I love drop in company! Drinks here are few. Decaf instant coffee, International Sugar Free French Vanilla coffee. Hot tea, milk and water. Hmmmm...Maybe that is why I don't get much drop in company.

If they are drop in and are good friends I tell them to ignore the mess to the best of their ability. If they aren't good friends or family they shouldn't be visiting anyway. I would tell them that this is a bad time. We haven't had many drop in visitors since I retired and I hope it stays that way. Our biggest dog has been so difficult to teach good manners to. The other two dogs bark when someone comes to the door, but will hush when I tell them to and they will go out the back door. Luther barks louder and louder and I cannot get him to go outside. He fights me all the way. I've never had a dog that was as stubborn as he is. I don't want anyone to come in because Luther sniffs the heck out of people then tries to jump up on them. When he jumps up he is taller than them and weighs as much or more tham a lot of our friends. I'm getting so discouraged with his behavior.

We keep iced tea, diet root beer, orange juice and some Dr. Pepper in the fridge all the time. There are also a couple of wine coolers.

If not for Luther, drop ins would be welcome. I'm still working with him and hope one day to get him to settle down. Gayle, if you do decide to drop in here,I'll just fetch us a glass of iced tea and we can sit on the bench on the front porch. That way Luther won't greet you. :)

Linda

Luther wouldn't bother me a bit. I'd have to sit outside downwind from you anyway cause I like to smoke with my Ice Tea. LOL!

Luther would have a blast sniffing me since I smell like my 3 dogs all the time.

My Drop In company has Dropped Off too! I've got 3 rude lap dogs that love everyone and they love to give doggie kisses. Not everyone appreciates it like I do. LOL!

Gayle

Right now I am in the middle of getting ready for 'planned' company tomorrow.. so I would not be real happy with drop-in company today. :-)

We always have plenty to drink... cold tea, a variety of sodas, decaf coffee, beer and wine.

I'd love to see you Gayle, but not in 5 minutes! lol Give me a call 30 minutes before you pull in my driveway and I will be very happy (well not as happy as if you had called the day before)! I do love company.. I just like to know it is coming.

I'd have to run to wally world to get food, as I don't cook anymore, well, rarely. Last time was New Years Day.

I just had drop in company, but I wasn't feeling too good so they left after about five minutes. My DH brother and his wife, they are nice folks just passing by and stopped over. I didn't offer them drinks, but the last time they were here I gave them big glasses of orange drink.

Come on in. If we decide we need something that's not here, we'll just hop in the car and go get it. Plenty of restaurants and grocery stores w/in 5 minutes. Chances are, I can please you here.

I love drop in company. I have plenty of beverages on hand to offer, then being Italian, I would put out a platter of cheese, coldcuts, crackers and fruit, then make coffee and have some dessert. Nobody leaves hungry or thirsty.

People don't visit often like they use to. I think we went through a time when the idea of "don't visit without calling first" was touted.

I'll take company anytime they show up. My house never has that "Martha Stewart" look. So be it!

I always have hot or ice tea, and Cheerwine.

Y'all come now, ya heah?

Sue

If you got drop in Company right now...What would you do?
Since I don't have any clothes on, the first thing I would do it get dressed.

What would you offer as a Beverage?
I have orange juice, diet coke, some Grape Crush and Boylan Grape Soda and red and blue Gatorade. Take your pick.

So, are you glad to see Drop in Company? I'll be there in 5 minutes. Are you glad to see me?
Well....I'm not really set up for company because right now I am living under some rather primitive conditions, altho under other circumstances I wouldn't mind. Heck, if you can stand it, so can I. Come on, Gayle.

We had drop-in company yesterday just as I was putting the final touches on lunch! I gave him a big glass of ice water (his request) and offered to share leftovers. I really, really, really do not like "drop-ins" but you will be most welcome if you call the day before or at least give me some advance notice. However, I'll try to make you feel welcome any time but please don't bring your pets! (I'm allergic.)
We always have a good supply of drinks: Coffee, tea, sodas, V-8 and fruit juices. There may be dust on the coffee table but the dishes are always clean! Bettye/AZ

If you got drop in Company right now...What would you do?
I would smile and welcome them.

What would you offer as a Beverage?

Diet pepsi,diet iced tea,mango juice,pink lemonade,coke.tea,coffee.

So, are you glad to see Drop in Company? I'll be there in 5 minutes. Are you glad to see me?
Sure.....what you see..... is what you get. My house is lived in.

Come on in! Lots to drink and we'll take you on a pontoon ride. Beautiful day here in up north Michigan.
Kathy G in MI

Sure ... come on along. I'd have to clear a space on chairs, quite likely - though I did a cleaning job before I left, to prepare for landlord's inspection.

As I've said to some who apologized about messiness ... "I didn't come to inspect the house, I came to see you".

Drinks? Some Coke, Pepsi or root beer (not necessarily chilled). Unchilled apple juice, or frozen orange, pineapple or grape juice soon available. Coffee (regular or instant) or tea. No ice set to freeze yet - filled the water cooler with what I had on hand before I left, just got back this morning early.

Could offer several varieties cookies, frozen but micro-waveable apple, cherry or bumbleberry pie ... also ice cream (micro-waveable should you so choose).

I have a bunch of peas and beans to pick before church tomorrow ... anyone want to help?

ole joyful

Sure...people are always dropping in from our neighborhood and we always have something to offer...coffee, tea, wine or booze...we love company and it's accepted in our neighborhood. One of our neighbors came by today with a gift for me, frozen ice cream treats...I was asleep but he stayed and visited with Beloved.

Here is a link that might be useful: My Caring Bridge site

When I moved out on my own, told my family that I didn't care if they were sitting in my driveway. If they didn't call first, I wasn't opening the door! I grew up in a house that was a revolving door of family (FEW friends outside family members). While it was nice, it got OLD when I was in a mood!

Several times, my parents would call from the driveway, LOL.

Had an aunt and uncle "pop over" once. They called from the driveway and I waved at them through the door. I refused to let them in- we had been sick (but I mainly used that as an excuse since they hadn't called!).

We are now 700 miles from family and about 50 from most friends. No one is driving that far without calling first!

If you got drop in Company right now...What would you do?

Invite them in, like I always do. Cluttered, clean or not. Actually the house is in pretty good shape. However, Sponge Bob is on the tv..but we can chase the boys to their room to watch it..

What would you offer as a Beverage?

I have Kool Aid, all kinds of flavors at the ready. Water from the fridge dispenser, new filter just put it in on Thursday, so it's real tasty.. Raw milk, chocolate milk, Sam Adams Beer. Coffee and Tea always available.

So, are you glad to see Drop in Company? I'll be there in 5 minutes. Are you glad to see me?

Drop on by, 5 minutes..that gives me just enough time to start on a batch of Scones!
Come On In!

I'd welcome my guests with open arms, shove my crafting things on the table to make room for them to have a cup of coffee with me or a soft drink. We could take it to the livingroom which is always clean. Depending upon the time of day the guests drop in, they are taking a chance of finding me still in my nightie. That doesn't bother me...I'm decent. The thing that matters most is that people "feel welcome and at home" in our house. Restaurants are close if we need food. Guest room is always ready if they'd like to stay the night. We love company.

We've always had an open door policy, but what see is what you get. At the moment there are 5 boxes ready to go to the thrift shop. The living room needs to be vacuumed. You were coming to see me right? We can go for a midnight swin.
There is plenty to drink OJ, coke, iced tea, 1 beer (left by another guest) hot tea, and coffee. If you'd like a cocktail I'll have to get the step stool it's behind the cereal boxes. LOL

We don't get much drop in company, but you're always welcome.
I've got coffee in the thermos thingie, and can always make a cup of tea. In the fridge there's Coke, Pepsi, Orangeade(yummy)Milk and Cherry juice. There's also half of a cheese cake and some orange sherbet in the freezer.

Guess I'd best get dressed first! But I would quite handily throw together a nice brunch of that pound of bacon in the fridge, I'd make a mess of scrambled eggs with peppers and onions, I'd pull some frozen sausage out to fry. A pot of fresh coffee, and some OJ, and some bread to toast with butter or jam!

Nuff said! I'm hungry for company!

I don't mind drop in company, but DH hates it. If he is home when you show up I'll step outside, (at least until he is dressed in something decent, if he's not here you can come right on in.

I always have OJ, grapejuice, and sweet tea in the fridge, gingerale & 1 other soda, beer & some type of wine cooler,
water, can easily make coffee or tea.

I like the theory of "if you've come to see my dirty house who am I do disappoint you"! You may find clutter from projects being worked on, or the fixings for the next meal lined up, but the health department won't freak out.

I forgot to ask, what is Cheerwine?

This thread has been an eye-opener. I am never cordial to drop-in company. I answer the door in whatever I am wearing which is usually a t-shirt and underpants. Hopefully they get embarrassed and leave. If I am in the middle of a project I make sure they "get it" by answering the door with a dripping paint brush or spatula or something of whatever it is I am working on. If they talk their way in I continue to do what ever it is that I was doing. If I am eating dinner I continue to eat and do not offer to share. I never offer beverages to drop-ins and may even pop open a cold beverage right in front of them and consume it. If I am sick I go right back to the couch and pull the blankey over myself. I may even stick a thermometer in my mouth and keep it there. I keep checking it and put it back in while they yammer. When they don't get any feedback to their conversation they will leave.

Asking drop-ins to assist in what ever project you are working on usually sends them skedaddling. "Oh, I am soooo glad you stopped by but aren't those clothes too good to be painting in? I would hate to see them get dirty and full of paint splatters"

A good line to use when you anser the door is "You're going to have to move your car out of my driveway because I was just about to leave." And then get in your car and take off. Bwahahaha.

I do not get there nerve of some people who continue to walk right in when you answer the door and say "I'm laying down because I have a headache" or "I'm right in the middle of baking bread" or "I'm eating dinner". I have relatives who do this to me all the time. They drop by because they are bored with themselves and want to be entertained, never because there is any family news to discuss. The worst is when an "ex" decides to drop by when you haven't even talked to them in over a year and they somehow have been entertaining the idea that you 'miss them' and would like to become intimate again. This one has happened twice to me.

I've had neighbors who ring my doorbell because they just want to "shoot the breeze" and are so inconsiderate thinking that you will drop everything to accommodate their whims because they can't figure out what to do with all their extra time.

When out-of-towners arrive at my doorstep without calling first I exclaim "OMG. My phone must be broke! I never heard it ring! Honest. It never rang. Oh look, my caller ID isn't working either, nothing shows up. Maybe there is an outage? You did call before arriving right???"

I DO invite company over, and always offer nice things to consume and have clean guest towels out, but if someone just shows up and doesn't exercise any consideration by at least calling first and requesting a visit. Tough.

When we lived in NH we lived on a road that would take you almost anywhere in the state. Being motorcyclists we have lots of friends. It wasn't uncommon to have 10-20 bikes show up unannounced and only know one or two people. We always had plenty of propane for the grill or wood for a bond fire. The grocery store was three miles down the road. The more the merrier and there were always extra hands to pitch in to do something.

I was raised to welcome any company with welcome arms, refreshments and a big meal. It must be a country/ranch/farm life thing. Anyone is welcome at my home for whatever reason.

There are some though who do show up just because they don't have anything to do. I've noticed the older folks get the more they do this but they are still our friends. If these guest interrupt we give them as much time as we can then excuse ourselves.

Lori

I'm with you . I think droping in on somebody is just plain rude. If your not my best friend and dont care that Im in my underwear please call first. I would never come to your house if you didn't expect me unless I had a good reason to knock on your door, then I would not expect to come in and be entertained or served something to drink. I didn't always used to be this way. When I lived in the city and had neighbors as best friends we were always at each others houses, kind of just an extended house. My DH does not like company and in the 5 years we have been married and lived out in nowheresville we have never even had his Mother to dinner. I guess I didnt realize how much I have changed. I really love my solitude.

I love "me time" ....a lot...but, if someone drops by they will be entertained to no end at our house. If they can avoid the cat and dog hair they can stay as long as they like. They will be treated to drink and food.... I'm afraid we don't have anything alcoholic (but the store is just 3 blocks away...LOL). Of course they might be forced to look at my bird pix and be talked to death by my grandsons and DH will undoubtedly talk about all of our crabgrass and the weather...we love company....the more the merrier....you all can come to my place anytime you like....we'll even leave the light on for ya'.......

~Kathy~

I think dropping in without calling first is inconsiderate, if not rude, however, even when I am caught in embarassing circumstances, I try to be cordial to people. I guess it was just the way I was raised.

My husband's family members from Florida were the worst. They would just show up, unannounced...one time his sister and her husband showed up like that and stayed for weeks before I finally had a melt down and they had to go. I also had a penpal one time that left her husband, took up with a new boyfriend, and headed for Texas (from Illinois) because she knew "Marilyn would take her in." I came home one evening to find them camped out on my lawn. They stayed three weeks and my husband had enough and put them out.

I'm older now, and I wouldn't be so accomodating to long term taking up residence with me, but I would still be nice unless the circumstances dictated that I couldn't be nice any more. I have had one friend leave in a huff because I wouldn't let her granddaughter annoy my animals but if she had sat quietly, I wouldn't have had a problem with their visit.

I don't "drop in," nor do I expect folks to "drop in" on me. We usually have a good selection of things to drink, but snacks are not likely as DH is trying very hard to lose weight.

If my darling neighbor stopped in, it would be because she needed to borrow something, and she would be accomodated and then leave (we have a standing Saturday night date for beer and BS). If my best friend did the same, she would have called first, and be invited to sit and chat a spell. DH's buddies spend time with him in the garage, which is GREAT for me.

I don't care for dropins. I really appreciate a call first, even a half-hour's notice helps.

There seem to be more of us who welcome guests with open arms, than those who don't like drop ins. It would be interesting, at least to me, to know if it is an "age" thing or a "location" thing. I'm of the older generation, but living in the north or now in the south, people are more important to me than projects I am working on, chores I am doing, or a house that might not be spotless. Life is short and it might be the last time I ever get to visit with them and let them know how much they mean to me.

I think only people who know you well enough --- would feel free enough to "Drop-in"

Apparently not so!

There are some really great advantages to having "Drop-ins." You weren't expecting them, so you should not be expected to have anything special for them to eat or drink. You weren't planning on them to arrive, so you don't have to make excuses for messes or projects. If you don't have the freedom to stop what you are doing and visit, then you can just visit over the work at hand, or if necessary you can ask them to come back another "set" day and time.

A person pushing there way into someone elses house without being asked in is RUDE. If you greet someone at the door and don't ask them in -- they should not be coming in -- guess you need to practice the "salesman foot!" lol

I seldom mind having surprise visiters.

If you got drop in Company right now...What would you do?
I'm wearing my bathrobe, but I still look decent. I'd probably get DH to answer the door while I changed. My house is a mess & I haven't had a chance to clean it this weekend (plus DH made a mess in the kitchen earlier), so I'd have to apologize for the way my house looks. I'd be embarrassed, but no one is perfect.

What would you offer as a Beverage?
Right now we have water, wine, beer, hard cider, V-8 & milk. We also have have some harder stuff & could do mixed drinks or port. Hot tea is also an option.

So, are you glad to see Drop in Company? I'll be there in 5 minutes. Are you glad to see me?
I like having drop ins. I just usually feel bad because my house isn't always in "company" condition. But if they can put up with that then they're welcome.

dilly dally, I don't want to be harsh, but I can't imagine that you'd have any friends that would want to drop by. It is possible to be cool and cordial.

I don't care if my house is a disaster, I'd invite someone in, offer them a drink of some kind and be cordial. I may need to keep the visit short, but I'd be nice about it.

If I died tomorrow, I sure hope that people would miss me.

Don't stop here without calling. I am not usually home and if I am the barking dogs will make us sit on the porch. My house is always a little messy (always something going on) but I will clean it for you and pen the dogs out if given the chance. Just give me 24 hours!

I am in awe of most of you that you can be so welcoming.

I would stress over every little thing that was out of place.

I do wish I could change.

Come on over! The house may be a mess, but you will be welcomed. Food & Drink is usually plentiful. Hope you like bunnies!

Tami

What would I do?

I'd be so embarrased about the state of the house and slowness of the remodel, but I'd open the door and say come on in!

Beverage?

I have coffee, tea, V-8 juice, and bottled water.

I'd be very happy to see you. And you'd be in luck today. I have home-made potatoe salad, cucumbers and onions in vinegar, home-made breakfast burritos (in the freezer), roasted chicken, ham, oranges, apples, ice cream, and sandwich fixings.

Posted by peoniesandposies: dilly dally, I don't want to be harsh, but I can't imagine that you'd have any friends that would want to drop by. It is possible to be cool and cordial.

Hmmmm. I am remaining cool and cordial right now. :)

The last thing I need in my life is drunks dropping by to yammer about politics and world affairs. I don't care that they are close relatives, co-workers, neighbors or people I've met in my social circle. I don't need it in my home.

Wannabe Lotharios aren't welcome either. Especially drunk ones. Or insane ones.

People ringing my doorbell at 3:00AM needing a place to crash are going to have to figure out a better way to manage their lives.

Exes will have to get it through their heads that I really do not miss them, and am I not into "booty calls".

People who say they didn't call first because they "don't have my phone number" obviously do not know me well enough to 'just drop by' to come in to chat then either. And if they had to go through some surreptitious means to obtain my address because I never gave it to them, they should realize that they would not be welcome. This is akin to stalking. I don't care if "We used to work together" or if you are "Bob's friend from the BBQ".

People who just drop by for no reason, are just plain selfish and self centered. There are only so many hours in a day and I work out of my home and cannot just drop my work everytime someone wants to click their teeth. This includes needless phone calls too. I also have a child to raise and a home to maintain. I just can't be there for everybody, to sit around and listen to their stories on their schedule. I've eliminated "time vampires" from my life.

Social meetings should be scheduled IMHO. Maybe it's a regional thing, or maybe it's an age thing as someone mentioned before. Obviously from reading this whole thread there seem to be many more people who open their door to anyone, including complete strangers, and entertain them or let them stay over, than people who do not allow such a thing, so I do realize that I am in the minority on this topic. It has nothing to do with "not having any friends" peoniesandposies. It has to do with having some self respect and priorities and not being a doormat. I have plenty of scheduled outings with friends along with scheduled get-togethers in each other's homes. Really.

I didn't know my Thread was still going on. LOL! I forgot about it.

When I lived in my Apartment in Houston I had drop in company all the time. I kept frozen appetizers and booze to entertain "drop ins". We were all "dog" people and our dogs were friends. LOL! That is how I really met everyone. My Drop In's even bought their Dogs over with them.

Now, with health issues, you would be hard pressed to find booze or anything but a veggie tray here. LOL!

I also like at least a 1 hour notice now. Being in the Country, I am very lax on "cleaning".

(And watch out for the snake under the carpet in the garage. I'm not so sure he has left yet.)

Gayle

My house is usually a wreck and I will try anything to keep drop in guests outside on the patio ... I do appreciate at least 30-min. warning. But if we have to come inside, I'll turn bright red in embarassment and then just deal with it. It'll be up to *you* to make *me* feel better. LOL!

Beverages? We always have hot coffee, bottled water, and ice-cold diet pepsi ... sometimes other soft drinks, and once in awhile, lemonade.

Food? We generally don't have much in the way of snacky type food. But if it's close to mealtime when you drop in, then you can be assured that there'll be plenty to share with you! I never have mastered 'cooking for two.'

BTW ... you have to have a high tolerance for dogs (and dog-hair) when you're here. But if you know me well enough to drop in, or are a neighbor of ours, then you know that. Six little ones mean a fur-ball is always in between your feet so you must shuffle to walk, and four huge ones (130-lbs to 160 lbs) whose noses aren't always in appropriate places as they 'get to know you.'

It depends so much on just who is "dropping in" - my grandkids - anytime - they know our house is their second home. My bestest friends - I'll drop whatever I'm doing and enjoy their company. I do like my solitude in my home, though, and there are some relatives of DH's that I wish would just forget where we live. His ex-step-mother, and her current boyfriend seem to just think we're overjoyed to see them - last time they drove by and stopped, we were sitting out on the porch enjoying the day, and I did not even invite them in - may be rude but I refuse to be taken advantage of in my own home. I think I did bring them out a glass of water. Same goes for her son (DH's ex-step-brother) - can't stand his sense of humor, current relaying of his problems, etc. etc.

I, too, appreciate some notice. My kids live in other towns, & they know to call.....especially if they want something to eat!

I've lived for years by the adage "if you come to see me, you're welcome. If you come to see my house STAY HOME". I rarely have drop-in company as friends/neighbors/family
know (1) I'm still working (2) I go to different meetings
different evening, and they can't keep straight what evenings I'm home :-0

I wouldn't be rude, and I'd offer you some ice water or maybe a diet Pepsi, but a call ahead is greatly appreciate.

If you got drop in Company right now...What would you do?

I would thank my lucky stars, that I had friends that drop in!

My house is a mess. Still from the move, and now all my camping gear is spread out, and still needs to be put away.

What would you offer as a Beverage?

Honestly, without getting up and checking the fridge (remember I just got home from being gone for two weeks) I would guess, there was diet Dr.Pepper from hubby, OJ, water and cherry syrup to make a cherry drink, when mixed with water.

So, are you glad to see Drop in Company?

Yes, I always am.

I'll be there in 5 minutes. Are you glad to see me?

Yes, Gayle, come on over. You can help me clean out the hot tub. LOL

Moni
PS, haven't read the others replies yet. :)

Depends on who it is.My motto is,"if you're coming to see me,come anytime.If you're coming to see my house,make an appointment!!

I always have plenty to drink,coffee(instant) as we don't drink the stuff.Tea,sodas,both regular and diet,water,flavored and not.And there's always snacks and sandwich stuff.
Kathi

You can drop in at my house anytime. The house might not be spotless but you came to see me...right? I am sure I can rustle up drinks and probably something to eat. I love people and enjoy when folks just drop by.

What would you do if someone just dropped by??

Ask for a minute or two for them to enjoy the flowers in the front yard while I pick up a bit. With 3 little ones under the age of 5 and being pregnant the house is usually um a mess, or if it is neighbor I will either invite them into the enclosed front porch or we will sit and chat on the front steps. But everyone knows what you see is what you get. We are in the middle of moving all the rooms around in our house so things are a mess, just move the clean clothes pile over and have a seat.

What would you serve company??

I have water, milk, juice, pop, and beer. I can make up some tea or lemonade quickly or what have you. I always have some kind of snack on hand and can pull out a good sized spread, if all else fails can run out to the veggie and herb garden and pull together a meal.

Are you glad to see drop in company?

I prefer a few minutes notice, even 10 minutes to just shove things in the closet at wipe down the bathroom and get some snacks ready. I would be so glad to have company, being a stay at home mom any company (read adult conversation) is a welcome thing. Don't mind my mess just enjoy me. If it is really bad I will detour through the garage and go to the backyard and patio and enjoy my flowers. But Company is always welcome. My neighbor and I drop by each others houses all the time and think nothing of it.

Stacie
girlsingardens

I usually enjoy drop-in company, and I only drop in on people who have said to me "look, anytime you're going to be near, drop in". Then I call from my cell before actually going over just in case it's not convenient for them. The upstairs part of our bungalow is almost always in good shape, so "C'Mon in" is not a problem for me. DGS's toys, video games etc. are downstairs in the playroom, and I usually make sure all the toys etc. migrate down there each evening. Our over-enthusiastic Boston will retreat to the kitchen on demand, and I have a sliding trellis doggie door to keep him there.

What would I serve? Well, we usually have coffee, tea, filtered water, some juices, even chocolate milk. But I know DH would run down to the wine room and decant a liter from a carboy, maybe even one of red and one of white, and pop the white in the freezer for a few minutes then offer. Snacks? Likely crackers and cheese, sometimes I have cookies or cake around.

Am I glad to see drop-in company. Yup, almost always...