The best thing about unexpected guests - yes, there is a best thing - is that you have no expectations.
Until a few years ago I thought a phone call announcing the imminent arrival of an unexpected guest qualified as an obscene phone call. Now I can be ready in minutes.
First, I postpone the arrival of the guest until after dark. Then the dirt on the windows won’t show.
Second, because dust is less noticeable on light furniture, I dust only the few dark pieces we still have. If I know the guest is short, I don’t bother to dust above my eye level.
Third, if the weather is cool, I light a fire in the living room. A fire gives worn cushions and spotted carpet a cozy glow. Warm weather, however, is much better for an unexpected guest. I just have to hose off the patio furniture and pick the dead blossoms off the plants.
What do I do if the guest can’t be postponed? I play a classical CD, put on lounging pajamas worn only for this specific purpose and create the melodious impression I’m to worldly for mundane housework.
It’s all a matter of staging. A […]

Bookmark to: