Mouthwash in a wine decanter placed in one of our guest bathrooms... the “Bourbon” is even more amusing when I use the amber toned Listerine!
A few of you have kindly requested that I comment on how to be a thoughtful hostess to house guests. Summer, in particular, is a prime season!
Oh, I do love a party, especially when our guests and family come to visit us at Fox Hall, at any time of year. In Robert Louis Stevenson's words, "A friend is a gift you give yourself." To me, a house guest is a substantial gift that accords immense pleasure to my husband and me. Yes, it requires planning and loads of TLC effort, but is worth every minute!
A few days before a house guest arrives, I inquire as to what they would like to do, offer suggestions, and get their feedback, being flexible as to their wants and desires. I think it is thoughtful to let guests know an event schedule with approximate times in advance of their arrival. I do not propose to be a camp director, however! After we discuss all the options in advance, I let them know when drinks will commence in the evening or, if an activity is organized (from attending a horse race to going out to dinner), when it will take place and the dress code if needed. This allows guests to know what to pack, and when they have free time to take a nap, to go for a walk and explore, check emails, or simply to sit and relax.
Mummy always made sure a small vase of flowers from the garden (or store-bought flowers during the winter months) was placed bedside for her house guests and for me whenever I returned home. I joyfully perpetuate this tradition for my children and guests! When I was filming my television episode with Lady Carnarvon at Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey), we spoke about house guests in depth. She admitted to running up and down the massive staircase to deliver vases with the hand-picked flowers which she arranges for her house guests too!
Here are a few of the niceties that I provide for our house guests. Many of them may sound as if you are running a hotel, but from my experience guests always appreciate these thoughtful gestures.
Guest Bedroom:
A luggage rack or two
A bottle of water with a glass on a tray
Something sweet: a small dish of chocolates
Something savory: my rosemary pecans
Books and magazines I think they may enjoy
A soft throw on the side chair, in case they want to snuggle up in it
Two kinds of pillows: soft and medium soft
Strip cord near the bedside to recharge a phone, etc.
The wifi code
A pad of paper with a pen
Tissue box
Plenty of matching hangers in the closet
An additional blanket in the closet
Guest Bathroom:
Always a fresh bar of soap on the sink and in the shower/tub
Shampoo, conditioner and body soap
Terry cloth robe
Plenty of towels
A "black makeup washcloth" (I delightfully discovered this in many Palm Beach guest bathrooms!)
Shower cap
Body lotion
Mouthwash, I always pour it into a crystal wine decanter, just for smiles!
Drinking glass
A basket or drawer full of toiletries: a new razor, comb, brush, a new toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, a lint brush, cotton balls, Q-tips, make up remover, shaving cream, hair spray and mousse
Hair dryer (know your guests! Electric curlers or a curling iron may be thoughtful too)
Magnifying mirror
Hooks on the wall for towels and robes
Extra rolls of toilet paper
A roll of paper towels and a bottle of Windex, just in case they need it.
Your house guests love to be spoiled royally by you! The memories created by your efforts are the golden nuggets you give them and yourself. Once they have left, you can rightfully collapse...with sweet memories in your heart!
S&S has a lovely assortment of luggage racks to choose from!