6 Tips for Making Your Guests Feel Welcome In Your Home
Having friends or family over is lots of fun, but if they’re staying for a few days, your stress level might be skyrocketing. Suddenly, you’ve got a house full of people both day and night and it’s your job to make them feel comfortable. If you’re not used to hosting a company overnight, you might not have the foggiest idea where to start, but there’s no reason to fret. Here are six handy tips for making your stay-at-home guests feel as welcome as possible.
1. Freshen the Entire House
The first thing you’ll want to do before company arrives is thoroughly clean and freshen the entire house. Start by going room to room and eliminating any disorder like paperwork, coats, shoes and other assorted clutter that’s taking over your table or furniture. A week before they arrive, tackle deep-cleaning jobs like the stove, refrigerator, mirrors and cobwebs. The day before they’re due, mop, dust and vacuum the entire house and open windows if possible.
2. Take Needs Into Consideration
While you certainly don’t need to meet your guests’ every wish, try to take some of their needs into consideration. For example, if children are coming, incorporate some fun and games into their room or set up a place for them to stream movies. If they have a pet, make sure the house is pet-proofed and pick up some snacks. If you have a guest that can’t eat gluten, go the extra mile and pick up some gluten free bread mix for a dinner side. Doing a little something special for a guest makes them feel wanted.
3. Buy Plenty of Snacks
Speaking of delicious things to eat, make sure you pick up plenty of snacks. Having a well-stocked kitchen makes entertaining easy without even leaving the house. Snacks that are a hit include chips, pretzels, veggie platter or a charcuterie board. Don’t forget to fill the fridge with soda and water and pick up breakfast foods such as pastries, yogurt or a fruit tray. Make sure there’s enough coffee and creamer and you should be set for any hour of the day or night.
4. Make a Comfy Bedroom
Your spare bedroom is going to be your company’s base of operations so make it as cozy as possible. Launder all bedding the day before they arrive and make sure there are plenty of pillows and extra blankets. If it’s the winter season, be sure the room is warm enough and that there’s a spare heater. Ensure that the bedroom has ample space for your loved ones to stash their luggage. Last, double-check that all drawers and closets are empty and make sure there are lots of hangers.
5. Provide Amenities
Just like a hotel, providing your guests with amenities will make you look like a five-star host. Before they arrive, pick up a few sample-sized goodies like shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes. Make sure their bathroom has enough toilet tissue, towels, hand soap and body wash. Add a box of tissues to their bedroom nightstand and leave them the guest password to your internet. If you’re not going to be around for their entire stay because of work, make sure they have a spare key to the house.
6. Plan Fun Activities
If a company is coming from far away, it’s always fun to show off your hometown. Before guests arrive, think up some fun activities that everyone can partake in. For example, make reservations at that new restaurant you’ve been dying to try. Plan a fun shopping trip that includes locally-made items. Other ideas include seasonal activities such as skiing, hiking or a ride through the country. If the weather is going to be cold and dreary, plan a game night with pizza which is fun for all ages.
If you’re going to be a hosting company, there’s no need to stress. By properly preparing your house, stocking up on snacks and taking their needs into consideration, your guests will feel welcome and they’ll never forget your kindness.
