Holidays and Houseguests

It’s now officially “the holidays.” And with the traditions, meals, and reunions also come houseguests. Whether it be for one night or one week, a houseguest can be both a blessing and a burden. Here are a few tips to make the visit pleasant and easy for both the host and the guest.

Around the House – Give guests something to do. Carefully place (so as not to clutter) magazines and books around the kitchen and living areas. If your guests are good at entertaining themselves, make sure you have an array of menus and listing of local events handy. Arrange furniture so as to stimulate conversation (add a chair that’s facing the room, not the television).

Make the Bedroom a Haven – We all have dreams of making that extra room the perfectly cozy guestroom. But until we can make that happen, there are many things to be done create a comfortable space for guests. Leave empty drawers and closet space with extra hangers, so they’re not living out of their suitcase for the duration. Nightstand essentials should include a reading lamp, clock, and tissues. Extra blankets and pillows at the foot of the bed or on a shelf will ensure a comfortable night’s sleep and fresh flowers will add a welcoming, thoughtful touch.

Snacks, Snacks, and More Snacks – Let friends and family feel comfortable helping themselves to a snack or two. Keep easy snacks on hand – cheese, crackers, fruit, nuts, bread, and sandwich meat. If your guests are early risers, make sure you show them where the coffee maker, coffee, and filters are.