Here’s the real trick to hosting overnight guest: Serve cake!
When we visited my sister’s family in Florida a few months ago, she had a bundt cake sitting on the kitchen counter that was always available to us. There was usually a clean knife and cake plates nearby, and we enjoyed cutting ourselves a sliver here and there when we we wanted a snack between meals. I commented to her about what a nice idea it was to have a cake available to us, and she said that she had gotten into the habit of picking up an easy store-bought version during her last grocery trip before visitors arrived. Here’s the trick to hosting overnight company.
As someone who really enjoys hosting guests, I thought this was a genius idea. Because she’s my sister, I would have felt totally comfortable rummaging through her panty if I wanted a snack, but I loved that there was a simple option available to all of us that was on the counter intentionally for guests.
I know that I’ve felt uncomfortable before when staying with friends if I started getting hungry at a weird time (especially after schedules are thrown off after traveling.) Often I feel “rude” asking for a random snack to tide me over (though I know they’d likely be happy to find something), so consequently I never want my guests to feel hungry and then uncomfortable asking for something to eat or drink.
Everyone eats their meals and snacks at different times, so it’s common that your timeline for meals doesn’t line up with your guests’ (but they would never say otherwise). All reasons why I love the “bundt cake on the counter” idea. They know upfront that the cake is theirs for the taking at any time, day or night.
We’ve had a handful of family and friends visit throughout the last couple months, and I’ve attempted to have a cake available each time. I love that my sister simplifies her life by purchasing a store-bought version, but since I love baking, this gives me a great excuse to do so.
Bundt cakes can be a little tricky because they need to easily slip out of the upside-down pan in order look presentable (I’ve have several fall apart despite being well-sprayed.) I tried a few recipes from Pinterest that didn’t turn out too well, but both versions from Mix and Match Mama’s 100 Bundt Cakes list have turned out absolutely mouth-watering.

Baking these cakes with my baby girl is the cherry on top. She has always been interested in watching me bake, but now I let her help me pour ingredients and turn on the mixer. I backed up at one point last week to take a picture of her for this blog, and I found her saying “Look Mommy at my happy face!”
And she thinks we’re just baking…
Have guests coming in town for the holidays? I’d highly recommend skimming through Shay’s list of bundt cakes and then serving one on I scooped up from Target! Enjoy hosting overnight company!
Happy baking, everyone!
Hi! I’m Erica, and I absolutely adore sharing my life on this website with you! I come here almost daily to blab about all of the things related to being a regular wife and mother in today’s ever-evolving society. I share about our new home, what’s on our kitchen table, what we’re hanging in our closets, where we’re traveling to next, my crazy 5 a.m. work outs, how I make time for girlfriends, our faith, and much more. We always have a lot of balls in the air and somewhat thrive on the chaos. I believe in the power of story-telling as a form of inspiration and entertainment, so I’m here to do both! I was born and raised in north Alabama and recently re-planted roots here again after my husband transitioned out of the Army (he is now in the Reserve and it’s going so well!) I’m a super proud mom to three little girls (ages 7, 4, and 1) who seem to be the stars of the show around here (for good reason – they’re pretty great!) I’m so glad you found me and are here reading! I hope we can get to know each other here on the blog as well as Facebook and/or Instagram. xoxo