How to Create Welcome Baskets for House Guests
Hosting guests in your home is an ideal time to show your thoughtfulness and generosity with a welcome basket. Whether your guests will be staying for a weekend, several weeks or longer, a basket helps your guests feel instantly right at home and creates an inviting atmosphere. Welcome baskets can be functional, offering an array of basic personal items, or filled with fanciful treats and small gifts. There's a welcome basket to match every mood.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Colorful woven baskets add charm to your welcome gift. Locate a basket. Look for a basket or container that suits the overall occasion. For instance, use a green and red basket during the holiday season or white baskets for wedding guests. Try creative solutions, such as decorative boxes or tins. For several house guests, purchase one especially large basket or use a small individual basket for each guest.
-
2
Write a list of possible gift items. Based on your guest's personality and the length and purpose of the visit, brainstorm a list of possible gifts and necessities. Contact your guest and ask if there are any particular items she needs or wants. When brainstorming, include both basic items and a few thoughtful surprises.
-
-
3
Travel-size toiletries are appropriate for guests only staying a short time. Purchase the items for the welcome basket. When shopping for toiletry items and snacks, look for travel-size items. Smaller items are more convenient and easier to arrange in a gift basket. If you're preparing several baskets for a group of house guests, buy bulk items whenever possible.
-
4
Arrange and decorate the gift basket. After you've arranged the items inside the basket, add any desired decorative accents, such as ribbons and bows on the handle. If you're writing out any special instructions for your house guests, write them in a greeting card and tuck the card inside the basket.
-
5
Display the basket. Leave the welcome basket in a prominent spot in your guest's room, such as on the bed, dresser, window sill or nightstand. If the guests are staying in a guest house, arrange the basket in the foyer or living room.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Include items that will make your guests feel comfortable and welcome. Include personal items such as soap, shampoo, razors, lotion, bubble bath, lip balm and extra washcloths. Snacks are often appreciated, including granola bars, snack mix, candy, pretzels, nuts or fresh fruit. For house guests who will explore the area, include several road maps or write down directions to some of your favorite local hangouts. A digital camera and travel journal allow guests to capture important memories. For a romantic stay, a bottle of champagne or wine is ideal. For guests with children along, include puzzles, board games or DVDs.
References
- Photo Credit NA/Photos.com/Getty Images Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
