and let you know what they'd like to during their stay.
Upon arrival, consider providing them with a print out of your family's daily routine.
What time does the family usually get up for breakfast? Is it a serve-yourself affair? When is lunch and dinner? When do the kids usually nap? Do you go for afternoon walks? What time does everyone usually go to bed?
Make it clear they can adopt any routine they like, but at least they'll know what the rest of the family is up to.
There's nothing worse for visitors than sitting in their room wondering what the day holds in store for them. You want them to feel like treasured VIPs.
2 Once They Arrive, Give them the Royal Tour
If you don't want to be waiting on them hand and foot, you'd better show them where everything is and how things work.
This includes:
-- How to use the coffeemaker.
-- Where the coffee and breakfast foods are kept.
-- Where bowls, cups, glasses and plates are stored.
-- Where you hide the napkins and cutlery.
-- How to use the microwave.
-- How to use the remote for the TV and DVD player.
3 Give them their freedom.
If you have a second car, let them explore the area by themselves if they're so inclined. Give them a key to the house so they can go for a walk and get back inside.
If all this feels like too much trouble, consider reserving a room for your guests at a nearby hotel.
But, if you're prepared, you can have as much fun as your guests. Happy Entertaining!
Mom, can I have a ____? It will eventually happen - if it hasn't already. Here's how to choose
an easy-maintenance pet
based on your child's age.
Sleepover Survival Guide
"Mom, can I have a sleepover?" These words strike fear into the hearts of parents everywhere. Here's the lowdown on what you need to know
if the sleepover
is at your house.
