Entertaining/hosting?

Question

Next weekend i will be having my partners brother and his new girlfriend overnight.

If it is good weather we will have a bbq and if not i will cook something....

I wanted any hostess tips, fininshing touches, things that make everything a little more special, they will be having our room so i will declutter it and have the best bedding etc....

I want to make a good impression without looking too tryhard / pretentious and without spending too much.

If i cook i was thinking of comething like french style roast chicken (with olive oil lemon garlic and fresh herbs de provence), with creamed potatoes and fresh veg/ salad.

Homemade dark chocolate mousse for dessert...(?)

Any tips ??

Thanks guys. xoxo

Answer 1

Girl,I think you got it down allready.Sounds good.

Answer 2

I think what you're doing is great! your menu sounds awesome! If you are having a bbq you can also make some nice summer cocktails. Also, I would have a vase with fresh flowers in the bedroom and one in the living area or kitchen, as long  as they're not allergic to them. I find that fresh flowers in nice bright colors always put people in a good mood.

Answer 3

I placed my answer in entertaining as it's come thru there too   but I think you have covered most of it   just enjoy having them don't be too stiff relax and they will too    I know some folk say not to give up your bed  but as the other room isn't really a guest room it's your housemate I think your move to there is a good one .......................in future you may have a rethink and they could use another bed  but as it's the first time stick to your plans

Answer 4

wine goes a long long way. Everyone's happy when they've had some alcohol ;) Make a nice cocktail before dinner, something summery, it always looks good and goes down a treat. Little touches can make all the difference.. some candles maybe. But the best thing for a good impression is just making sure everything's clean, and providing a fun evening with good conversation. But yeah... don't let yourself run out of booze :P

Answer 5

Wow woman, sounds like you have everything under control! And what a brilliant menu!  If something comes up and her brother and his girlfriend can't make it, my partner and I are willing to take their place (if you're in Wisconsin). Wine is definitely a good idea for an indoor meal, and perhaps beer and wine coolers for a bbq. Music is always a welcome addition, turned down low with a genre that she knows her brother enjoys. Have fun!

Answer 6

Everything sounds wonderful except giving them your room! How awkward for them. Think about it. If you visited them and they gave up their bed for you, wouldn't that make you uncomfortable? Please reconsider that part, I'm sure they will be happy in the guest room or on the couch or where ever you would normally put a guest.

The best hostess makes their guests feel at home, like one of the family. Keep it casual, by all means make them a part of the preparations for dinner. If they offer to help, give them something to do, set a table, chop an onion ..it makes a person feel more comfortable and a fun way to visit. The kitchen is usually the the best place to communicate when you have company. They don't want to feel you are slaving away ..alone in another room.

Put a small vase of flowers in their room and maybe a little candy dish with sweets. Have nice towels set aside for them and maybe special soap.

Smile alot, laugh and enjoy yourself.

Good luck!

Answer 7

Why don't you just be yourself and relax, by this time next week your going to be so tried and stressed the weekend will be ruined.

Answer 8

Sounds wonderful, just one little thought do you know if they like garlic, some people really hate it.

In their bedroom make sure you put a couple of nice towels folded fancy on the bed with perhaps little nice fancy soaps, I do this with guests and they always remark on how special they feel.

Perhaps for the evening have a board game ready just in case the conversation dries up, a really funny one

Good luck, hope all goes well.