Having Hospitality Will B.

I have always prided myself on having excellent common courtesy and manners. Especially when it comes to having company over to the house.

Whether it be for dinner, the weekend, or an extended stay, time does not matter when showing proper hospitality to a guest you invite over to your home. From time to time my willingness to extend my hospitality to a guest had been pushed to the limits though.

Over the course of my marriage, the past 21 years, we have extended a helping hand to some friends who may have fallen upon hard times and asked them to stay with us so they could get back on their feet. Nothing will test your manners, common courtesy, or hospitality more than an extended stay from a house guest, whatever the circumstances may be.

But I feel it is my duty when inviting a guest to our home to make sure their every comfort is met and that their stay, no matter the length of time, is a pleasant one.

For dinner guests a few things to consider is asking in advance the guests likes and dislikes as far as food and drink choices and making sure that pets are secured from guests. Nothing is more uncomfortable than a good intentioned nose nudge from a loving pet dog or a dog that is constantly barking while conversation is trying to be had. The same could be said for a cat who likes to sit on your companies lap to receive abundant pettings.

For longer stays of your guest make sure you have clean sheets, plenty of towels and snacks. Give your guest a short tour even if they are familiar with your home. Show them where the towels and snacks are. Give them a rundown of the house’s schedule: like when everyone usually gets up, when meals are generally prepared and where the coffee is kept with an explanation of how to prepare the coffee just in case they choose to rise early. Otherwise set the coffee maker for a reasonable hour. Again, like having a guest for dinner ask your guest in advance of the foods and drinks they enjoy so you may have a ready supply.

When I invite guests over for dinner, I enjoy supplying everything down to the smallest details. Some guests will ask to bring things. I always decline the offer.

As the host it is my job to provide everything. If they insist you don’t want to be rude though and generally beer or wine is a good choice for a guest to bring to dinner. Now as a guest myself I will always bring something whether asked or not. It’s just proper etiquette after all.

With summer upon us there will be plenty of pool parties, BBQ’s, and gatherings of every kind. Its time brush up on your etiquette as a host or hostess if you want to ensure your guests have the best possible time.

This is Will B. saying what time is the BBQ and should I bring my swim trunks?