7 Things Southerners Always Have Ready For Drop-In Guests

['Betsy Cribb Watson', 'Betsy Is The Senior Home', 'Features Editor At Southern Living. She Writes About A Veritable Potpourri Of Topics For Print', 'Digital', 'Profiling Southern Movers-And-Shakers', 'Celebrating Family Traditions To Highlighting Newsy Restaurant Openings', 'Curating The Annual Holiday Gift Guide. Prior To Joining The Southern Living Team In As The Style Editor', 'She Worked At Coastal Living As An Assistant Editor Covering Pets', "Southern Living'S Editorial Guidelines"] Southern Living - Recipes, Home Decor, Gardening, DIY and Travel 2026-01-29 22:55:06

Here, our editors have rounded up seven things that good Southern hosts always have on hand for unexpected guests. Consider this a two-for-one: No hungry guests, and you’ll introduce them to your hometown’s most beloved culinary delights. These double as a great host gift for those occasions when you’re the unexpected guest.) But it’s also sure to rescue you when someone pops by during the holidays with a gift you weren’t expecting. Stay prepared for those just-in-case scenarios by stocking everything from itch creams and allergy meds to cold and headache remedies.