Make them feel welcome by treating them the way you’d want to be treated in someone else’s home.

ALICE GARWOOD NOV 23, 2021

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Expecting overnight guests soon? Don’t fret – preparing for them isn’t as time-consuming as you think! A good rule of thumb: Treat them the way you’d want to be treated in someone else’s home.

Here are some quick and easy ways to get ready and make them feel welcome.

Corral the clutter. Tidy up and eliminate clutter in the main living areas to free up more space for increased foot traffic and make your home look its best.

Make space for unpacking. Your guests will appreciate having a place to unpack their suitcase, so clear some space in the guestroom closet and provide hangers. If there’s a dresser, set aside a couple of empty drawers for their belongings.

Provide bathroom essentials. In addition to a set of towels for each guest, offer a selection of basic toiletries in case visitors forget something like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, even a disposable toothbrush. Another extra you’ll find in every hotel is a hair dryer, so let them know ahead of time you have one so they don’t need to carve out space in their suitcase.

Bedroom must-haves. Provide extra pillows and blankets, just in case, and a nightstand or table near the bed for their phones, glasses and a bottle of water. Everyone needs a place to charge their phone, so if an outlet isn’t nearby or is hidden behind furniture, provide an extension cord. Another thoughtful touch: Leave your Wi-Fi password on a notecard and place it on the nightstand or dresser so they don’t have to ask for it.

Stock the kitchen. Buy a variety of extra snacks and beverages and show visitors where everything is in the fridge and pantry so they feel comfortable grabbing a bite to eat or drink whenever they want.

Whether close family members or first-time visitors, guests will feel welcome when you take the time for these quick and easy preparations. You’ll all be able to focus on having fun and enjoying your time together.