With the holidays quickly approaching, many of us are planning to be guests of hosts. I love to entertain, and I love making my guests feel right at home! How about you? Today, I thought I would share 10 quick tips on how to be the hostess with the mostess! Ready? Here we go.
#1 Ask your guests if they have any food/pet allergies and if there are foods they don’t like. I always appreciate when I’m asked these simple questions before visiting with friends and family. It lets them know that you have their best interests in mind! You’ll start the visit off right by asking this one before they arrive {wink}.
#2. Sleeping Arrangements. Where will your guests be sleeping? Determine this ahead of time. If you don’t have a spare room, will they be sleeping on a pull out couch or air mattress? If so, sleep on those yourself prior to their visit. You need to know whether it’s comfortable or not. Is the mattress lumpy, does the bed squeak, etc.
Here’s a funny story! I grew up in a pastor’s home and we entertained overnight guests a ton. That meant giving up our beds on several occasions. My sister and I often hated it because the pull out bed in the living room was not all that comfortable. After going to college, we often had to sleep on a pull out on occasion too — and there was a bar that made you feel like you were sleeping over a big boulder. It was miserable. Of course we were family and communicated that — and we still laugh about those sofas! However, you don’t want your guests to be uncomfortable, so be sure to test it out yourself.
#3. Place extra pillow(s) and/or blanket(s) out to ensure they’re all set for the night ahead.
#4. Light Bulbs and Batteries. Be sure to check that all light bulbs are working in the overhead lights and lamps. I recently had company and forgot to check the lamp {face palm}. It happens to the best of us, but it’s nice not to be reminded of that at 11 p.m. and realize you don’t have any replacement bulbs.
Have a TV in the room where your guests will be sleeping? Be sure to make sure they are still working. I don’t watch TV in my guest room very often {hee-hee}, so it never hurts to be sure that your company is ready to do a little channel surfing when they decide to turn in.
#5. Other Room Essentials. Does the room or space have a trashcan? You might also have a box of tissues and a bedside water carafe for them to use. Of course, these are optional items, but from experience — it’s nice to have these amenities on hand. Don’t have a bedside water carafe? Offer them a bottle of water!
#6. Bathroom Toiletries and Towels. Have a small basket on-hand for your guests in case they’ve forgotten their toothpaste, shampoo, q-tips, etc. Replenish after their visits. It’s a very thoughtful gesture that your guests will certainly appreciate. Be sure to set out towels for your guests in either the bathroom, in their room or on their bed. I like for my guests to feel right at home versus frazzled and unsure.
#7. Greet your guests at the door and carry their luggage to their room/space. This keeps less clutter in the entryway and allows your guests to understand that they have a designated space to keep their luggage and belongings.
#8. Storage and Hangers. Be sure to have a space for your guest’s luggage and offer hangers for hang up clothes. I keep luggage racks on hand for my company, but if you don’t, be sure to clear a space on the floor for them — even if that means having to rearrange a few things temporarily. If you have a dresser in the room (and depending upon the length of their stay), you might offer a drawer or two for them to unpack their suitcase as well.
#9. Have a print out for your guests that include the Wi-Fi network and password. Most travelers keep their phones, computer and iPads on hand — so be sure to communicate this with your guests, letting them know to make themselves at home.
#10. Morning Schedules. Once your guests have arrived and slept comfortably through the night, be sure they’re taken care of in the morning. Many times, we still have commitments and work, so be sure to plan ahead for the morning. Leave a tray of muffins, pastries, fruit, etc. with a note stating there is coffee in the pot, juice in the fridge and so forth! I think a few brownie points are accumulating at this point — don’t you?
Now you’re officially ready to be the hostess with the mostess! Do you have any tips to keep the hostess and guests happy? Be sure to share with us here at ForRent.com. We’d love to hear from you.