As someone who has previously owned a cottage, and now a vacation home in Florida, I know how many people love to visit. I do love to entertain, and I am always much happier with a full house. But just as you may have favorite holiday homes to be invited to, I have a favorite kind of weekend guest. One thing I can tell you is, never arrive empty handled or sit idle. People often phone and say "is there anything I can bring?" Usually the shopping's been done and meals planned, so there's nothing really "necessary" to pick up. It's also awkward for the host to suggest something to bring. Who really wants to tell a guest to bring a 40 ounce-er of Southern Comfort. So, to help you out, Every now and then, I'm going to feature "Perfect Guest Fare", so you can get some tips and get invited back.
One thing I go through a ton of is soap. Many people = Many showers and I hate having soggy messes of wilted soap. Lovely fresh bars in both the powder room and main bath are a welcoming treat. My choice would be handmade bars such as these above (look at farmers and craft markets) or organic vegetable based bars from the health food store. Buy a stack...not just one or two. Bunch them together with a ribbon, or toss them casually into a re-used wicker basket and arrive with your fragrant gift and several bottles of wine and you're sure to have made a welcome entrance.
I agree! Quality soaps and bottles of something nice are always a winner. Homemade sauces in nice jars, pesto, for example, or jams are always lovely/useful too. My mother in law usally brings a basket of what is growing in their kitchen garden and in the summer, if the journey isn't too long, I usually take an armful of fresh flowers from my garden too. x
ReplyDeleteHooray for this post Chania. Having 'hosted' many, many, many friends and family members over the years, I'm astonished how few people actually know how to be a houseguest. All it takes is a few minutes of thought. Put yourself in your host/hostess shoes and just imagine all the shopping, prepping, laundry, cooking, cleaning just one visit takes...now multiply by many.
ReplyDeleteI have wonderful friends who wouldn't dream of showing up empty-handed, everything from their favourite breakfast cereal, to a cuddly house-robe for me to wear when they've gone...and others who show up, plop themselves by the pool and treat the place like an hotel!
No prizes for guessing which ones are invited back!
Well this is good news. I a rarely a guest at anything, nor have I had too much time to be a host. So I will remember this as my life is slowing down to a normal existence, and maybe I will have the opportunity to be one of the above.
ReplyDeleteAgree with all . . . personally, a handmade soap freak like I am, giving and receiving is perfect. Left hand type not my best . . . hope I am back in action soon with a glass of Pinot in my right hand . . .
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I'll be watching for more of these tips in the future too! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAh, I'll enjoy this series. I'd very much welcome some gift soap too, but was planning on lugging along a beautifully upholstered antique pink Queen Anne chair when I visit yourself, Chania.
ReplyDeleteSo, now I know. Check! The BIG bottle of Southern Comfort! Got it! This will be a great series Chania. I love it when people think to bring a little something that is not only thoughtful, pretty, but useful too. Now, exactly what do you mix your SC with or will you be needing shot glasses as well? Hmmmm? Ann
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great series...I try to bring a desert a main & of course wine! But Southern Comfort sounds great! Will be eagerly waiting for more tips...I love the soap one..so smart & DELIGHTFUL!
ReplyDeletep.s. Love your muslin bags!
ReplyDeleteI always love to give something to the hostess, whether it's for dinner or the weekend. The typical flowers and wine have gotten old so I'm really looking forward to this series...great idea! I never would have thought of giving soap...love it though.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your great ideas you share!
I have become addicted to buying pretty soaps now. And I don't mean just the pretty scent but the packaging too. Love!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're doing these posts. I'm never sure of what I should take!
ReplyDeleteI love the scents from hand made soaps. My friend Kiley has a little shop where she makes soaps and I am so excited when she gives me samples of new recipes that she is thinking of adding to her line. They truly are a lovely hostess gift.
ReplyDeleteLove this idea! We used to have the same problem at our cottage and it's so lovely when guests arrive with something thoughtful and practical - its the thought and not the cost that counts :)
ReplyDeleteHi Chania, just found your blog through Jacqueline...love it!! Refreshing, honest and fun to read...just skimmed through several posts....I shall be visiting often, N. xo
ReplyDeleteBRILLIANT idea! I shall be circulating this post anonymously to my London friends who are suspiciously more fond of visiting me now that I live in the countryside - lol! x
ReplyDeletep.s. LOVE those images - utterly beautiful - with those soaps you are welcome in Norfolk anytime!
Okay, I think I am losing my mind. I thought I commented on this post! I love the idea of hostess suggestions. I think I might be in a rut in that department. We often head up to the Charlevoix area to stay in a lovely summer home but tend to make the same stops along the way for goodies. Perhaps they are sick and tired of our goodies!?? Samos has always been a favourite along with some local Migneron cheese picked up directly from the source outside of Baie Saint Paul. But you know I bet they are tired of it. Okay, so you got my attention....100%.
ReplyDeleteLovely soaps - and this feature idea is brilliant - can't wait to see more!
ReplyDeletehttp://paintwinerepeat.blogspot.com
Hi just found your blog thru Just Beachy.
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of the soap.
It's nice to meet a fellow Canadian.