House guests manners matter

CEBU, Philippines - Having house guests is always an interesting situation. Friends do not really know each other until they spend a couple of nights under the same roof. One thing we need to always remember is that they must be given clean and comfortable accommodations. Your character will be reflected on how you treat guests who come into your home.

I have listed here the items that should be on every caring hostess' checklist, under two main categories: Necessities and Niceties.

The Guest Bedroom

Every hostess should sleep in her own guest room at least once before offering the experience to someone else. The mattress may be lumpy or the light in the bathroom may be so inadequate that it is impossible to shave properly or put on makeup.

The Necessities:

1)                            The linens and pillows should be in clean condition.

2)                            The ventilation of the room  must be working well. Check on the air conditioner if it works.          You can also provide a good electric fan to help cool the bedroom.

3)                            Check if the window screens are in good order to avoid a symphony of mosquitoes                                         playing at night in the room.

4)                            Place a good reading lamp with                 a strong bulb beside each bed for easy reading.

5)                            Furnish a notepad-pencil set on                 the bedside table.

6)                            Keep coffee and tea on hand. A                coffee drinker is always thankful to have the means to make a cup in the morning without disturbing the hostess or helper.

7)                            The closet must be aired of musty or mothproof odors.

8)                            Place a small wastebasket in both the guest room and bathroom.

The Niceties:

1)                            An inexpensive flower in a simple vase or a pretty plant                (No plastic flowers please.)

2)                            A small Television set

3)                            Some good books and the latest magazines

4)                            A sewing kit tucked away in the top drawer, and a box of facial tissue

5)                            A thermos full of ice water

The Guest Bathroom. The Necessities:

1)                            Fresh bar of soap on washbasin; a fresh bar of nicely scented bath soap in the bathtub or shower.

2)                            Shower cap

3)                            Separate rack of towels for each guest consisting of bath towel, face towel  and two washcloths.

4)                            Extra toilet paper and laundry bag

In the medicine cabinet. The Necessities:

1)                            A clean razor, mouthwash and deodorant

2)                            Aspirin

The Niceties:

1)                            An electric hair dryer

2)                            Body lotion, hand cream and after-bath splash

What makes a Welcome Guest?

1)                            Unless they are specifically invited, do not try to bring your children  along on the invitation.

2)                            On the subject of children, do not criticize or try to discipline your

                                host's children even if they desperately need it.

3)                            Do not ignore something you break. If it is something valuable, try to  make amends by having it repaired or replacing it. If it is minor, sincerely apologize and then forget it.

4)                            Always accept your hosts' plans with enthusiasm. Do not try  to get them to cancel their projected and probably much worked-out schedule in

                                order to accommodate your special desires.

5)                            Do not become so relaxed in the household you begin to put your feet on all     the furniture. In other words, treat your hosts' property with respect.

6)                            Never stay beyond your projected visit.