17 Things You Should Never Do When Hosting Guests
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Hosting guests can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Whether you’re inviting friends over for a dinner party or accommodating out-of-town family for a few days, making sure your guests feel comfortable and welcome is key. To help your gathering go smoothly, here are 17 things you should avoid doing when hosting guests.
Neglect to Clean and Tidy Up
One of the most important things you can do when hosting guests is to make sure your home is clean and tidy. A messy or cluttered space can make your guests feel uncomfortable and unwelcome. Take the time to do a thorough cleaning before your guests arrive, paying special attention to the areas where they will be spending the most time, such as the living room, kitchen, and guest bedroom.
Forget to Provide Basic Amenities
When hosting overnight guests, it’s important to provide them with basic amenities to make their stay more comfortable. This includes fresh towels, extra blankets, and pillows, as well as toiletries like shampoo, soap, and toothpaste. Make sure to also provide your guests with easy access to things like a hair dryer, iron, and extra hangers.
Ignore Dietary Restrictions or Preferences
If you’re hosting a meal, make sure to take into account any dietary restrictions or preferences your guests may have. Be sure to ask in advance if anyone has any allergies or specific dietary needs, and plan your menu accordingly. If you’re not sure how to accommodate a particular dietary restriction, don’t be afraid to ask your guest for suggestions or do some research online.
Fail to Provide Clear Instructions
If your guests are staying overnight, make sure to provide them with clear instructions on how to navigate your home. This includes things like how to use the TV remote, where to find extra blankets or pillows, and how to adjust the thermostat. You should also let them know if there are any specific house rules or guidelines they should be aware of.
Overdo It on the Air Fresheners
While it’s important to make sure your home smells pleasant, going overboard with air fresheners or scented candles can be overwhelming and off-putting for some guests. Stick to a single, subtle scent or opt for natural fresheners like fresh flowers or a bowl of citrus fruits.
Hover or Micromanage
As a host, it’s important to be available to your guests and make sure they have everything they need, but you don’t want to hover or micromanage their every move. Give your guests some space and privacy, and trust that they can take care of themselves. If they need something, they’ll let you know.
Put Your Guests to Work
While it’s fine to ask your guests to help out with small tasks like setting the table or clearing dishes, you shouldn’t expect them to take on major chores or responsibilities. Remember, they’re there to relax and enjoy themselves, not to work.
Ignore Your Guests’ Comfort
Make sure your guests are comfortable by providing them with ample seating, a comfortable place to sleep, and a quiet, private space to relax. If you notice that your guests seem uncomfortable or uneasy, don’t hesitate to ask if there’s anything you can do to make their stay more pleasant.
Serve Unfamiliar or Exotic Foods
While it’s great to introduce your guests to new and exciting flavors, you don’t want to serve them something too unfamiliar or exotic, especially if you’re not sure if they’ll like it. Stick to crowd-pleasing dishes that you know your guests will enjoy, and save the more adventurous fare for another time.
Neglect to Provide Entertainment
Depending on the length and nature of your guests’ stay, you may want to provide them with some form of entertainment. This could be as simple as setting out some board games or a deck of cards, or as elaborate as planning a full day of activities. Just make sure to have a few options available so your guests don’t get bored.
Forget to Childproof (If Necessary)
If you’re hosting guests with young children, it’s important to make sure your home is childproofed to ensure their safety. This includes things like covering electrical outlets, securing loose cords, and putting away any breakable or potentially dangerous items. You may also want to provide some age-appropriate toys or activities to keep the little ones entertained.
Let Your Pets Run Wild
If you have pets, it’s important to make sure they are well-behaved and under control when you have guests over. Not everyone is comfortable around animals, and some guests may have allergies or phobias. Make sure to keep your pets in a separate area or room if necessary, and always ask your guests if they’re okay with your furry friends being around.
Skimp on the Snacks and Drinks
No matter what time of day your guests are arriving, it’s always a good idea to have some snacks and drinks available. This could be as simple as putting out a bowl of chips and salsa or setting up a self-serve coffee and tea station. Having a few nibbles on hand will make your guests feel more at home and taken care of.
Forget to Give Your Guests a Warm Welcome
When your guests first arrive, make sure to give them a warm and enthusiastic welcome. Greet them at the door with a smile and a hug (if appropriate), and take a few minutes to chat and catch up before diving into the festivities. A friendly and inviting welcome will set the tone for the rest of their stay.
Neglect to Give Your Guests a Proper Goodbye
Just as important as a warm welcome is a proper goodbye. When your guests are ready to leave, take a few minutes to chat with them and thank them for coming. If they’re staying overnight, make sure they have everything they need for a comfortable journey home, such as snacks, water, and directions.
Fail to Follow Up After the Visit
After your guests have left, don’t forget to follow up with them to thank them again for coming and to make sure they arrived home safely. A simple text, email, or phone call can go a long way in showing your guests how much you appreciated their company and value your relationship with them.
Stress Out Too Much
Finally, remember that hosting guests is supposed to be fun, not stressful. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be the perfect host or to have everything go according to plan. At the end of the day, your guests are there to spend time with you and enjoy your company, not to judge your hosting skills. So relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience of opening your home to the people you care about.
13 Things You’re Doing Wrong Every Day
13 Things You’re Doing Wrong Every Day
