Come this weekend, chestnuts will be roasting on the fire, bellies will still be full from Thanksgiving leftovers, bundles of packages will be wrapped under the tree & everyone will be tired. It’s that time of year! So much fun, celebrating, catching up & running around. Family & friends will be descending on our homes for a meal, gathering or even overnight.
Are you ready?
There’s an easy way to make sure your guests feel comfortable & can find what they need in your home….by stepping into their shoes or if they are staying the night, their bed. It’s true. When you spend a night in your guest accommodations, whatever they may be, you will quickly discover what is missing. Also, when you think of a time you visited a friend’s home for a party or overnight, you can quickly remember what you needed but couldn’t find without asking your host.
So what are some items that might need to be accessible for your guests, you ask? Try this list below to see how your hosting stacks up.
1. Guest Room Luxurious guest accommodations include
- an extra blanket
- a throw
- extra pillows of different firmness
- night light to get them to the bathroom
- bottled water with pretty water decanter
- an“OMGI forgot…” just like at a hotel, shower cap, some cozy socks, maybe even a robe
- coffee ready to brew, hot tea or cocoa set out at the coffee station(for very early risers)
Try sleeping in your guest accommodations
- see how comfortable the bed sleeps
- are there any annoying lights keeping you awake
- is the room is stuffy or cold.
Then be creative with the extra touch you would like to have when away from home.
- a tiny nosegay of flowers
- chocolates
- sleep inducers like magazines, crosswords, sudokus
Your overnight guests will thank you.
2. Gathering (gathering when or what or why??? Do you mean gathering for a party—not overnight. You need to separate and designate the two different guest occasions)
- Select a room where guests can leave their coats/handbags
- Turn on a light on in the bathroom you prefer to be used with loads of hand towels & extra toilet paper—& check back frequently during the event to see that it stays on
- Place appetizers in the main room to entice guests toward that direction
- Create a self-service drink station, easily accessible for help-yourself but close to where you are still working
- Place extra tea towels & aprons out for your extra helpers
- Think of small tasks your guests can do, like plating olives, carrying dishes to a table
- Frame a printout of your WIFI access
- Turn on festive music to help everyone relax
Think of an extra touch that will make your guests feel special & welcome in your home.
It’s a crazy, hectic time for the next 5 weeks. While lying in bed trying to fall asleep, take time to consider your guest’s needs while in your home. It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give this season. What special thing do you do for your guests?
