5 Items to Always Have on Hand for Unexpected Visitors

An unexpected visitor—those wonderful people who stop by when they’re in your neighborhood—can be a delight to see. However, their arrival can also bring added pressure, especially when you haven’t had time to prepare. 

Growing up, I spent a lot of time at my grandmother’s house, where unexpected visitors often dropped by. She was always welcoming and never panicked; she had her “if guests stop by” items ready at all times.

These days unexpected visitors don’t just come-a-knockin’ without a text first but hey, unexpected is unexpected.

In this blog post, I will share the practical items I like to keep on hand for unexpected visitors. These items are completely normal and not high maintenance at all but they can make you look fancy, which is important.

Coffee and Tea- the most critical component for unexpected visitors!

We all have our caffeine essential in our homes, which could be all you need when you have an unexpected visitor pop in and is most likely all they’re expecting. Brew a pot of coffee or boil water in the tea kettle to get the visit started. These comforting beverages create an inviting atmosphere, turning an ordinary visit into a warm and welcoming experience.

Vegetable and/or Fruit Tray

In my house, I like to buy fruits and vegetables that tend to last longer, such as celery, carrots, and cucumbers. These are perfect items to always have on hand for unexpected visitors. Simply peel, chop, and serve them, and you’ll be the hostess who’s always prepared for anything!

Charcuterie Board- leave your unexpected visitors impressed and thankful they just popped in on you.

Creating a charcuterie board doesn’t have to be complicated to put together for your unexpected visitors. Even a basic arrangement can elevate your hosting skills. To put together a simple yet elegant spread, start with your household’s favorite crackers, add a variety of sliced cheeses, and include a selection of fresh fruits. This approach not only showcases your thoughtfulness but also caters to diverse tastes, leaving your unexpected visitors impressed and thankful they just popped in on you.

Dips!

Never underestimate the power of a good dip. Not much preparation or planning is needed to make a simple yet delicious dip. Keep a few of these ingredients in your pantry to whip up quickly for your unexpected visitors.

• Ranch

  The Ranch powder packets are a staple in my pantry and my go-to for unexpected visitors every time. Just mix it with sour cream, and serve it with some vegetables, chips or pretzels. 

• Hummus

  I have to admit that, given my Middle Eastern background, I don’t make homemade hummus as often as I should. I’m working on it! In the meantime, store-bought hummus has been working just fine. Serve it with a side of veggies, pita chips, or pita bread, and it will be a delicious treat for those unexpected visitors. 

• Salsa/Guacamole

  Store-bought for the win! Does anyone have time to make their own salsa or guacamole when unexpected visitors are approaching? Nope! It’s a good idea to keep a jar of your favorite salsa (plus, it lasts a while in the fridge) or some premade guacamole on hand for these situations.

Salty snacks

It’s a good idea to keep some salty snacks with a long shelf life on hand. Options like mixed nuts (unless there is a nut allergy), pretzels, popcorn, or chips are ideal for serving unexpected visitors, as most people already have these items in their pantry.

Hopefully, now, you will embrace and welcome with comfort and confidence an unexpected visitor. Keeping some items on hand can make visits from surprise guests easier, allowing you to enjoy your time together!

Be sure to check out…

7 Simple Ways to Host On a Budget (without anyone noticing)