Having friends or family over for a weekend can be fun and exciting, especially when you haven’t seen each other for a long time, but having visitors can also be quite stressful. You have to figure out how you’re going to entertain them, what you’re going to eat, and how you’re going to accommodate them in your home. To help ease the stress, here are four ways to help prepare for weekend visitors.

Plan in advance

While spontaneity can be good, it’s always better to try and prepare for any visitors well in advance. If you have relatives traveling from far, then you’re likely to know at least a few weeks ahead of their arrival. Before any of your visitors turn up, think about what you’re going to do with them when they turn up. Come up with a plan of action, which gives you a structured weekend – but is also not too rigid and allows for flexibility. Nobody wants to be marched around when they’re supposing to be enjoying some social time.

Get the house ready

If you can’t accommodate your weekend guests in your house because you don’t have enough room, then you will need to source a hotel or similar for them. However, if they will be staying with you, then think about where everyone is going to sleep. Who needs a single room, who needs a double? Would any of the guests benefit from en-suite facilities? Can any of the others make do without a bathroom in their room? Once you’ve worked out sleeping arrangements, then make sure you make the beds with fresh sheets and pillows and provide some clean towels.

You also need to make sure the rest of the house is tidy, creating a welcoming and cozy environment, which will help everyone relax and enjoy the time you have together. Make sure you have given everywhere a good clean and make sure you don’t have any unwanted visitors in the form of an infestation of any sort. If you need some experts, call in Go-Forth Pest Control of Winston-Salem.

Buy food and drink

When you’ve got visitors over for a couple of days, you’re going to need to plan out the meals, ensuring you’re catering for all tastes and dietary needs. Check in advance if any of your guests have any specific requirements. Then, draw up a shopping list and get down to the grocery store. One night you may want to eat out though as a group, as it can be far more enjoyable and less stress for you!

Plan some activities

If everyone’s willing and able, try to plan some things to do while your visitors are in town. Maybe there are some arts events you can visit, some sports to play, or a theatre show to enjoy. Nobody wants to be stuck in the house for a whole weekend, so think about what kind of activities you can all enjoy together. Look out for discount vouchers too, to net yourself a bargain!