How to Prepare Your Home for Overnight Holiday Guests

Holiday visits with family and friends make the season brighter. With many people pinching pennies this holiday season, you can help by opening your home to overnight guests. Instead of directing company to the nearest hotel, follow these simple steps to prepare your home and help your guests feel welcome.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Advance planning
• Extra linens
• A stocked pantry
• Welcoming atmosphere

1. 
   Make sleeping quarters clean and cozy.

   SLEEPING QUARTERS - Prepare sleeping quarters by cleaning the area especially well. Change bed linens and wash all bedding in advance. If you plan to use a futon or fold-away couch, open the bed up and make sure it is in good working condition.

2. 
   Do your guests have any allergies?

   ALLERGIES - Ask guests if they have pet or food allergies.
   
   Vacuum all areas of the house to remove pet hair and wipe down hard surfaces. If possible, make arrangements for your pet to stay in a separate area of the home while guests with allergies are visiting.
   
   Make a list of any food allergies and avoid serving items that may trigger an allergic reaction.

3. LINENS - Stock up on extra linens and towels. Be sure to have extra bath towels, wash cloths, a change of sheets and pillow cases, and a few extra blankets. Another nice idea for the bathroom is to assemble a basket of travel sized toiletries for your guests. Include useful items such as toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, shaving cream, moisturizing lotion, extra toothbrush, comb, and anything else you feel would be useful to your overnight guests. Display the basket in an easily accessible area of the bathroom and invite guests to help themselves to any needed items.

4. 
   Stock the pantry with plenty of food and beverages.

   STOCK THE PANTRY - Be sure you have plenty of food on hand. If children are visiting, include snacks that are convenient for the kids. Remember to stock extra beverages, coffee and tea.

5. 
   Spend time with your guests.

   TIME TOGETHER - Remember guests are coming to visit YOU. Plan to spend time with your guests. This will make them feel welcome and ensure they have an enjoyable visit. Arrange a day trip to visit local attractions, plan a movie night, or break out your favorite board games.

Tips & Warnings

• Give guests plenty of notice to make travel plans.
• Keep a list of emergency numbers posted and show them where it is located.
• Show guests around your home. Point out where they will be sleeping, bathing, where the telephone is located, where extra linens are located, and where they can find a snack.

[turtledove]

on 11/13/2009 The food part is important. I tend to forget that everybody doesn't just "forage" all day like my teenagers do. 5*