SO my first tip can be the hardest …but that is to not apologize to your guests or feel insecure about your stained 1970s carpet and the outdated- less-than-Pinterest-perfect bathroom.
Also! Your whole house doesn’t have to be spotless… BUT if your guestroom is clean and cozy… the house is relatively in order… and they feel WELCOMED, they probably won’t care if it’s not immaculate.
For me personally, I think it can be fun to create a little retreat, almost like a ‘bed-and-breakfast’ feel. Here are some ideas that just add an extra “punch.”
Water bottles for drinking. Handy for obvious reasons… One being thirsty in the middle of the night and saving them from having to get out of bed and fumble around an unfamiliar kitchen for a cup.
A small coffee maker so they can enjoy a hot cup of coffee whenever they want. And also, so they don’t have to wait for the host to come stumbling downstairs in the morning to make them some. (:
Another tip is to sleep in your guest bed. Some people can go years without realizing they have an awful, uncomfortable bed…and most guests are too polite to comment on that. (;
Hot water bottle… tucked under the sheets for those cold wintery nights feels heavenly.
White fluffy soft towels/washcloths folded neatly on the bed or on the vanity can give the feel of a spa-like hotel. I like to reserve these just for guests…I feel like they are just harder to stay nice and white for daily personal use, but I have a couple of towels and washcloths I pull out just for company. I like to tuck a bar of chocolate on top.
It’s also nice to let them know where the extra bedding is and provide plenty of hangers.
Lighting a candle in the room or a diffuser with essential oils can give the room a cozy feel and a pleasant smell.
A nicely arranged bouquet or a plant on the nightstand.
I try to make sure the flowers do not smell strong in case it gives one a headache from the smell. (Same goes for the candles/oils.)
If you have Wi-Fi, it’s nice to have a sign with the Wi-Fi passcode on it to save them the awkwardness of asking. (: I made this simple one on Microsoft Word and printed it.
Something for them to snack on. Especially if they are arriving between meals or late at night or have been traveling for a long time..
Some ideas would be: apples and peanut butter… tangerines… bananas… string cheese… cashews… raisins.
We have all been on a trip where we forgot to bring our toothbrushes or wished for a band-aid. Having a basket of basic travel-size cosmetics they can use is considerate and helpful.
Some things you could include are:
Shampoo, body wash, a shaver, shaving cream, deodorant, toothbrush, (some of these need a new un-used one every time – please and thank you 😊) toothpaste, static guard, downy wrinkle release, gum, pads, ibuprofen, comb, hair band, baby shampoo, baby Tylenol, lotion, chap-stick, band-aids, hairspray, and contact case and solution.
If you are the type of host that wants their guests to feel comfortable and make themselves right and home, please say it! It can put people at ease and feel welcome.
If you live close to an interesting town or city, providing some brochures about tourist spots, a map, and maybe something unique about where you live for them, can be enjoyable to look through and possibly explore while they’re in town.
Have a phone charger available in case they forget theirs.
I think a plush robe would be amazing especially if it’s one of your girlfriends that are coming.
A trash can and also an extra trash bag for their dirty laundry.
Remember, your guests may not remember any of those extra little details like the chocolate and soft towels, but they WILL remember if you were gracious and hospitable to them.
Blessings as you host people in your home in 2021.
About the Author:
Raquel Witmer is passionate about being real, finding joy and beauty in the mundane, tacos al pastor, and living for Jesus.
She is happily married and living in central Pennsylvania. She also recently started a youtube channel
@raquel.witmer on Instagram | Raquel Witmer on Youtube