Whether you’re planning a family visit, expecting Easter guests, or just planning for your next event, there’s never a bad time to up your hosting game. Of course, there are those hosting staples that (we hope) everyone knows, like providing fresh linens and towels and giving the house a basic cleaning, but some guest care practices are a little less obvious. Make sure you’re not leaving your guests hunting for a glass or wishing for a trash can, by following these Hometalk hosting tips.
Provide Toiletries
Though this might seem more like a hotel move, assume that most guests don’t travel with shampoo, conditioner, soap, or toothpaste, and provide a basket or bin of complimentary toiletries in your guest bathroom. You don’t have to get a new set every time a guest stays over. Instead, follow Hometalker and etiquette blogger, Amye Mae of Mon Amye, and add a staple toiletry basket to the bathroom, that you replenish when it’s getting low.
Amy advises regular hostesses to replenish their “host-stockpile” when it’s a low guest season, rather than waiting “until next November 25th and whipping yourself into a panic while defrosting a turkey and frantically trying to find a decent photo for the holiday card.”
Give them space to unpack
Even if your guest is only staying for a couple of days, clear some space in a dresser or closet in their room, so that they have the option of stowing clothes, rather than living out of a suitcase.
Make everything available
An easy way to make guests feel taken care of in your home is taking them on a quick tour once they’ve freshened up after their arrival. Show them where the bathroom is, and where they can find snacks, glasses, coffee, and coffee mugs in the kitchen.
Tell them your home’s secrets
Does the water run stronger in the downstairs bathroom? Does it take a couple minutes to heat up? Maybe the bedroom door sticks? Don’t be ashamed of your home’s special character; instead, be upfront about any issues or quirks your guests might face during their stay, so that they don’t feel embarrassed or caught off guard.
BONUS: Add thoughtful touches
These steps aren’t necessary, but they are a great way to make your guest feel comfortable in your home. Add a printed card of Wi-Fi passwords to their nightstand, like Hometalker and homecare blogger Kim, of Today’s Creative Blog, who sets passwords out with framed “welcome” graphics. Also, leave fruit and non-perishable breakfast foods out on the counter, with a note inviting guests to grab a bite. If there’s any extra gesture you would appreciate, be sure to provide it for your guests, so that they feel comfortable and welcome back again.
Having guests can be a truly enjoyable and peaceful experience, if you know how to prepare. To get your home ready, make sure each room is cleaned well, with Hometalk’s helpful cleaning tips page, full of great ideas that will make the job go much more quickly and smoothly.
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