The holidays have arrived, and with them come holiday guests. Some will join you for dinner. Others may be spending most of the season. How do you prepare for holiday houseguests? Here are some tips:
Clean Out the Guest Room
Your guests won’t want to share a room with your weight machine, old children’s toys, or summer wardrobe. They need space to hang their clothes, places to put their luggage, and to be able to move around. Clear out closets, dressers, and shelves. If the room has a full bath, go through the medicine chest and cabinets, and remove personal items.
Add Some Holiday Cheer
Welcome your guests with tasteful holiday decorations. Place fresh, festive flowers on the nightstand. Holiday pillows on the bed are a charming touch. If you are hosting children, string lights around the windows.
Extra Pillows and Blankets
Ensure a good night’s sleep by placing a basket full of warm blankets in the room. That way, if they get cold, they can add the amount they need. Add a variety of pillows if you can. That way, guests can choose their comfort level.
Stock the Bathroom
Treat guests to a boutique hotel experience—stock the bathroom with travel-sized bottles of upscale soaps, shower gels, shampoos, and more. Build a welcome basket full of things they might have forgotten, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, combs, or whatever else you think they will need. Fresh holiday-themed towels add a festive touch. Be sure supplies such as toilet paper are within easy reach.
Provide Information
Hotels always provide guests with essential information, such as a Wi-Fi password. Consider giving them a house key so they can come and go as they please. Create a cute card with everything they need to know, including your alarm code, house rules, information about your pets, and anything else they may need to know. A nice touch is leaving a list of local holiday activities they can choose from on the bedside table.
Prepare the Rest of Your Home
You are probably already planning a cleaning frenzy before guests arrive, but you should consider your guests’ particular needs. Find out if guests have allergies to food, fabric, and scents. Put childproof locks on cabinets if young children will be joining you. Furry house guests will need a place for dishes and beds. Provide directions to the dog park and pet-friendly trails.
Set Up a Coffee Station
Set up a coffee station in the guest room if there is room. Provide a French press or an inexpensive coffee maker. Add an electric kettle for guests who prefer tea or hot cocoa. Make sure you put out sugar, creamer, mugs, filters, and stirrers. If you don’t have room, set up a station in the kitchen or dining area. That way, early risers can help themselves.
Plan Your Meals
Guests must be fed. Find out their favorite snacks and be sure to have some on hand. Plan simple meals such as casseroles, soups, and stews for the days leading up to the big feast. Consider setting up a serve-yourself breakfast bar with pastries, fruit, yogurt, and cereal. Lunches can be handled the same way. If you can afford it, plan to eat out occasionally. Keep food allergies and preferences in mind.
Plan Some Activities
Make plans in advance to show your guests around. Keep the schedule flexible, so no one feels obligated to go. If you live in Amira, show off our outstanding amenities. Check the local paper for theatrical performances, movies, neighborhoods with the best holiday lights, and anything else you think they might enjoy. If you think they might want a night out without you, give them a gift card for dinner and a show.
Take a Breather
No matter how much you love your house guests, having other people in your home for an extended period can be difficult. Don’t be afraid of asking for some “me” time. Have a glass of wine, bury yourself in your favorite book or go holiday shopping by yourself. You need to enjoy the holidays, too.
