The Basics
A great host thinks ahead and gives
guests everything they need. When it
comes to guests, a little extra thought goes a long way.
The best starting point is providing guests with a fantastic room to sleep in. If your guest quarters need some repairs, try our 10 quick fixes. Then organize the toiletries. Create a small basket filled with essentials - soap, shampoo, moisturizers, toothpaste, toothbrush (hotel souvenir versions work wonderfully) - and place it in the bathroom. While there, make sure there’s enough tissue and toilet paper, and don't forget to provide clean towels, washcloths, and if you happen to have them, robes (spritz them with a light linen spray for added pomp.)
The Comforts
Once the bathroom has been given the
magic touch, turn your attention to your guests' sleeping quarters. Above all,
make sure it’s clutter-free and clean; then consider how to give the room an extra
cozy and comfortable feeling. Invest in sheets and comforters with a high
thread count (designer sheets can be found at discount stores for more than
half off the regular retail price.) If
you outfit your bed with duvet covers, remember that some people are allergic
to down. Faux down comforters are widely available, and cheaper than the real
stuff (and cruelty free!)
While your guest room closets may also serve as storage, your visitors will appreciate some empty closet space (and hangers), as well as an empty drawer or two. Unpacking is a treat if there is room to do so (and living out of a suitcase is never fun.) If you're feeling ambitious, you can easily create a 3-day stay closet for your guests.
Think back to your best hotel experiences: how did the room feel when you first walked in? What niceties were on the table and in the bathroom? A television, DVD player and a few movies are always appreciated, though not completely necessary. If you can't pull off the visual aids, definitely provide a sound system, whether it's a CD player and a stack of relaxing music, or an MP3 player. If your unit doesn't have an alarm clock feature, provide one on the bedside table.
Stack a few magazines somewhere in the room, along with several books you have already read, with a note that invites guests to take the reading material home if they choose. If you happen to live in a city or area that's been written about, by all means keep copies of those books or articles around for your guests' enjoyment; ditto any movies that may have been set or shot nearby.
The Extras
It's the added, thoughtful touches
that will really wow your guests and make them feel welcome. Display bottles of water and healthy snacks -
such as fruit and energy bars - in a basket in their room (perhaps even provide
a to-go bag for their plane ride home). For
fun, provide a mint on the pillow just to make them smile.
While you want to spend as much time with your guests, chances are there will be an afternoon or two where you both want your space. Arm your visitors with maps of the area and guidebooks for them to browse through; accompany that with a list of local movies, plays and restaurants so that if they want to get out of your hair, they’ll have a bevy of choices.
Hosting is one of the best things about having a home, and we all want our loved ones to feel completely welcome. Lavishing your guests is easy and inexpensive, and your thoughtfulness will leave a lasting impression. And creative consideration may inspire guests to return the favor when you’re traveling to their part of the world.
For more step-by-step how-to’s and great
project ideas, please visit us at www.BeJane.com
