The holidays are a popular time to host friends or family, whether they are just stopping in for dinner or they will be staying with you for a couple days. With so much else going on this time of year, it can be hard to make sure everything is perfect so that your guests feel welcome and at home. Today I am going to be talking to you about all the things I like to do when I have guests in town to make sure they have everything they need without adding a ton of stress to my life. The key is to being a good host or hostess is to be organized and get as much done beforehand as possible!
Spick and Span
The first thing you need to do when you have guests coming into town is make everything spotless. For me, this is a sign of politeness and the first step in making someone welcome in your home. You don’t want the first thing they experience in your home to be getting covered in dog hair. This may sound obvious but some people make this much harder on themselves than they need to. Do this beforehand! Deep clean the house, room by room, in the weeks before your guest arrives. That way, when they are due to arrive, all you need to do is tidy up and everything will be ready to go! I always say I like to keep my house about 10 minutes away from “guest ready” at all times! I slip up on this from time to time but for the most part, I maintain my house daily so that I don’t get stuck cleaning the entire house all at once. Being prepared like this takes a lot of the stress out of entertaining!
Stock the House
Something I always really love to do before a guest arrives is to make sure I have all of their favorite things on hand before they come. This will make your guest feel right at home! Stock up on things such as their favorite soda, wine, or snacks and have them prepared before they arrive. If they like their wine chilled, put it in the fridge as soon as you buy it so that it’s one less thing you have to worry about! Also, it can sometimes be surprising how much extra stuff you go through with guests in town! Make sure you have an adequate supply of things like water, paper towels, and bread to avoid having to make last-minute grocery runs while you’re entertaining.
Welcome Basket
My mom always did this for guests when I was growing up and I think it adds such a sweet touch! I try to assemble a basket of little things that your guest may need while they’re in town. Putting together a little basket or tray with lotion, a specialty soap, and a cozy robe will make your guest feel extra special! This doesn’t have to be expensive – I love to get the travel size options because that’s all your guest will need and then you won’t have 35 half-empty lotions lying around the house. A robe is a really nice option for this, too because it is something that your guest may love to have but probably didn’t pack with them. It’s always nice to have something cozy to throw on the mornings, especially in the winter months. Try to add a personal touch to the welcome basket if you can, such as a coffee mug if you know they’re a big coffee drinker.
Gold Tray | Plush Robe | Travel Size Beauty Products | Memory Foam Slippers | Mug | Bath Salts
Nap Time Accommodations
Of course it’s important to make sure your guests have a cozy bed to sleep in but I think it’s also nice to give them a casual option to take a nap or relax in their room whenever they want. For this, draping a cozy blanket over the corner of the bed is a perfect idea! This gives your guest the freedom to relax and be on vacation without having to make and unmake their bed a bunch of times.
Faux Fur Throw | Chenille Throw
Special Treats
I always love to prepare special treats when I know I have guests coming into town. A favorite of mine are the Brown Butter Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies that I posted the recipe for earlier this week. These are always a huge hit with guests and they make for a nice treat with coffee or an impromptu late-night snack. You can prepare them the day they’re arriving or make the dough in advance and freeze it until you’re ready to bake them! One more thing you can cross off your list of things to do. Displaying them on a beautiful cake stand or tray is an added touch to make it clear that you made them especially for them.
Marble Tray | Cake Stand | Marble Cake Stand
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