Southern hospitality is a two-way street. It’s about guests aiming to ease the burden of their host as well as a host striving to meet the needs of their guests.
Outfitting a Guest Room
Invest in several different pillows—some people prefer them flat and others puffy. Choose synthetic materials instead of down in case of allergies. Supply a couple good blankets or duvets (one light, one thicker), and dress the bed with the finest-quality sheets you can afford. Your guests may not remember the fine points of the room’s décor, but they’ll remember a good night’s sleep.
2. Put Out Fresh Flowers
Nothing says “welcome” like a pretty posy. It doesn’t have to be elaborate; even a single, stunning bloom in a bud vase does the trick. Or, go one better and arrange a hospitality tray: flowers plus a pitcher of tea or water and a dish or two of nibbles. If you know your guests have a particular local favorite—perhaps a sweet treat or a brand of cheese straws from your hometown—be sure to include it.
3. Incorporate a Comfortable Chair or Bench
Provide a versatile seat that guests can use to slip on their shoes or rest a spell. If you like, you can also include a folding luggage rack to make suitcase storage a snap.
If guests are staying more than a day or two, they’ll appreciate having space to unpack. Clear one or two bureau drawers for their use, and be sure there’s a selection of clothes hangers in the closet or armoire. Decorative wall hooks or racks allow for hanging purses, belts, and hats neatly.
5. Stock the Nightstand with Niceties
Add a carafe; a pretty dish or valet tray to keep watches and jewelry; a reading lamp that casts gentle light; a place to charge electronics. If the room lacks a ceiling fan, a small tabletop fan can be a welcome touch, especially in the hot and humid summer months.
6. Make Essentials and Conveniences Easy to Find
Place bath towels on the bed so guests will not have to hunt for them in the linen closet. You might even include a small basket of travel-size toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothpaste, hand cream, emery boards, and such.
7. Offer a Well-Chosen Selection of Reading
Almost everyone appreciates having a new novel or magazine to delve into at bedtime or during an afternoon lull. Choose a handful of books and publications that suit a variety of tastes, and display them on a shelf or between bookends on the dresser.
Be a Model Guest
Be mindful of what you might do on the visit, and pack accordingly. If you’re not sure, ask your host before you go. It’s always better to be prepared. Also make your host aware of any needs you or your family might have, such as dietary preferences. Additionally, ensure they know when and how you will be arriving.
2. Always Bring a Gift
Greet your host with a token of your gratitude, like a bottle of wine or a variety of teas. The expense of the gift is not important—making your hosts feel that you appreciate the time and effort they are putting forward is.
3. Be as Helpful as You Can
Your host will remember whether you ask if you can help with anything. Even if they say no, they will recall that you were kind enough to offer. We suggest cooking dinner or taking your hosts out to eat one night.
If your trip extends beyond a couple days, make time for yourself, allowing your hosts to do the same. Take a walk around the neighborhood, or find a spot to read a book. This will give you host personal time to keep up with daily chores and routine activities. With this said, be careful not to overstay your welcome.
5. Be Intentional with Quality Time
Use your visit to connect or reconnect with your loved ones, get to know friends better, and make new memories. To accomplish this, be conscious of distracting phone and computer use. Stay in touch with the outside world but remain conscious of why you are on a trip.
6. Follow Up with a Thank-You Note
Today it is common for people to send texts and emails in lieu of physical mail. However, we suggest taking the time to write a handwritten note to send through the postal service. This old-fashioned effort will make your host feel extremely special and convey your gratitude. Feel free to add a personal gift to accompany your note.
Photography by John O’Hagan and Marcy Black Simpson
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