How to Be a Hostess with the Mostest

You don't have to be a domestic goddess to extend hospitality to visitors. However, it does get a little sticky when you've only got a one-bedroom apartment in which to entertain overnight guests. By planning ahead, you can create a guest-ready pad for out-of-towners, not to mention be prepared for the occasional crasher. Follow a few simple guidelines to keep your privacy and your sanity.

Communication

Interrogate your guests before they arrive. Find out what their plans are, because "whatever you want to do is fine" ain't fine for long. Casually let them know your schedule, including when you get up, go to bed, whether you usually eat breakfast, etc. - then ask their preferences. It's better than both of you trying to head for the shower at the same time, or buying a lot of groceries for a "coffee only" guest.

Ideally, they will try to reciprocate your hospitality by treating you to dinner or helping with household chores. Don't turn down their offers to finance outings. You could spend the whole week just being polite. Don't expect too much, but accept their help graciously.

Preparation

Storage trunks are indispensable. Not only can you keep an extra set of sheets and pillows near the sofa (air mattress or whatever), but they can serve as a makeshift dresser for visitors' clothes. As you travel, collect hotel toiletries. By having a stash of extras ready to go, you won't have to rush around last minute. The same goes for groceries. Though you will make some accommodations, it's best to have a couple of fool-proof meals in the pantry, like dried pasta and ready-made sauce.

Also, put together a guide to local attractions, both touristy things and local gems. Just save and print a copy for each new guest. Include ideas for fun overnight stays in surrounding cities if you think the adage "fish and visitors both stink in three days" could be true.

Little Thoughtful Gestures

Provide a local map or directions to your place with an extra key. Have magazines and newspaper entertainment section in the guest area. Point out available snacks. Supply extra hangers and empty drawers or closet bar for clothes. Set out a basket of towels, soap, shampoo, toothpaste and brush, water glass, tissues, and a loaner hair dryer.

Leave out recent photo albums to allow them to generate conversation based on which of your adventures peaks their interest. Even if it isn't fancy, give guests a bed that you'd be willing to sleep in. Share good pillows, extra blankets, coordinated linens. (They'll never know you bought them on clearance.)

Creating Privacy

Even in tight quarters, do your best to create a temporary guest space. Use a shoji screen to separate the area. Though not noise-proof, it offers a calming modicum of privacy. Include a chair, alarm clock/radio, small table, and maybe a cordless phone in the area. Give them an opportunity for personal time, too. Bonus: screens can also be used to hide messes around the rest of the apartment.

Saying No

Remember, you are not entirely responsible for the success of someone else's vacation. Be honest if timing is inconvenient. Say "no" when you don't want, or can't have, company. If you do invite guests, remind them that you still need to go to work, run errands, etc. Don't become a chauffeur or car rental service or maid. Don't be afraid to suggest they find their own transportation from the airport. Being generous doesn't mean sacrificing personal sanity.

You'll go crazy if you spend 24 hours a day with guests, so hold their hand for the first few outings, then set them loose. Reserve a couple of activities to share. (Preferably things that you haven't done a billion times before, but have at least done once to see whether or not it's cool.)

Treat your temporary roomies to the hospitality you'd like to receive. Stock up on Ben and Jerry's and the Godfather trilogy, and you've got at least one night of hosting covered.