I’m a big fan of having guests over at the house. My wife and I love entertaining, and we take pride in being a comfortable resting spot for our family and friends who want to come see the Music City and visit us here in Nashville. It can be hard work, but the reward is always worth it. I got to thinking about it the other day, and felt like I should share my thoughts on what the most rewarding part of the experience from the host’s perspective is. That way, maybe you can tap into these feelings the next time you’re expecting company.
Power Rankings: Feelings as a Host
10. Having coffee and breakfast ready in the morning – it’s lowest on the list because while it is a nice courtesy, it does involve getting up early and doing work early and no one actually enjoys that.
9. When people visit once and then constantly talk about coming back – There’s not a lot like it. You know you’ve had a successful visit when every time you catch up with a friend, they’re like “I can’t wait to get back down to Nashville.” That’s when you know you’ve had a real victory as a host.
8. When people notice the backyard – No, this isn’t innuendo. I mean it literally. Absolutely love when someone can visit my house, sit on the back deck, and genuinely appreciate the peaceful view we have and why I’m constantly out on the back deck when it’s warm outside. Bonus points if they tell me the yard looks nice and I know that I’ve recently mowed. Even more bonus points if they sit and watch the birds without getting bored with me.
7. “These candles smell so good” – Yankee Candle, baby. They’re doing all the legwork, I’m just lighting ’em and burning ’em.
6. When someone eats one of the little candies you put out for guests – Thank you so much for doing that. I put them there just for you….and anything you don’t eat will be unceremoniously dumped in the trash right after you leave.
5. “Wow, it’s so clean in here.” – Thank you for noticing my hard work. Yes, it’s even more impressive if you know my wife.
4. When everyone is groaning on the couch because they’re full – That’s how you know the meal hit and you did alright.
3. Someone complimenting the decor – I don’t climb these ladders and risk breaking my neck for nothing. I’m trying to make this place look like a Thomas Kinkade painting. But, if you notice that and say something about it, 100% worth it.
2. The Night 1 beers on the back deck planning the visit – Absolutely love it. You’re reunited with friends or family, and you may have a little calm before the storm at the beginning of the visit. You take that time to catch up before it’s off to the next thing. These moments are pretty rare in life, so treasure ’em when you get ’em.
1. Having a hot meal and fresh bed ready for someone who has traveled far – Understanding the assignment is everything as a host. When you have guests that have traveled across the country to visit you, it’s imperative that you go above and beyond to make sure they’re comfortable and set up for a restful night. They might not feel like doing much, so don’t take offense if they’re dragging a bit. Have a hot bowl of soup, a cold beer, and a clean fresh bed for them to rest, and you will be their lighthouse when tides are tough.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley.
Subscribe to the SoBros Network Patreon here – $5/month gets you instant access to an exhaustive content library of articles, podcasts, and videos created exclusively for our subscribers!
