Basic Tip: Dietary Concerns

Basic Tip: Know the dietary concerns of your guests. Always ask your guests before they arrive if you can. Of course there are the normal food allergies, like peanuts and bananas, but there can be more to it than that. Below are a couple of considerations and cheats.

Lactose Intolerance: If you have someone who is lactose intolerant, you can either use soy or almond milk (whatever they normally use), or you can try the brand Lactaid. I use Lactaid just for sensitivity on occassion, but I sometimes slip it into my husband's cereal and he doesn't know the difference. ;) Lactaid also has a pill form, called Lactaid Fast Act, that lactose intolerant people can have with their first bite of anything with lactose. If you go to their website, you may be able to get a free sample. www.lactaid.com

Sugar: Diabetics usually have to be careful of this, but there as several recipes that do not use sugar. Some subsitute favorites I have found are Stevia and Stevia in the raw. These are available in several stores like Target, etc. Most diets don't allow sugar, but some allow honey, so check with your guests. Sweetening bakery products with applesauce is another idea.

Carbohydrates: There are several diets out there. Some are fads, some are legitimate, but most allow either multi-grain bread, corn tortillas, or none at all. Most also say no potatoes. Cauliflower can be used as a cheat for mashed potatoes. There are several recipes online. Check to see if your guests are gluten free.

Pregnancy: If you have a pregnant person over, do not have alcohol or caffeine in front of them unless they have a decent alternative. This can be sparkling cider, non-alcoholic cocktails, or decaf beverages. Simply stated, whether or not a pregnant person says so, it is difficult to watch others drinking wine and other delightful options when you cannot for 9 months. Other items pregant women cannot have or need to limit are fish (due to mercury), cold meat (can cause Lysteria), sushi, chocolate (caffeine) and more. Again, alway ask as scientific research comes up with more restrictions everyday. It is also good to have ginger ale on hand as it lowers nausea and is caffeine free.

Preperation Tip: Meal Setup

Overnight Guests: If you are a night person like I am, try setting up the breakfast table the night before so you have minimal work in the morning. This can be as simple as setting out plates/bowls, napkins, silverware, and glasses. As an add on, you can also put cereal or scones on the table. I have found that Archer Farms (Target Brand) has individual sized specialty cereals, that work nicely.

A little something extra....If I need to do some cooking in the morning, I usually like to set out some kind of a breakfast snack, like store bought danishes or cinnamon sugar twists, just in case a guest wakes up before I do. Afterall, who wants guests to feel hungry without a way to eat?

I frequently have guests that are morning people and have been told to specifically include this in my blog. They say it creates a nice welcoming atmosphere to walk in to and that they feel loved knowing they were thought about the night before. They also say that it creates the "home appeal" of being able to get food whenever they want.

Basic Tip-Think Hotel, Think Home

There are two things people love....the comfort of home and the escape of a hotel. When having guests, why not combine the two?

Think Hotel. Simply stated....clean sheets! There is nothing worse then getting into a bed at a friend or family member's house and feeling dirt and rocks with your feet. Yes, it has actually happened (I won't say where). Don't leave your guest's minds run wild with the mystery game.

Think Home. Temperature control is always a key for comfort. Keeping a fan or heater in the guest bedroom can help with your guest's personal preferences. While something can seem warm to you, others might be acclimated differently.

A little bit of both.....Who doesn't love the free coffee from the hotel or the normal daily morning ritual of caffiene? For over-night guests, try keeping a device for making hot water and some Via and/or Tea available in a guest bedroom. This way, if guests wake up before you, they can still enjoy this little pleasure.