It is all of these things, plus the bedrooms either because we have cool art or records in there, or it is a sideways way of asking someone who fixes stuff how to fix something that is broken in there, it could just be a segue into a story about how you got a great deal on the bed frame (especially if you know the guest is in the market for furniture), or simply to let them know this is where the homeowners stay in case something is needed at all during the stay. If there is a lot of people, we also put coats in there when all the hooks and closets become full. It's also offered if the guest needs to breastfeed, have a private call, lay down because they aren't feeling well, or take a nap themselves or with the children if it's getting late.

Ive shown people my basement too if it's finished or just really old and cool. In the Midwest it is common to have root cellars in your home, so we might keep an extra fridge and freezer down there, or have a set up going on for a hobby. We used to grow culinary mushrooms and brew beer in ours. It is also where the laundry is bc you never know when someone is going to spill something on themselves and need to throw in a load.

For overnight guests, the spare room is usually offered. If it's kids rooms, it's usually to show off what your kid is into these days or introduce them tonthe guests. It's never invasive, like we don't open up all the drawers or anything.

It's part stuff we think people might find interesting, part utilitarian, and part making sure guests know and can feel comfortable in a new place.

It's funny you mention new England, because both my husband and I are from the Midwest and put people up on the reg. We moved to the east coast and have gotten some bewildered looks for doing this. I thought it was something everyone did, lol.