So what do you do when company’s coming? Perhaps even your in-laws? How do you prep a lovely bed and bath without a four-day investment of time, money and stress?
Well, I’m not one to really stress over having company or putting on the ritz for family and friends who stay with us. Those who come to visit us feel welcome, I do think and comfortable in our guestrooms as well. Both of our guestrooms have adjacent bathrooms and I make sure there are clean sheets on the beds, clean towels, soap and shampoo available to them. And the rooms are plenty comfortable on a daily basis, so I don’t have to do a lot when we do have company. I would give the room an extra dusting with company coming. 🙂
But, I can think of a few things that I could do, but don’t necessarily do on a regular basis when company’s coming, so I’m taking notes from myself on this one. How about these 6 things:
- Set a vase of fresh flowers on the dresser to welcome your guests
- Have a few Dove chocolates or Hershey’s Kisses in a pretty dessert plate on the nightstand. That’s always a nice touch. Who doesn’t love to get chocolate at bedtime?
- Select a few books and magazines and have those available on the nightstand as well
- Provide travel sizes of toothpaste, mouthwash and have an extra toothbrush on hand just in case.
- Have a nice clock radio/CD player in the room and have some soothing CD’s available for your guests. Maybe a little smooth Jazz would fit the bill.
- Give them their own coffee mug from the kitchen so that they know which one to use for the morning cup of java.
That’s what comes to mind off the top of my head.
Can you think of more to add to the list?
Great ideas Rhoda! When we have guests I like to have a “bath” basket just for them filled with shower gel, lotion, special thick towels and a washcloth. If we have plans to sight-see while they are visiting, I try to have phamplets available for our guests to view and get an idea of what all we have planned. Other small touches include having an extra umbrella out for them, mid-day snacks such as packs of cookies, fresh fruit, or individual bags of chips out for guests to enjoy, and make sure your pets are contained because not everyone enjoys Fido and Fluffy the same as you.
Fun topic Rhoda! Have a great week.
Jen
I sometimes like to have sheets on the bed that have been hung outdoors for a fresher feel and smell!
Anyone who stays at your house is lucky!! Have a wonderful week!
XO
Kristin
I always put a thermal pitcher of cool water with special glasses in my guest room in case someone is thirsty in the night along with some of your suggestions above.
Great suggestions. I’m sure your guest always feels welcome. Hugs, Marty
I have house guests coming this week and appreciate your suggestions. I don’t have a dedicated guest room so I will have to my best within the constraints of my son’s cowboy themed room!
Rhoda, I think you absolutely need to read a book. I’d buy an advanced copy. You have such tact and your name rings true: Hospitality! I’ve starred this post to reread when I am hosting company. Thank you!
Aside from the usual fresh linens and super comfy furniture, I add water, magazines, and always a pretty stack of freshly laundered towels. It’s really a very comfy room, but the last two times my father has visited, he commented that there was no TV in there, so that’s on the list of things to do for his next visit. I have to agree, when I stay in a guest room, I really appreciate a tv.
🙂
ButterYum
PS – I believe the previous commenter meant to suggest you WRITE a book.
One more thing… I don’t know what the Pioneer Woman interview had to do with a post on guestrooms, but I enjoyed it non the less.
🙂
ButterYum
Rhoda,
Those are lovely suggestions and ones that I will use. I always have fresh flowers in my bedrooms. My mother always did it for us and it always made me feel so special — they were all hand picked bouquets, sometimes even wild flowers but they were always beautiful.
I like to make a basket incorporating some of the things you mentioned — toiletries, magazines. Before cell phones with cameras were all the rage I would include a throw away camera (so they could take photos of their time spent with us)
Your Friend,
Deborah
Another thing I can add to the list is…a departure date! tee hee!
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Great suggestions Rhoda. I am in the process of re-doing my guest room now. We just painted the room over the weekend. Love all your suggestions. I will put them to good use when we have our room ready to use. Love & blessings from NC!
I think those are all good ideas. I also like to make sure I’ve given a little tutorial on how things work–the lights, the remote control, whatever–just to be sure they are able to do anything they need to do without feeling awkward.
Hi Rhoda, Great suggestions, I might also include a decanter of water w/glass and a scented candle for their enjoyment. It’s also nice to have a t.v. w/cable and movies in an armoire for extended stays so that they have somewhere to retreat privately when everyone is in need of a break! Great post subject! xoxo Beth
Great suggestions, Rhoda. Anyone visiting your home would feel very welcome with all those special touches. I always appreciate it when my hostess have some extra things that I might have left behind in the rush of packing….extra shampoo or body wash, a hairdryer…the essentials. This may be a silly thing, but it would be nice to have an open and available electrical outlet to plug in my chargers. Nothing worse than having to crawl around under the bed to find an outlet!! Yeah, that’s silly.
Hi Rhoda, you and I do just about the same things, I also have slippers and an extra robe if they need it. I would love to stay in your guest room and be able to eat one of your Southern cooked meals, they always look so good to me. You wanted me to let you know when the post was up of the backyard. I have one up right now of my patio area and my bubbler in my flower bed if you want to take a peek. Kathysue
Rhoda, just read your sweet comment, thankyou. My hubby made my shutters. I wanted something simple and it was really simple. I wanted wood. I know you can buy plastic at Home Depot but you know how I hate plastic. At our HD you have special order the wood ones. Even the bifold doors with the louvers can be used if you want tall ones. Listen to me telling you , the queen of DIY!! too funny. Can’t wait to see your deck all done, Kathysue
I leave hotel toiletries in a basket in case my guests forget anything.
I do all the things you mentoned except the chocolates….will add that to my list now. I also ask ahead of time about any food preferences and things they do NOT like or can not eat. Makes my job easier!