How to be a Great Summer Cottage Host or Guest

Etiquette for Cottage Owners and Visitors to Ensure a Welcome Stay

Jul 22, 2009 Heather Zorzini

From providing comfortable pillows to cooking a tasty breakfast, hosts and guests have key duties to fulfill in order to create a fun and care-free cottage atmosphere.

Cottage living has its own set of rules. Many owners enjoy sharing their special retreat with friends, but entertaining can sometimes be overwhelming. Visitors, especially confirmed "city slickers" may be unaware of how to be a welcome guest.

Hosts and guests can cover all angles by using these simple checklists.

Information from Cottage Owners for Summer Guests

When inviting first-time visitors, considerate hosts will provide:

detailed maps and phone numbers
information about speed traps or sights along the way
suggested dress for weather and activities, plus reminders for bug spray and sunscreen
meal times and routines
septic and water use procedures
guidelines for children and pets
particulars about sleeping arrangements
expected length of visit - weekend or week-long

In addition, cottage owners should arrange:

closet, drawer space or hooks for guest clothing
a place to stow luggage
extra towel racks or hooks in bath or shower room
additional counter or shelf space for toiletry kits and toothbrushes, etc.
comfortable mattresses with mattress covers
allergy-free pillows with pillow covers

What Summer Guests Should Know about Cottage Living

First-time visitors should review the Information from Cottage Owners for Summer Guests (above) to ensure they have all pertinent details. They should also:

offer to bring their own sheets, towels and beach towels
buy food and prepare a few meals during their stay
ask about food allergies & preferences
inquire about cooking and food storage facilities
see if their hosts need anything from the city

Thoughtful & Original Gifts for Cottage Owners

It might seem easy to find a perfect gift for the host and hostess, but in many summer homes, storage space is limited. For a first visit, stick mainly to consumables and avoid items that might clash with their decor.

These are some practical cottage gift suggestions:

fresh fruits and vegetables from local farm stands
septic-safe soaps and dish detergent
summer music compilation CD
potted herbs for cooking and garnishes
wine, beer and mineral water
ingredients for an interesting cocktail recipe
gourmet jams, jellies, vinegars and olive oil
baked goods, breads, home made pies, cookies or brownies
current newspapers or upscale lifestyle magazines
decadent ice cream
high-end organic coffee or herbal tea
premium nuts, olives, spreads and crackers for cocktail or pre-dinner snacks

Often, cottages and cabins get "second best," when owners don't feel like splurging on a place they use only a few months each year. Notice what items may be lacking and on a return visit, surprise the hosts.

The following gifts will be well-received:

a durable, easy-to-use corkscrew
high quality kitchen utensils, like a paring knife or potato peeler
large frying pan
decorative hooks for bath or showerhouse
dish or hand towels
quality acrylic glasses or ice/beer bucket for use on the dock.

How to be a Helpful Cottage Guest

Those wanting an invitation next summer should volunteer to:

entertain children
spend time with elderly folk
help with yard work
wash dishes
make their own bed
drive into town for supplies
prepare cocktails or run drinks to the dock.

Cottage Meal Suggestions

Guests should let their hosts know in advance what meals they would like to make. Be sure to bring all supplies as stores in remote places may not have all the ingredients for exotic or complex dishes.

BBQs are always popular and breakfast or brunch is probably the easiest meal to prepare.

Menu for Easy & Impressive Cottage Breakfast or Brunch

fresh fruit salad
bagels with butter or cream cheese
eggs scrambled with sliced smoked salmon and chives
sparkling white wine (like Prosecco or Spanish Cava) and orange juice
gourmet coffee and tea

Menu for Simple & Sophisticated Cottage Breakfast or Brunch

whole fresh fruit like cherries, apricots and blueberries
mixed green salad with oil and vinegar dressing
store bought (or home-made) frozen quiche, large or individual sizes
bloody Mary or bloody Caesar cocktails
gourmet coffee and tea

Follow up with a thank-you note to guarantee an invitation for next summer.

The copyright of the article How to be a Great Summer Cottage Host or Guest in Vacations & Leisure is owned by Heather Zorzini. Permission to republish How to be a Great Summer Cottage Host or Guest in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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