Preparing for Guests
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-264 -- More Projects »
Organizing expert Pam Hix shares tips and ideas on preparing for holiday guests.
- Let guests know what the holiday schedule is by placing an itinerary in a frame in each guestroom (figure A).
- Give out-of-town guests street maps of the city so that they can find their way around. It will help them and save you the trouble of having to give directions each time they go somewhere. Be sure to place a big X on the map to point out where your home is.
Make a list of where items are in the kitchen. Include locations of plates and glasses in the cabinets as well as where to find food in the refrigerator. For example, "Plates are in the middle cabinet, and leftover turkey is in the crisper in the fridge. Please help yourself."Serve a continental breakfast. Place milk and fresh orange juice in a bowl filled with ice (figure B) and serve doughnuts, bagels and pastries (figure C). Have plates, bowls and utensils laid out, along with some napkins and perhaps a toaster. Put condiments such as butter and jams in small bowls for presentation.For serving breakfast to casual close friends, simply go with the "help-yourselves" policy. Leave a note out where the basic items are kept in case guests rise earlier than the hosts.A variety pack of cereals are a great idea for multiple guests. The night before set out bowls, spoons and milk.
Brew a fresh pot of coffee, or set up the coffee maker so that it is ready to go (figure D). The aroma of coffee is a pick-me-up and pleasant smell in the morning.
Make an extra set of keys so your guests can come and go as they please. Buy new toothbrushes for each guest. It's always refreshing to open up a brand new toothbrush in the morning, and it's a pleasant surprise for them. Tie a ribbon around it for a decorative touch if you like.
Guests Pam Hix
Organization Consultant, Everything's Together Organizing Services
13012 June Terrace
Minnetonka, MN 55305-2740
Phone: 952-939-8080
E-mail:
pjhix@aol.com
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