| p>Besides cups of spiced eggnog, late-night office | | | | ironing board, iron, and spray water bottle in an easily |
| parties, and kisses under the mistletoe, for many of us, | | | | accessible location, and show your guests where to |
| the holiday season also brings...guests. This is especially | | | | find it. Most travelers come complete with cell phone |
| true if you live in a sought-after destination like our San | | | | (and charger), so point them in the direction of the |
| Francisco. But whether the thought of friends and | | | | power outlet. Think about the basics that you'd want |
| family camping out on your sofa bed triggers | | | | or need, and prepare the same for your guests. |
| excitement or dread (or maybe a bit of both), I have | | | | 3. Think of yourself as a concierge. Many people feel |
| three simple-to-follow suggestions guaranteed to make | | | | that they need to be a tour guide, chauffer, and chef |
| the whole experience an easy one for you, and a | | | | to their guests. Instead of running your guests around |
| special one for them. | | | | (and yourself ragged), give them options and let them |
| 1. Prepare in advance. For many us, hosting guests can | | | | decide what to do. Imagine yourself as a concierge-a |
| be stressful. But in part, that's because we're rushing | | | | gateway to services and entertainment-rather than as |
| around at the last minute trying to clean up our home, | | | | a tour guide. Get a good tour book of San Francisco, |
| or fill the fridge moments before they arrive, or | | | | along with copies of current issues of local weekly |
| worse...after they arrive. If it seems like you're always | | | | magazines, and your guests can choose from among |
| scrambling when it's time to entertain out-of-towners, | | | | the multitude of things to do, places to see, and |
| then make a list of what needs to be done, and work | | | | cuisines to enjoy. If you know that your guests have |
| on it a day or two before they roll into town. | | | | special interests or needs, make a few notes of |
| 2. Become a hotel. One of the easiest ways to | | | | attractions, events, or restaurants that they might like, |
| prepare for hosting guests is to imagine your home as | | | | and add them to the entertainment package. Make |
| a hotel or bed-and-breakfast-because that's what it will | | | | sure to obtain a new Muni map, the phone numbers to |
| be for your guests. While you don't need to strive for | | | | cab companies, and give these to your guests along |
| four-star service, consider the amenities that hotels | | | | with the rest of the bundle. |
| keep in guest rooms, and you'll have an idea of what | | | | This holiday season, give yourself a gift-the gift of a |
| to prepare for a "guest kit." Take care of the basics | | | | stress-free hosting experience. Not only will you |
| first. Make sure your home is stocked with | | | | actually be able to enjoy their company instead of |
| easy-to-grab snacks and small water bottles so that | | | | running last minute errands, or having to put your life on |
| your guests can take them on their way out. Gather | | | | hold giving tours of the city, but your guests will have |
| together linens such as towels, washcloths, and sheets, | | | | one of their most memorable stays in San Francisco, |
| along with fresh bars of soap or shower gel, and have | | | | and will count your attention to their needs as a |
| them ready for your guests when they arrive. Put the | | | | wonderful part of that experience! |