page 2
	Put wonderful color in your guestroom. Photo ©2002 G. Morton, About.com    Email to a friend  Printer friendly version More of this Feature • Page 1: Entertaining Houseguests • Page 2: More Tips for Houseguests • Next: Inviting Guestrooms Related Resources • Canopy Bed Ideas • Make a Small Bath Look Bigger • What to Put at the End of a Bed Find a Centerpiece Project • Spring Centerpieces • Arrangements for Fall • Christmas Table Decor About Interior Decorating Subscribe to the Free Newsletter Your Email Address:

Meal Planning - I like to sketch out a menu plan on a chart. Make a block for each the day and note each meal you'll be eating at home. Then fill in the total number of people for each meal and any special food preferences. If it all looks like too much for you to handle, then figure out where to plug in some restaurant meals, take-out meals, or guest planned and cooked meals. On your schedule be sure to note event times ("leave for Ted's play at 6:30") so you can plan your cooking schedule appropriately. Cooking a few dishes ahead of time can also lighten the load.

Let Us Entertain You - Ok, let's admit it. Sometimes it's just too much commotion to have everyone under one roof 24 hours a day. So plan a few scheduled outings to seasonal concerts, school functions, or even a movie. Buy tickets ahead of time. Let everyone know when they should be ready and what they need to bring.

Outdoors - Another way to burn a few calories and get out of the house is to venture into the great outdoors. Weather permitting you can plan a picnic, hike, softball game, skating party, or even a walk around the block. If the weather is freezing you can walk around the mall, take a sightseeing drive, or a day trip to a quaint restaurant, resort area, or attraction.

Show Off - Share your lives by taking guests to see your office, the kids' schools, the local ice cream spot, where you got married, Tommy's favorite ski hill, Brittany's dance studio, etc. Or, take a whirlwind tour of your city, hitting all of the major historic landmarks.

One on One - Invite your guests to spend some one-on-one time with various members of your family. Send them on a walk, to the grocery store, out for an errand, shopping, or a movie. Or, just let them sit and put together a puzzle, read a book, or play Monopoly.

Make a Big Deallian dinner and gather everyone around to "ooh" and "ahh" over every detail. Likewise if the children have just been in a play, organize a theatre night and put together a small audience for a replay complete with props. Think of ways to honor those you love with congratulations for their accomplishments.

Next: > Inviting Guestrooms

All Decorating Articles