Having House Guests. Simplified.
This is the time of year that many of us will be having friends and family come visit for several days, so why not implement some SMARTcutsR to keep life simplified? Just a slight bit of prior planning will make everyone have a better time...especially the hostess!
Here are some simple ways to make a big difference the next time you have house guests.
Create a welcome letter to send in advance so your guests know what to expect. Your letter could include mention of your pets in case they would need to pack some allergy medicine. Ask if they have food allergies you should be aware of. It's much easier to change/modify your menus in advance! Find out their airline, flight number and arrival/departure times if traveling by air. Even though they can check the weather online, it's nice to let them know what they might expect and at what temperature your home will be kept during the day and night.
Consider listing some things they won't need to pack such as an alarm clock and hair dryer. With the airlines charging for baggage now, it will be very thoughtful for you to let your guests travel light. It's easy to have an extra hair dryer in the guest room. I let my mother-in-law know I'll have a winter coat that will fit her (one of mine) so she doesn't have to wag one. I make the bed with a lightweight plus a heavy blanket and put out a spare blanket and pillow too, just so they will be comfortable. Nothing's worse than sweating or freezing all night in someone else's house!
A really thoughtful touch is a basket of essential toiletries they might have forgotten (toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, comb, shampoo, etc.). Chances are you have a collection of soaps and shampoos and lotions you're hoarding from some of your own travels. I know you are planning to use them "someday". This is the perfect time to put them to use. Oh! And you might even put in a little feminine protection if appropriate. A dinner guest recently named me her "hero" for having that stashed in a pretty basket on the back of my powder room tank!
My favorite Bed and Breakfast also has a basket of snack goodies in each room, too. Personalize each guest's water bottle to use during their stay. To save on dishwashing, you could use a unique coaster to create a "parking place" for their coffee mug or glass so they have a reserved spot and can re-use their cup.
No coasters? How about a cute cocktail napkin? I had four women visiting for a weekend recently and let each one choose a napkin from my box of assorted party napkins. Such a useful way to use up the odds and ends that clutter up your space. By the way, a great way to store those once the package is opened is in a sandwich or zip close plastic bag. Make your guests feel like you have given them a lovely spa vacation! You'll enjoy their visit more too!
Give your guests a place to put their luggage. You could purchase a folding luggage rack if you have guests often (and enough space to use it). Otherwise just consider protecting a dresser top or ottoman if possible. I use a pretty towel or piece of heavy fabric to protect my furniture. Empty closet space with hangers is another welcoming touch. I've added a removable bathrobe hook on the back of the bathroom door, too. The 3M company makes an attractive metal one to give a little class. Check the hardware department of discount stores, linen stores and home improvement stores for these.
If you have wireless internet, leave your access code and if your home phone has free long distance calling, it's nice to let them know that too. Does your TV remote need special directions? If so, maybe you could put a note nearby. Just stop and think what would YOU like to know if you were your guest?
Communication is the key to having a stress-free, enjoyable visit for you and your guest. Just a little up front communication can make all the difference. Getting organized is the best defense to holiday stress and so simple to do!
Keywords: house guests, entertaining, hostess, organizing, holidays
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How to Simplify Having House Guests