Things You'll Need:
- Calendar
- Small notepad
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Step 1
Count how many people you are hosting, what date and time they expect to arrive and depart, and whether they have any special needs. Write this down in your notepad and on your calendar. After you have a clear head count and note any special dietary concerns, you can plan a menu. This does not have to be elaborate, but should include snacks to be left out and at least one main meal that will be served as lunch, with enough for leftovers, such as a spiral cut ham or turkey.
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Step 2
Make the appropriate sleeping arrangements and write them down. If you don't have enough beds, ask your friends or neighbors if they have futons or air-beds you could borrow. These are easily set up and serve as suitable beds for a weekend. Children may not even need beds. They are perfectly happy to camp out in sleeping bags on the floor. This is also a good time to reflect on how others accommodate large groups. Your guests realize you are not a bed and breakfast and do not expect grand suites.
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Step 3
Start cooking about a week before your guests arrive. Make-ahead dishes are perfect for large crowds and typically freeze well. This is the time to make batches of cookies, bars and other desserts that can easily be pulled out as needed. Get to the market and use your notes from your notepad to get your groceries for the weekend. Be sure to check all recipes you plan to use to ensure you have all the ingredients. Stock your bar with everyone's favorite drinks and kid-friendly beverages, too.
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Step 4
Plan a casual itinerary. Expect it to be rearranged or even ignored at times, but having a plan is always a good idea. If there are holiday festivities going on and your guests would enjoy them, pencil them in. If the crowd is an active bunch, plan for some outdoor activities, such as sledding, skating, hiking or boating. Not everyone has to participate, and sometimes splitting into 2 or more groups works best.
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Step 5
Get your house in order 2 days before everyone arrives. This means washing all linens you'll use, taking inventory of your food and drink, and ensuring you have enough toilet paper, paper towels, tissues and napkins. Do a thorough cleaning and have additional beds delivered. Make up all the beds and be sure you have enough towels and washcloths for each guest.
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Step 6
Prepare your guests' baskets the day before the festivities begin. For each guest or each family, fill a basket with the needed number of towels, washcloths, scrubbies, bar soap and body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, bottled water and any other item to make their stay comfortable. Leave a welcoming note on each pillow with your casual itinerary so they know what to expect.
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Step 7
Anticipate the arrival of each holiday guest. If they will be there for a meal, have it prepared and the table set so you can greet your friends and family without having to spend time in the kitchen. As they arrive, direct them to their sleeping areas and let them get settled in. When everyone's comfortable, put on your host hat and help them enjoy their time. Because you did so much prep work and are organized, your holiday hosting should be a breeze. You'll spend time with your guests and won't be running around trying to round up an extra roll of toilet paper. Being prepared and having realistic expectations makes hosting holiday weekends uncomplicated and fun for everyone.
