Welcoming The Out of Town Special Event Guest

There was a time when families and friends allCalifornia- Ghiradelli Chocolate
inhabited the same town or even the same three orNew York- Cheesecake
four square city blocks. For most of us, that time hasIowa- Popcorn
passed. Career opportunities and contacts made whileVirginia- Peanuts
pursuing a higher education have led to most familiesGeorgia- Peach Buds
spreading out across the country. However, when wePennsylvania- Hersheys Chocolate
plan the special events of our lives, from Baptisms toWelcome baskets can also be filled with items to
Weddings, we want to be with our family and friendsmake the hotel stay more pleasant such as a cotton
to share that day regardless of the distance we livethrow, linen spray, bath bomb, night-light, shower gel,
apart. As a result most special events have a numberand travel candle.
of guests who travel some distance to join theEvery hotel welcome basket should contain a
celebration.welcoming note from the host. In addition, it is
When a guest outlays a significant amount of time andwonderful to add maps, the itinerary for the special
money to attend a family event, we want to beevent weekend and tourist type brochures. Information
certain to show our appreciation with hospitality and athat the guest not familiar with the area will enjoy is
gracious welcome. There are many ways that can beoften available from the local Chamber of Commerce
done. Perhaps one of the best is with a welcomeor Visitors Bureau.
basket placed in the hotel room. Arriving tired andHotel Welcome Baskets are often left at the hotel
perhaps hungry after a day of travel, you can imagineregistration desk and given to guests at check-in. Of
how much a basket of goodies would be appreciatedcourse, it would be lovely if time permitted you to hand
by your out of town guest.deliver them to your guests after their arrival.
Welcome baskets can contain an assortment of foodFrom a very small tote bag containing only some fresh
and beverage items such as chocolates, popcorn, nuts,baked cookies to an extravagant basket of gourmet
pretzels, sparkling cider, bottled water, flavored coffee,goodies, this is the first hint that your guest will have of
candy, cheese and crackers, biscotti, and cookies.just how special this special event will be!
When choosing the foods to include it is wonderful ifWebmasters are free to reprint this article provided
you can include at least some if not all items that arethat it is not edited, the author's information is included,
local or regional favorites. For example:and the links are included as live links.