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janbb's avatar

What do you focus on (stress over) the most when getting ready for overnight guests?

Asked by janbb (62859points) July 6th, 2019

Thinking about this because I am getting ready for a visit from my son and his family. I find my anxiety focuses mainly on what food to have in the house and having an idea of what meals we will have when. Particularly when there are children – or fussy eaters – involved, I dwell on this a lot. I like to have the house clean and comfortable too but I realize that most of my anxiety is centered on the food.

How about for you?

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8 Answers

longgone's avatar

Getting the bathroom clean. I have white tiles and a black dog. The floor is barely ever completely fur-free, even though the dog isn’t even allowed in there.

Also, I make sure the house is aired out and (ideally) smells like cookies. I’m sensitive to the smell of other homes, so I automatically assume everyone is like me.

I bet they will love staying with you, and would return even if you served them boiled tuna twice a day.

janbb's avatar

@longgone Boiled tuna might be straining things!

chyna's avatar

I’m expecting company next weekend and food is the top of the anxiety list followed by things to do. There isn’t much to do around here and I don’t want to spend a fortune on overnight trips.

canidmajor's avatar

I just had my friend from Montana, and my focus was planning the week, fun things without exhausting us.

RedDeerGuy1's avatar

I would make sure that those who wet the beds have overnight diapers.

JLeslie's avatar

Depends who it is.

I guess number one I focus on cleaning, because we can always go out to eat the first night or order in if I can’t get my act together regarding food unless they will be arriving very late.

As far as food, if it’s family, I usually ask the guest what they like for breakfast so I have that in the house, and if there are children I ask about food for the children so that when they arrive that’s readily available. If guests come early in the day I usually plan to go to the supermarket with them usually so they can buy whatever they want. If they come late I’d have dinner prepared, and some snacks on hand.

It also depends how long they will be here. Just 2 days I most likely wouldn’t be going to the supermarket with them, but 4 or more I would expect they want to make a trip to pick up a few items, and we could decide together what to eat for some meals.

anniereborn's avatar

Messy house. There is always pizza for food.

raum's avatar

Depends on the guest?

If it’s family, I’d probably be stressing out about family drama.

If it’s friends, I’d be stressing out about wrangling the mess.

Unless you’re out in the middle of nowhere, I wouldn’t worry too much about food. If they have fussy eaters, I’m sure the parents have contingency plans. And will probably do a grocery run for specific items. :)

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