How to host a successful vacation house holiday

A friend of mine recently shared this photo meme from an Onion article with me.  Although a spoof on reality, in this blog post I will share my summer hosting advice on this subject.  In a subsequent blog,  I will share suggestions on being the perfect house guest.

Keep in mind that if you have a vacation home your goal in this acquisition is to relax and enjoy family time.  The expectation shouldn't be that the purpose is to serve all your guests as the "Help".

Entertaining can be a lot of fun but it also comes with responsibilities and chores.  It is important to outline and set expectations before guests arrive of how your home functions properly.  Once you feel that your home is comfortable to accommodate a certain number of guests you can start inviting them!!

Rule 1: Identify your comfort zones and how you want others to behave in your space.  Before guests arrive map out where they will each sleep.  Be sure you have adequate bedding, pillows and towels.  If necessary buy an air mattress or two. 

recommendation:
If you are having out of town company coming from multiple locations try to coordinate arrival times (particularly if you have to pick them up at a train or airport).  You won't have time to run a shuttle service.  

Rule 2: Set rules and expectations of your visitors.  This includes basics such as where to park their car and where to store their belongings upon arrival.  Tell them to remove their shoes when entering your home ( leave sand outside).  Share your preferred air-conditioning settings, night lights, items you unplug when not home and more.  

Rule 3: Give your guest a designated space for their visit.  (ie: where they can sleep, shower, hang clothing etc. ).  Have it broom clean and give them directions on how you would like it at the end of the visit.  

recommendation:
Leave a laundry basket or area where they can leave bedding, sheets etc on their last day.  Instruct them on how to turn on bathroom fans, wipe down shower, where to discard trash etc.  

Rule 4: Instruct guests on how to make coffee, feed themselves if you are busy and load the dishwasher if they use real plates.  (Encourage them to feel at home and not as a guest.)  You don't want a sink full of dirty dishes.  



recommendation:
Have essential food items including coffee, eggs, English muffins, cheese and other basics.  Stock up on paper goods and  water bottles. Buy mini moo coffee creamers and non-perishables.  If your guest is on a special diet let them bring any special food items they may require.  

Rule 5: If you have a pet specify guidelines on how your guest should treat your pet,  (careful of dog exiting the doors, absolutely NO CHOCOLATE!! or feeding human foods etc.)

Rule 6: Give your guests some space.  Don't experience FOMO ( fear of missing out). Let them go exploring on their own if you have things you need or want to do.  

recommendation:
give them a spare key and access codes so they can go out, return on their own.

Rule 7: Set up a supply area/basket with extra towels, sunblock, toothbrushes, toiletries, personal hygiene, disposable razors, etc.  Guests almost always forget at least one item.

Rule 8:  Teach your guests how to use your washer/dryer and provide laundry detergent.  Assign a time for them to do their own laundry.  

recommendations:  
stock up on extra bath and beach towels.

Rule 9:  Set up some games, puzzles, magazines and TV access to allow guests to find their own entertainment around the house.  Give them a walking map of the area.

Rule 10: Enjoy your guests and keep things in perspective.  A little dirt is easy to clean.  Take time to chat, play games, drink wine and make it a fun experience for everyone. 

Lastly, tell your guests to sign your guestbook and that if they are good you will invite them back again!!   If you have additional suggestions and recommendations please feel free to share these in the comment section.   

p.s. Be sure to take some time for yourself after your guests leave and space out a few weekends before inviting your next visitors.    

Wendy is a Realtor based at Coldwell Banker Needham.  She also works on the Lower Cape during the warmer months.  She enjoys hosting family and friends on both sides of the bridge.   After four summers she has learned how to keep the balance of enjoying her vacation home while also being a good hostess and mom.  Wendy can be reached at  www.wendybcb.com.