WHEN FRIENDS COME TO STAY

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 277, 13 February 1928, Page 5

WHEN FRIENDS COME TO STAY

The hostess who has asked friends to stay at her country home, too often makes their entertainment a burden to herself. She is anxious to plan picnics* motor runs, tennis parties, and so forth, lest they should feel bored with iler company ancf their surroundings. But people are always more consented if they are allowed to amuse themselves, if suggestions are made on the spur of the moment and acted upon, a nd weather and inclination are the suiding factors. See to the personal comfort of your Suests. Give them pleasant rooms, comfortable beds, and nice food. Show them the tennis court, direct them to the local golf course, offer the use of Jour car when required, and put up

in each guests room the list of meal times, requesting that, after break* fast—which should be a movable feast in every holiday household—these should be promptly attended unless notice has been given of an expedition. Happy Evenings They will be happy enough in the evenings, too, if they have carte blanche’ to roll back rugs and switch on the gramophone, or the dance bands through the loud speaker. Provide the latest gramophone records and set out bridge tables, and your duties as hostess cease. When inviting guests to stay it is always advisable to give a definite date for the conclusion of the visit, as well as the day they are expected to arrive. Asking people to spend an indefinite time in your house sometimes lets you in for more than was bargained for, and it is a little difficult to frame a question as to their future plans, even with intimate friends, since, though their rooms may be wanted for other unexpected guests, you cannot appear to wish them to leave. Unless she really hopes that they will be prevailed upon to prolong their stay, a hostess need not feel that she is not being sufficiently courteous if she does not press them to do so. Remarks concerning the pleasure the visit has given, and hopes for another in the future, are adequate enough. If the hostess herself suggests some expedition or attendance at an entertainment, she will be expected to pay all costs for the party, and to arrange for their conveyance, etc. But, on the other hand, when any of her guests propose to go off by themselves, she need feel no responsibility in the matter. other than to place her car at their disposal, if available.