Guest bedroom with luggage rack is ready to welcome visitors. Courtesy photo
By SUZETTE FOX
Los Alamos
Now that it’s November, the holidays are upon us, and with them, holiday guests. Here are a few tips for getting your home ready for guests with affordable ideas to refresh and organize your home.
Identify And Anticipate Needs
The only way identify what your guests might need is to stay in your guest room overnight. You might find you need an extra blanket, pillow, clock, radio, or reading materials. By staying overnight in the room, you can best identify the amenities your guests will appreciate. If you have a TV set or clock radio, create a guide with popular channels and stations, as well as programming instructions for the clock.
Pamper Them
Your thoughtfulness will be remembered. Pamper guests by providing them with padded and wooden hangers and scenting the room with room sprays and/or scented candles. Incorporate bottled water, fresh flowers and meaningful framed photographs for an extra-special touch. If you want to feel like a super host – allow guests to feel as they’re staying at a luxury hotel – place guest robes and slippers out for them.
A Warm Welcome
Providing a luggage rack in your guest room allows guests to unpack their belongings after they arrive. If they choose to keep items in their suitcase, a luggage rack makes the contents easier to access.
Make Room For Guests’ Clothes
Create a place for guests to hang their clothes, either by providing room in the closet or using a freestanding clothing rack that folds compactly when not in use. These racks also are ideal for accommodating guests’ coats during gatherings. Consider storage space for folded garments, as well. If you don’t have a spare drawer, add a hanging organizer to a closet or garment rack.
Thoughtful Touches
Don’t forget items such as a small wastebasket, facial tissue, spare bath tissue, a jewelry tray, hamper and a basket full of fine toiletries to really make your guests feel at home! I also think it’s really nice to have some info in your guest room about things available to do in your area. I have a visitors guide (brochure) so they can get an idea of what they might like to do when visiting. Visitor’s guides are free at your local visitors center.
Easy Access For Charging Electronics
Everyone travels with his or her smart phones, laptops, and other electronic devices so be sure there’s an easily accessible spot for charging. It’s easy to convert an outlet to a combined outlet/double USB port. You can order them for $20 on amazon if you can’t find them locally. That way the only thing your guests need to charge their phones is a cord.
Wi-Fi Password
And the most important…the almighty Wi-Fi password! Write down both the name of your Wi-Fi network and the password so your guests can easily access it when visiting. This, I know, they will appreciate!
Clear The Bathroom Counter
A clean, uncluttered countertop gives your bathroom an instant facelift and makes your home look organized. A nice liquid soap and hand cream should be the only things on the counter when guests arrive. Supply toothpaste, an extra razor, soap, Kleenex, shampoo and conditioner in case they have forgotten something.
Load Them Up With Linens & Towels
Even guests you’ve known forever don’t want to be an imposition and ask for things. You can take that factor out of the equation by making sure the area is loaded up with towels – nice fluffy ones. A hamper or laundry bag is also a nice touch and often forgotten in the guest room.
Getting your home ready for holiday guests not only prepares you for a smooth visit, but also makes them feel welcome. Give your guests a relaxing, comfortable place this holiday season and they will surely appreciate the effort.
Feel free to contact Los Alamos Interior Designer Suzette Fox to help with your home. For more information, ‘like’ her on Facebook at facebook.com/SuzetteFoxInteriorDesign and go to her website www.suzettefoxinteriors.com
