Bedding. Bring out your best blankets and sheets, plus fluffy pillows to make even an air mattress or futon more comfortable. Even if you don’t have a comforter that fits, try adding a throw at the foot of the bed and include throw pillows at the top for a finishing touch.
Towels. If company will be sharing a bathroom with the rest of the household, providing guests with different colored towels can help avoid confusion about which sets are theirs. To make clean towels extra fresh at the last minute, fluff in the dryer for a few minutes before folding.
Storage. Even for a short visit, make guests feel at home by clearing a drawer or two and space in the closet to hang clothes. Luggage racks are handy, but if you don’t have one, try a sturdy folding tray or foot stool instead.
Extras. Include a small basket with extras your company will find helpful, such as toothbrushes, travel size bottles of shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, headache medicine, and other minor first-aid remedies.
- If your guest is a mystery fan or nature lover, leave a few books or magazines on their favorite topics next to their bed. Have a favorite photo or two of your guests and you that isn’t usually on display? Frame up your memories to share in their home-away-from-home space.
- Décor. Fresh flowers are always a favorite, or, for the holiday,s dress up a vase or container with evergreen sprigs, extra ornaments, or sparkly ribbon. If your holiday decorations include several mini trees, be sure to include one in your guest’s room.
- 4-1-1. If your visitors will be on their own when you are at work, be sure to leave them with area maps and directions to shopping areas and local attractions. Also, leave them with a list of emergency numbers and instructions, just in case.
In the kitchen, make your guests feel at home by including a basket of snacks and goodies. Be sure to show them where the coffee and tea are kept so they can make themselves at home, especially if they are early birds.