August’s Tip: A Home Away From Home ...

Entertaining overnight guests at home or the cottage is a great opportunity to show them how much you appreciate their company. A few simple touches go a long way to making them feel welcome and comfortable.

No one is going to paint a room just for company, but if you do have a “spare” room or guest room consider the current colour. Bright and cheerful colours like a warm yellow or mint green are “feel good” colours – just what you want for your guests.

Picture yourself as the guest and think about what you would want, or welcome, if you were staying only a few days.

Lovely linen, good quality pillows and double layer covers (blanket and duvet) help to ensure a good night’s sleep. Your guests will appreciate empty drawers for their belongings, as no one likes to live out of a suitcase even if just for a night or two. A basket filled with plush towels and shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, even toothbrushes and toothpaste tell your guests they're special. A wrapped mint or chocolate on their pillows will bring a smile and fresh lemons or lilacs will create a restful and calming atmosphere. An added touch could be a framed picture of you and your guests on the bedside table… a special memory to share one more time.

In the southern states in years gone by, guests would arrive with a pineapple as a thank you gesture for the generous hospitality they were about to receive. The hostess would position the pineapple at the centre of the table for all meals to let her guests know she appreciated their gesture. But, if the guests stayed too long or overstayed their welcome the pineapple would appear the next morning at the foot of the guests’ bed. This told them it was time to leave and no harsh words were necessary!

Next time you’re a visitor, bring a pineapple and share this story, but suggest eating the pineapple for breakfast the next morning … you definitely don’t want to find it at the foot of your bed!