How to Make Your Home the Best Lil' B+B in Town
Holiday season is upon us, and I love, love, triple love having guests ( I inherited the hospitality gene from my Southern grandparents). Nothing fills my heart more than having people in the house to bake for and dote on from the minute they put their bags down until the minute they leave. I want every single person who walks through the front door to immediately feel at home, and I've got a few tips on h0w to make that happen:
The Amenities Basket: I think this is one of my favorite things in the entire house, and something I'm really proud of. In the past, though it doesn't happen quite that often, I've been at a friend's house and totally unprepared. I didn't have my toothbrush, I didn't have my toothpaste, I didn't even have a tube of chapstick! It's a terrible feeling because you find yourself picturing exactly where each item you've left is, and wishing that you'd just packed it, just in case. That's why I came up with the idea for the Amenities Basket. I've got every miniature-sized item a guest could ever need: makeup wipes, toothpaste, fancy soaps and body washes, shampoos and conditioners, and even feminine products. Truthfully, my basket is tailored more for the female guests that arrive, but take the opportunity to tailor it to the needs of your specific guests. Maybe they like a certain aftershave, maybe they like a certain lotion. Nothing will make your guests feel welcome like a basket filled with their favorite things. And here's a good tip: try to double up on products if you can. If you've got multiple guests, you want to make sure that you have enough emergency items for everyone.
Baked Goods: Greet your guests at the door with a sweet treat! You can never go wrong with a warm batch of classic chocolate chip cookies like these ones from my favorite cookie lady, Dorie Greenspan!
Candles: Freshen up the guest room (or even the whole house) with a couple scented candles. Make sure to keep the scent warm, light, and crisp to create an atmosphere that is cozy and inviting, not overpowering; You never know what your guests prefer scent-wise until they've gotten there, so best to err on the side of less is more. (Side note: You can find a great selection of super inexpensive, delicious-smelling candles at Homegoods and Target!)
Fresh Flowers: Nothing brightens up the home like a bouquet of fresh flowers! Choose bright, seasonal colors to make the whole house pop. And to keep things extra fancy, trim a few and put them in a mason jar or small vase on the nightstand in your guest room.
Bedside Reading Material: You never know the sleep schedule of your guests. While you may be a night owl, they may be early to bed, early to rise. If that's the case, or they're just having trouble falling asleep in a bed that is not their own, it's always nice to provide a little reading material to pass the time. I like to tailor my picks to things I think my specific guest will love. Usually I'll choose one book that will make them think, one book to turn their brain off when they just want to relax, and one or two magazines for when they want to stare at beautiful pictures. It's good to have a variety.
Clear Space in the Closet: Depending on how long your guests plan to stay, it's always a good idea to clear a little space in the closet for them with a few extra hangers. We wouldn't want a beautiful dress or suit to get wrinkled!
Soft Blankets + Socks: I like a cold house, what can I say? And while this cold-centric gal doesn't mind putting on extra layers in the house, my guests may not always. That's why I'm always prepared with extra soft and cozy blankets and socks for when my guests feel a bit chilly. It's always good to have several available in case your guests don't want to share.
Fresh Linens + Towels: Wash your sheets, and wash extra towels. You never know when your guests may want to take a shower, or even a quick cat nap after a long journey. Be prepared.
A Beverage Basket: We happen to have a lot of baskets lying around the house from various holiday gifts, so I found a good use for one as a beverage basket. If you've got an extra basket, or don't mind shelling out a few bucks for a small one, fill it with specialty teas, individual coffee packs, water bottles, and even a cocoa mix or two. It's good to be prepared for any tastes your guest may have.
Ask Ahead of Time: The most important tip of all is to always, always ask ahead of time. Ask about food allergies (VERY IMPORTANT), ask what snacks they like, ask what kind of movies they watch, ask how they like their coffee in the morning. Nothing shows that you care more than making sure your guests have the best stay possible. The goal is to make them feel as though they never want to leave, but of course they'll have to eventually! Always ask.
What are your best guest tips? Sound off in the comments below!