It can be easy to entertain house guests with a little planning and preparation. The following steps will provide ideas that will come in handy for planned visits or unexpected company.

Research a variety entertaining activities before house guests arrive. Provide enough options so that each visitor can identify one or two things that peak their interests. Search online for coupons and other discounts since cost is usually the deciding factor when planning activities.

Get ideas from your local bed & breakfast. Pick up tourist brochures from a nearby hotel or the visitor’s bureau. Include the pamphlets in the guest welcome basket or place them on the bed tray for your guest to peruse at their leisure.

Find out your house guest’s hobbies. Plan an evening around their interests. Perhaps they are a collector of fine art. If so, a trip to the local art gallery maybe an outing they would thoroughly enjoy. Accordingly, a fan of the local sports team might enjoy tickets to a game or a casual meal at a sports themed restaurant.

Ask your house guests about their plans. They may want to visit other friends or relatives while in town. Let your guest know in advance about any activities you have planned so they can plan other activities around them.

Keep your interests in mind. Your guests will enjoy themselves more if they know you are having fun. So, if you just can’t bare another trip to the aquarium, consider visiting another venue close by while your guests enjoy their first time experience.

Try something new together. Visit the historic side of town and take in an afternoon tour. Go to a quaint shop and have afternoon tea. Go for a walk on a scenic trail or rent a paddle boat at the local lake. Do some of the things you’ve always wanted to do but never found the time.

Be inclusive. If your house guest is visiting alone, invite them to join you and your family for an activity and ask for their input on things to do. This will make them feel welcome and you may even learn something new. If you have a family visiting, provide entertainment options that are appropriate for the whole gang. Carnivals, theme parks, sporting events, movies, bowling are great kid-friendly activities.

Provide privacy in a guest house or guest room. Set aside time for your guests to spend by themselves. They may choose to read or go to a movie. Use this time to reconnect with members of your household or to treat yourself to some much needed rest and relaxation.

Don’t let the weather spoil your plans. Have a back up plan for adverse weather. Prepare for rainy days by keeping extra raincoats, hats and umbrellas on hand.

More tips for hosting house guests…