Skip to main content
Previously, I have written about what to do if you have a pet and are expecting a guest with pet allergies. If your guests have environmental or food allergies, here are some tips for allergy control for guests.
What about if your guests have other indoor allergies? How can you make them feel at home over the Thanksgiving holiday?
Its really not hard and you don’t have to make yourself crazy cleaning and dis-infecting your home to make it allergy-free.
Just keep these tips in mind:
Don’t vacuum and clean just before your guests arrive. Most vacuums (even the ones marketed for allergies and many of the ones with HEPA filters) leak dust and lung damaging particles. Chances are your vacuum does as well. If you don’t have allergies, you just aren’t aware that your vacuum is picking up settled dust and throwing it back into the air where the allergic person can breathe it.
It is best to dust with damp cloths and vacuum the day before your guest arrive. If you have much clutter in your home (which harbors dust) you can spray everything with ADMS Anti-Allergen Spray. If you are pressed for time and must do this Thanksgiving Day, do it at least 2 hours before you expect guests. This will allow plenty of time for dust to settle.
Ask about food allergies well in advance. You don’t want to find out when you sit down to eat that cousin Aly’s new boyfriend is allergic to eggs, tree nuts, legumes, etc. after the meal is already cooked.
If this is your first time cooking for someone with food allergies or celiac disease, be especially aware of cross contamination. Don’t re-use bowls, spoons, etc that contained the problem ingredient unless they have been thoroughly scrubbed and sanitized.
The internet is a wonderful place to find recipes for people with dietary restrictions. From gluten free, to peanut free, to casein free, there is a recipe out there for you.
Let the aroma of your awesome cooking scent the air. Don’t use air “fresheners”, air sprays, or scented candles. All of these can cause respiratory problems, especially for people with asthma and allergies.
If you want to fill the air with good smells (or mask a bad smell) simmer a few whole spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and/or allspice in a small pan on the back burner in a small amount of water and the peel of an orange or lemon. Add water as necessary to keep the pot from going dry. This will fill the air with a natural spicy, sweet aroma and get those gastric juices flowing without constricting bronchial tubes.
If you have a pet, spray down the upholstered furniture and rugs with the ADMS Spray. This is the one go to allergy control product to have in your arsenal. If your guests are allergic to your pets, please read the blog post regarding getting ready for pet-allergic guests.
Thanksgiving is a time to stop and enjoy the blessing of friends and family. It doesn’t have to be stressful unless you choose to make it that way. So, enjoy!
Til Next Time
Cheryl