how to handle unexpected (but welcome) guests?

Question

How should I greet them, should I offer to take their coats, tell them to have a seat and make themselves at home, offer them a drink, etc? Please tell me what is considered polite because I have no idea how to be a proper hostess?

Thank you.

Answer 1

yep what you just said...
i don't like it but i smile and make them feel welcome, always.

Answer 2

I actually think it is rude to show up at someone's place without at least first ringing and warning them and giving them the chance to say Oh lovely to talk but I am on my way out but how about you come around on next Sat....??? whatever.

Anyway as with most of the answers for sure be polite and offer a coffee and biscuits or something easy. Now if you like these people but would rather be more organized before they come again actually "invite" them at a time in the future whether in a couple of weeks or whatever and once you invite then they don't show up earlier unannounced like that again.
Some people can handle unexpected guests better than others. Some can even by angry about it and maybe if you are a bit annoyed you could say Look it was so great seeing you but wish you had rung and warned me or something>

Answer 3

Treat them with a pleasant hello and a smile when you answer the door. This makes them feel welcome. Then you could offer to take their coats and hanging them in a safe place where they could find it later when they are about to leave. It's good to offer them a seat, this will make them feel extra comfortable in your home. It is polite to offer them a drink since they are a guest in your home and they won't know where everything is to get it for themselves. You can offer them something to eat if you have it. Then, you can engage them in a nice conversation and do something fun until they are ready to leave. Also, many guests tend to ask to use your bathroom, so it is important that it's clean and make sure they know where it is. Hope this helps!!

Answer 4

You just answered your own question. Greet them like u would normally great a "guest"... You can give an air kiss or shake hands to be completely formal. You may take their coats (if the house is warm enough.) Offer drinks with plenty of options... Say "What would you like to drink?" Offer them snacks along with drink and then move into conversation and be yourself.

Setting: Light candles, dinner table all set with fancy napkins and proper arrangement, have liquor out along w. others. Have soothing music (if your guests don't mind), clean house.

Answer 5

All of your own suggestions are correct. You certainly seem to already have a handle on how to be a hostess. In fact, you're a lot more cordial than most folks would be when friends drop in unexpectedly. I think it is only common courtesy for them to call first, and not just show up at someone's doorstep. However, these are apparently good friends and you want to make them feel welcome. You don't have to go to a lot of trouble when guests just pop in like that, but you definitely have the makings of a perfect hostess, and I'll bet your planned parties will be extremely successful.

Answer 6

This is how it would play out for me:

Knock at the door, thoughts "holy crap, it's mr and mrs. smith, okay I'm not naked or in my Pjs and the house is okay so I'll let em' in"

"I pretend to be happy and surprised"

Hey guys, come on in.

It must be cold out there.

hey you don't have to take your shoes off, unless it makes you comfortable, I don't mind either way!

You guys want to lay/hang your coats here?

"I extend out my hand for their coats, and point to the seating area"

Have a seat, just watching some tv(or what ever you are doin, make it up if you want)
"I smile, showing most of my teeth"

You want something to drink, I have pepsi etc. Do you want a straw? Do you prefer a cup, or straight our of the can? I have plently cookies and cupcakes in the kitchen, do you guys want some?

Finger foods are better than plated food, unless you are serving a meal at the time.

"I set down after serving them their food and drinks "
so what what brings you guys here?

IF all else fails fake it til you make it!
Make conversation on the weather, and stuff in the room to get started. Also compliment the guests on their hair, clothing, etc.

Answer 7

Step 1: Be polite
As the perfect host, your first priority is to accommodate the surprise arrival. They probably didn't know they weren't invited, and when they realize the inconvenience of their presence they will probably feel very embarrassed. Put them at their ease, welcome them into your home and offer them a drink.
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Step 2: Squeeze them in
When they're busy talking to the other guests, disappear into the dining room and squeeze another place into the table set up. It might disrupt your otherwise perfect arrangements, but at this point you don't have many alternative options, short of kicking them out. And that would be like shooting a puppy.
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Step 3: Split the portions
If dinner is a serve yourself affair, then the extra guest is easy to accommodate - simply adjust the portions accordingly. However, if you have prepared six portions of chicken - not SEVEN - then you have no alternative than to split cousin Martin's portion with his surprise partner. Politely excuse this when serving up by saying something like, "I'm terribly sorry, I'd only cooked for six, but I know Tara won't mind sharing."
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Step 4: Speak to offender afterwards
When dealt with in a polite and dignified manner, your surprise guest should pose little problem once dinner is under way. Relax and enjoy the evening. Either in private or after the event you are entitled to make your delightful niece understand that her actions were completely unacceptable.

Answer 8

Of course take their coats, usher them in and offer them a seat. Then ask, "would you like a drink? Coffee, tea, soda?" I like to have small packs of little cookies that I can open if guests come by, they keep fresh for a long time if you don't open them, and they will save you if you don't have any time to make something special due to a surprise visit.
The key is to make them feel welcome, and comfortable. I try to keep my house reasonably nice (hard to do as the kids are always trashing it) so I am not embarrassed by too much of a mess if somebody comes by!!!!

Answer 9

Smile kindly and don't make them feel awkward by being unexpected. Invite them in and offer them a seat and something to eat or drink (if you have stuff to spare). Have some general convorsation about whatever you would with that person, or if they came for a reason talk about that. Just be warm and welcoming.

Answer 10

Find out how long they're staying. Make sure you have a clean hand towel & soap for washing hands in the bathroom. Offer them water, even if they say no pour some anyway, but don't hand it to them or force it upon them. Ask them if they are hungry and offer a bowl of crackers even if they say they aren't. Some people won't take the food because they are trying to be polite until it is right in front of them.

:)

Answer 11

Offer non alcoholic drinks and snacks. Offer a seat , you could take their coats or tell them to leave them where ever. If you do offer drinks containing alcohol make sure you know they are 21 or older.