COMFORT OF GUESTS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20639, 30 January 1937, Page 12

COMFORT OF GUESTS

PREPARING THE SPARE ROOM A good hostess knows that the practical achievement of making her guest thoroughly comfortable is aa important as the larger question of entertaining. She will see that all drawers and the wardrobe in the spare room are emptied of the overflow of family clothes, but that several coathangers (with a bottom rail for skirts) and some shoe-trees are available. The week-end guest will appreciate these, as she will not carry much luggage with her. Cigarettes, matches, and an ashtray will be appreciated by the smoker. A tin of biscuits is a comforting standby. The provision of a Email jug of lemonade as well as the usual water is a kindly thought. Writing materials and somewhere to write will be provided by the thoughtful hostess so that the guest can write in privacy should she so desire. The bath towel should be really large, and the face towel absorbent. A good bed and enough bedclothes are, of course, the most Important essentials. It is well to try to provide the guest with the kind of mattress to which she is accustomed. The hotwater bottle should be really hot, and a spare blanket should be accessible. If the bed has no built-in fitment there should be a bedside table of the right height. A bedside lamp is always appreciated if there is no light at the head of the bed. In the country cottage the guest should be provided with a torch or a pretty-coloured candle in one of the new holders. Most guests appreciate half an hour to themselves before bedtime. The maid should see that there is an electric or gas radiator cheerfully burning when the visitor retires. If there is neither available it is worth while going to the trouble of having a coal fire lighted on chilly autumn and winter evenings. In the morning a pot of tea, or orange juice, and a newspaper will be much appreciated. Most guests, except the very young and energetic, prefer breakfast in bed when away from home. They can then rise and bath at their leisure and give the hostess an opportunity of arranging the morning’s work and the day’s menu.