I am always looking for ways to make overnight guests feel at home. One thing that the holiday season may bring YOU is….OVERNIGHT GUESTS! I would venture to say that more people have overnight guests during Thanksgiving and Christmas than at any other time of the year. I know having people stay over can be stressful for all parties involved.
5 WAYS TO MAKE OVERNIGHT GUESTS FEEL AT HOME
Let Guests Know Your Routines
We have stayed with people and had guests stay with us. It is always nice to know what the household routines are while you are there. One way to make overnight guests feel at home is just to let them know your family routine.
If you all share a bathroom, it is essential to let the guests know about the schedule. If you will be leaving for work, staying home, etc. This information will decrease confusion and make the visit more relaxed!
Find Out Important Health Information Beforehand
Having overnight guests is not always as simple as it seems. There may be more to the visit than just providing someone with a place to sleep. Typically, overnight guests will be EATING multiple meals at your home. Nowadays, knowing about any dietary restrictions and food allergies is essential before your guests arrive.
So many people have food allergies and intolerances these days that it is best to ask before guests arrive at your house. No one wants to be a burden, and if you can prepare for any dietary issues beforehand, it will save time and awkwardness at meal times!!
Make Items Accessible
No one wants to continually ask for things they need. It can be embarrassing and make the guest feel intrusive. Make sure you have items handy and sitting out for your guests. Here is a list of some ideas:
- Bath Towels
- Hand Towels
- Hygienic cleansing face pads
- Wash Clothes
- Bottled Water
- Snacks
- Toiletries
- Facial Tissues
- Extra Blankets
- Extra Pillow
- Fan for white noise
Technology Information
Technology information wasn’t something guests needed 30 or more years ago. However, times have changed, and now our overnight guests probably need some information to make their stay comfortable and easy.
Be sure to give your guests a card with your WiFi information so they can connect while they are visiting.
I have a lot of trouble figuring out TVs when I am at someone else’s house. It is nice to give your guests some info on how the TV works…a station list, etc. so they don’t have to ask for help constantly.
If you have a security camera at home, it’s important to inform your house guests about it. Whether you have a basic security camera or a comprehensive security system with professional alarm monitoring services, letting your guests know will help them feel more at ease during their stay.
Keep It Clean
I don’t think most guests expect your home to be spotless. Nevertheless, when I know we have guests coming over, I try to go above and beyond in my housekeeping. One area that is a MUST for cleanliness is the bathroom. I want the spare bathroom to be as clean as possible for my guests.
Looking at the room through the eye of a visitor is important. I look at every surface and every item in the bathroom and try to clean and disinfect EVERYTHING!
Remember to put yourself in your guest’s shoes and think about the cleanliness of your home from their perspective! If you keep that outlook, I am sure your home will be in perfect condition!!
How Do You Make Guests Feel Welcome?
What are your favorite ways to make overnight guests feel at home? Do you have any excellent tips to share?
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Such great tips! I love the idea of giving guests a schedule as well. #client
Great tips, especially for the holidays. We only use Scotch Brite products in our home because I know they work.
Besos Sarah.
Most of the time I have family staying at my house so they pretty much know where everything is, but I also make sure to ask if they have any food or drink preferences or needs. I also make sure the house is clean, towels are laid out and the bathroom is stocked with TP and tissues.
This is a brilliant tips! I’m actually don’t know what to do when we have a guest at home. I’m glad that I found this. Thank you.
Very clever ideas! Holidays are coming and we have a relative guest soon. And I want to make my guest feel at home.
These are great ideas for sure. I love to have over night guests. Next time I will remember these tips.
With the holidays fast approaching it’s important to make sure that we have all that we need in case our relatives decide to come over! I love these tips!
There are amazing tips! I have not had any overnight guests in a while, but since I moved there is a high chance I will have plenty now. These will come in handy!
Making items accessible to them especially ones for the restroom is important. They don’t want to have to come to you whenever they need to find a personal item.
These are really great tips! When I know that we have guests coming I clean like a crazy person. I like the idea of giving the guests a list with all the technology information.
Ooooo great suggestions!! I always leave my guest extra towels!!!!
I truly should come visit, Your hospitality sounds AMAZING 🙂 And thanks for the tips too!
I think your tips are great. Anytime I’ve ever spent the night with family or friends, I had to find where everything was kept. Letting guests know would be a big help.
These are great tips. So many ways to make guests feel welcome. Making things accessible and letting them know your routine are key.