Ready or not, here they come

By Connie Britell
Special to the Coastal Point

We’ve all been there — company’s coming and we’re not remotely ready. There it was, Memorial Day weekend, the opening of the season, summer fun is supposed to start, yet we are faced with one of the cursed blessings of living at the beach — getting ready for the troops.

For many of us, a certain dread looms around the thought of guests knocking at our door. Sure, we love the notion of family and friends joining us for a delightful visit at the shore: swimming, walking along the water, long, lazy days in the sun or in the shade of a dancing umbrella, catching up on summer reading.

Some of us actually entertain the fantasy of entertaining. You know: You, the perfect host, standing serenely at the door as your guests arrive, the house clean and ready, windows sparkling, ice and cool drinks waiting, the perfect humidity-free ocean breeze billowing through the full-length gauzy sheers in the freshly painted guest room.

Oh, yeah. Somebody pinch me.

Whatever shall we do? Is it realistic to meet the challenge of houseguests without becoming a crazed slave in the process? What skill under heaven must we develop to reach the finish line with grace and dignity?

Recently, I asked these very questions of friends I most respect as hosts here at the beach. How does one get to the point of actually relaxing and enjoying company? Clearly, lots of people do it — just kick back and let the good times roll. I’ve heard groups of them laughing over dinner on screened porches, seen them playing cards on decks or flying kites on the beach. Who cares about sandy beds anyway? These people are relaxed and patient, enjoying themselves. I marvel at the effortlessness of their together time.

Not surprisingly, the answers came in a familiar form. They sounded eerily similar to my ex-husband’s old Marine Corps mantra: “Prior planning prevents p—- poor results.” Oh, that again.

In summary, the local sages all say about the same thing: Preparation is key. Both physical and mental preparation. And, though we generally know the importance of being prepared, I thought it helpful to pass along some of the specific tried-and-true tidbits of wisdom offered by the pros.

Tipping up

When I was a youngster, about the time that school was finishing up for summer holiday, I would hear the my friends’ mothers use the term “tipping up” when it was time to open up their beach cottages for the season. It wasn’t until my turn to help with pre-season chores that I came to understand what they meant.

“Tipping up” referred to the tipping up of the wicker porch furniture, painted wood rockers and the like, so the floor could be swept clean and washed — obviously, cleaning house. All of which leads us to the first step in making ready — the big cleanup. Whether you live at the beach full-time or just during the warm weather, a thorough seasonal cleaning starts everything, including the process of reaching nirvana by the time guests arrive.

Turn on the water — inside and out. Then start by washing down the outside shower and the beach chairs. Fill scrub buckets at the sink and go on the attack. Walls, woodwork and windows swabbed, furniture vacuumed, ceiling fans dusted after being off duty during the winter hiatus. Open wide the linen closets and see with new eyes what needs to be freshened, tossed or replaced. Bring out the lightweight summer bedspreads and shams. Set out porch furniture and give the old cushions and throw pillows a good shake. There now.

Inevitably, cleaning emphasizes the need for painting. But, instead of tackling the whole house (and for the sake of this article), let’s stick with just the guest room. I love color, but often the stereotypical all-white guest room works best at the beach. It’s a good idea to mix up your whites, using a warm white on the walls. A touch of red pigment creates just a kiss of pink, and when walls are subtly contrasted with a bright white ceiling and trim, the magic begins. Toss together a combination of cream and white bed linens, lightweight sheers at the windows and possibly a few vintage-fabric pillows for a splash of color and you’re on the way.

Make sure your guests have suitable reading lamps and leave a few good books lying around — just in case. Remember to provide empty drawers and shelves for their duds, lots of hangers and hooks for clothing, towels and wet bathing suits. A simple vase with a few sprigs of flowers placed on the bedside table says volumes. For a decorator touch, a small bowl with a few lemons or limes fills the room with a fresh citrus aroma.

In the guest bathroom, splurge on a stack of fluffy towels in this season’s newest colors and provide ample counter space. I like to prepare a basket of toiletries with extra toothbrushes and disposable razors. If nothing else, always provide a fresh bar of soap for the shower.

In the kitchen and laundry area, check to make sure all the appliances are up to the workout they are certain to receive in the months ahead. Then, a daytrip to a warehouse store, with a stop at the liquor store, will make stocking the pantry and bar a snap.

And, speaking of stocking, you may want to check out existing supplies of playing cards, board games, beach games and items for the little kids, such as buckets, shovels, sand sieves and sunscreen. And did I mention first-aid supplies? After all, we wouldn’t want to lose it fighting to find a parking place at the dime store in the heat of August for those last minute purchases, now would we? No, we’re all about serenity.

Finally, garden cleanup and planting a colorful selection of annuals add the needed cheerful approach to the house. If you have space by the walkway or front door, a brightly glazed jardinière filled with summer flowers offers a special welcome.

Give directions

The experts I consulted also tell me that if you know what ticks you off about visitors in your home, your job is to be pro-active and take steps to preempt potential problems. Leave lists, say they.

If, for example, you have cable or satellite TV, and have ever experienced the exasperation of trying to retrieve your oh-so-sensitive reception following houseguests who, albeit innocently, have plundered your electronics attempting to play a DVD; or, if unknowing guests have surprised themselves and you with a veritable sea of suds erupting from the washing machine because they didn’t know you had installed a water softener — leave a list.

Review operational instructions before leaving guests alone in your home. Don’t be afraid to be explicit. I’ve known people with guest houses who actually prepare a small binder for each room to assist visitors with general and technical information about TV, stereo, e-mail, as well as personal and emergency telephone numbers.

Personally, I think it’s a great idea to prepare a guest goodie bag with a local map, information about beach parking locations and restrictions (who wants a parking ticket to spoil the day?) and a list of restaurants. That way guests feel self-sufficient and comfortable on their own.

Kitchen patrol

That leads me to meals and the preparation thereof. Here, the experts differ. Some like to keep control of the cooking and others don’t hesitate to relinquish it. However, most prefer to share the duties, whether in the kitchen or outside at the grill.

The ideal, of course, is for everyone to do his share, but that often requires a little direction from you know who. For a stay of multiple days, early-bird hosts often take on kitchen duties for the breakfast crowd, stock the refrigerator for lunch and then, with a little discussion among friends, assign a schedule for shared dinner responsibility. Sounds like a plan.

One very organized grandmother I know who has a condo at the beach and lots of family, lays down the law: nobody goes to the beach until the breakfast dishes are out of the sink and everyone’s bed is made. I admire her firm hand. It seems to work for her, but I know she started training early. Unfortunately, my family would think I was on some kind of neatness bender and choose stand clear of their mother.

Mental health

Now, comes the really important part. You’ve done the physical preparation and set the stage for a good time. How do you now loosen up your psyche to really enjoy your company? Well, you kind of just have to decide to do it. Have a talk with yourself and keep in mind that this too will pass. They’ll all be gone before long, and you’ve already invested yourself in the occasion.

More than anyone, you deserve good memories of the time together. So, be your best creative self. It’s like mentally preparing yourself for any big family holiday. Decide to be pleasant and patient. Show your friends a good time. And, remember, nobody loves or appreciates a doormat.

Those in the know say it’s important to look ahead and see what activities are happening around the time your guests are in town. If there are kids involved, find a place to fish or crab and get the right equipment lined up. Research the tide tables. Check out bike rentals. If there’s a schedule of musical entertainment, a parade, a kite flying or pie eating competition or other sports events, offer that information to your visitors. See what they’d like to do.

Whether you join with them or relax by yourself for a while at home or on the beach, things will have a good chance of running smoothly. You really don’t have to “mother” your company or, worse yet, be a slave to their whims or preferences. Let them fend for themselves a bit. They probably would enjoy a little alone time as much as you would.

Remember, yours is not a hands-on managerial position at your own personal vacation resort. Your job is simply to provide a loving space and relaxed opportunity for your guests to enjoy their stay.

Also, it doesn’t hurt to treat yourself like a guest once in a while, too.Remember: Visitors are just that. They visit — not stay. Enjoy them.

Connie Britell, ASID, is an interior designer and owner of Dovetail Interior Architecture and Design, with offices in Washington, D.C., and Ocean View. She and her designing sisters, Mary Jo Donohoe and Suzanne Hawkins, are Sisters On Style, co-authors of SOS: “The Professional Organizer For Your Home Designs,” available through www.SistersOnStyle.com.