Not everyone loves having guests in their home, but I really do. I enjoy having a house filled with people and love making them feel comfortable and wanted. In fact, I go out of my way to make them feel right at home. I’ve found over the years that it doesn’t really take a lot of effort or expense, just a bit of time doing some research and adding a few niceties to their room and your home…
How To Make Your Houseguests Feel Right At Home
Beds and Linens
There is nothing like getting into a bed at the end of the day that has a comfortable mattress, soft sheets, and comforter. Now, they don’t have to be as nice as yours, but they should be close. Test them out before your guests arrive and see if you’d want to sleep there. Make sure you also have the appropriate weight of linens for the weather. Also, have fresh clean towels laid out and extras available.
Food and Drink
Ask ahead of time what your guests like to drink and eat for breakfast and snacks, then stock your fridge and cupboard accordingly. This includes wine or other liquor.
Set out some cereal, fruit, bread, jam, butter, coffee, etc. for your guests to grab something for breakfast as everyone probably rises at a different time. Or better yet, if you have the time, make an egg casserole or a quiche and everyone can reheat.
Room Amenities
Water and fresh flowers at the bedside and magazines and books in the guest bedroom are a nice touch. While you may not know their favorite flower, you probably know their taste in magazines.
Ask if your guest brought an iPad and if not, put one in the room. This works well especially if you don’t have a TV in the guest bedroom, so they can still watch TV or a movie on the iPad.
If you have free wifi they can use, then provide your password so they have access.
Stock the bathroom with shampoo & conditioner, body lotion, a razor, nice soaps/body wash, a hairdryer, deodorant, q-tips; all the toiletries you can think of that someone may forget. This is especially important with carry on luggage these days and as most visits are only for the weekend.
Make sure you leave them plenty of closet and drawer space AND hangers, even if this means you have to move your things around. If you really want to go all out, provide a bathrobe and slippers for them to use. I do this and let me tell you, every single guest uses the robe. I also provide a hamper to put their dirty laundry in.
House Rules
Tell your guests how things work in the house, like your remote, just in case they want to watch TV when you’re not around. And, don’t forget the coffee maker and where glasses, plates, and utensils are. They shouldn’t have to be opening every cabinet to find things. Also, it’s a good idea to show them how the washer/dryer work or better yet, offer to do the laundry for them. Many times people may be uncomfortable to ask as they feel it’s an imposition.
If your guests are sleeping in or going to bed early, be respectful and try not to make a lot of noise. We trust they’ll do the same for you.
If you have pets, know how your guests feel or if they have any allergies. While you may love having Georgia sleep in bed with you, your guests may not and you need to abide by their wishes.
So, I hope these tips help to make your guests feel comfy in your home – assuming that’s the sentiment you’re going for.
I’d love to hear what you do to make your guests feel right at home.
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Sherry is one of the TriWivesClub and LifeDoneWell co-founders and contributes to multiple blogs. She is a former co-owner of the California Apparel News and had a career in the healthcare industry. Her passions include traveling, real food, the environment, and animal rescue/welfare. She lives a healthy lifestyle and has been a vegetarian since 1987. She and her husband are parents to two rescue pups and reside in Connecticut.
