I find that a clean bathroom when guesting can significantly increase your level of comfort in a place that is not home. Your bathroom at home may not be super clean, but you expect more from an outside establishment.
My pre-guest prep work is generally a tizzy of cleaning binge- wrangling laundry, cleaning the litter box, doing dishes, cleaning the bathroom and kitchen, and closing my bedroom door. This tizzy is usually conducted only hours prior to the actual arrival of guests- it just makes it all fresher. I generally try to vacuum (but I have vacuum cleaner woes- I’d love a shopvac if anyone is interested in just giving me one) and light either scented candles, or scented oil.
Warm, inviting and comfortable. That’s how my home should feel to others. I also love “hostessing.” That is, cooking and taking care of others. I’m pretty sure I’ve written previously about my desires to have dinner parties (these don’t even have to be parties so much as, just a friend or two over for dinner.) People, I promise, I can actually cook. I just don’t do it for myself. Invite yourself over- just give me at least 2 hours notice. If you don’t, I’ll only be able to triage my apartment and cannot guarantee perfection.
One recent hostessing decision I made was to actually clean my bedroom and let the guests have my bedroom. It’s just easier. The cats can’t stay locked in one room all night (they can open doors) and I tend to get up earlier than my guests. (what? you don’t get up at 7:30am?) Part of the reason I find myself up earlier than guests is purely survivalist. I must be able to get ready and settled (aka take possession)- shower, etc. If you really want to mess with me, get up before me and hog the bathroom. It will drive me insane, but I won’t be able to tell you so. (oh please please please DON’T actually do this.)
I apparently want to be that crazy matriarch who cooks the holiday meals and hosts events. It’s true. I envision myself hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas. From the decorations down to the dessert – lovely tablecloths, garland, delightful aromas, merry melodies. ahh yes. And it doesn’t just have to be major holidays. I can create these scenes for just a normal day.
So, come on over. I’ll make you some chicken or a roast. I’ll make you some eggs and some toast. And I promise to clean the toilet because I always clean my toilet for guests.
One recent hostessing decision I made was to actually clean my bedroom and let the guests have ”
my bedroom”
It probably is. I decided to do that if I ever have any guests. Apparently no one wants to stay me though.
If you didn’t live in Springfield :-S
I’m not sure why I haven’t been able to drag my ass down there to be quite honest. I am a little ashamed that I’ve never seen your house.
But, don’t you think it would make more sense when you and Beth stay here to have you in the bedroom? that way the cats have access to all the junk they want (food, litter, window) and I can bang around in the kitchen without bugging you. Plus, no metal bar from the sofa-bed to to avoid.