TRAVERSE CITY -- They're sleeping in your bed, raiding your fridge, maybe driving your car.
They're house guests.
And if you are Chris Allen-Wickler, you're loving it. Her family plans to open their Lake Leelanau home to various invited, overnight visitors during the upcoming Traverse City Film Festival. And what of their guests?
"We'll just go with the flow. There will be plenty of food," she said
Many northern Michigan residents are accustomed to hosting guests, who want to spend vacation near the area's scenic lakes, drinking local wine or participating in festivals. A welcoming host and a gracious guest will make for a successful stay.
Allen-Wickler's "ground rules" for guests are simple: "Our house is basically your house, and if you get hungry, help yourself." She tries to give guests "a little space of their own" so that they can relax without having to be "vibrant" all the time.
Allen-Wickler and her husband travel almost every weekend to participate in art fairs. They grew to love this area after staying with friends who lived here.
Host and guests should keep in mind a few guidelines about their roles, said Thelma "T." Hanawalt, who teaches etiquette through her Grand Traverse Commons-based business Mrs. T.'s Tutorials. For hosts, preparation and communication are key. Stock the kitchen with food that guests love or that meet special dietary needs. Clarify when a guest will arrive and depart.
Hanawalt leads new arrivals on a tour through her house and explains any rules they should follow. Up-front communication prevents tension and frustration. She shares her wireless pass codes so guests can access the Internet.
"Be ready with fresh towels and (a) well-stocked bathroom including shampoo and rinse and soap. I even keep extra toothbrushes," Hanawalt advised. "If they forget something, I want to have it in there."
When guests first arrive, she either drives them or directs them to the chamber of commerce to stock up on brochures. There, guests can figure out what they are interested in doing. She offers suggestions for rainy days, such as a catching a movie at Traverse City's State Theatre.
Hosts also should plan a fun activity with the guest, Hanawalt said. Organizing an outing lets guests know they are welcome but frees up the host from daily event planning and participation. She picks an activity based on her guests -- an ice cream run to Moomers, a wine tour or a trip to the sand dunes.
Jerry and Sally Schmoke of Traverse City took their grandchildren to Moomers when the two cousins visited recently. They also arranged for the girls to see the new "Harry Potter" movie. The grandparents help out regularly at Father Fred Foundation, so they brought the girls in to work in the pantry and the clothing check-out during their stay. The guests had a chance to perform community service, and the Schmokes continued their usual routine.
"They like to do that," Sally said, of the time spent volunteering during vacation.
Guests, too, should take a few measures to ensure their stay is enjoyable for themselves and their host, Hanawalt said.
"Do not overstay your visit. If you say you are going to leave on Tuesday, leave on Tuesday," she said.
Keep the guest room neat, make the bed and don't leave anything on the floor. Guests who break an item should admit it and replace it immediately. They should do their own laundry during long stays. If guests visit for a full week, they should take the hosts out to dinner. It should be the hosts' choice, and the guests' treat. A hostess gift is also appreciated.
"Do not come empty handed," Hanawalt said. "I like to bring things that are indicative of where I live."
For locals who travel, cherry products make good gifts, she said. Heather Donn, store manager of Cherry Republic Traverse City Embassy, recommended cherry salsa packaged with chocolate covered cherries, dried cherries or jams. The salsa is a unique item, while the other treats appeal to all taste buds. The store sells many items as host gifts.
"We have a lot of people that come in here and do that," Donn said. "People take it all over the world."
Allen-Wickler anticipates a busy but "fantastic" time with her guests, one of whom is a balloon artist who will be participating in the film festival. She hopes everyone returns to her home after viewing various movies and chats about the films they saw.
Hanawalt said it's easier to be a guest than a host.
"You are on vacation. They are not. Always be considerate of this fact," she said. "When you get home, make sure you write a thank-you note."
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