HOSTING FOR THE HOLIDAYS: 6 TIPS ON HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR GUESTS

November 15, 2022

Most of us are familiar with the holiday tune, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” If that title causes you to gulp, you’re probably expecting house guests for some or all of Thanksgiving or Christmas week. Yes, hosting overnight guests requires much planning, shopping, sprucing, and fluffing, but it’s typically a labor of love. The excitement and anticipation of spending long evenings with distant friends or family is well worth the exercise of organizing a special space for their stay. We’ve compiled some suggestions to help you prepare for the “incoming.”

Linens and Things

Next up, check the bedding to make sure it’s laundered and fresh — and don’t forget the pillows! If they’ve become lumpy or too flat, it’s time to replace them. A combination of king and standard size should satisfy most folks. Enough volume to sit up and read comfortably, and a choice of a medium or large size to use for sleep. If there’s an attached bathroom, supply it with fresh bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths. Bright white bed and bath linens invoke the feeling of a high-end hotel suite – just the reaction you’re striving for! Add a cozy throw or quilt to the bed if needed for extra warmth or an afternoon snooze. If you have a clean spare robe and slippers, place them in the closet so guests can dash out to the kitchen first thing in the morning without having to fully dress.

Small details make a big impact

When planning and shopping for your company, take a stroll down the “travel size” toiletry aisle and pick up a variety of shampoos, conditioners, shaving creme, and body wash or bath soaps to add to your bathroom inventory. And don’t forget any of those convenience-sized tubes and bottles of hotel toiletries you may have collected. They sure come in handy! Should you have a spare hair dryer, wrap up the cord neatly and place it in sight on the bath vanity. And let them know ahead of time that they don’t need to pack one. A small trash basket is helpful in both the bedroom and the guest bath.

Lighting and power are critical

One or two nightstands and bedside lamps are imperative. Many of us enjoy some reading time before we doze off, and if the lighting is not sufficient, your guests will miss out on their routine bedtime habit. Bedside lamps also provide general soft lighting for the room, a necessity for guests staying in an unfamiliar environment – you certainly don’t want them stubbing a toe on the corner of the desk! In the days of multiple electronic gadgets, check to see if sufficient power outlets are accessible for charging phones, iPads, and laptops. If outlets are scarce, consider plugging in a power strip so guests have enough empty sockets. An alarm clock is not as critical as it once was as almost everyone uses the clock and alarm features on their cell phones. If the bedside outlet is not accessible, perhaps add an extension cord so your guest is able to plug in their phone and rest it on the nightstand.

An oasis away from home

A cozy corner of our Vibrant Ravinia Residence

If there’s enough space, place a comfy chair or chaise with a lamp and a small side table in a corner so your guest has a peaceful, private spot to read or use their computer. If you have a bit of room on a desk or dresser, consider adding a tray holding a mini Keurig coffee maker, with a small basket of coffee pods and non-dairy creamer so they can enjoy an early morning cup while they get ready for the day. Before retiring for the night, show them where the kitchen coffee maker is and leave a few coffee mugs out. If you have breakfast rolls or coffee cake for the morning, show guests the snacks and invite them to help themselves when they are up.

Last but not least, food!

Before your guests arrive, find out what their morning food preferences are... will they be fine with toast and coffee? Or will you need to prepare eggs and something more substantial? Are they juice or milk drinkers? Do they prefer caffeine-free tea or coffee? Cream? Lemon? It’s nice to have these on hand for last-minute requests. Most importantly, try to stay calm and relaxed while undertaking “host duty.” You don’t want your guests to feel they’re stressing you or your family. Your friendly and easy-going manner will go a long way in making them feel welcome and comfortable. Enjoy every moment with them as you may not be together for a while. Most of all, have fun!

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