For those of us that open our homes to friends and family for the holidays … here are some simple suggestions. Even if your “guest room” is in the family room, basement or one of your kids are giving up their room … make your guests feel welcome and special!
- Some level of privacy is needed. Make sure there are changing areas and if using a kids room, have them pack a suitcase and make an adventure out of keeping their room off limits for a few days.
- Keep an old comfy bath robe hanging on the back of a guestroom door (amazing how many people forget theirs!)
- Also keep a supply of slipper socks handy
- Leave an extra quilt on the end of the bed
- Use lots of pillows, put a small bag of fresh lavender or oil on a cloth inside pillowcases. Kids love stuffed animals!
- Use nightlights! They help guests find the bathroom in the middle of the night. I give kids their own little flashlight!
- Have a bedside lamp that can be reached without getting out of bed.
- Provide reading materials at bedside (for kids too)
- Provide a basket of toiletries ( I save free samples, hotel shampoos and travel size items) Don’t forget to have paper cups in the bathroom.
- If your guests are on medications, give them a safe place to keep them … out of children’s reach
Last of all, I give my guests a tour of the house … pointing out the location of bathrooms, extra toilet paper, towels and even the toilet plunger! I show them around the kitchen, the drinking glasses, beverage supplies, silverware drawer and trash can.
If they are an early riser or late-nite T.V. watcher … they get a tutorial on making coffee and using the T.V. remote.
Have plenty of snacks available.
The goal is to make your guests feel welcome and at home … and for you to enjoy their visit!
- Beckie
