What is your home saying about you? After entertaining even for a short time, visitors can walk away with either a great or sour impression of you. How a friend or acquaintance feels as a guest in your home can leave a big impact, so here are ten things to keep in mind for putting your best foot forward while hosting over-night guests.
1. If you feel you don’t have the space or budget for a full-out guest resort, try a budget-friendly inflatable mattress (at least a queen to accommodate more guests if needed), a space-saving pull-out sofa, or a fold-down Murphy bed. The key to hosting and hospitality is friendly service and thinking ahead.
{source}
2. Wherever they stay, make sure the room has a tailored look and a clean feel. Your guest should feel welcomed and prepared for, as well as comfortable. Remember that an over-night guest’s opinion of you as a host will be formed mostly in the time they spend on their own in your home.
{source} {source}
3. In the space where your visitor will be staying, make sure to have on hand: extra heavy- and light-weight blankets, as well as extra fluffy and firm pillows. Nothing makes a guest feel more uncomfortable than being too cold or too hot, or feeling like they’re going to wake up stiff, and very few people would have the guts to wake up their host to get what they need.
{source}
4. If your guest is a night-owl, or will wake up before you or anyone else in the house does, chances are their stomach will be growling while you’re already in bed or while you’re still there. Make this time a little easier on them by providing the simple comforts of water (maybe even a few tumblers and a pitcher) and snacks (try fruit snacks, granola bars, cookies, gum, or pretzels/chips).
{source}
5. Don’t forget to give your guests lots of clean towels and washcloths (if you want to go big, you could even provide plush robes and slippers). It’s also nice to have an empty closet, with hangers and empty drawers. Try providing a small iron and ironing board, a hamper, or a luggage rack, and plastic bags if you’ve got them (those always come in handy while traveling).
{source}
6. Stock up the bathroom in advance with the following toiletries: extra toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and a loofa (or washcloths), cotton balls and swabs, tweezers, nail clippers, feminine hygiene products, lotion, soap, razors, shaving cream, toilet paper, a hair dryer, band-aids, ibuprofen/Tylenol (first aid), and a sewing kit.
{source}
7. Make sure your guests also have access to a full-length mirror, sufficient lighting (bedside lamps are a great option), a trash can, tissues, a sitting area for visiting, and desk/counter space for making notes and electronics. Make sure they also have books or photo albums to flip through during down-time.
8. Take into consideration what it would take for you to feel “at home” in someone else’s house. Make available electronics and simple instructions for how to use them. (Everyone’s TV is different these days…) Inform them of the wi-fi name and password. Leave them paper and pens, an alarm clock and a USB adapter for their use. Also make sure they have vacant power outlets that they can use to charge devices (especially by the bed and desk spaces). Depending on the length of stay, you can provide a list of local activities, and directions to near-by pharmacies, grocery stores, and gas stations, etc.
{source}
9. For the overall atmosphere of the room, try candles/matches or an air freshener. For luxury, add some fresh flowers. Make sure there’s lots of daylight in the room during the day, but also ensure the option of privacy when it’s needed or wanted.
{source}
10. Last but not least, if your home is frequented by out-of-towners, consider letting them all leave their mark. Have them all write on a wall, draw a picture, or leave a pin in a map.
{source}
Whoever the company and whatever the reason, make their needs their needs a priority. It’s the small stuff that makes them want to return for another visit. They will leave loving your home and adoring you!
If you need help upgrading your home and upgrading your lasting impressions, call Centurion Homes for a free estimate on any project.
Also be sure to subscribe to our blog by entering your email address on the RIGHT for more fun updates on trends and tips for your home!
