Hosting a Guest

A guest is most comfortable when the room suggests that his arrival was known in advance and that the common necessities have been considered.

The Edwardian country-house weekend was an elaborate production: rooms were prepared days in advance, flowers appeared upon dressing tables, and the bathroom was stocked for every plausible need. A modern flat with one bathroom requires much less, though the principle of anticipation remains useful.

Begin with the bed. In a spare room, put on freshly washed sheets; for a sofa, provide a proper sleeping pillow, a sheet, and a blanket warm enough for the season. The sofa is already a compromise, and need not be made less comfortable by asking the guest to improvise his bedding from cushions and a coat.

The bathroom requires attention. Clear a surface. This means removing your accumulated collection of half-empty bottles, the razor that has been sitting in a puddle for a week, and whatever else has colonised the counter. Leave a clean towel in an obvious location, not stuffed into a cupboard your guest will feel awkward opening. A spare toothbrush, still in its packaging, is a small kindness that costs almost nothing. If you have soap that is not a cracked bar sitting in grey water at the bottom of the shower, put it where it can be found.

Offer water in a clean glass on arrival, with tea, coffee, or something stronger according to the hour and the guest. The particular drink matters less than the fact that it was offered before thirst obliged the visitor to ask.

Breakfast may be as simple as toast, fruit, and coffee, though it should be discussed the evening before if either person has an early departure. Eating privately and then asking the newly awakened guest whether he wants anything places courtesy rather late in the proceedings.

A telephone charger, a key when the host will be out, and a brief explanation of any eccentric plumbing may prevent unnecessary difficulty. A country house is not required; evidence of forethought is.