We are having guests this weekend. This is the second of three in a row. All guests are coming to visit and see my daughter perform with her marching band. It is a good show!
Having guests is just about as expensive as it is to drive somewhere. This set of guests suggested we go out to eat. Even if we split the bill, I would guess our portion would be equal to the amount I will spend on groceries for the whole weekend. Okay, maybe not. It will be cheaper to eat at home.
I'm making a double batch of chili for tonight. Leftovers will be frozen, and used another time for dinner or lunches. Tomorrow morning, we can have toast or banana bread and fruit. I also have eggs as an option. My sister likes cream in her coffee, so I picked up half and half and some more coffee....my brother in law drinks a LOT of coffee. 
Tomorrow afternoon for lunch before we go to the performance, we will have sandwiches. I bought three types of lunch meat, probably not necessary, but I knew we would eat the remainder for lunches in the coming week. I also picked up cheese, lettuce and tomatoes. Darn. I forgot more mustard. Mayo it is.
Saturday night we will have tacos. I have all the fixings. I picked up extra ground beef, so I will make this up and freeze the taco meat for another time. Sunday morning will be a repeat of Saturday morning. More basic eating.
I seem to have followed in my mother's pattern with guests where I want to have plenty of options. I have nuts, chips and crackers for snacks. I also bought beer and wine. I bought twice the amount that I would normally buy on a weekend with two extra people. Geez, I must think they are super hungry people. They aren't.
I shopped at SuperTarget with coupons and my cartwheel and saved $18! But my bill still came to $102. Boo. I hope we can extend our leftovers for many days after the visit.
How do you plan for guests? Wing it? Plan out each meal? Do you eat at home or go out to eat? Do you have a go to meal that you think works great for guests? I love to know!
The Cost of Guests
October 4th, 2013 at 08:08 pm
October 4th, 2013 at 08:15 pm 1380917750
Still- I'm not really a hostess and so these visits stress me out and I feel the need to constantly entertain.
October 4th, 2013 at 08:34 pm 1380918854
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October 4th, 2013 at 09:17 pm 1380921457
October 4th, 2013 at 11:26 pm 1380929203
When I had a full house for Christmas (9 people) I made up 2 of these quiches one morning for brunch, 1 w/ the ham and one w/ mushrooms for the vegetarians. It fit the bill for the gluten-free folk. Very easy to make (no need to roll out a pie crust because you use chip or cracker crumbs). Just added a side dish of mixed fruit. It was a big hit and I got requests for the recipe. I used "Good for You" tortilla chips from Costco, and then we had the leftover chips with guacamole and salsa another evening. http://www.oprah.com/food/Double-Cheese-and-Ham-Quiche-Recipe And this recipe actually is pretty economical ... It makes a great brunch meal since it is hearty.
I try to include local specialties, things people probably can't get where they live. So, I keep Texas beers & wines on hand, and splurge on things like tamales made locally. I start keeping an eye out for things like the wine & beer on sale months ahead of time.
If houseguests invite us out to dinner, I gladly take them up on it and let them pay if they offer.
I have a little water pitcher w/ a topper that doubles as a glass that I put in the guest room on the bedside table. I also put out a couple of my books that I think they may like. Those are little touches that make them know how happy I am that they are there but cost nothing.
October 4th, 2013 at 11:51 pm 1380930699
October 5th, 2013 at 01:35 am 1380936928
Our international guests just love it when we do Traditional Thanksgiving or Christmas Dinner. Baking and bought-on-sale Turkey and last can of cranberries + mashed potatoes, gravy and green bean casserole is really easy.
Adding to the terrific suggestions already made - try individual meat loaves which cooks in your slow cooker/crock pot while you're all visiting or attending an event. Shred it with two forks and drown the meat in heated BBQ sauce. Serve with coleslaw on a bun. If you don't eat pork substitute
chicken or leftover frozen turkey. By the way, Beef Bourguigone that was Julia Child's favorite is beef stew with root vegetables. We do several made in advance desserts like Brownies cupcakes and fruit crisps.
Anything that can go in a wrap makes a terrific lunch plus it uses up a plethora of leftovers.
October 5th, 2013 at 01:38 am 1380937121
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October 7th, 2013 at 12:57 pm 1381150636
I always make a point of making big breakfasts fresh in the morning-- eggs/omelettess/ pancakes, waffles, bacon, etc. to get everyone on the right foot. Lunch is usually lunch meat/ pb and J's etc-- something you can assemble yourself when the big breakfast arrives.
Dinner is more elaborate. Either take-out or order in pizza. For some friends I have food to cook lined up, but they just aren't into home-cooked meals. They eat our all the time or eat out of packages, and I suspect they don't like things like steamed veggies as sides. It's strange, but oh well. Guests first!