‘Tis the season to be merry—and to host houseguests. If you’re planning to put up family or friends in your home, why not make sure it goes as smoothly as possible? We have a host of great tips to help you do just that. (See what we did there?)
5 Hosting Tips
Tip #1: Plan for success.
Addressing individual needs and managing expectations are key to a good visit. That’s why we suggest asking your guests about allergies and dietary restrictions before they arrive. The lengths you go to will be greatly appreciated and will help your guests feel at home. (If their list of don’ts is overwhelming and not life threatening, just do what you can accommodate their requests—they should understand.)
You’ll also want to ask in advance if your guests have other plans while they’re in town like visiting friends, or perhaps checking out a casino. (It is a novelty to non-Nevadans, after all.) Be sure to allot time for their plans.
If small children are among your visitors, ask in advance if securing any child gear would be helpful like a portable crib or a high chair. Then ask to borrow the item(s) from friends, rent or purchase from a secondhand store.
Tip #2: Step into their shoes.
You know how you get tired when you travel, or get hungry at weird hours? That’s what your guests may be experiencing, especially after surviving holiday travel. Offer them something to eat or drink, and ask if they want to rest or unpack. That will help the visit get off on the right foot.
Tip #3: Make room for your roomies.
Whether you’re putting your guests up in a guest room, office or living room, make sure it’s homey. Clean linens, comfy pillows, extra blankets and towels are a good start. You’ll also want to make space in the closet or in a drawer so your guests can skip living out of a suitcase. If you’re sharing a bathroom with your guests, clearing some counter space for them will make their stay a little more comfortable.
Tip #4: Give them the short tour.
You don’t have to have a mansion to give your guests a tour of your home. Show your guests where the important stuff is in your kitchen, like the coffee maker, mugs, utensils and snacks. Invite your guests to help themselves to what they want. It will help them feel at home, and help you to not feel like an indentured servant.
If you have any quirks in your home like a sticky doorknob or a unique shower faucet, be sure to point them out before your guests are left to their own devices.
And last but not least, write down your Wi-Fi network name and password for your guests. Multiple guests, multiple devices, multiple times you can avoid that same conversation.
Tip #5: Go the extra mile.
There are a few things you can do to make your guests feel special. For starters, fresh flowers in their room scream, “I’m glad you’re here!”
Toiletry baskets for your guests take hospitality to the next level. Include items like travel size shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, shaving cream and toothpaste, plus a razor and toothbrush. They may not need or use everything in the basket, but the gesture will not go unnoticed.
Do your guests love your vegetable lasagna, or write home about your chocolate chip cookies? If you have the time, whip up your specialty and spread holiday cheer.
Hello, Host Extraordinaire
We’re confident that you’re now prepared to welcome your guests into your home. (And rock at it, we might add.) Enjoy your company and happy holidays.
