I absolutely love hosting. Whether it’s an all girls dinner party, a house guest staying for a couple days or a serious late night party, I take it upon myself to make sure all of my guests are sublimely happy and have everything they need. I have been a house guest to many friends and they have paved the way to how I have now become a host in return. Here’s my list on how to be the perfect host to your house guests.
1. Know what snacks they love ahead of time. Whether it’s fruit, Nutella, chips or frozen pizza, it’s always a good thing to have the pantry and fridge stocked. Especially if there are any dietary restrictions.
2. Fresh flowers. Both in the main room of the home and the guest bedroom, it adds such a beautiful touch to their stay. If you want to get extra fancy, throw some hyacinth in the bathroom…it’s nature’s air freshener. Wink, wink.
3. Rise and shine to fresh coffee or espresso. I LOVE my coffee first thing in the morning especially when I’m on vacation so I can enjoy every sip. Your guest will love you for this! Is your guest not a coffee drinker? Have some tea on standby.
4. Vino, beer or spirits? We recently stayed at some close friends’ home in California and knowing us well, they knew wine would make our stay perfect. They had beautiful rose wine and shared an amazing bottle of red with us by the fire side outside. Great company + great wine = an excellent evening and fond memories.
5. Fresh towels and linens. I know this is give in, but it’s also the most important. Again, may not be a bad idea to ask about any allergies regarding down comforters and pillows.
6. Stock the bathroom. Even avid travelers forget certain things here and there. When it’s about time to switch my shampoo and conditioner, I will put the remainder of what I have left in my guest bathroom. Make sure there is a fresh bar of soap or liquid soap and plenty of hand towels and wash clothes.
7. Make a smokers section. If your friend is a smoker be sure to have an ashtray set outside for them. There’s nothing fun about picking up cigarette butts.
8. Have the essential breakfast items. It’s likely you and friends will venture out for lunch and dinner, so just be sure to have yogurt, eggs, fresh fruit, bagels and some fresh juice on hand for hungry little morning beavers.
9. Keep a pitcher of water and glasses in the room. In the event your guest wakes up parched, perhaps drank a bit too much rose the night before or just too tuckered out to get up, voila! It’s there when they need it.
10. Make dinner for your guests. One of my favorite things to do is to sit at a friends home and have dinner and laugh with them over some funny stories and nice bottle of red. If you have the time and energy, make a yummy meal for your house guests. Plus, if it’s a long trip for your travelers, enjoying a meal in a home may be just the thing they need to reset.
11. Pick up and drop off. Life is frigging busy, I get it. However, if you do have the time and the means to do so, help your guests to and from the airport. Plus it’s give you more time to chat and giggle on the way there and back.
12. Prepare itinerary…to some degree. It all depends on where your guest is coming from and if they have been to the city you live in before. If they are from another country, prepare to play tourist and have a blast! If they are regulars, they know what to do. But there is no harm in knowing the new go to brunch or dinner spots. The perfect excuse to try somewhere fabulous or stop by a major tourist attraction and snap some quality photos.
13. The comfier the cozier. Make sure your guest room and bathroom is cozy and wonderful. You don’t need to break the bank. There are tons of beautiful and comfortable linens and bedding out there that are within reason and will keep your guests as happy as being in a five star hotel!
14. Double check your guests dates. It is so easy to mix up dates, as that is my forte. Be sure to double check the dates of your guests arrival at least a month in advance to be sure you have the dates marked in your calendar correctly.
15. Mi casa, su casa. Remind guests to make themselves at home and to help themselves. Allow them to feel as if they are not visitors, but family.
16. Keys, alarm pass codes and WIFI passwords are a must. If you are working or busy while your guests are in town, have an extra set of keys made so your over nighters don’t feel like they can’t go anywhere. Also, send them a text or email with written instructions for your home alarm so no one breaks in and steals your goods. Have the WiFi password written down next to the bed.
17. Have fun and enjoy! Life is short. If you have the luxury of taking a day off or can even get out of work a touch early to spend some extra time with your guest, do it. You won’t regret it, I promise.
Love It. Live It. Share It.
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