A large part of making house guests feel welcome in your home is to make sure your family is comfortable with the upcoming visit. To do this, limit surprises. Let household members know who, what, when, where and why guests are visiting. Are you hosting a family get together or a holiday meal? Are you celebrating a special event like a wedding or anniversary? Providing the answer to these types of questions will facilitate addressing any concerns that follow.

• Who is coming?
• What will they do when they get here?
• When do they arrive and depart?
• Where will they sleep?
• Why are they coming?

Cover the basics and use your intricate knowledge of each household member to determine who needs a full debrief or just a quick run down of the particulars. Coordinate with friends as needed to help with planning and preparation especially if you are hosting a dinner party or another type of social gathering for in town folks and out of town house guests.