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Post by jamiecatheryn on Aug 8, 2015 13:38:42 GMT
When I'm about to have company over I tend to get the urge to buy new things, stuff we've been needing but have to put off. I guess I get this fear of being judged, especially if it's in laws coming over. Anyone have tips how to do without? For instance, minor repairs we haven't been able to get to, worn out linens or a few too few items, things like that. I clean a little extra too. Hard to have it all done at the same time when children come behind and get it all out again, clutter and messes both. Sometimes shove the misc junk in a drawer sometimes empty those clutter spots and sort them. What's your checklist for getting things ready?
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Post by oldmania on Aug 8, 2015 13:54:36 GMT
If you are coming to see me, you are welcome any time. If you are coming to see my house, you're gonna need an appointment...
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Post by barefootfarmer on Aug 8, 2015 14:59:08 GMT
I think if you clean up and have a happy heart that should be plenty. But I understand the struggle. Our farm house has been an ongoing project since we bought it. And honestly- all efforts are directed at paying bills and keeping the livestock fed and fences working. There's not always enough money or time to do the other things that we'd like to do to the house.
I've made my peace with myself and my expectations like this: When I have family coming to stay I do an extra good cleaning in the house, on the porch and the walkway from the drive to my front door. Make sure the bedroom they will be using has clean sheets, fluffed blankets, freshly vacuumed etc. I plan out some of my best recipes and keep everyone fed. And I mean, overfed. Muffins anyone? Have a slice of pie..keep them thinking about how delicious that plate of food is and their mind off my outdated kitchen. I let them know ahead of time if I won't have much time for visiting due to farm work or whatever. Being upfront helps me not feel so guilty if I can't just hang out all day. And I don't make any excuses for anything. Why give them fodder for considering my farm life isn't the best thing in the whole world? And finally, I just say no to most requests for visits. My mother in law is the one exception. She's been known to say "I'm old, what are they going to do, tell me no?" As she makes her yearly travel plans to visit all of her kids.
The worst thing you can do is run out and buy a lot of stuff that you really don't have budgeted out and then be stuck with the repercussions after everyone leaves. Remember, in most cases your company is coming because they want to see YOU!
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Post by susannah on Aug 10, 2015 17:24:33 GMT
We live on a lake in a vacation area - company seems to be our way of life, especially in summer.  Because the house has been in constant flux - and always in the middle of some project - it's never been the picture perfect, always company ready house I grew up in. But while mom was obsessive about always having a spotless home, she never was relaxed about it. Apologized to guests if one thing was out of place. It was like visiting a museum, I think - and I know for a fact that some guests were uncomfortable for that reason. My cousin and I were just talking about that. So, I'm pretty laid back when company comes. Last year, guests heard things like "This used to be a room that had one big pink hot tub, nothing else. It will be a powder room some time in the next year. That stack of tiles? That's what the floor will look like. You just need to use a little imagination." That being said I do like my house to be clean when company comes. And organized. Because, well, I live here and if I have trouble finding something, imagine how hard it would be for my guests. So decluttered, clean and reasonably organized are my big things. |
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Post by shellymay on Aug 10, 2015 17:40:58 GMT
I agree with Barefootfarmer, do a good cleaning and feed everyone well and enjoy the visit
with family...
Heck you said it was inlaws and surely they know their son is doing the best he and family can
with what you have and can afford...
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Post by barefootfarmer on Aug 10, 2015 17:50:29 GMT
Ha!Ha! susannah- I had to laugh at your description. When my mother in law came for her annual visit in July our one and only bathroom was in the middle of a remodel. As in...the night before her plane arrived we could stand in the middle of the bathroom with our feet on the actual dirt ground as we nailed in the sub floor. She's a good sport, though. |
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Post by snoozy on Aug 20, 2015 19:10:59 GMT
If you're doing any more than putting up fresh flystrips, you're spoiling your guests and they'll never leave.
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Post by wanda1950 on Sept 17, 2015 17:48:14 GMT
If I invited them, I try to get the house cleaned & good meals planned and shopped for if I need to. Usually this is a frantic operation as my house is pretty cluttered & messy. My family will usually call a few days ahead & I also do the "white tornado" routine. The last few years I'm not able to do as much & if the ceiling fans have cobwebs they just have to accept it.
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Post by Homesteader on Sept 18, 2015 15:51:45 GMT
If I invited them, I try to get the house cleaned & good meals planned and shopped for if I need to. Usually this is a frantic operation as my house is pretty cluttered & messy. My family will usually call a few days ahead & I also do the "white tornado" routine. The last few years I'm not able to do as much & if the ceiling fans have cobwebs they just have to accept it. Wait, what? You mean I am supposed to get rid of cobwebs? |
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Post by shellymay on Sept 18, 2015 17:03:17 GMT
If I invited them, I try to get the house cleaned & good meals planned and shopped for if I need to. Usually this is a frantic operation as my house is pretty cluttered & messy. My family will usually call a few days ahead & I also do the "white tornado" routine. The last few years I'm not able to do as much & if the ceiling fans have cobwebs they just have to accept it. Wait, what? You mean I am supposed to get rid of cobwebs? NO not this time of year as they are Holloween decorations  |
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