These days, things are different. Guests have Needs. And lucky you, you get to meet them.
Here are my big five:
1. Water
I'm still learning to do this myself. As soon as your guest arrives, offer them a drink. Water should be enough, but if your local water supply tastes funky (past guests will clue you in), offer whatever else you have. If you live in Boulder, Colorado, you can say, "My water comes from a GLACIER, beyotch. Drink up."
2. A Decent Bed
Now, I'd probably dig the odd pile of straw now and then. But most people want a mattress, or at least a couch. Provide what you can. Try to have a pillow available. If your dog / cat / ferret normally lounges on the guest bed, wash the coverlet before your guest's first night.
3. Electricity
I know: so high maintenance! But chances are your guest will arrive with something that needs to be charged. Show them to an outlet free of toddler grasping or unpredictable sparkage. Resist the urge to give your guest Before and After data from your electric meter. (Ditto the water meter. Speaking of which...)
4. A Towel
It doesn't have to match anything or be chinchilla-soft, but it should be clean. And larger than a washcloth. Save yourself some grumbling and show your guest where they can hang their damp towel after bathing. It's okay to direct them to the clothesline outside, as long as it's yours.
5. Directions
Nobody knows your city / town / holler like you do, so here's your chance to show off. Print maps. Gesticulate wildly. Got an awesome shortcut? Share it. Remember: the sooner you tell your guest how to go somewhere else, the sooner you'll have your home back.
What do you provide as host? What do you wish you could offer your guests?
ETA: Yeah, I know, I left off internet access. That's always super cool. I also wanted to say that this list was not inspired by my recent visit with family - they're awesome hosts and always provide the Big Five. :)
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2 ate pie:
Since I live in Boulder, I can't wait to try out the, "It's from a GLACIER, beyotch!" Thanks for the tip. :-)
To your list, I would add a home-cooked meal. Maybe dinner, maybe breakfast, maybe both, ideally made with some local ingredients.
We tend to go a little high tech on the map front and offer to let guests borrow our GPS. As you said, it gets them out of the house and independent more quickly...
Home-cooked meal -- great addition, Julie!
Good idea with the GPS. We used one on our last vacation. It was invaluable.
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