Hosting Goodness: ebbs and flows

Happy (post) Thanksgiving!

We do not have any family in the area so we just "wing it" every year. Other than a family hike, we are never quite sure before Thanksgiving what our Thanksgiving will look like at its end.

We had some plans, but they were changed last minute when our one guest changed her plans so...we heard about a local FANTASTIC bbq place that was opening their restaurant to a family meal, and we went. The place was packed, and they piled our plates high with turkey, smoked ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls, butter, etc, etc. Pumpkin and apple pie were plentiful, also.

The price? Donation only.

We chatted with familiar and faces and met some new friends for almost two hours. It was fabulous. I hope your day was as blessed as ours.

---

The main purpose of this post is to keep your spirits up if you are experiencing the "fall lull;" this time of the year when you may go for a few (or several) weeks without a peep, an inquiry, or any reservations. It can be discouraging.

In my 13 years of hosting, I have found that this occurs for 2 main reasons:

--the natural flow of people's lives

--lack of trust in the current economy

The good news is that both of these last only for a few weeks.

It can be unnerving, even to the most experienced host. In these periods of "quiet," use your time wisely.

--Do a daily dive into your listing, the photos, the descriptions, and the pricing, both short and long term.

--Repairs and maintenance. Need a fresh coat of paint? Loose doorknobs or slow drains that can be repaired?

--Give your space a fresh look. Change some of the photos, carpets, or throw pillows. Even buying a new set of curtains is a simple and inexpensive way to give you, as the host, an energized perspective on your "routine" space.

Finally, spend a few moments on yourself. I went to my local library and found a few books (I love a good mystery novel!) to indulge in just sitting and not stressing for a few minutes, letting my mind be engaged by something outside of hosting and hospitality.

Just when you are convinced that everyone in the world has been hosted and there are no more guests, an alert for a new reservation will pop on your phone.

So, update your calendar and pricing TODAY, repair that squeaky door, and take a few minutes to relax and spend time on yourself, because a healthy host is a 5-star host. You will be busy again before you know it.