Rob Heming
Sales Representative
Realty Executives Plus Ltd.
The cottage is your castle. It’s the place you love to go to get away from the daily grind and the constant noise of the city. It’s an absolute treat to sit and bask in the peace and quiet. There are times, though, that obligations do take over and on occasion, you have to host friends and family that might not see eye to eye with each other, or are known to spark conflict. The Summer already has some record-breaking heat - let’s take a look at some ways to make sure tempers don’t flare and everyone stays cool when you’re hosting at the cottage.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a table of six or sixteen, there will always be an optimal way of arranging your guests around the table to minimize clashing opinions. Some forethought should be put into who is sitting next to who in order to make drinks on the deck and dinner run smoothly.
If you’re having overnight guests, shuffling everyone into the living room on the pullout couch is hardly an effective plan, especially if there are children involved. Be sure to offer up the bunkie or spare bedroom, or even your own quarters, if need be.
Having access to things like ATVs, kayaks, hammocks while you’re at the cottage is a ton of fun. Everyone loves access to the fun stuff so, to make it fair, consider having a sign up sheet or schedule that everyone can refer to. This will help ensure that everyone gets a turn and there are no arguments to be had about unfair use.
The cottage is your escape. For a brief period of time, you’re able to silence all the outside forces and just enjoy the beauty around you ... This beauty can be easily wiped away when you’re hurtled back into the real world with heavy-hitting topics that folks tend to have strong, opposing views on.
Keep far away from topics like
Sure, you might feel that you have the more correct way of thinking, but a shouting match at the dinner table won’t solve any of these issues. Pick your battles - this one isn’t it. Steering clear of the hot button issues keeps everyone in a good, chill mood - key for such warm weather.
It can certainly be trying to host friends and family at the cottage but sharing a wonderful day or weekend is what makes it all worthwhile in the end. When the last guest finally heads back home, that’s when it’s time for you to return to the peace and quiet, while knowing that you hosted a successful cottage get-together.
Rob Heming at Realty Executives on the Bay
specializes in tourism accommodation, recreational and multi-residential properties,
as well as fine homes and waterfront cottages.
