Opening up your home to guests can be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved. Small considerations can go a long way when making visitors feel special in their home-away-from-home. There’s no need to stress while preparing to entertain; acting as innkeeper can be hassle-free and inexpensive. In addition, tailoring comforts to each guest’s personal tastes can be amusing, as well. Just remember that your home doesn’t have to be a five star resort for your company to enjoy themselves. Hospitality is best when it’s sincere and genuine.
Being a well-prepared host is also important when it comes to managing the disruptions that guests can sometimes create unintentionally. Some hosts can even become annoyed by guests repeatedly asking for items or not following ‘rules’ such as taking shoes off, though it may not occur to them that these expectations were not properly communicated or perhaps the items were not easily accessible for guests to use, hence the endless questions.
Read these helpful recommendations for how best to prepare for out-of-towners, along with some tips for basic hosting etiquette. Your guests will look forward to visiting again, and you will be left with a positive attitude about entertaining in the future!
To Each His/Her Own
As you are aware, each visitor comes with a unique set of needs and preferences, ranging from dietary restrictions to sleep habits. It is best to have some correspondence with your guest beforehand to discuss any specific needs they may have, though a good host always tries to anticipate anything that may not be mentioned ahead of time. Consider the age and mobility of your visitor (i.e. don’t place them in an upstairs room). If children will be present, think about how to make your home safe for them. Guests may also have allergic sensitivity (or aversion) to strong perfumes, flowers, cleaning agents, or even pets.
Not only should you gather information from your guests prior to their arrival, it is your job to let them know what they should expect, as well. Inform them of any pets they may not be aware of and give them a quick description of sleeping arrangements, especially if you are not able to provide a separate guest room. Guests will need to pack appropriate sleepwear if they are going to be spending the night in an open area, such as a living room or loft.
It is also prudent to discuss plans in regards to showing them around the area. If you will be available to act as tour guide, give them options so that they don’t feel overwhelmed. You should communicate any costs that may be involved with certain activities, especially if they will need to bring extra money to participate.
Concentrated Cleaning
To avoid added anxiety when it comes to preparing, remind yourself that your home does not have to be perfect. Presumably your visitors are family or friends and will not be conducting ‘white glove’ tests in every room, so don’t worry! Deep cleaning is great, if you have time, but if you’re running behind, it is necessary to prioritize.
Most importantly, provide clean sheets, pillow cases, and towels. After you’ve accomplished this very important detail, shift focus to your bathroom and tackle the cleaning highlights. Once you’ve given the area an all-over scrub, dispose of (or hide) unnecessary items and clutter occupying area around the sink and in the shower. Supply extra toiletries within easy reach so that guests will not have to ask for more. Make sure to provide small trashcans, tissues, and extra towels in easy to find locations. Vacuum and dust the guest room, especially if it is seldom-used.
After you take care of these main items, you can begin cleaning the rest of your home as you see fit.
Polite Provisions
When your company arrives, show them to their room and be sure to give them a quick tour, pointing out the bathroom, any items they may need, and other things they are welcome to use. Assuming that your guests will ask for things they need depends on each individual. Some people may feel shy or awkward about asking for certain items. It’s best to let them know where to find any OTC medications or extra toiletries ahead of time.
It’s also considerate to discuss morning routines and shower schedules, if you anticipate any overlap or have to share a bathroom. As a host, you are not necessarily obligated to cook elaborate meals each day, but it is polite to provide available snacks (muffins, fruit, cereal) if you don’t plan to prepare meals.
Consider placing other items in your guests’ room, such as extra blankets and a fan. People have a variety of temperature preferences when they sleep and this can help them figure out how to make themselves most comfortable. A fan also provides white noise that many folks find soothing.
An alarm clock and reading lamp are welcome additions to your guest room. If you have ever saved mini-toiletries from hotels, you could include some of these near the extra towels. If possible, provide some closet space and hangers for your visitors, depending on the length of their stay. No one likes to live out of a suitcase for very long.
Thoughtful Touches
This is the fun part where you get to add the personal touches to show your guests that you care! For the guest room (or other applicable sleeping area), prepare a basket that includes midnight snacks or on-the-go breakfast items: chips, nuts, granola bars, fruit, and maybe some chocolates. It’s even better if you know some of their favorites! It is also helpful to place a few bottles of water in the basket, too. These items will be especially appreciated because they won’t have to wander around the kitchen making noise at night getting a drink or snack. You can even include a hand-written note to welcome them!
Despite your best efforts, some guests do not sleep well in new places and may enjoy some reading material. Keep a bedside light nearby along with a selection of books or magazines you think they might enjoy. A pencil and a notepad would also be welcome. You can even supply some maps and other ‘tourist’ materials for them.
In the kitchen, set up a coffee/tea station for them in the morning, in case they happen to wake up before you. Many guests may not feel comfortable rummaging around in someone else’s kitchen so it’s best to place commonly needed items in plain sight. Be sure to also provide them with the Wi-Fi password or any other information that will allow them to accomplish work or planning, if necessary.
As they prepare to leave, help them carry items to their car and send home any snacks or drinks that they may enjoy on their travels. Once they depart, you can sigh with satisfaction knowing that you are now an accomplished host and you’ve sent your guests off into the world a little happier.
