With the holidays around the corner, it’s time to start preparing. No, not for a feast, or even the decor. It’s time to prepare for guests. If you have family or friends coming to stay, it’s a good time to get started on creating a guest room experience that will welcome them, keep them happy, and make their holiday stay a success.
It Can Start in the Kitchen.
After a long day of travel, the last thing anyone wants to do is go to the store to get food and snacks. It’s a good idea to have their favorites on hand when they arrive so you can all just settle down together and relax. If it’s possible, ask them ahead of time if there are any items they’d like to have you pick up–what they like to drink, and how they take their morning coffee or tea. It can be a nice gesture to have a gift bag of treats waiting for them in the guest room when they arrive. Some ideas? Something salty, something sweet, trail mix, gum, mints or a couple pieces of fruit.
Make Sure They Hydrate.
New surroundings can cause people to feel out of their comfort zone, and one of the first habits that goes out the window is drinking water. Put bottles of water in the fridge so they aren’t searching for a cup in the middle of the night. You can even put a few bottles of water in the guest room so they have what they need without leaving the room to wander the house.
Provide Bathroom Necessities.
It’s easy to forget toiletries when you travel. Get the bathroom ready so they can feel right at home without having to ask for anything. Think about what you normally use, and leave a basket of extras in case they forgot: Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, lotion…and the list goes on. Your guests will appreciate not having to run out and buy these little necessities when all they want to do is visit with you.
Ensure a Good Night’s Sleep.
A well-rested guest is a happy guest. Comfortable pillows, extra blankets…consider what might help them create their own comfort while in your home. Even a bedside fan is a nice touch–the sound can produce white noise to help them sleep. Check the windows–and the window coverings. Do they block the early morning sunshine so your guests can sleep as long as they want?
Are Your Blinds Safe?
If you have family or friends with small children coming to stay, check that your window coverings are child safe. Cords should be 8 inches or less, out of reach from little hands.
Create a Quiet Space.
Your guests will love to immerse themselves in your daily life–after all, they traveled all the way to visit you and your family. But keep in mind that it might be nice for them to have a spot to retreat to where they can just be alone. If you have the space within the guest room, set up a reading nook with a comfy chair, an end table and lamp. Plug an extra charger so they can carve out a little time to connect if that’s what they need.
Take Care of the Kids.
If your guests have small children, be intentional about planning a few outings that the kids will love. Traveling is stressful with children–everyone is off schedule and out of their element. To start with, it’s time to put away any cherished decor pieces that might get broken as kids run around and play. Have some kid-friendly items on hand–Play Doh, coloring books, UNO–that can keep them interested for a little while. Look up trampoline parks, the library or an area museum where you can escape off to before the kids start feeling cooped up.
Is Your Home Ready for Guests?
Create a guest room they’ll never want to leave, and make it a vacation they’ll never forget. Contact our team, at Blue Sky Shutters and Shades, for a free, in-home consultation.
