Editor’s Notes: For Years, Laureen Gennin has been the go-to person for all things regarding entertainment, hosting, and ranching. She has provided great information to help others. In keeping with the mentoring aspect of the October issue, I thought it would be great to remind people how to be a great host, whether visitors are staying over at your ranch, or you are providing a nearby place to stay for a local sale. Whatever the reason, here are helpful tips to hosting guests.
f you’re like me, you love to have houseguests. I want to help them feel especially welcome by preparing our guesthouses or guest bedrooms to be comfortable when anyone comes for a visit. With the Holidays approaching, many of us begin to think about friends and family arriving to spend time with us. Remember, this will be their home away from home the duration of their stay.
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A good starting point is to think about what you would expect to find in a five-diamond hotel and try to make your guest space measure up to that standard. Although your budget may not have enough in it to allow for a great get-away oasis, you can clear the decks, arrange what is necessary, and provide a quiet place to relax.
No matter how lovely a guestroom is decorated, it must be inviting, comfortable, and well stocked. Communicate with your guests beforehand to determine if they have any preferences, allergies, likes and dislikes, or special needs.
• Cleanliness is next to Godliness (double check for cobwebs and dust bunnies)
• A comfortable bed with clean linens • A place to set a suitcase down (luggage rack, bench)
• Clear the decks (no personal clutter or collections)
• Closet space or over-the-door hook, with 6-8 hangers
• A comfortable chair, reading lamp, and table or desk • Bedside lamp • A small night light • A boot jack, an essential for the Texas Longhorn cowboy or cowgirl • Drawer space • Alarm clock or clock radio • PRIVACY – adequate window coverings
• A humidifier or fan • A flashlight tucked bedside • A magnified make-up mirror
The Bed:
A Good, firm mattress accommodates most everyone’s comfort. A featherbed mattress topper and mattress pad are a good foundation to begin with. Make sure to have a matched set of clean linens (Egyptian cotton, 200-300 percent cotton). Some finer hotels actually sell their bedding and linens now (sometimes you can get some good deals at stores like TJMaxx or Marshalls), so one can have the finest hotel quality at home. You should have feather and poly fill pillow options in case of allergies, a cozy down comforter, extra blankets, a throw and extra pillows with freshly ironed pillowcases.
(If you have a clothesline, there is nothing fresher than bed linens that have been dried outside on a sunny, breezy day – what a luxury).
A Small Welcome Gift: Let your guests know you are happy they are with you by leaving a small “welcome gift” in their bedroom; fresh flowers, a book, pamphlets on local attractions, a local movie listing, or a framed photo of the guests from previous good times together. This is a great time to use your brand on items such as hats, coffee mugs, etc. Do not forget to leave a short welcome note and bottle of the favorite beverage to greet them.
Basics and Beyond: Some basics to have on hand include: bottled water or a carafe and glasses, extra toiletries should they forget something (soaps, shampoo, hair dryer), a selection of magazines (to include the Texas Longhorn Journal, of course).
Special Treats: These are not necessary, but a plush added comfort that any guests would love and appreciate: chocolates, fresh fruit or snacks, a candle and lavender sachets in closets and drawers. When packing for a trip, the last thing there is room for is space to cram a robe into the suitcase. One or two robes at
2017 OCTOBER i TEXAS LONGHORN JOURNAL 53
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