Living in Maine means lots of company (which we LOVE) in the summertime! If you are expecting company where you live, then here are a few things that might help you prepare.

1. Plot out meal ideas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
2. Using your meal plan, create a careful grocery list (you do NOT want to have to go to the store while you have company).
3. Plan an itinerary filled with lots of local events and sites.
4. Have some tokens that say “Welcome” and “We are so glad you are here” such as a little gift and maybe a basket of fancy trial-size soaps and shampoos.
5. Be sure to clean the bedrooms well. Nobody wants to sleep with an unidentified dust bunny.
6. Make sure the porch and the walkways are clean and tidy. You want their first impression of your home to be a comforting one.
7. Put some recent magazines by their bedside so they have something to read when they want a little privacy or downtime.
8. Clean your car, especially if guests will be riding in it.
9. Try to look around every room with new eyes. Once we become used to things, we tend to overlook them. Try to view your home as if you were a first time visitor. You will be amazed at the things you never realized that need work.
10. Relax! Most guests would never even notice that the piano needs dusting or the windows haven’t been cleaned in a while. Guests should be enjoyed, not stressed over. Who are they coming to visit – you or your house?