You Ask, We Answer: How Can I Make My Holiday Guests Feel Welcome?
The holiday season is rapidly approaching, and if you’ve got out-of-town guests staying in your Connecticut home this season, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed at the prospect of keeping everyone comfortable. No need to panic, however! At Calcagni Real Estate, we’re well acquainted with making others feel right at home. Here are some of our favorite easy ways to make your holiday guests feel welcome this year so you can enjoy having them around–without adding to your stress level.
First, try out their space
It may seem obvious, but so often, we assign guests sleeping spaces that we don’t think to try out or to reacquaint ourselves with the layout. To really get a feel for how comfortable your guests will be in your Connecticut home, try sleeping in the space for a night. Whether you have a dedicated guest bedroom or will be using a cot or pull out couch in a den or office, you’ll want to make sure the mattress is as comfortable as possible, and that they have enough layered blankets to adjust their sleeping temperature as needed.
It’s also helpful to pay attention to where the outlets are in the room. Will they be able to charge their phone, or is the dresser or nightstand blocking the outlet? If so, pull the furniture out enough and point out the outlet when they arrive so they don’t have to hunt for it late at night. Does the space have shades to block morning sun, or will they need a sleeping mask to help keep it dark enough for them? Once you spend a night in the space where your guests will be staying, you should be able to answer all of these questions and make simple adjustments as necessary.
Next, make them feel welcome with the necessities
Even if your guests are only coming from the next town over, having a basket of necessities waiting for them is a lovely gesture–but it’s also a functional one for any guest that leaves the basics behind!
A basket with an extra toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and conditioner is a great start, and bonus points if you want to include an antacid or pain reliever! A bottle of water is also helpful, along with a few snacks for anyone whose body clock may be off, or who wakes up hungry before the rest of the house gets moving.
Leave them towels and washcloths
If your guests don’t have their own bathroom, leave them towels and washcloths on the bed where they can locate them easily. If you’re planning on hosting guests for more than a night or two, be sure to swap out their used towels for clean ones halfway through their stay.
Make it personal with some local recommendations
Another easy way to make out of town guests feel welcome? Make a list of your favorite places to enjoy! If they have access to transportation, having a list of places to try can provide them with a little space to get out and about on their own–and that may provide you with a little breathing room, as well. List your favorite coffee spots, lunch places, bars, and nearby parks where they can stretch their legs and get some fresh air. A few grocery stores may also be helpful, in case they have specific dietary needs or would like to pick up some items for your home.
Leave them an extra charger
The struggle to keep all our devices charged is real–especially in a house full of people! Make your guests feel welcome by leaving them an extra charger in the space they’ll be sleeping. This prevents any panic should they leave theirs behind, and also allows them privacy to check their messages in the quiet of their space.
With just a few thoughtful touches before guests arrive, you can make them feel right at home–and isn’t that the best part of the holiday season?
