A savvy and thoughtful host knows how to make their guests feel welcome – from being dressed and ready when they arrive to having a bottle of red decanted or a cocktail in a shaker ready to go. Allow your guests to feel as if you’re anticipating their arrival, and to never feel like they’re imposing. Embracing the senses of smell, touch, taste, see and hear. Here are my 8 glamorous tips for a happy house guest.
1. The first thing you do to make your guests welcome – offer something to drink, this could be a pot of hot tea on a cold winter day or a pitcher of lemonade in the summer… better yet, a stiff cocktail which is always well received after a long journey. (Whatever you choose, prepare your choice before your guests arrival. You don’t want to be frantically squeezing lemons while they’re struggling with their suitcases.)
2. Light a fragrant candle, set a bowl of potpourri or a flowering plant in the bedroom and bathroom to make your home aromatic, visually appealing and sensual.
3. Leave a pitcher of ice water and a glass for each guest next to the bed.
4. Place a copy of a local city magazine or guidebook including a list of your favorite restaurants, bars and shopping finds on your guest’s night table. List the wifi connection, address, phone number and any other pertinent information such as how to operate the sound system. This allows an out-of-towner a chance to develop his or her own itinerary and relieves the pressure on you to act as tour guide, entertainment critic, and walking encyclopedia of local trivia.
5. Fill a basket or bathroom shelf with aspirin, Band-Aids, toothpaste, a new toothbrush, and other essentials your guests might have forgotten. Or, if you’ve collected the luxury soaps, bottles of shampoo, and other hotel toiletries you’ve been offered when you travel, leave them for your guests to sample and enjoy.
6. Provide empty drawers in the dresser your guests will use and clear space in the closet with plenty of matching hangers. Additionally, leave room in the bath for guests’ toiletries. These touches help erase any feelings like they’re invading your space while making them feel welcome and anticipated.
7. Create a schedule for their visit. A well informed guest is a happy guest. Either e-mail or leave a note by their bed outlining the time you’d like to spend with them while leaving plenty of time for your guest’s to explore on their own.
8. If guests will be on their own often, include a list favorite lunch and dinner spots, neighborhoods to stroll through, or shows you’ve enjoyed and how to get tickets without breaking the bank.
(photo credit: Recipes From A Pantry, Conscious Candle Co., Mix and Chic, Mr. and Mrs. 2015, House Updated)
