With the holidays right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about getting your home ready for the inevitable guests. Whether BFFs or relatives you see only once a year, you want your guests to feel welcome, comfortable and happy to be in your home.And you want to enjoy the time as well, so trying for a complete home renovation is probably not the way to go. However, there are a few things you can do that will enhance the experience of being the “hostess with the mostess” without breaking the bank.
Planning Ahead
With scheduled visits you have the luxury of time to plan ahead. Map out a schedule of tasks that will bring you to the day of guest arrival without going crazy. Don’t put everything off until the last minute; do as much as you can in advance.
- Tackle any deep cleaning like a Swiffer sweep of walls to catch dust or cobwebs
- De-clutter your porch and entryway; replace any burned out lights
- Get out any holiday dishes you’ll need and have them washed and ready
- Do your holiday/seasonal decorating early and pack away the storage boxes
- Do some menu planning and be sure you stock your kitchen with what you’ll need
- Have snacks and drinks to accommodate your guests’ tastes—coffee or tea, sweetener or sugar?
- Add a night-lite or two for safe trips to the bathroom at midnight
- Inventory bed linens and towels to ensure you have enough to accommodate everyone
- Figure out sleeping arrangements if the visit requires some shifting (i.e., grandparents in the kids’ rooms, get air mattresses for the cousins)
- If you have pets, bathe them and clean their sleeping areas
- Clear your yard of any unnecessary items or dead plants
- If the season permits, clean patio furniture and have it ready for use
The more you can do in advance, the less stress you’ll have when your guests actually arrive. You want to be able to spend the time with them, not spend time continually fussing and worrying.
Creating a Gracious Guest Room
The guest room is the designated space for your visitor’s use and comfort. Making that space as inviting as possible will add to the enjoyment of their visit. Whether you have a specific guest room or a room that doubles as an office or other-use room, here are some things you can do to make the guest room (or area) comfortable and welcoming.De-clutter the area.
- If this room is generally used as a catch-all, clear it out for the visit. If it’s a dual-purpose room, store away the everyday “stuff” that fills the space, freeing up furniture surfaces and the floor so your guest will have usable space.
Have sufficient closet and drawer space.
- Make sure there is enough closet and drawer space so your guest doesn’t have to live out of their suitcase, and show them the space that is available for their use. A dozen assorted hangers in the closet should take care of any hanging needs, and dresser drawers or closet hanging cubbies can hold folded items. Free up closet space for their empty suitcase and shoes.
Provide a seating/reading area.
- Many people travel with their laptops, notebooks or kindles, so a comfortable reading space will be appreciated. A chair, desk and a strong reading light invite leisurely relaxation for time alone or winding down before bed. You may want to place books or magazines that you know your guest will enjoy on the night stand, along with some reading glasses—just in case.
Ensure adequate lighting.
- Along with a reading lamp, a bedside table lamp that can be turned off from bed is a good idea so your guest won’t have to maneuver in the dark after turning off a light switch. A night light in the room or bathroom is helpful in unfamiliar surroundings, especially if the bathroom is down the hall. Supplement natural light with enough lamps to brighten the room, one overhead light is usually not enough.
Use nice linens.
- To help your guests get a good night’s sleep, clean, fresh bed linens and pillows are essential. Providing both soft and firm pillows allows your guest to choose which they prefer. Make the bed up just before the visit; don’t have sheets that have been on the bed for months. Provide extra blankets for layering and a lap robe or throw to wrap up in when reading.
Have extra toiletries.
- Be sure the bathroom is stocked with extra toilet paper and tissues. You can also create a welcome basket with toiletries like shampoo, soap, new toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine products, shaving cream, a razor—things they might have forgotten. If they’re sharing a bathroom, this welcome basket can be in the guest room along with their towels and wash cloths so there’s no question that these items are for their use.
Additional thoughtful touches.
- Reflect on what you like in your own room, and add that little something extra to make your guest room feel like home.
- Holiday/seasonal decoration in the room
- Fresh flowers
- Scented candle
- Alarm clock
- Small TV, radio or CD player and selection of music
- Standing mirror and/or makeup (magnifying) mirror
Extra special touches. Goodie basket with bottled water and favorite snacks in the room.If you need help getting ready for the holidays, Closets by Design can help you get the most out of your space by maximizing utility and storage. Our talented designers are expert at planning dual-purpose rooms, custom closets, highly functional kitchens, pantries and utility/laundry rooms to make your life easier.Just go online to www.closetsbydesign.com to visit our virtual showrooms, or call 1-888-500-9215 to find the designer nearest you and schedule a free, in-home consultation. Plan now to make the holidays more enjoyable and stress free for you, your family and invited (or surprise) guests.
