Tag Archives: guests

Shape up Your Guest Room in No Time

We’re running out of time before Thanksgiving. There may be no time left to paint or do other projects you had hoped to complete. That’s okay, because there are some quick, simple, affordable ways to get the guest room looking great and you can use these ideas at holidays or any time. First, check into a reversible comforter set, duvet cover, or one of those “bed in a bag” deals. By changing the bedding, thus treating what is generally the focal point in any bedroom, you’ll make an impact quickly. There are some terrific and affordable options, and if you … Continue reading →

A Few Fourth of July Party Planning Tips

Holiday parties and picnics can be a lot of fun. They are even more relaxing when you’re organized and have a plan. There are a few little things you can do to help make things go smoothly. Start by preparing your yard if you intend to entertain outdoors. Cut the grass and if you intend to use a product to prevent pests, use it in advance. Then, begin setting up tables and chairs. You’ll be able to see if insects are drawn to the seating area. If so, and if you don’t really have another good spot, you might want … Continue reading →

Overnight Guests? Use Your Camper or RV as a Guest Room

If you plan on entertaining guests over Fourth of July (or anytime really) there is no reason that you cannot transform your camper or RV into a guest house or guest room. Of course, you don’t want guests to feel like you’re saying, “Go to your room,” but you might just find that they too will appreciate a little extra space and privacy. Of course, it depends on your guests, and you are the best person to judge the situation. If you already have a nice guest room or guest house, you may not need this option. However, if you … Continue reading →

Entertaining: Easter Ideas

If you are entertaining guests for Easter, you don’t have much time left to prepare. That’s okay. With some quick, simple ideas, your celebration will look and feel as if you spent hours planning and preparing and no one has to be the wiser. Perfect Pastel Tablecloths Maybe you don’t have a tablecloth that exclaims “Easter!” You can make one in no time. Pick up an inexpensive white tablecloth and some water based craft paint in pretty, pastel colors. Thin the paint down with water to a barely there consistency and sponge some color onto the tablecloth. Another option is … Continue reading →

Party Tips: When YOU are the Guest

My mom taught how to be a “good guest” when I was very young. It stuck with me, so I’ll share a few of her tips here that I’m passing along to my kids. One rule was not to arrive empty-handed when invited somewhere. A thoughtful host/hostess gift is always a nice touch. She also taught me that it is most polite to RSVP with plenty of notice and at the time to ask the host or hostess what I might bring. Many times, people will say, “Oh, that’s all right; you don’t need to bring a thing.” Some are … Continue reading →

Entertaining: Party Tips

One of the best pieces of advice for throwing a great party is to make sure you’re organized. Sure, that can cover a lot of territory, but it’s really all just basic stuff. Try these tips: Check the Weather and Be Ready for it If it’s wet or muddy outside, you’ll need to be prepared to store shoes and boots when people take them off as they enter. Shallow boxes or bins beside the door will help keep footwear organized, off your carpets, and out of the walkway. You may need something larger than you’re your typical welcome mat too. … Continue reading →

Home Week in Review: December 3 – 9

This week, Marjorie started us off with, Your Holiday Notebook: Part Three, continuing her series on holiday organization. Michele finished up the week with, Inexpensive Ways To Set A Festive Holiday Kids’ Table, which included some fun ideas. We also talked about letters to Santa, Seeing Santa, and Sending Christmas Cards, as well as some decorating tips for the holidays. There were also some terrific tips for cleaning everything from pots and pans to coffee makers and other small appliances. We’ve all been pretty busy, so the list is a little shorter this week. You have probably been busy as … Continue reading →

Sleepover Guests: A Dangerous Threshold

A sleepover guest crosses a new, different and very precarious threshold of endurance that should never be mistaken for hospitality. One who does so must tread lightly, lest they be forbidden to darken the doorway again in either the near or distant future. You have to know how to be a guest, and somehow if you can’t figure it out, there’s already trouble in River City. But let’s go over some rules of the sleepover road anyway, just in case you lost your way, but are really on the right track and mean well. Be sensitive to any notes of … Continue reading →

Even More Party Do’s and Don’ts

Modern polite society barely remembers the repercussions of the Trojan horse and that old adage about Greeks bearing gifts. Bearing gifts really has nothing at all to do with Greeks or any other nationality when it comes to being polite to someone who has invited you over for an evening of food, fun and fine conversation. A little gift is a way to show your appreciation. The offering can very small because in this case, it really is the thought that counts above all else. When bringing a gift, think about the host or hostess and what THEY would like. … Continue reading →

Home: Week in Review, November 5-11

Here is your week at a glance, covering all the articles posted in Home this week. This time, they appear in descending order, starting with Saturday, November 11 (Veterans Day) and working back to the start of the week. Marjorie, Michele, and I have been busy discussing lots of different issues. Marjorie is keeping all of us on our toes with more great tips for entertaining. She’s even tackled the tough issues, like getting ready for guests, in “The Guest Bathroom: Scary Stuff!” and then discussed how guests might be tempted to overstay their welcome in “Don’t Be TOO Nice … Continue reading →