As part of my series on being a hostess I thought I’d expand on my point about reading material for guests. Here are ten topic ideas for you if your stuck as to what you can put out to entertain your them.
1 Magazines
This is a tricky one for me as we live here in France and many of our guests are English. However there are decorating magazines, magazines of the region and topical magazines that I include on the bedsides of guests to browse through. Some people want to practise their French or just get an idea of the country.
2 Local history
Some local history books are a great idea, or anything on your local area. It may give them some ideas of where to go and what to do.
3 Classic writers
Put out some classics; Agatha Christie, Jane Austen, Dickens. An old or beautiful copy will add to the ambiance of the room too.
4 Fairy tales for youngsters
Don’t forget your younger guests – go for classic fairy tales. However you could think of comics too.
5 Quick and interesting fact books
There are lots of books with interesting, short facts on various topics that you an put out for your guests. That way even if you have a full schedule they can dip in and out of them without too much bother. The same is true for…
6 Quote books
This may be from one person, or on a particular topic. Again, something that can be briefly perused.
7 Picture books
Not just for children; art, photos, decor…anything someone can flip through and be inspired.
8 Hobbies of guests
If you know your guests well and happen to have books on their hobbies – gardening, decor, trains, whatever – put some of these books out for them to look though. You never know, they may learn something.
9 Poetry
Classic, witty or modern, a book of poetry beside the bed may delight your guests.
10 The Bible
I often use my friends when I’m staying with them as they can be cumbersome to carry. It’s still something many people find comfort in so why not leave one out so that, particularly in the times of the great feasts, that can find comfort in it.
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