Holiday times are approaching..
It also means that you will be having guests for the events! Welcoming and hosting guests are not only a part of our holiday fun, but also a great time to reconnect with our guests and family.
You don't need to spend fortune to host your guests. Just a little touch of your thoughtfulness and respect here and there are all you need. Just think about when you were their guest(s). They need the same things as you did.
Let's go through some list of things to prepare a guest room and make them all fuzzy and welcome, feeling like a home - almost. In a sense, these can be used for any kind of Airbnb or bed & breakfast hosting for your guests…. Use wisely.
Also watch "Be Our Guest" from the Beauty and the Beast movie at the end of this blog post.
*We are not affiliated with any companies of the featured or suggested products in this blog other than our own & amazon.
WELCOME
Welcome Mat & Signs
Welcome Mat or Signs are a great first impression to any visitors. Whether you have a fancy or funny one, outdoor or indoor, have some obvious ones to welcome your guests.
I also have a mat in the guest room with guest slippers so that they have their shoes area/organize their own shoes.
Image: Instagram
Welcome Mat 18 colors $39, Kohl's
Welcome Kit
This is basically what it is. You can also call it 'Welcome Package'.
I usually leave all of them on the guest room table and underneath. That case, it is easier for you to organize and prepare as well.
- Memo & Pens - I leave a stack of notepad with pens in a pencil case on the guest room table and write 'Welcome' on the cover note. Stationary notes & pens are something essential for any travelers, but they always seem to forget to bring for some reason. Don't forget scissors. Quite needed.
- WiFi Access - What more to say. Guests need an internet access and also passwords. Don't let them shyly ask you. Have the password written on the memo pad so that they don't need to ask.
Wifi password sign $6.50 etsy.com
- Electronic Chargers - These are essential for any travelers. Such as universal charger convertors, or phone or other chargers that you can spare and show the location of electric outlets at the welcome orientation(?).
360 electric outlet with USB charger, $6 amazon.com
- Welcome Chocolates & Candies - These surprisingly delight guests. When they are bored or looking for something to do, these do wonders. I like those Ferrero Rocher, Lindt truffles or Doves because they are more fancier and feel treated. Don't use leftovers from Halloween trick-or-treat junkies.
Ferreo Rocher & Dove Chocolates - Supermarkets near you or shop at amazon link below
- Little Tray - for keys, coins and other accumulated things during stay. This definitely helps guests to organize their stay.
- Facial Tissues - A box of Kleenex will do. Holidays times are also quite emotional. Oh well, that case, a couple more of boxes. Also provide a shoulder to cry on.
Kleenex Ultra Soft Facial Tissues, Store near you or shop at amazon store
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Indoor Slippers - Whether they use them or not, these makes them feel like "guests". Do not spend fortune on slippers as these should be relatively considered disposable due to sanitary reasons. I buy them from dollar stores in several different sizes and those stores have quite a selections. Love the simple solid or plaid generic ones. Don't make your guest wear unwanted crazy patterns or ugly ones. Slippers can also go under the luggage rack, in the closet or on the welcome mat.
Having extra house sleepers not only helps for guests and unexpected visitors but also keeps your house floor clean. Replenish them timely but give your guest new/newly looking slippers. No one loves someone else's shoes.
10 Pairs, Open Toe Guest Sleepers $29.99 amazon.com
LUGGAGE & WARDROBE STATION
Your guests need to unload their belongings and get settled. Provide them the area and the tools.
- Luggage Rack or Ottoman - like a hotel room, folding luggage rack or ottoman provide instant solutions to any luggage affair. Not to mention it make the luggage handling all easy breezier but it also makes the luggage case an instant wardrobe drawer, especially you don't have a closet in the guest room. Don't let the luggage suitcase lying on the floor to collect dirts. Invest on decent yet affordable ones so that they can be used when not having guest for decor purpose and other uses.
Folding Luggage Rack $49.99, improvementscatalog.com
Abbyson Blue Velvet Ottoman $130 (on sale!) overstock.com
Upholstered Tufted Velvet Ottoman Bench, $85 amazon.com
- Hanging Matters - Guests are less likely store their folded clothes in your closets/drawers. I personally do not like/do that. For some reason, I feel that since the luggage is mine own, I rather feel more comfortable using my own space(?) than their closets unless the stay is a long one. These are especially true for intimates/underwears. So guests will rather keep folded clothes in their luggage suitcase or take some out to hang in the closets or hangers. So provide plenty of "empty" hangers, wall or standing hangers and closet/space. I like blanket ladders since it can hang blanket, sheets and towels, too.
Pogo 4 Hook $34 ; Afternoon Coat Hanger $147, both from amara.com
HOUSE DAY Premium Velvet Hangers, 50pc $23.00 amazon.com
Multi-use ring hanger $14.99 amazon.com
Image: vin yet etc
You can find variety of blanket ladders on amazon at different prices. I got mine from amazon, a bamboo one. Love it.
- Ironing kits - Whether you share or not, either show them the location of the ironing kits in the house or provide with some easy wrinkle free sprays for guest's wrinkled garments from the luggage excursion. Some of these fresheners are awesome working both as air/room & fabric freshener.
From left to right, 1. Italian Linen & Fabric Freshener $8 kohl's.com ; 2. Cold Iron Wrinkle Release Spray $19.89 amazon.com ; 3. Real Simple Clean No Iron Wrinkle Release Spray, shophq.com/
- Bath Towels - Always leave a couple of clean, spare ones, whether they brought their own or not. Provide spare toothbrushes as needed.
- Laundry Bag - If guests wish to do laundry, provide them with a dedicated laundry bag, hampers or plastic bag for collecting their items during their stay. Avoid mixing their laundry with yours unless they are close family.
BEDSIDE MANNERS
Going to bed at someone else's house could be stressful even at family's, simply due to jet lags or just the bed itself. Leave some items to make your guests feel better.
- Clean Bed Sheets and Linens - Do I need to say this?
- Lights - Bedside lamp really helps guest to fall asleep better and generally easier in terms of access to light switches and such, if you know what I mean. Don't make them play/experiment with light switches. Touch-sensitive models are excellent and guest-friendly so they don't turn on and off the entire house. And USB port feature is essential for these days for sure.
Yarra Bedside Table Lamp with USB Port - Touch Control $19 amazon.com
Touch Bedside Table Lamp, $19.99 amazon.com
- Scents or Candles - Scents are one of very first impressions to any person. I love oil diffusers or candles as those also serve as part of decor and scents are more luxurious than spray or plug-ins. Candles are great because guests can light themselves whenever they like. Try candles with lids or travel tin ones, which are easier to distinguish by closing them causing less fumes. I also take them with me while I travel. In case of candles, leave a little matchbox or electric lighter . If from local bars or restaurants, it is quite cute for them to look at.
Voluspa Santiago Huckleberry $20, voluspa.com ;
Archipelago Botanico de Havana $39 archipelago.com
Paddywax Petite Collection Scented Oil Reed Diffuser, 1.5-Ounce, $24 amazon.com
Paddywax offers modern, clean fragrances that don’t compromise on elegance or sophistication. Their Library Collection is a personal favorite, consistently drawing me back for more with its unique and timeless appeal. Its Tin candle collection is affordable and interesting so that I have been traveling with over the years.
Thymes Kimono Rose Candle $32 amazon.com
The Thymes Kimono Rose is something so pretty that I even have in my bedroom. It has a subtle Sakura note and without being lit it even fills the room with beautiful rose scents. I've also tried body wash, lotions. Really beautiful.
4 Pack Scented Candles Gifts Set, $18.99 amazon.com
SUPRUS Electric Candle USB Type C Rechargeable Lighter, $8.99 amazon.com
- Reading materials - Books and magazines. Not all books appeal to everyone, so it's a good idea to provide a variety of magazines and coffee table books that cater to different interests. Add a personal touch by including a selection of educational and intriguing reads. For an even more thoughtful touch, consider placing a small bookshelf with some of your personal favorites in the guest room. This not only offers your guests entertainment but also gives them a glimpse into your personality and interests.
$9.39 amazon.com
i don't know where I read this book while traveling but, it was unexpected learning from the trees.
- Water Bottle & Cup - Sometimes it is hard for guests to go to your kitchen and looking for water and drinks, especially during the night. Leave water bottle/cup in the room or by the bed. Carafe set with a cup lid is great. Bottle water also works.
Cathy's bedside water carafe set $30 JCpenny.com
evian bottle water at supermaket near you
Bedside Water Carafe Set with Tumbler Glass, Silicone Bottom, $12.96 amazon.com
Other OPTIONAL, But ESSENTIAL to some
- Trash Can - In my experience, all guests asked if I don't have one in the guest room. Just have a small one and also leave some plastic bags for etc and emergency needs.
- Mini Broom & Dustpan - Regardless of the purpose, having them readily available in the room is always a good idea.
- Clocks - Everyone has phones these days with clocks, however have some clocks in the room. Wall mount or alarms. If can, both.
Bernard retro wall clocks $19.98 amazon.com
I love these retro wall clocks so much and technically have each one in every room in different colors in my place. Quite affordable yet best looking retro clocks.
IKEA VACKIS alarm clock $1, IKEA.com
MOSITO Digital Wooden Alarm Clock with Wireless Charging, Dimmer, $25.99 amazon.com
- Music - Good to have radio/bluetooth speakers and the likes - especially they are sensitive to noises or it is too quiet around and for privacy! Guests most likely have phones, so these might not even needed but, bluetooth speakers are great to have around even for yourself.
- Mirror - Everyone needs this, not only Evil queen from the snow white. If you have them somewhere in the house easily accessible, or big ones in the bathroom you are all set. If not, have one in the guest room. At least mid size to full. Wall mounting prefereably. IKEA has affordable ones.
- Misc. Containers & Storage Basket - Whatever the case, extra containers are useful. I give a couple of foldable crochet ones from IKEA or the likes. Guests can store their own essentials on their own, or have them standing next to yours in the commonly shared area, such as bathroom.
DII Polyester Container with Handles, Lattice Storage Bins $9.95-$19.99 amazon.com
I found this basket to be very useful for anything. It is sturdy yet easily foldable to store and take out for use, not to mention in attractive patterns. You can store several of these for organizing your closet, laundry and store under the bed.
I think I covered pretty much most of it. These are from my actual check list and has been working so far, so hope these help you as well. This blog only covers guest rooms, not the bathroom or kitchen since those areas are commonly shared most of the time. Let me know if I've forgotten anything.
Holidays are quite hectic and some guests give you more headache than others, and being a host also comes with a great responsibility. However, I must say that joy of giving and taking care of others is always a delightful experience.
One more thing, whether you are hosting or being the guest, I think being thoughtful and thankful are the manners that we should always practice. Isn't it what Thanks-Givings all about?
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!
Enjoy the Disney Classic "Be Our Guest" video from the new Beauty & the Beast movie !! <3<3<3