If you don't have a guest room, anything that gives your guests a sense of their own space is essential. If home is a sofa bed for the next few nights, place a basket or attractive box nearby to house your guest's things. If possible, make up the sofa bed beforehand, so that all that's needed at bedtime is to pull it out and add pillows. A folding screen, bookcase or side table can define a private space for overnight bags, shopping purchases or other belongings.
It's also important to arrange an itinerary of activities and things to do during the visit. You needn't plan every minute, but before the visit, ask what your guests would like to do and have a range of options at the ready. If they're here for a formal event like a wedding, they might see your home as a quiet refuge from the madding crowd; in that case, a good supply of books, CDs and perhaps some board games may be all you need. Out-of-town visitors might enjoy sightseeing, shopping or local attractions such as the beach, skiing or fine dining (make all necessary reservations well in advance, including pre-payment arrangements if appropriate). But if the main attraction is simply spending time with you, build in plenty of downtime for chatting, as well as a night out or an activity you all enjoy.
The key, Amy says, is not to go overboard with fuss and effort – which often makes people more uncomfortable, not less – but to make them feel relaxed and special. With some thought and planning, you can spend more time concentrating on the whole reason you suggested your home, rather than a hotel, in the first place.
“With everyone so busy today, and friends and family spread out all over the country, inviting people to visit lets you connect with each other again,” says Amy. “It's a wonderful way to slow down and take back ownership of your life for a few days. And that's just as true for you as it is for your guests.”
Photography by Sang An, excerpted from A Gracious Welcome, (Raincoast Books, 2004)
Read more in Food & Entertaining and Party Planner
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