Making Out-of-Town Guests Feel Comfortable

With the holiday season fast approaching you may already be planning for those out-of-town house guests. Not only do you want your guests to feel at home, but you want them to feel comfortable in the process. So here are a few tips to help you prepare your home.

Tip #1 - Bedroom. Use your best sheets. Have a bouquet of flowers or nice houseplant in the room. Mints or chocolates on the pillows when they arrive is nice. Leave plenty of drawer and closet space for their clothes. A comfortable chair with ottoman, side table and lamp so they can relax and read. Some magazines or books (if you know what they like to read) on the side table. A tv and tv guide in the room for that late night watching if they want to catch up on the news. If you want to have a candle in the room but unsure of what scent they like, using a melting pot (which can be found at any candle store) along with a small basket filled with melters, tea lights and a lighter will allow them to choose their own fragrance.

Tip #2 - Bathroom. Make your bathroom feel like a spa. Have nice, big, soft towels and washcloths for their use. A robe hanging on a hook behind the door in case they forgot theirs. A basket filled with a variety of soaps, body powder or sprays, bubble bath, shampoo and conditioner will let them try something new. Small bottles of perfume and/or cologne is also a nice touch. In the drawer have extra toothbrushes, toothpaste, disposable razors and shaving cream for both men and women. You can get free samples of all these items from some of the on-line free-sampling websites. If you start ordering them now, you will have a nice selection before the holidays get here. Your guests will love the variety of products you leave for them. Next to the tub have neck pillow and magazines for that relaxing bath.

Tip #3 - Kitchen. While they are visiting, cook their favorite meals and desserts. Keep little bowls of nuts and/or candy around so everyone can help themselves if they need a snack. In your pantry have their favorite breakfast or lunch foods readily available. Have paper plates on hand for those quick lunches. Gourmet coffees and/or teas with flavored creamers next to the coffee pot is a nice touch. Again, you can get some free samples of these also. Have plenty of choices of sodas, wines or other drinks for them to choose from. Make sure your refrigerator is stocked with plenty of milk, fruits, lunch meats, cheeses or salad fixings for quick lunches. Familiarize your guests with your kitchen so they feel comfortable helping themselves. If you plan meals ahead of time you can catch the items you need on sale and can stock up before your quests arrive.

Tip #4 - Living Room. Make sure you have plenty of seating. You may need to bring extra chairs into the living room so everyone has a comfortable place to sit. If you don't have enough chairs, place pillows on the floor inviting people to sit there. Have a tv guide with a listing of what channels you get on the table. Have a variety of cds and a player available if your guests want to listen to music. Most cable stations now have music channels. You can add the music channels to your list of regular channels. If your guests like to play board games, have a couple nearby for that after dinner game. Extra coasters around the room will make sure they have something to set their drinks on. If you move the extra furniture into the room before your guests arrive they won't feel as if they are putting you out because you have to create extra seating.

Tip #6 - Visiting Pets. If they bring their pets, have feeding bowls available just in case they forgot theirs. Have a hook near the door to hang their leash on. If you have a pet, make sure the animals get along before putting them together.

Tip #7 - Visiting Children. If your guests are bringing children, have things for them to play with in the yard to keep them entertained. Board games, puzzles, movies and books will also help the children pass the time.

Tip #8 - Laundry room. Make sure your guests are familiar with your laundry room and where you keep your detergents and softeners. Have spare hangers and a laundry basket available for their use.

Tip #9 - Extra Key. Give your guests an extra key to your home so they can come and go if you are not home. If you have an alarm system, make sure they know the code and how to use it.

Tip #10 - Relax and Have A Good Time. While your guests are visiting, instead of stressing over it, relax and have a good time. Who knows when they will be back to visit you again. Make the most of the time you have together. If they want to help with things, let them, it will make them feel more comfortable that they are doing their part to make their stay pleasant for everyone.