How to Make Your Home More Guest Friendly

Instead of scrambling to find that extra toothbrush you're sure you had, these thoughtful, considerate tips will help your guests feel right at home, and make your visit more enjoyable!

The first area you need to concentrate on is where are your guests going to sleep? If you are blessed with a separate guest room, then take a moment to freshen the room up, even if all you do is a quick vacuum and febreeze, a clean, fresh smelling room will instantly feel better then a musty smelling, unused room. If your guest room is often your storage room too, try to store as many things as you can in a different location for the duration of your guests stay.

For guests who will sleep on the sofa, a few moments of preparation can really make their stay more comfortable, and help keep your living room clutter free! Try keeping bedding supplies in a large basket - then you can pull out the basket when they arrive and quickly make up the bed each night, and "store it away" each morning. It's also a good idea to establish temporary house rules while your guest is on the couch for anyone else in the house, like "quiet hours" so your guest is no disturbed.

If you've ever tried packing for a trip, you realize how difficult it is to remember everything - especially if you have to fly, which is why a "welcome basket" is a great idea to have on hand! Fill the basket with essentials like bar soap, extra tooth brushes, nail clippers, qtips, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream and disposable razors. Then guests can use what they need without having to ask you, or go out and buy everything, keep it somewhere easy to find and label it with a pretty tag so they are sure it's for the using! If you fill your basket using multiples of items, you only have to refill periodically, instead of making a new basket after each guest!

Another thing to consider if fresh towels and wash cloths, if you have a guest room, leave some towels thoughtfully folded on the bed for their use, or include them in your bedding basket for couch dwelling guests!

It's not feasible to plan entertainment for your guest for every hour of everyday, and most people wouldn't want you to anyway, so it's always a good idea to set out a variety of items in an open area for guests to use like books, magazines, cross words etc. Make sure to point them out, or leave a quick note so guests know they are welcome to borrow them. You may also want to keep out a list of local programming for the television and a phone book.

Guests may also feel awkward about getting snacks and drinks on their own, so it's important to have a small selection of things that they can access without feeling the need for permission, like fruit in a bowl on the table, or bottled water on the night stand!

If you just take a moment to consider the other person, and to imagine yourself in their position, you'll be surprised how easy it is to create a welcoming space that makes having guests easier and more enjoyable for everyone!