How to: Be a good host

Whether you’ve got a whole house or just a dorm room to offer to your friends, it only takes a little thought and preparation to be a great host. 

Make Room
Before your guest arrives, clear out a space for your guest to put their bags and unpack.  If they are planning to stay for an extended time, consider clearing out a drawer or making space in your closet for their clothing.  If you’re lucky enough to have a guest room to offer, make sure it’s clear from the clutter that usually accumulates in an extra room. 

Clean Up
If you don’t clean your room or house on a regular basis, tidy up a little before your guest arrives.  At the very least, change the sheets in the bed your guest will sleep in.  From there, judge the cleanliness of your space and vacuum or Febreeze as necessary. 

Stock Your Shelves
Be ready to accommodate your guest’s needs – dietary or otherwise.  It’s always a good idea to ask them for food preferences if you plan on feeding them.  If your guest is vegetarian or vegan, double check which animal products, if any, they eat.  For example, some vegetarians will eat eggs and fish, others will not, so check before you prepare a quiche or salmon for dinner. 

In the bathroom, have extra towels clean in case your guest wants to shower.  It’s also good to have some extra toiletries on hand in case your guest forgets a toothbrush or contact case. 

Create a Plan
With out-of-town guests who want to explore, be prepared with a few activities or places to visit.  They might come with an idea of what they want to see, but in case they don’t, you want to have something fun to recommend.  Having a few suggestions is especially considerate if you have class or work, so that your guest doesn’t sit at home with no idea of what to do. 

Take Your Own Time
No matter how long your guest is staying, make sure to take some time for yourself too.  They might be your best friend or a relative you haven’t seen in a while, but after an extended period of time together, you’ll probably need a break.  Suggest an activity they can do alone for a few hours, or excuse yourself for a nap.  Once you recharge, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to resume your hosting duties.


-Leland Strott