How to Host Overnight House Guests

Friends passing through town and family coming in for a visit can leave anyone playing host to welcome, or unwelcome, overnight guests. Though hosting visitors overnight in your home can be considered stressful, following a few simple guidelines will ensure that guests are comfortable when spending the night in your home without causing you extra stress.

Instructions

1. Let guests be themselves. Encourage guests to make themselves at home, and provide guests with the comforts that they would enjoy in their own home. When guests arrive, give them a tour of your home. Let them know where they can put their things, which bathroom they can use, and where they will be sleeping. Let them know if there are any special rules that you expect to be followed in your home. Ask if there is anything you can do to make their stay more comfortable.

2. Create a semi-private space for your guests. Even if you do not have a guest room, prepare a place for guests to store their luggage. Provide a place that is not out in the open, yet still convenient.

3. Stock the bathroom with extra toiletries and towels. Place shampoo, conditioner, and liquid body soap in the shower. Leave a basket with hand soap, toothpaste, lotion and unopened toothbrushes on the counter. Be sure to place clean sets of towels in the bathroom for guest use.

4. Make a guest room or sleeping area more comfortable by providing extra pillows and an extra blanket. Be sure that the guest has access to an easy-to-operate alarm clock, and place a water bottle for each guest on a bedside table. If possible, place a fan in the room so that they may adjust the temperature in their sleeping area.

5. Make sure guests have a pleasant morning by having a light breakfast on hand. Even if you are not a coffee or tea drinker, have both ready to prepare. Having bagels, muffins or fruit out for guests can make them feel comfortable without feeling like they are being extra trouble for their host.