Welcoming the Out-of-Town Special Event Guest
by Teresa Franko
There was a time when families and friends all inhabited the same town or even the same three or four square city blocks. For most of us, that time has passed. Career opportunities and contacts made while pursuing a higher education have led to most families spreading out across the country. However, when we plan the special events of our lives, from Baptisms to Weddings, we want to be with our family and friends to share that day regardless of the distance we live apart. As a result most special events have a number of guests who travel some distance to join the celebration.
When a guest outlays a significant amount of time and money to attend a family event, we want to be certain to show our appreciation with hospitality and a gracious welcome. There are many ways that can be done. Perhaps one of the best is with a welcome basket placed in the hotel room. Arriving tired and perhaps hungry after a day of travel, you can imagine how much a basket of goodies would be appreciated by your out of town guest.
Welcome baskets can contain an assortment of food and beverage items such as chocolates, popcorn, nuts, pretzels, sparkling cider, bottled water, flavored coffee, candy, cheese and crackers, biscotti, and cookies.
When choosing the foods to include it is wonderful if you can include at least some if not all items that are local or regional favorites. For example:
California- Ghiradelli Chocolate
New York- Cheesecake
Iowa- Popcorn
Virginia- Peanuts
Georgia- Peach Buds
Pennsylvania- Hersheys Chocolate
Welcome baskets can also be filled with items to make the hotel stay more pleasant such as a cotton throw, linen spray, bath bomb, night-light, shower gel, and travel candle.
Every hotel welcome basket should contain a welcoming note from the host. In addition, it is wonderful to add maps, the itinerary for the special event weekend and tourist type brochures. Information that the guest not familiar with the area will enjoy is often available from the local Chamber of Commerce or Visitors Bureau.
Hotel Welcome Baskets are often left at the hotel registration desk and given to guests at check-in. Of course, it would be lovely if time permitted you to hand deliver them to your guests after their arrival.
From a very small tote bag containing only some fresh baked cookies to an extravagant basket of gourmet goodies, this is the first hint that your guest will have of just how special this special event will be!
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