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Hospitality during emergency
December 10, 2007
St. Charles County muddled through this ice storm. The roads weren’t that bad and, for the most part, the county’s power outages have been restored.
Now is the time to think ahead to the next storm. When friends or family call because their electricity is out, and the estimated wait time for service is about three days, it’s up to those with power to offer hospitality and shelter.
The condition of the typical home is comfortable and familiar. Members of the household know where the extra toothpaste is kept and sometimes stepping over clothes baskets on the way to bed becomes the norm. But, when that distress call comes, all these charming lived-in touches seem glaringly inadequate. Thoughts of all the other things that need done before properly receiving guests plague the potential host.
Though someone’s time of need is often unexpected, advance preparations make welcoming others painless.
Food
One of the first things that comes to mind is the task of feeding extra people. If the weather is bad, a run to the store might be unwise. Meals may have to be created with ingredients already on hand.
In households with a large freezer, troubles are few. Home-made cookies, muffins and banana bread can be stashed in the freezer as well as cooked hamburger to be kept convenient for tacos, sloppy joes and chili. The pantry can shelve the rest of the needed ingredients.
Those ready-made frozen meals made especially for the slow cooker may feed a hungry crew and can be stretched by adding some canned veggies. A pan of cornbread to accompany will warm the kitchen and guests’ souls.
Kids are usually thrilled with grilled cheese, bologna or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Smaller kids sometimes enjoy lunch meat cut in pieces with strips of cheese and peas as finger foods.
If nothing else, a smart host could have some pasta and purchased spaghetti sauce in the pantry for quick retrieval. Keeping some extra frozen pizzas on hand is also a good idea. Supplies of coffee (regular and decaff), milk, juices and tea are essential.
Sleeping arrangements
One might have to think unconventionally about where to put extra sleeping bodies. Kids can be coaxed out of their beds in favor of stretching out slumber-party-style on the floor, especially with snacks in front of the television. (An easy-going attitude helps the visit go smoothly.)
Depending on the number of kids in a home, that may free up a bed or two. The couch can become a bed and maybe an adult will be willing to rough it with the kids on the floor.
Extra blankets and towels and supplies
In the best circumstances, a host would be able to accommodate guests with clean sheets, blankets and pillows. Realistically, most people do not have that many extra bed sets hanging around. There is nothing wrong with asking your guests to bring their bedding and anything else needed for their stay.
A reserved guest shelf in the linen closet or bathroom closet is a good idea. Towels, wash clothes, extra toilet paper, new and unwrapped soaps, toothbrushes, toothpastes, dental floss, deodorants, disposable razors, shaving cream, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, tissues, Q-tips and cotton balls can all be at-the-ready.
Entertainment
Usually hosting overnight guests includes showing them the sights and going out at least once for one dinner. But, during a winter storm, the entertainment probably will fall to the host. Jigsaw puzzles, board games and videos provide some cozy snowy-night fun. A fireplace also adds to a snuggly atmosphere.
Keeping children entertained is a special challenge. It would be fortunate for the host to have children the same ages as the visiting kids, but that’s not always the case. Some brand new coloring books, crayons, children’s books, construction paper, glue and scissors spark kids’ imaginations and can keep them quite busy. Adults can color with the kids, make paper chains and string them around the home or just leave the kids to create masterpieces on their own.
Keep in mind
Hospitality is not about impressing people. It’s all about providing a comforting environment and sharing, even if there isn’t that much to offer.
Copyright 2007 Neighbors About Town
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A cozy fireplace can offer warmth during a power outage. |
