Many of us are getting ready to host guests for the holidays, and I know you already have a lot on your plate (Decorating! Shopping! Baking cookies! Making magic!) so I wanted to give you a quick checklist for making your home guest-ready!
Welcome & Wi-Fi
A vintage welcome sign or a framed welcome poem is the perfect place to display your wi-fi password for your guests.
Necessities
Make sure your guest room is well stocked! A water jug and glass, a notepad and pens, and an alarm clock are all essential items to have available for your guests. Additionally, make sure there is an easy-to-find home for remotes (and if they are complicated, instructions on how to work them). I always make sure that the guest room has a full-length mirror, drawer space, and a mostly empty closet (with hangers). There’s nothing worse than opening a guest room closet and not being able to hang your clothes up because it’s a storage space for the homeowner’s off-season and out-of-style clothes.
Guest Bathroom
There’s nothing worse than realizing you forgot to pack something and finding the guest bathroom shelves empty. Here’s the list I run through when I’m preparing for company:
- Q-Tips
- Cotton Balls
- Face pads
- Dark wash cloth for removing makeup or makeup remover pads
- Toothpaste
- Extra toothbrush
- Soap
- Body wash
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Hair dryer
- Clean hairbrush
- Feminine products
- Two towels, washcloths, and hand towels per guest
- Extra toilet paper
If you don’t have guests often, consider using the guest bathroom items as your backstock. When you run out of something, instead of heading straight to the store, grab it from the guest bathroom. Then when you buy a replacement item, put the replacement in the guest bathroom. This keeps items fresh—no one wants to use dusty toiletries!
Comfy & Cozy
Make sure your guests feel right at home with a room full of things to make them comfy and cozy. A few little extras can go a long way in providing a memorable stay at your home. I like to make sure the guest room has a chair to sit in, a cozy throw and extra blankets, and a small sitting area that includes an adjustable-brightness lamp. Make sure there is some reading material (including a few magazines and a daily newspaper). I also like to include a robe, and several pillow options. Slippers are another excellent touch (and if you stay at a hotel that offers them, you can often bring them home with you).
Little Luxuries
Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference, and I love to pamper guests with a few little luxuries: a box of chocolates, bottled water, and fresh flowers are my favorites!
A few last tips
Don’t forget to ask about dietary restrictions or any special food requirements and do your best to accommodate! Also, ask about any transportation needs, and if there is anything special your guest is hoping to do while they are in town, so you can plan accordingly.
What are your favorite tips for preparing for guests? Let me know in the comments!
