How to prepare for houseguests
Along with presents and home cooked meals, one more thing you can count on this season is houseguests. There’s no other time of year better suited for bunking with your family. Grandma flies in from Florida, Uncle Jack and the kids drive in from Ohio, Cousin Molly hops a train from New York…And your house becomes the Holiday Inn! So, how do you prepare for your houseguests and what can you do to make them feel most at home? Read these tips so you’re ready to put on the party hat, deck the halls and enjoy the season with them!
Become a clean freak. Set aside an entire weekend to get your house in order, especially the rooms your guests will be sleeping in. Change the bed linens, dust everything, vacuum, and put away all the clutter. Adding some fresh flowers to their bedside table and chocolates to their pillows is a nice welcoming touch, as well.
Create an open-door policy. Make an extra set of house keys for your guests so they can come and go as they please. It’s possible not everyone will be on the same schedule and it’s important to make your guests feel at home, not imprisoned.
Pamper them like the penthouse. Fill a small basket with sample-size shampoos, conditioners, lotions, soaps and mouthwash and place it near a fresh stack of folded towels in the bathroom. You can find these items at most grocery stores and superstores.
Sometimes it takes more than sheep. Add some magazines and books and a small television to the guests rooms. Unfamiliar places can cause insomnia for some people. These added distractions can help them catch some zzz’s.
Rack ‘em up! Provide a suitcase rack so your guests can easily get in and out of their luggage without having to spread their clothes all over the floor. Also, clear out part of the closet and leave some empty hangers. Store some extra blankets and pillows in the closet, too.
Fill your shopping cart. Hit up the grocery store to make sure your house is stocked with plenty of beverages and bottled water, snacks (fresh fruit, cheese and crackers, chips, and cookies) and meal ideas for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Encourage your guests to help themselves when they are hungry. Consider filling a large basket with energy bars, microwave popcorn, candy, and other snacks, and putting it out on the counter for everyone to pick from.
Cameras optional. Once your guests arrive give them the grand tour. Show them where glasses, silverware, dishes, tea, coffee, doughnuts and cereal are located. Encourage them to help themselves any time.
While you are running around making sure your home is perfect, don’t forget to actually spend time with those visiting you. Remember, they came to visit you, not your house. Happy holidays!