5 Easy Things That Will Make Your Holiday Guests Feel At Home

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I truly like to cater to guests as well. Although, many people are tech-savy and have their reading material on their device, I like to cater to us “old fashioned” types, so, in addition to the types of reading material you show on your bookshelf, I also leaving a book of poetry and/or short stories, and like putting out a few magazines in a variety of topics (homemaking, sports, National Geographic, etc.) . A quick article may be all your guest has time or energy to read before bed, and they may not want to start a book. (Oh, yes, I have also picked up a few pairs of different strength “cheater”reading glasses at the local dollar store and keep them in a bedside box, “just in case”). I also always, of course, have scriptures in sight. That may be all that a non-religious person may need to urge them pick one up “out of curiosity”, and perhaps “plant a seed” or just fill a need. I also will leave a basket of “travel size” grooming items including shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste, hand lotion, a fresh bar of soap, etc. This can be left on a dresser in the guest room or in the bathroom with a “Feel free…” or “Just in case…” note, so the guest doesn’t feel as if they have to ask for a necessity, or feel uncomfortable using “somebody else’s” shampoo or such. If they also need to use a family bathroom, I will put out a matched set (or two) of towels (tied with a ribbon!) which is theirs (“Fresh and clean for your use” note). These are in a color different from the ones currently in use by others in the household so they know that they are using fresh bath linen that no one else is (allowed) to use except guests. A fresh drinking glass is always necessary for just a sip of water to take a pill or for brushing their teeth. I splurged when I found a small carafe with it’s matching glass slipped over the top as a lid. This is great for a bedside sip of water, although unnecessary. I keep a bathrobe and slippers also available on a hook on the back of their door since those are usually too bulky to pack and can be a modest, cozy treat in which they can bundle up to go for a midnight glass of juice or snack or to wear for a relaxed Saturday morning cup of coffee or cocoa before dressing for the day ahead. I am a list maker so I also leave a notepad and pen and even local picture postcards and a few stamps in case my guest needs to write a reminder for themselves or copy a quote, etc. If there is anything which may be questionable for my guest if it is clean and/or theirs to use, I make it clear with a note saying “For YOUR use”. I write all such notes on the same color 3×5″ cards so that, at a glance they can see all “blue card items” are for their use. Last but not least, I leave extra blankets and several different types and firmnesses of inexpensive pillows in their closet. I can do nothing about giving them a different mattress on which to sleep, but can offer a different pillow so they hopefully don’t awaken with a kink in their neck!! My favorite type of pillow may leave them sleepless. I will usually also put a small glass or vase with a few fresh flowers from the garden (if I know they are not allergic) or a small seasonal decoration (Christmas, Spring, etc.). This lets them know that I was planning on welcoming them and also that I’ve at least visited the room to dust in the last few weeks…lol. Lastly, I also try NOT to load the bed up with a million throw pillows, as pretty as they may be. It’s always a worry to me when I visit someone’s home about where I should put the pillows while I sleep if there isn’t an extra chair…in a pile on the floor?…on my suitcase or the dresser?… It’s just a worry that I don’t need when trying to “make myself at home”. I never want my guests to feel like an afterthought. This is more than your five, Jillee, but I have taken a cue from the the things which make me feel welcome and comfortable (or “un…”) when visiting someone else’s home.

I appreciate extra hangers in the closet and a hook on the door. Power strips by the bed are helpful, too, so I don’t have to climb under the bed.

Wonderful post! Please check out Pure Carpet Cleaners (http://purecarpetcleaners.com/)!

I truly like to cater to guests as well. Although, many people are tech-savy and have their reading material on their device, I like to cater to us “old fashioned” types, so, in addition to the types of reading material you show on your bookshelf, I also leaving a book of poetry and/or short stories, and like putting out a few magazines in a variety of topics (homemaking, sports, National Geographic, etc.) . A quick article may be all your guest has time or energy to read before bed, and they may not want to start a book. (Oh, yes, I have also picked up a few pairs of different strength “cheater”reading glasses at the local dollar store and keep them in a bedside box, “just in case”). I also always, of course, have scriptures in sight. That may be all that a non-religious person may need to urge them pick one up “out of curiosity”, and perhaps “plant a seed” or just fill a need. I also will leave a basket of “travel size” grooming items including shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste, hand lotion, a fresh bar of soap, etc. This can be left on a dresser in the guest room or in the bathroom with a “Feel free…” or “Just in case…” note, so the guest doesn’t feel as if they have to ask for a necessity, or feel uncomfortable using “somebody else’s” shampoo or such. If they also need to use a family bathroom, I will put out a matched set (or two) of towels (tied with a ribbon!) which is theirs (“Fresh and clean for your use” note). These are in a color different from the ones currently in use by others in the household so they know that they are using fresh bath linen that no one else is (allowed) to use except guests. A fresh drinking glass is always necessary for just a sip of water to take a pill or for brushing their teeth. I splurged when I found a small carafe with it’s matching glass slipped over the top as a lid. This is great for a bedside sip of water, although unnecessary. I keep a bathrobe and slippers also available on a hook on the back of their door since those are usually too bulky to pack and can be a modest, cozy treat in which they can bundle up to go for a midnight glass of juice or snack or to wear for a relaxed Saturday morning cup of coffee or cocoa before dressing for the day ahead. I am a list maker so I also leave a notepad and pen and even local picture postcards and a few stamps in case my guest needs to write a reminder for themselves or copy a quote, etc. If there is anything which may be questionable for my guest if it is clean and/or theirs to use, I make it clear with a note saying “For YOUR use”. I write all such notes on the same color 3×5″ cards so that, at a glance they can see all “blue card items” are for their use. Last but not least, I leave extra blankets and several different types and firmnesses of inexpensive pillows in their closet. I can do nothing about giving them a different mattress on which to sleep, but can offer a different pillow so they hopefully don’t awaken with a kink in their neck!! My favorite type of pillow may leave them sleepless. I will usually also put a small glass or vase with a few fresh flowers from the garden (if I know they are not allergic) or a small seasonal decoration (Christmas, Spring, etc.). This lets them know that I was planning on welcoming them and also that I’ve at least visited the room to dust in the last few weeks…lol. Lastly, I also try NOT to load the bed up with a million throw pillows, as pretty as they may be. It’s always a worry to me when I visit someone’s home about where I should put the pillows while I sleep if there isn’t an extra chair…in a pile on the floor?…on my suitcase or the dresser?… It’s just a worry that I don’t need when trying to “make myself at home”. I never want my guests to feel like an afterthought. This is more than your five, Jillee, but I have taken a cue from the the things which make me feel welcome and comfortable (or “un…”) when visiting someone else’s home.

I appreciate extra hangers in the closet and a hook on the door. Power strips by the bed are helpful, too, so I don’t have to climb under the bed.