Begin the day before the guests rise by providing grab-and-go food stuffs (all of which have been procured in advance). Much like a club level or the hospitality floor at a fine hotel, this gives both host and guest flexibility as to when they awake and seek nourishment. Simply stage a morning beverage station with fruit and muffins or offer a more robust food offering with some hot breakfast sandwiches – which can always be ordered in advance. Note that keeping this breakfast station available throughout the guest’s stay is ultra- convenient for both host and guest alike.
“Setting out a food service or convenience station allows guests to eat at their leisure while making it less stressful for the host who is diligently balancing the needs of both visitor and regular inhabitants.” – Hotels to Home page 167
To plan or not to plan? Some folks like to enjoy being a houseguest (and catching up with family and friends) sans any touristy plans at the onset, others like an active itinerary. Get a sense for your guest’s interests (prior to trip like a hotel concierge) so you aren’t working any under assumptions and demonstrate sensitivity to your guest’s desires in launching the trip. This is especially important when hosting a multi-generational guest visit as you may need to blend the pulse of the stay on the first day. As a host, devise your own back-up itinerary and keep that in your back pocket so you are prepared if needed, but take the guest’s lead as everyone eases into the trip.
