Here come the holidays and here come the holiday guests. If you’ll be hosting overnight visitors, take a few hours to prepare now, before things get really hectic. Here’s our check list for creating an environment that says “I’m glad you’re here.”
The Essentials
- First of all, spend a night in the room. When was the last time you slept on that convertible sofa or guest bed? Unless you’re trying to send a subtle message to cut the visit short, make sure the mattress is as comfie as can be. If your guest room consists of an inflatable mattress, inflate it ahead of time to check for leaks. Run the bed pillows through the fluff air-only dryer cycle with a fabric softener sheet to give them a nice, fresh scent.
- Are you using new bedding and towels? Run them through the washer/dryer a couple of times first. If you’re relying on a supply of linens that’s been holed up in a closet since last Christmas, wash those too to get rid of any musty or dusty smell.
- Get all the excess clutter out of the room, or at least rearrange furniture to give your guest maximum space. That should include at least half of the closet (don’t forget a supply of nice new hangers) and one or two empty drawers, which really should be lined. If that’s just not feasible, at least provide a coat tree, an over-the-door clothes rack or a folding luggage rack (like the kind you find in hotels).
- Clear off the dresser top and provide a tray or dish where your guests can park jewelry, change and other sundry items.
- Space permitting, equip your guest room with a comfortable chair for reading, a good task lamp and a supply of current magazines.
- Furnish the bedside table with a lamp, tissues, an alarm clock, bottled water and a glass. Don’t forget to include a small waste basket.
- Unless your guest is a frequent visitor, give her a guided tour of your house that includes any essential information about quirky plumbing, security alarms, and how to use the remote control.
Nice Extra Touches
- An electric tea pot, tea bags and a cup.
- A portable ironing board and small steam iron.
- A basket with shampoo, individual bath soaps, disposable razor, toothpaste and fresh toothbrush.
- A small portable refrigerator (you can pick them up for under $100) stocked with fresh fruit, cheese, crackers and other midnight snacks.
- A TV or DVD player with a few good movies.
- A fresh bouquet of flowers (but check with your guest first about allergies).
What’s the most thoughtful thing you ever found in a guest room?
