Weekend Entertaining: Dos & Dont’s in Prepping for Guests

Depositphotos 9713409 xsMost people have been through one of those awkward houseguest situations where a friend or family member arrives at your home, and you have to go on a rampage to find them a blanket, pillow and the bare minimum of things necessary to get them through the night. Just because you put off preparations — your life is busy! — doesn’t mean you guests should suffer. As a host for weekend guests, your goal is to avoid this situation, and instead, make guests feel comfortable and at ease from the moment they walk in your door.

Do: Set Clear Expectations

Let guests know what to expect before they arrive. For example, you may want to tell guests about a prior commitment you have while they are in town so they know they’ll be on their own during that time. Or, if you have a time when you must be asleep, write it down and ask that they keep the noise level down during that time frame.

Don’t: Assume Guests Brought Toiletries

Get the bathroom ready by setting out a bowl with shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes in their packaging, toothpaste, mouthwash, shower caps, lotion, bandages and ibuprofen. Ensure the bathroom is stocked with toilet paper and a plunger in plain sight — because there’s no more frightening feeling than flushing and watching the water rise. Place a bath towel and washcloth for each guest on the bed so there is no confusion over which towels the guests are to use.

Do: Prepare a Comfy Bed

Make the bed in the guest room in advance so it’s sure to be ready in case your guests need to rest when they arrive. A memory foam topper and nice set of sheets can make the bed more inviting, but if your mattress is old, you may want to find mattresses at macys.com to provide guests with a more comfortable place to sleep. Put extra pillows and blankets in the closet just in case.

Don’t: Leave Your Clutter Around

Guests will need space to put their luggage and clothing, and they will feel much more comfortable if they aren’t living out of their suitcases on the floor. Invest in a luggage rack, make space in the closet and dresser, and clear off the nightstands and bathroom counter, suggests hospitality experts at AllYou.com.

Do: Provide Food & Beverages

Set out a pitcher of water, a glass for each guest and a small bowl of snacks in the guest room. Bananas and granola bars make ideal snacks. That way, guests won’t have to go wandering into an unfamiliar kitchen if they get thirsty or hungry in the middle of the night.

Don’t: Assume Guest Comfort Level

Not all guests will feel free to make themselves at home in your home, so if you want them to come and go as they please, give them a key. If you want them to eat your food, show them exactly where to find the plates, glasses and silverware, and even point out a few things in the fridge they may enjoy is more useful than offering a blanket invitation to eat anything.

As a host, your job is to put your guests at ease so they don’t feel like they’re imposing on you during their stay. Consider their perspective as they come into the home, and make a point of clearly telling or showing them everything they will need during the weekend. You’ll all have a more enjoyable time sharing the space if you have clear expectations for how the weekend will go.