With the holidays fast approaching chances are your having a guest or two spending a few days with you. Are you wondering how to make your guests feel at home? It’s time to start preparing now for your out-of-towner to have a 5 star experience.
Here is a surefire way to make sure they do!
1. About 3 to 4 days prior to their arrival, wash the sheets, make sure there is closet space with extra hangers, and a drawer or two for their clothes. Place clean towels where your guest have access to them for their entire stay.
2. Provide extra pillows and both light and heavy blankets.
3. Place a basket of sample size toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush & toothpaste, body lotion, a disposal razor and mouthwash) in their room or bathroom they will be using. Just in case they have forgotten something.
4. Purchase a few of their favorite magazines and bottles of water. Place these items on the night stand in your guest room for them to enjoy while they are staying with you.
5. Welcome your guests with fresh flowers and a note welcoming them to your home. Place these items in their room.
6. If you have a photograph with your guest(s), place the photo of you and your guest somewhere in your home.
7. Make sure your guest can access your wifi, set them up with a guest password.
8. Place self-serve snack trays in your refrigerator and on your kitchen counter. Your guests might not want to bother you when they are hungry for a snack.
9. Contact your guests ahead of time to see if they have any dietary restrictions.
10. Set up a breakfast station in the kitchen. Provide coffee, tea and other breakfast items, just incase they are early risers.
Most importantly, treat your guests as part of your family!
Shelley Zurek
THIS++++> 10. Set up a breakfast station in the kitchen. Provide coffee, tea and other breakfast items, just incase they are early risers.
I think that knowing that the food is there whenever they want without feeling they are inconveniencing you makes so many people feel more at home.
Its All About The Pretty
It makes all the difference, Shelley!
bodynsoil
Excellent list and I love the bedding. I agree with your point about leaving a breakfast selection for your guest incase they are early risers. Great idea.
Its All About The Pretty
Thanks! Happy Holidays!
Carol Cassara
I’m pretty on top of this stuff, but I learned a new trick or two today, thanks!
Its All About The Pretty
You are welcome, Carol!
Stacia Fernandez
Number 8 had never crossed my mind! Thanks for the reminders and the new tips!
Its All About The Pretty
Thanks!
Cheryl Nicholl
I have only one thing to say: When can I come visit?
Its All About The Pretty
Anytime, Cheryl!
Roz Warren
I happen to have a house guest AT THIS VERY MINUTE. And as it turns out I’ve done most of these things, including the photo. And the magazines. But if he needs shampoo, he’ll just have to share mine.
Its All About The Pretty
Happy entertaining!
Jane Saunders
I’ve picked up a few ideas, also. These tips can be used throughout the year when guests are coming. Love all of them. Thank you!!
Its All About The Pretty
Thanks, Jane!
Cathy Chester
Such a nice idea for a blog post. When dad had a stroke my mom didn’t want to sleep alone so she stayed with us for a few days. I made sure all of her favorite things were available to her in our extra bedroom. So nice to take special care of the ones you love.
Its All About The Pretty
Thank you, Cathy!
Kim Tackett
These are all great ideas. I have a friend who also leaves slippers for her guests. I think it’s a Japanese tradition, so she has new slippers for each one.
Its All About The Pretty
Kim, I love the slipper idea!
Tam Warner Minton
Nice touches! 5 Star indeed!
Its All About The Pretty
Thanks, Tam!
Helene Cohen Bludman
You are the hostess with the mostest! Would it be rude if I asked to come visit?
Its All About The Pretty
Anytime, Helene!
Ruth Curran
Hmmm… maybe my answer to making my guests comfortable is to send them to your house – or maybe I will just go myself! Great suggestions Mary!
Its All About The Pretty
Ruth, your comment made me chuckle! I don’t think we live too far from each other, we should meet for lunch sometime!
Angela Weight
What a thorough list! I need to pin that so I’ll have it when I need it. The bedroom in your photo is gorgeous!
Its All About The Pretty
Thank you, Angela!
Lois Alter Mark
Oh, Mary, you sound like such a wonderful hostess. I’ll be over next week — you know, just to test out these ideas. 🙂
Its All About The Pretty
Thanks, Lois for helping me out with that!
Janie Emaus
I don’t even treat my family this good!
Jackie
Great tips… the problem is that I feel like they might be so welcome that they would never want to leave, LOL!
Its All About The Pretty
Eventually they go home!
WendysHat
My family all lives here so we don’t have very many visitors. I love your tips though. I’m wondering if they’ll ever want to live !
Its All About The Pretty
Thank you, Wendy.
Estelle
All great tips! I would also add I let my guests sleep in.
Its All About The Pretty
Thanks, Estelle!