The holiday season typically means additional parties, expected guests and occasional “stop by” visits from friends who are in town and just want to say hi. Most of us enjoy the opportunity to gather with others, but many of us fear being unprepared!
Here is your holiday survival list to be ready for almost most any guest situation”planned or impromptu!
Essentials:
- Have one room that is designated as “usually” clean and one place you can stash any last-minute clutter out of sight.
- Keep a portable “guest bathroom” bucket of quick-access items. You can always excuse yourself for just a minute to clean the bathroom while your guest thinks you’re preparing coffee! The bucket should include: a roll of toilet paper, a clean hand towel, Clorox wipes, a fresh bar of soap or refillable liquid soap and a disposable sack to empty the trash can. Stash the bucket in the closet or under the sink.
- Make a list of telephone numbers for restaurants that deliver and/or your favorite places for eating out. Impromptu guests should not expect a home cooked meal!
Keep these “basics” on hand:
- Coffee, tea, one bottle of red wine and one bottle of white wine. Remember, decaffeinated coffee and tea are options for all; whereas, not everyone drinks the caffeinated version.
- Non-aspartame sugar substitute, lemon, honey and creamer
- Nuts, hummus, crunchy veggies, your favorite hard cheese and snack crackers. Frozen pre-made appetizers from the grocery can come in handy when unexpected guests show up!
- Stash a couple of your favorite desserts in the freezer for quick microwaving to accompany coffee or tea.
The more comfortable you are, the more comfortable your guests will be. Keep in mind that the unexpected guest is just that ““ unexpected! That means you are absolved from the responsibility of being prepared. Anything you offer is a bonus”and that includes a clean toilet.
