Getting Ready for Guests

As my baby shower approaches I am forced to address the arrival of relatives and close friends.  When they come I want everyone to feel important and welcome.  Some of you may have a specific room dedicated solely for the purpose of overnight guests.  Others may have a pull out couch or inflatable matress for when people stay a while.  Although most hotels have all the necessary items for a short stay there is a warmth and coziness lacking.  I have decided to give you a few ideas on how to keep your guests comfy while staying with you during this busy travel season.  With these simple ideas you can be ready for the in-laws or whoever stops by, even the unexpected overnight guest.

Items You May Need

• extra toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
• clean bedding set and towels
• Cleaning products for a quick touch up
• special touches (scented candle, magazines, snacks)

If You Have a Guest Bedroom

For those of you who are fortunate enough to carve out a space in your home solely devoted to guests here are a few things you can do to make you guests feel at home.  Few things are needed but quality is appreciated.  There is nothing worse than sleeping in a squeaky bed with flat or lumpy pillows.  Be sure that you have a sturdy and appropriately sized bed to the guests who visit most often.  A full size bed can accomodate most guests and will fit into most rooms.  There is no need to feel guilty if your relatives have a king size matress at home.  If they wanted those kinds of accomodations they should have made reservations elsewhere.

Crisp, clean sheets can do wonders.  High threadcounts are considered luxurious but aren't really necessary.  Most hotels use anywhere from 250 percale to 400 threadcount sheets.  The key is to keep them feeling like new.  Not like new out of the package with the creases still in them.  I mean in good repair with no pills, rips or faded appearance.  Classic white sheets are sure to complement any decor.  I like to keep a set of sheets, pillowcases, duvet cover and bed spread or quilt at the ready.  If you keep them all together pressed and ready hanging in a closet or laundry room they are easy to swap out for what may have been previously on the bed. 

I am a pillow nut.  I will have 3 sets of pillows on my bed plus decorative accent pillows at any given moment.  I don't go to such extremes for the guest room but a variety of pillows is good for your guests to chooses their preference.  I recommend using a down or down alternative pillow and a medium density fiberfill or memory foam pillow for each guest, depending on your budget.  You can find reasonably priced and comfortable pillows at the local big box stores or discount retailers.  I like to place the firm pillows in the shams for a fuller look and the down pillows in the ones that come with the sheet set.  If you like you can always store an extra pillow or two in a closet or in a bin stored under the bed.  Too many accent pillows can be a pain.  Guests shouldn't feel intimidated by making their bed in the mornings.  If your decor is too fussy you can be sure that the accent pillows will end up on the floor for the duration of their stay.

It is always nice to have a place to sit in the room as well.  Whether your guests want  to answer emails, read a book or just put on their shoes a comfy chair is a great addition to any guest room space.  A small bedside table can be a great place for a lamp and a clock but keep the accessories minimal.  Guests appreciate a place to set out their own things.  Glasses, jewelry, cell phones, etc all need a place to land.  Perhaps a tray or dish to keep things tidy can be the answer on the nightstand.

If you can spare the storage space a bit of closet room or a drawer or two for them to put their clothes away is always a nice touch.  If you don't have the room for that a hook hung over a door with a few empty hangers will work too.  I like the flat hangers that are on the market now.  They keep clothes from falling off with their fuzzy velour finish.  They are sturdy and come in a variety of colors so you can match them to the decor of the room. 

Window treatments are the final touch that often is overlooked.  I have stayed with family who put me in a beautiful bedroom only to find the security lights shone directly in my window all night long.  Room darkening window treatments come in a range of styles.  You can buy specially designed curtain panels or just using a layering of shades with sheer panels for privacy during the day and solid curtain panels for extra privacy and light control.  Double curtain rods are sold everywhere and can accomodate the sheer on one rod and the panels on the other.  Sometimes an inexpensive springrod can do the trick without having to install a double rod.  Also, don't forget a fan.  If you don't have a ceiling mounted fan a small table fan will work.  Guests can adjust the room temperature to their comfort level and noone loses sleep over high a/c bills.

If You Have a Temporary Set Up

Inflatable beds and pull out couches can be a real lifesaver in a pinch.  The same idea applies as if you had a permanent guest bedroom.  The only difference is portability is key.  If items can be stowed away in the morning simply it makes for an easier transition into the everyday activities without your guests feeling like an inconvenience.  Baskets, bins and storage pieces can do double duty in your space.  You can keep items like pillows and bedding handy but not on display.  Hanging a clothes hook in the bathroom for your guests can be a good way to keep their clothes neat and store their luggage until it's time to leave.  I have a pull out sofa and I like to keep a foam matress topper handy for when someone comes to stay.  Pull outs tend to have thin and uncomfortable matresses.  A simple memory foam topper kept in a vaccum sealed storage bag is at the ready for quick setup and a better sleep.  If you have room in your budget you can always invest in purchasing an inflatable matress for a couch like mine.  They are amazing inventions and can feel more like a standard matress without adding bulk to the sofa when it's time to fold it up.  Some can be pricey but I have found some online relatively inexpensive.

It's the little things that can make the difference.  A basket of snacks on the kitchen counter or a collection of lovely shampoo and soap in the bath with their towels can go a long way.  Ultimately you want a peaceful and enjoyable experience for all, including you the host.  Keeping things simple and at the ready can keep you from feeling like a servant or a maid always catering to your guests.  The more things can be self service the more time you will have to enjoy the visit.