a public service announcement

In preparation of the 4 different people that will be staying at Chez "our house" at 3 different times during the next 7 days....I would like to thank them all for being good house guests in the past, and share some of the things that every house guest can do to receive an invitation to stay again in the future.   I think that some people have been "guests" only by the way they impose on your space and others are angels sent from heaven.  This covers guest that come over for dinner, an evening or day with guests, or overnight guests.  Even a simple gesture of kindness or help can go a long way.  As CEO of the house we are used to cleaning and picking up BUT when you have more people there is obviously more work.   When guests arrive it is wonderful!! However, your normal routine is put on the back burner and you need to entertain more, cook more, clean more, more laundry, more, more, more.   The more the merrier if you have good house guests... BUT NOT more the merrier when you have to clean up after everyone.  Of course you want to have company and of course you want your guests to feel welcome!!! OF COURSE!! I was raised in the south and brought up to be a good guest and a good host. The home is an extension of your"self."  I am also a Cancer sign and love having friends and family around.  I feel that some people are used to being a "guest" and not the host.  Of course there are exceptions to every rule but the basic remain the same.

Tips for making "more the merrier" when sharing the same space for a short amount of time...

1) First and foremost... the heads of the household should discuss, agree on the guests and outline the expectations of the guest(s).  How many meals will be prepared at home, what will they be doing while they are here, will the have transportation, will they need entertaining,  will they have already made other plans, and so on.  It is nice to have a "plan" and be on the same page... communication is key.
2) When you come to stay at someones house make it clear how long you will be there.  I personally like the 3 day rule.  Although if you are family or have traveled far... exceptions are made.  Three days usually gives you enough time to spend together and short enough that you still like each other at the end of the trip. 
3) Offer your help... but if the host has it handled respect that and get out of the way!!
4) Don't try to rearrange or redecorate.  If you don't know where something is or where something should go then...ASK!! 
5) Help set the table, clear the table and load the dishwasher. 
6) Pick up after yourself... keep the environment looking like it did when you arrived.
7) Respect sleeping hours
8) Make your bed in the morning.
9) Don't leave your towels and clothes on the floor.
10) When you leave strip the sheets, gather your towels and "place" them in the washing machine.  I say "place" because if you are OCD like me you have your own way of doing the laundry. 

Enjoy,  Laugh, Eat Well, Don't drink too much (or you will have another mess to clean :)).  If everyone in the house "chips in" with the basics then you will have much more time to spend together doing the things you enjoy with the people that you came to visit.