Everything you need to get ready for holiday guests

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  Posted by Sheelah N Thu Dec 11, 2008 8:29am PST

  ok... i thought this might be a good article worth reading but for I was so angry at the suggestions being made. Surely in case you all havent noticed we ARE in a recession. (Maybe the author isnt though)

  I doubt that anyone that would be visiting me would expect a cut crystal carafe beside their bed. And the chances of me simply running out and picking one up is slim. (about $350 us dollars)

  I went to the Frette website to check on these robes the author is suggesting and they START @ about $250 apiece. Certainly this decadant item is not reserved us middle class folk. I wouldnt buy this robe if the baby Jesus himself paid me a visit.

  Lastly, no one that visits, ESPECIALLY family should be expected to be treated as if they are in a luxury hotel. Clean sheets and a nicely scented comfortable room are really all thats needed. (plus lots of tasty food and snacks) Put out your good towels but certainly dont spend $81 on bath sheets (like in the Frette website). While it was a well written article, Im not sure WHO this article was written for. Nearly the whole country is talking about Christmas being "scaled down" If we are buying $250 robes for guest, in THIS economy, what are we scaling down from?

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  Posted by Jo L Thu Dec 11, 2008 9:42am PST

  good point Sheelah. we've seen this for years on websites and in fashion magazines.

  start posting things people can actually buy!

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  Posted by Jezabel Thu Dec 11, 2008 10:16am PST

  Something much less expensive and more appreciated would be toothbrushes, toothpaste and contact solution for the guest (and some spare cases, sterlize the old ones you might have.). I can't count how many times people forget these things when packing.

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  Posted by Dory Devlin, Shine staff Thu Dec 11, 2008 11:17am PST

  I know exactly what you're saying. These are expensive, but if we use them as inspiration instead, we can find similar items for a lot less that will make guests feel comfortable. Jezebel, great idea about providing extra toiletries.

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  Posted by Sheelah N Thu Dec 11, 2008 12:50pm PST

  Thanks for reading my earlier post. Since then I have thought of sooo many ways a person can make a guest feel at home or feel lux in the spare room.

  1. Washing the sheets with a lavender/chamomile/ scent (or spraying them). Tide makes a detergent or, try an aromatherapy sleep spray at Bath & Body Works ( love the stuff)

  2. Make a goodie bag/basket full of things they may need or have forgotten. Cute decorated nail files, nice soaps, lotions, a loofa or body sponge,and stationery are nice things to add to a clear bag all tied up with a bow. All which will run you less than $10.

  3. You can easily purchase an insulated carafe for about $10 @ target that will keep water nice and icy.

  4 As for feeling pampered, nothing makes you feel more pampered than a box of chocolates. A tiny box of Godiva's will run you about $6 but any kind would work. (I like Ghiradelli's)

  5. If you must run out and shop for the guest, remember that there are all kinds of deals on slippers and robes and and semi-lux items.

  6. If you have a special guest, they may enjoy breakfast in bed. Or at least a tray with breakfast goodies, like homemade muffins or scones (croissants...yum!!!) and coffee.

  7. On the subject of coffee... You may want to have a selection of flavored coffees or creams. They really are inexpensive. Most coffee houses have 1 pot sample bags of everything they carry. Coffee brewing in the morning really makes the house smell nice. (Good idea unless your guest just likes coffee flavored coffee)

  I'm no expert but I know all these things would make me feel really special if I were a guest in someones home. You can be hospitable without blowing the mortgage.

  God Bless.

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  Posted by Dory Devlin, Shine staff Thu Dec 11, 2008 1:01pm PST

  Great ideas, Sheelah. All possible without spending money we don't have. Nice.

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  Posted by springtime Thu Dec 11, 2008 1:03pm PST

  I have a carafe I paid $15 for, and I have a small ice bucket beside it. I found it at an estate sale. I don't do candles.. they can be dangerous in an unfamiliar place.. but I have a small vase with one or two flowers, usually from my yard. I also have extra toothbrushes on hand just in case someone forgets, guest soaps, and a couple of magazines. What my overnight guests always use and appreciate is my old 1980's era 13 inch TV in the corner.

  When I stay with a friend who travels a lot, she always has nice sample products from 4 and 5 star hotels... and I love those samples!

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  Posted by Raj Thu Dec 11, 2008 10:49pm PST

  i am sexy raj

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  Posted by PointClickHome.com Fri Dec 12, 2008 6:40am PST

  Thanks for all the great suggestions! We know these items, selected by a professional interior designer, are too pricey, but we hope they can serve as inspiration for getting ready for guests, whether you gather together items you already have or find more inexpensive versions.

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