November is a busy month with preparations for the holidays underway. I think we're all busy with some combination of meal planning, gift buying, house decorating and preparing for holiday guests. I'm a big excited that we are moving into a bigger house this month, which means it's a lot easier to have guests in our home and the atmosphere is a bit more inviting – less cramped and more comfy!
When it comes to welcoming guests, my sister-in-law does an excellent job and I like to follow her example of making a welcoming environment. We always love staying at her house not only because it's great to see her, but also because she makes us feel like we're being welcomed into a little retreat. She is very thoughtful in her preparations and sets up the room and leaves amenities for us to make our stay more enjoyable. If you plan to have a stream of guests throughout the holidays or perhaps into the new year, it pays to prepare now!
How to Prepare Your Holiday Home for Overnight Guests
A Cozy Bed
When your guests arrive, they may be tired immediately and need a bit of shut-eye. How you prepare the bed can make it extra cozy. At my sister-in-law's house we sleep on an air mattress, but it is a GOOD QUALITY air mattress, which makes all the difference. Make it extra comfortable with pillows in a choice of both fluffy and firm and cozy blankets. A pretty comforter can add the final touch.
Local Information
If you are working during your guests' stay or will be otherwise preoccupied, they may have time alone in your unfamiliar city. Leave a local guidebook or pamphlets from a few of your favorite attractions. You can also include a gift certificate to a local eatery or coupons for discounted activities.
Snacks and Treats
Who doesn't love a good snack?!? A nice variety is always appreciated with both both salty and sweet snacks. Things like crackers, granola bars, fruit, nuts and chocolate are a good start. Add in a few bottles of water to drink.
Personal Care Amenities
A small basket of the same type of amenities you would find in a hotel is a nice way to start. Stock it with things like shampoo and conditioner, body wash, hand lotion, etc. But to really be the “hostess with the mostess” think beyond the basics and dedicate a small cabinet or closet in the room to additional items guests might need.
In this personal care cabinet, you can stock items like feminine hygiene products, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shaving supplies, sunscreen, insect repellant, first aid supplies, and other personal care items. It's thoughtful to try to think ahead to any possible needs guests might have.
What steps do YOU take to prepare for overnight guests??
Kimberly Flickinger says
I will be helping my mother who will be having overnight guests this Christmas so I will definitely keep this in mind. Thank you for sharing.
Julie Wood says
These are very good tips for overnight guests, especially this time of year when the Holidays approaching. I will be having guests and making sure the bedroom is cozy and inviting is very important to me!
Makeba Giles says
We don’t have overnight family guests for the holidays, as all of my family lives locally, but this would be a great share for those on my friend’s list on Facebook!. Thanks for sharing!
Dana Rodriguez says
These are great ideas. We don’t have guests very often but we will have guests for a few days over the holidays so thanks for the list!
Catherine Sargent says
These are great tips. I need to look into getting a new bed for our spare room.
shelly peterson says
These are wonderful ideas. Most of my family lives close so I never really have over night guests for the holidays.
Cami Valenzuela says
Great tips… we will have guest for the holidays here. First year in our home. We are nervous hoping everything goes smoothly.
Liz Mays says
I like your ideas a lot. I do have to start thinking about the personal care products we provide in the guest room!
Erin F says
Love the idea of personal care amenities! I hate when I go to someones house (especially when they only have one bath) and you’re forced to use their personal stuff. This makes visiting so much less awkward!
AnnMarie John says
It’s really important to make your guest feel welcome and at home. I also make sure to prepare everything they need, from the supplies to the snacks. I’m glad you brought up the topic about bladder leakage, that’s something that women have to deal with that takes away our confidence.
Carol Cassara says
Doesn’t it feel amazing when your guests feel right at home! I think it’s one of the most rewarding feelings that you can get when you have friends over.
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says
That’s really lovely! I like to make my guests feel right at home especially if they’re staying through the Holidays! I think it’s really good to have everything they might need ready and on hand!
Pam says
These are great tips for making holiday guests feel welcome. I love making ,y guests feel right at home.
travel blogger says
Great tips! We moved far from our families, and this will be the first year we will have lots of guests in and out of our house. It is so important to have a variety of those every day products that are helpful, but that guests don’t always remember to bring.
Sara Welch says
A cozy bed and a cozy atmosphere are a must. They truly make a huge difference in making guests feel welcome.
Crystal says
I love visiting my sister’s house because she’s got the best guest set-up ever. A detached room with a bath and always the yummiest smelling soaps. Need to take your tips and make my home ready for guests.
Heather says
It’s wonderful for guests to feel like they have a space to call their own while they’re at your home. It sounds like you’ve created a relaxing getaway, with all the little things considered.
ellen beck says
These are great tips. The one I really like is having snacks since if someone is hungry they might not feel comfortable just getting into things. Also showing where towels are or just having towels in the room helps.
Rosey says
I think it’s smart to make sure your guests are happy and comfortable. We have guests coming in tonight for the long weekend and I’ve done my best! Happy Holiday Season, woohoo, I love this time of year!
Dogvills says
Thank you for these tips. It is important that we provide our guests a comfortable stay. We usually have family members for overnight guests so it is easy for us because we know by heart what their needs are.
Sarah L says
Those are some good tips for having guests.
Dandi D says
My family is probably coming for Thanksgiving, so these are some great tips!