Let me start by saying, I am not a panic ridden, anxiety prone person. It may appear that way from my articles, but normally, I am a kick back, play it as it lays sort of gal, with a tendency towards going with the flow rather than organizing against it. That being said, I have to tell you that I have been through the ringer with houseguests lately and I’m pleased to say that instead of throwing in the towel and sending them to the nearest motel, (with a smile on my face, mind you,) I’ve discovered some tricks and secrets that can make an impromptu gathering less of a nightmare.

Maybe you don’t live in a tourist friendly place, like I do: the kind of place that lures people out of their homes with promises of relaxing, romantic getaways, carefree ocean sprays nearby, and scenery peaking out from behind every lush green mountain top. But still, you will inevitably have houseguests, be it in-laws, friends, kids’ friends, spousal friends, or the boss and his (or her) spouse. I have come up with some things that will make the visit as pleasant (and frugal,) as possible for you: the gracious host.

1. Make food at home. This will prevent the tug of war at restaurants that can happen with the check. I’m not sure how exactly etiquette works on this one. I always feel as if I should pick up the check when guests come. But aren’t I giving them a place to stay? Best to stay away from this scene altogether. Maybe show them your favorite (bargain) place on their last night. Or better yet, make it a lunch meal. That should cut a significant amount off the bill. Also, order as cheaply as possible. Split a sandwich and an appetizer with your spouse or child. Order water instead of a drink. It all adds up.

2. Make food at home cheaply. I struggled with this one. I had to look at the pantry a few times before I got creative enough to make this one work. My college-aged sister came to visit with her two college friends while my father in law was visiting us. It was a full house in our 1,000 sq ft. apartment to say the least. But while they were blowing up air mattresses, unrolling sleeping bags, and positioning the sleeper sofa, I was staring at my pantry, trying to turn a few cans of tuna into tuna casserole. Ok, it wasn’t that bad. But I panicked. I had to walk away from the pantry and think…really hard. I had pasta. Then I remembered the frozen ground turkey in the freezer, the almost full jar of pasta sauce and the sandwich rolls. I added two cans of diced tomatoes to the sauce to stretch it, sautéed the turkey, cooked the pasta and grilled the sandwich rolls with garlic powder, salt, paprika and oregano to make garlic bread. Everyone ate like kings and went to bed full. Phew. But what about breakfast? The next morning I started with the idea to make omelets, only I didn’t have enough eggs. Having fun with my self-imposed restriction on going to the store, I thought about what else would work. Pancakes are great in this scenario. I didn’t have mix, so I pulled a recipe out and made it the old fashioned way. Flour, baking powder, salt, you get the picture. But I was out of syrup. I found a recipe for syrup that made the pancakes taste like cinnamon buns. It was amazing, and simple. I’ll leave the recipes for you below to try. I’ll never buy syrup again…not even the maple stuff.

3. Remember who they are. With college kids, it’s more like zoo feeding time, while with more mature guests, it’s about the presentation. Both have different arenas of stress, (i.e. one is more about quantity and the other quality,) just make sure you aren’t overdoing it. Don’t put parsley on a college kid’s plate, and don’t worry about running out of food with the boss’ wife.

4. Remember what it’s like to be a guest. You know when you’re on your vacation, calories don’t count? It’s the same way with most people. Something they wouldn’t eat every day, they might indulge on a holiday weekend. So don’t concern yourself too much with pricey organic or low fat foods. If you do have a particular guest, just let them know, very sweetly, and with a smile on your face, where your grocery store is. If they don’t have a car, hand them your keys as you head off to the kitchen to run the dishwasher…yet again. The trick here is, it’s all about the smile.

5. Remember they came to see you, not to have four-star service. Unless you have a sadistic mother-in-law, (hey, I’ve heard stories,) your guests are not there so that you can wait on them hand and foot. And if they do, you can re-train them. Just show them where everything is and tell them to make themselves at home. This may seem ridiculous to have to say, but I still have to kick myself out of the kitchen, (or bathroom, or laundry room,) and remember to be a part of the socializing experience. Or, if I’m really feeling tense and can’t relax until I know the dishes are cleared, I’ll try to move the party in the kitchen, or the bedroom where I’m folding clothes, just so I can visit, and then….wait for it…relax.

I absolutely love having people over. I love making people feel welcome and comfortable in my home. The great thing is it’s teaching me how to be a thoughtful guest. I’m a thankful, quiet, house broken, guest, that’s ready for a vacation…Is your home available?

Cinnamon Yum Yum Syrup

½ cup packed brown sugar

½ cup white sugar

2 tbls Flour

½ tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup water

Mix all ingredients over medium heat in a saucepan. Allow to thicken, then remove from heat and serve when cooled.