I love visiting faraway friends and family for the weekend. There's just something about hosting out-of-town guests in your home that feels so special. you have to be tourist in your city Also show them around your favorite places to eat at local hot spots. However, preparing for their arrival can get stressful if you feel pressured to make it happen Insta-worthy perfection In your house (Believe me, I've been there.)
I've had my fair share of night guests over the years. Through experience, I've found that the key to making city guests feel comfortable is just as easy as putting yourself in their shoes. As you prepare for their arrival, try to think of what you would value most if you were a guest.
Featured image of Ariel Kay's bedroom by Till Thompson.
Subscription
Design obsessed?
Subscribe to get monthly #ZumaBeachHouse updates delivered straight to your inbox.
Thank you for your registration!
Oops!
It looks like you're already registered or your email address is not valid.
Oops!
Looks like you've already unsubscribed click here to re-subscribe.
13 ways to welcome out-of-town guests into your home
With a little preparation and an open arms spirit, you can make everyone feel special the moment they walk through your doors. Scroll on for 13 ideas to try before your guests arrive. These tips are guaranteed to make their stay comfortable, enjoyable, and an easy breeze (for both of you!).
keep house
Use out-of-town guests as motivation to make things in top shape and cross off your to-do list. Quit the load of laundry you've been staring at for days, Hang clothes or items that have been left for a week on the "chair" (we all have one), clean out the fridge, get rid of clutter around the house, and do small home repairs or Redesign projects you are postponing.
An afternoon of cleaning and organizing can go a long way in changing the entire atmosphere of your home. Even if all you have time for is a quick vacuum and pillow fluff, try your best to make your home something you feel proud to show off when your guests walk through the door.
Stock up in the refrigerator
Is there a special snack or drink that you know your guests would love? Get it from the store, along with a few essentials that your guests can easily reach for and grab if they get hungry. Whenever I have family or friends coming to town, I always stock up on the Mexican Pink Lager, Cheese and crackersAnd berries, yogurt, and some easy stuff for breakfast—usually eggs, bacon, and avocado. Also make sure you don't forget the coffee, filters, creamer and sweetener for your morning joe! If your guests don't drink java, get something else like herbal tea or fresh juice for them to enjoy as soon as they wake up.
Make room for their belongings
You want to make sure you provide an area where your guests can put their things and not feel like they're in their way. Clear out a drawer or part of a closet - no one likes to live out of a suitcase. The same goes for the bathroom. Empty the drawer or make enough shelf space for toiletries to live through the weekend.
Warm the bed
Make sure you have nice, clean sheets and plenty of fluffy pillows and extra blankets near the bed. The sheets on the guest beds can start to smell stale when they're not being used, so it's not a good idea to wash the sheets before your guests arrive. A few days before your friends or family get there, spend some time in the guest room - even go to bed! Are there enough blankets? Are the pillows good? How is the room temperature? Most guests are too polite to complain so you want to anticipate any potential issues in advance and do everything you can to turn their room into a room Comfortable place to stay.
Introduce the basics (and then some)
Leave essential items that they will need throughout their stay. This includes towels and washcloths folded in plain sight (rather than having guests scour the closets). You can leave them on the bed next to extra pillows or blankets, or show them where their towels are in the bathroom.
Also, just like a hotel bathroom, I like to put some toiletries like soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. Guests often forget things, and I want to be prepared when they do! You can find travel-size bottles at most grocery stores or drugstores, and your guests will appreciate having everything they need for the next few days. If you're a fan of beauty products like me, then stock up on the mini toiletries next time you stay at a nice hotel and bring the products home for future guests. Nothing says hostess with her most like little bottles of Le Labo shampoo resting on top of her clean, crisp towels.
If you really want the hostess gold star, put a vase of fresh flowers on your bedside table, along with two bottles of water and a midnight snack. Some current magazines or a travel guide to your city is always a nice touch too - especially if they're an early riser or a night out lover!
Check out the details
Unused guest rooms can sometimes go unnoticed in the normal routine care of our home, especially when it comes to electricity or utilities. Check to make sure all light fixtures are in good condition, lights are plugged in, and ceiling fans are working as they should. Also check that the clocks are set to the correct time and that the channel switches are in working order if there is a TV in the room. Remember: You may know the ins and outs of your home, but your guests won't—especially in the dark! It's a nice touch to install a night light to help guide their way from the bedroom to the bathroom.
Speaking of bathrooms, check that there is enough toilet paper and access to a plunger in the bathroom they will be using. I've been there, I've been there, we've all been there. Help your guests out by leaving extra TP under the sink and plunger next to the toilet.
Don't forget the children
Are your guests bringing children? Make sure you understand them, too. If you don't have any kids, it wouldn't hurt to stock up on some healthy snacks kids love, And choose a game or two to keep them occupied or plan an easy ride. If you and the parents want a night out, find the names and numbers of a few fun and trustworthy babysitters in the area that you can give the parents. You don't feel like you need to arrange with a babysitter, but having her as an option for visiting parents is always a nice thing. It's their vacation too!
Share the house "secrets"
When out-of-town guests arrive, give them a tour of the house so they can help themselves to anything for the duration of their stay. Show them where they can store their things, find essential items, and how to make coffee in the morning. On a piece of paper, share the house's little secrets like the Wifi password and wake-up code, so they don't have to ask for it awkwardly throughout their stay. Teach them how to operate the thermostat, lights, and TV. Give them a spare set of keys on a cute keychain for the weekend so they can come and go as they please. Your guests will appreciate your efforts to make them feel welcome in your humble and happy abode.
Make a tour guide
Give your guests a list of some of your favorite places in your hometown. Mix in some of the must-visit attractions as well as local favourites. Include go-to restaurants, walking trails, coffee shops, cocktail bars, and anywhere else that comes to mind. Your guests will feel more comfortable exploring your city on their own and will be excited to see your favorite places. If you're in Austin like us, here it is Our favorite things to do outsidefrom hiking to art and everything in between.
Create the perfect atmosphere
Nothing is better than burning scented candles. Make your out-of-town guests feel relaxed and comfortable by lighting some deliciously scented candles around the house. And don't forget to match the fragrance with the season! Elevate the comfort level even more with some soothing music playing on the speakers and laying out the blankets. Check out some of our favourites Cozy candles Helps set the mood.
set the table
If you are a cook and decide to host a dinner for your guests, setting the table is a great way to make your guests feel comfortable. This way, they won't have to dig through cabinets and drawers to find what they need. Add a table runner and a vase of fresh flowers and you're good to go!
Don't forget to ask
One of the simplest, yet essential, hosting tips is to ask your out-of-town guests what they want. Some people don't feel comfortable talking about their preferences, so this way everyone is on the same page. You can ask if they have any particular foods they like to keep at home, any dietary restrictions they may have, what they like to do in the day, or if they prefer coffee or tea in the morning. Your guests will appreciate your interest in helping them feel at home and making their trip a wonderful experience.
Have a drink while waiting
There is no better feeling than finally arriving at your hotel after a long day of traveling and they have a drink ready just for you. So why not bring this into your home? Whether it's a cold glass of water, coffee, or bubbles, having a drink on hand for your guests upon arrival is the best way to start your time together. This will make your out of town guests feel appreciated and welcome in your home.
This post was originally published on July 24, 2019, and has since been updated.
Source link
0 Comments