Anticipate Needs Try to anticipate the needs of your guests and make provisions. First, and foremost, be sure to stock the bathroom with toilet paper and make it easy for guests to find. No one likes having to ask for toilet paper in someone else’s home. And, on that note, make sure there is a plunger nearby.
Communicate Now that you have cleaned, decluttered and made other necessary preparations, you’re probably thinking it’s time to meal plan and shop – not quite yet. Now is the time to connect. Take the time to communicate with your guests before they arrive. Ask about their plans while staying with you: discuss meals, menu plans, and find out if there are any dietary restrictions. After all, you don’t want to prepare a welcome dinner featuring a walnut-crusted tilapia if someone has an aversion to seafood; or worse, a life-threatening allergy to nuts.
Since many travelers forget at least one item when packing, it’s a good idea to stock up on travel size necessities. Helpful items to have on hand include: shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, razors, tissues, pain relievers and soap or body wash. You can purchase these items in the travel section of most grocery or drugstores. You can also save money by packing the unused items from your hotel room when you travel. You are paying for them as part of your stay, so there’s no harm in taking them with you for later use. Have fun with the toiletries and place them in a cute basket or tray. You can even include a nice little welcome note. Your guests will appreciate the thoughtfulness, especially if they need something. Finishing Touches It’s always a bit disconcerting to be away from home, sleeping and showering in an unfamiliar environment. It’s even worse to wake in the dark of night, searching for the time and fumbling around for some light. Help make your guests feel more at home by leaving a lamp and an alarm clock within reach, preferably on the nightstand.
Once your guests arrive, you should have a conversation about schedules. Discuss overall schedules and meal times. If they are sharing a family bathroom, find out when they plan to get up and shower. Let them know your schedule as well, especially if you have fixed obligations, such as appointments or work. Things will run much more smoothly if everyone is on the same page.
If the guest quarters are unused on a regular basis, take the time to make sure everything is in order. Go through each item to be sure it works as it should: check light bulbs to be certain they are not burned out, test the batteries in TV remotes and make sure bathroom faucets don’t leak.
Relax and Enjoy A seasoned host or hostess knows that preparation is the key to enjoying time with house guests. Once the preparation and planning are out of the way, take some time to relax, enjoy your company and make lasting holiday memories together.
It’s also a good idea to write down your WiFi name and password. It’s almost certain that every guest will arrive with one, or more, electronic devices in need of an internet connection. Leaving the WiFi information in plain sight will make it easier on everyone. Now, take the time to look around and try to think like a guest: what things do you appreciate when you’re a guest, in a hotel or in someone else’s home? You may want to set out a notepad and pen, bottled water, healthy snacks and magazines. And, be sure to leave a hairdryer where guests can find it. November 2018
Spaces: Home for the Holidays
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