Inside-Out Hospitality

I thought I knew how to welcome guests—until I had an unpaid Masterclass during a weekend at my in-laws.

My brother-in-law and his wife (fondly known as the Minister of Internal Affairs) invited my husband and me for an activity-filled weekend: their child’s dedication in church and her birthday. It was going to be a ‘full house.’

Before every trip, I usually pack my bags the night before (or earlier), just to be sure I have everything I need. Unfortunately, this time I didn’t. I found myself rushing in the morning, and many things didn’t fit into my bag—like my towel.

My husband advised me not to take it. According to him, they might even get offended that we thought they couldn’t host us. Reluctantly, I left the towel behind, and off we went.

By the end of that weekend, I was here to testify: they were even better hosts than I imagined. We had three other guests as well, making it a ‘full’ house for the entire weekend—and yet, everything flowed beautifully.

What follows are the lessons from my very practical hosting Masterclass.

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1. Relax and Enjoy the Ride

I know your mind is probably racing:
Will they like my house? Do I have enough money or time? How will I manage everyone?

Abeg, relax. Hosting can actually be enjoyable. Sometimes we’re so busy trying to make everyone comfortable that we miss out on the fun ourselves.

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2. Discuss the Schedule in Detail

Clarify the basics:

• When are they coming?
• How are they coming?
• Do they have directions?
• And very importantly… when are they leaving?

Check in during their journey. If possible, pick them up. Also, ask how many people are coming. You may be expecting one person and suddenly—boom—it’s a whole family or surprise tag-alongs.

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3. Clean Your House (Before They Arrive)

This one doesn’t need much emphasis.
Declutter, dust, and clean before guests arrive. It’s often considered rude to be cleaning while guests are already present.

Pay special attention to the toilets—your guest might need to use them immediately. Stock them properly.

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4. Budget Ahead of Time

Do not empty your pockets just to prove you’re a good host. Planning ahead helps you stay generous without stress.

Think through:

• What meals will you cook?
• What snacks and drinks do you need?

Buy these in advance so you’re not constantly stepping out once guests arrive.

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5. Prepare Entertainment Ahead of Time

Music? Have a playlist ready.
Games? Keep a few simple ones in mind.
Conversations? Choose topics everyone can flow with.

And where are those old photo albums we used to keep? This is the perfect time to bring them out.

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6. Give Them a Warm Welcome

Welcome your guests with a smile. Carry their bags. Ask about their journey. Put your phone away and focus on them.

Be present. Be attentive. Be a good listener.

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7. Offer Refreshments Thoughtfully

Let guests settle in before serving heavy meals. Offer light snacks and drinks first.

One mistake I used to make was always asking guests what they wanted—and then running out to get it. That often led to disappointment if the store was closed or the item was unavailable.

Instead, stock up ahead of time:

• Biscuits
• chinchin
• groundnuts
• bottled water
• fruits
• a variety of drinks

If you have children (or low self-control), store snacks wisely.

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8. Tips for Guests Who Stay Over

Prepare Sleeping Arrangements

As soon as we arrived, she took our luggage straight to our room. That alone spoke volumes.

Fresh bedsheets, pleasing fragrance, and backup plans make a difference. If you don’t have a guest room, spare mattresses or a convertible couch work just fine.

Growing up, my father taught us that sometimes hosts make sacrifices. When guests came, we would give them our rooms and sleep in the parlour. Hospitality costs something—but it’s worth it.

Show Them Around

Show guests where the bathroom, kitchen, and essentials are. If it’s their first time in town and you have time, give them a mini tour.

Anticipate and Provide Needs

Towels were already laid out. Toothbrush. Body lotion. Breakfast items are clearly shown.

Here I was thinking I had only forgotten my towel—only to realise I had forgotten more. That’s 5-star treatment.

Set Ground Rules

This is especially important if you have children:

• Media choices
• Security
• Smoking rules
• Family devotion times (invite them in)

Give Them Privacy

Your guest may be tired or in town for a serious reason. Avoid constant check-ins or knocking. Give them space.

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9. A Proper Goodbye

Thank them for coming. Compliment them. Sometimes, give gifts. Pray with them and for them—it’s refreshing and meaningful.

Now do you see why she’s called the Minister of Internal Affairs?

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Inside-Out Hospitality Takeaway

Being a great host isn’t about impressing your guests—it’s about serving them with love and preparedness.

When hospitality flows from the inside out, it stops being a performance and becomes a reflection of Christ’s welcome through us. A prepared heart will always speak louder than a perfect home.

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Inside-Out Question

What are some things you do in your home to make guests feel welcome?
What hosting tips have you learned—either as a host or as a guest?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Here’s to hosting from the inside out.