The Three Bears
Whoever said all you need to know you learned in kindergarten – almost got it right.
We learn a lot from Fairy Tales. For instance, The Three Bears.
The story is simple enough - a stranger visits, eats some porridge, breaks a chair, takes a nap and gets discovered by the homeowner.
It’s a great introduction to three foundational aspects of good hospitality: Refreshment, Space, and Comfort.
Refreshment
Is it coffee or tea, a snack center or a full continental breakfast? Perhaps it is as simple as offering a glass of water after long hours of travel.
Your space and your price point will help you determine what to offer, but the basic rule of a Small Bite and a Beverage should always be followed.
Space
A good host takes a realistic view of the space available and furnishes accordingly. Choose what fits. If you are listing a small spare room, don’t squeeze in that big king bed. A comfy bed, a working surface, good light and room to stretch meet the basic needs. Resist the urge to fill every nook and cranny.
Like good white space on a nicely designed website, empty walls and clean surfaces help a room feel more spacious.
Avoid too much clutter, too much furniture, items that are too worn out or too fragile to be used.
Comfort
The number one comment for positive reviews is a comfortable bed. A tired and weary guest will forgive a lot after a comfortable rest.
This is a place to invest your money, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. You can find solid comfortable mattresses on sites like Overstock.com.
Where guests feel at home
Aside from a comfortable bed, pay attention to the overall comfort level of your home. Take a moment to think like a guest and appraise it honestly.
Ask yourself - How accommodating is my home?
Are things easy to find? Is it too warm or too cold? Is there enough light to navigate the stairs late at night?
As you walk through your space with fresh eyes you may realize there is a lot you can do to make it more comfortable for a first time visitor.
Organize
Organize items a guest might need so they are close at hand
Place refreshment items in an obvious, easy to see location
Clearly label amenities and cabinets
Consider adding a small bin or shelf to organize travel size toiletries
As much as possible, move your personal items to a non-guest area
Accessible Comfort
Keep the thermostat settings flexible
Hang blackout shades or blinds
Consider adding extra exterior lights to help with night time arrivals
Keep extra blankets and pillows in easy reach
Stock umbrellas, extra metro cards, and maps
The smallest of things can make a big difference to someone new to your home.
Cleanliness Above All
The umbrella over everything, of course, is cleanliness.
A savory gourmet meal, the perfectly appointed room and the most comfortable bed all mean nothing if the space is not clean.
The Three Bears reminds us that hospitality is found in a home that refreshes after a long journey, uses its space well and considers the comfort of guests a top priority.
On a personal note, I was happy to redeem this particular fairy tale. My mom always took the opportunity to point out two things about this story:
Goldilocks was a rude guest. Goldilocks was responsible for her own predicament.
Hospitality Goes Both Ways
My mom was determined to raise independent, competent daughters with good manners - and good manners help you be a good host. But the same applies to guests!
The original version - The Story of the Three Bears - centered around a badly-behaved older woman and her intrusion into the home of three bear bachelors.
Sounds like inspiration for another blog: The first rule of guest courtesy - never enter a home without permission!