7 Things Southerners Always Have Ready For Drop-In Guests

The number one rule of Southern hospitality? Be prepared.

Published on Jan. 29, 2026

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From local snacks to extra linens, Southern hosts know how to welcome unexpected visitors with ease. This article outlines 7 essentials that Southern hospitality experts recommend keeping on hand for last-minute guests.

Why it matters

Maintaining a well-stocked home for drop-in guests is a hallmark of Southern hospitality, allowing hosts to make visitors feel comfortable and cared for even on short notice. This article provides practical tips for Southerners and others to emulate this gracious hosting tradition.

The details

The article highlights 7 key items that Southern hosts always have ready for unexpected guests: local snacks and treats, essential toiletries and linens for the guest room, easy-to-prepare appetizers and desserts, extra bedding, frozen meals, a "gift closet" for last-minute presents, and a supply of basic health and wellness items. The tips come from the author's own experience as well as insights from Southern Living editors.

  • The article was published on January 29, 2026.

The players

Brenna Long

The Richmond, Virginia-based Social Media Director for Southern Living magazine.

Libby Minor

The copy chief for Southern Living magazine.

Katie Akin

The Associate Editor for Southern Living magazine.

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What they’re saying

“I always keep some of my favorite local snacks in my pantry, like Taste of the Bay Cheese Straws and Beach Crunch,”

— Brenna Long, Social Media Director (Southern Living)

“It can be as simple as a block of cream cheese and some pepper jelly with Wheat Thins, a jar of extra-good salsa with tortilla chips, a package of slice-and-bake cookies, or a fun flavor of ice cream and fudge sauce,”

— Libby Minor, Copy Chief (Southern Living)

“No worries because you have just the thing stashed away—generic enough to please different people but special enough to seem like you definitely didn't forget to include them on your shopping list,”

— Katie Akin, Associate Editor (Southern Living)

The takeaway

This article provides a helpful checklist for Southerners and others to emulate the gracious hosting traditions of the region, ensuring they are always prepared to welcome unexpected guests with comfort and care.