You Ask, We Answer: How Can I Make My Holiday Guests Feel Welcome?
The holidays are here! And that means welcoming out-of-town guests into your Connecticut home to share in all the joy of the season. If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the thought of entertaining overnight guests, take heart: With a few simple steps, you can make your guests feel welcome, cozy, and festive–and reduce your stress in the process. Here’s how.
Test drive the guest room
First thing’s first: If you haven’t spent a night in the room where your guests will be sleeping, now’s the time. Whether they have a dedicated bedroom or will be sleeping on a pull-out couch in the office, understanding their experience will help you troubleshoot any issues and anticipate their needs.
Is there a draft in the room, or does it get too warm at night? Does the pull-out couch need a mattress topper to stave off sore backs? Is there an outlet nearby where they can charge a phone or tablet? Or perhaps you’ve never noticed the streetlamp that shines directly onto the bed at night and you need to add some blinds. Whatever you discover by sleeping in the guestroom, your findings will help you create a pleasant experience for your out-of-town guests.
Up the cozy bedroom ante
We all sleep differently, but having clean sheets, soft pillows, a comforter, and a throw or two can be helpful in managing your guests’ temperature fluctuations and sleeping needs.
Leaving a pitcher of water and some glasses on a nightstand is a nice touch, as is a small vase of fresh flowers. A current magazine or a favorite book or two can also help your guests relax before bedtime, especially if they’re combatting jet lag. These small touches can go a long way to making your guests feel special and welcome in your Connecticut home!
Assemble a “bathroom basket”
Visiting loved ones in their home can be wonderful, but none of us wants to inconvenience our generous hosts by constantly asking where things are or if we can borrow something we mistakenly left behind. Assembling a “bathroom basket” with common toiletries (think shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, toothpaste, and extra toothbrush, and pain reliever) can help anticipate your guests’ needs so they don’t have to feel they’re inconveniencing you by asking.
Leave a love note
In our digital age, is there anything sweeter than a handwritten note? Leaving a note in their room with a welcoming sentiment, the wifi password, and some helpful information (where to find the morning coffee, for instance!) is a super simple yet meaningful way to make guests in your Connecticut home feel welcome.
Supply a phone charger
These days, nothing says, “Welcome!” like an indispensable phone charger. Leaving one out in the guest room means it’s ready to greet your guests upon their arrival–and helps prevent the confusion that inevitably ensues when there’s a mad scramble for a charger in the main living areas.
Clear a space in the closet
Living out of a suitcase or overnight bag gets tiresome quickly. Ease the burden for your houseguests (and the wrinkles in their clothes!) by clearing out a bit of space in the guest room closet, or a few drawers in a dresser. Be sure to include some empty hangers, and if you have a steamer or iron they can use, you may want to leave them within arm’s reach, as well.
Don’t forget the snacks!
Last but not least, who doesn’t love a welcome basket full of goodies upon arrival? Include some drinks for your houseguests (we love including ice water in a reusable water bottle that they can refill for as long as they’re visiting), along with some sweet and savory snacks–bonus if they’re a small Connecticut business and you can introduce your guests to a local gem.
Now that you’re ready to welcome guest into your Connecticut home, we wish you all the happiest holiday season!
