How to Entertain an Uninvited Guest

Some people are more prepared for entertaining an unexpected guest than others. If your abode is nearly always spic and span, if you wake up early and shower immediately, if you keep your refrigerator stocked with refreshing beverages, then read no further. On the other hand, if you live in fear of the day that your aunt stops by because she "happened to be in the neighborhood," read and learn.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Keep a cool head. Though your first instinct might be to slam the door and hide under the bed until your guest leaves, this is probably a person you would have been happy to host if you had been given notice. Embrace the unexpected nature of the universe and proceed.

2. Smile big and say hello. Channel your shock into an enthusiastic greeting. Entertaining any guest starts with making them feel welcome.

3. Ask your guest plenty of questions, while still standing at the entrance. As a good host, you want to show concern. Listening also gives you a moment to figure out what, exactly, you are going to do with your uninvited guest.

4. Allow your guest in and apologize for the fact that the place and you are filthy. Clear a place for your guest to sit and offer water if you have nothing else to drink. Make it clear that had you known that she was going to stop by, you would have been ready for entertaining a guest.

5. Talk about your schedule. If you have no time for entertaining, cheerfully bring up exactly what you have been up to and where you need to be during the course of the day. Hopefully your guest will take the hint and excuse himself.

6. Suggest leaving to go to the great little bar, restaurant or coffee shop down the street.

7. Take leave of your guest by saying that you need to get back to whatever it is you were doing before she invited herself over. If you mean it truthfully, mention you would be happy to get together soon. Use phrases like, "call me," "email me" or "we should really plan something."

Tips & Warnings

• If your uninvited guest is a friend or relative, try to put some perspective on the visit. Perhaps this is one faux pas in the history of a wonderful relationship.
• Love the person, hate the uninvited guest. Don't be afraid to make it clear that you are unprepared. If you are too welcoming, the visits might become habit.