We’ve got the low-down on the best tips to prepare for even the most high-maintenance visitors.
It’s the time of year when many of us are preparing to visit friends and family near and far. But, what if you’re the designated host? It can be stressful to house the out-of-towners, no matter how low key they are. Luckily, we’ve pulled together our favorite tips to make your home as welcoming as possible. Don’t thank us too soon though– if you follow our advice, your guests may never leave!
1. Test Your Guest’s Experience
This sounds like a no-brainer, but before the guests arrive, try sleeping in your guest room (or basement, or living room etc.). Is it too cold at night? Now you know to turn up the heat. Do creaky floors wake you up absurdly early? Place a fan or other white-noise maker to help drown out ambient noise. No one is expecting your house to be a luxury hotel, but by trying out the digs yourself, you’ll be able to make any visitors much more comfortable.
2. Consider the Bathroom
Bathrooms are fraught with danger as a guest– especially if there isn’t a designated guest bath for your use. It can be awkward to ask for supplies, so keep the cabinets stocked with extra toilet paper, feminine products, and extra toiletries. A plunger is also great to have, just in case. Should the worst happen and the toilet clog, the guest doesn’t have to be embarrassed. Don’t make your guests go looking for towels, either. Place a stack in their room so there’s no confusion as everyone tries to get ready for their day!
3. Make Necessities Easy to Find
Guests don’t want to go rooting through your cabinets any more than you want them to, so make a point of setting out comfort items. Snacks, coffee and tea, the wifi password, an extra blanket and phone charger make their stay more comfortable, and your job easier.
4. Provide Space for Luggage
No one wants to throw their clothes all over your spotlessly cleaned space, so provide a place for your guests to set their luggage. A luggage rack allows them to unpack at waist-level, which is an unexpected luxury. Don’t forget hanging clothing either- make sure your guests clothes don’t get wrinkled by clearing out some closet space, or even just using an over-the-door hook to keep things neat. Small touches like a mini steamer and tide-to-go are also nice way to help your guests keep their holiday wardrobe neat.
5. Don’t Stress
Our final tip is less practical and more theoretical, but still simple. Don’t stress about hosting guests! Your guests will understand if not everything is perfect, because they live in homes of their own that probably aren’t perfect either. Instead, focus on enjoying time with family and friends, and don’t sweat the details.
If you still need help putting the finishing touches on your home for the season, we’re here to help! Our designers can help pick the perfect bedding or table settings to refresh your space in no time.
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