Create an Inviting Space for Guests

When you’re expecting overnight guests in your home, you want your guest room to be cozy and comfortable. Whether your guests are visiting for a couple of days or a couple of weeks, it’s important to create an environment that will make them feel welcome. Here are some simple things you can do to create an inviting guest room.

Welcome Entrance

Since your front entry is the first thing your guests will see when they arrive, create an entry that says “welcome to my home.”

• Make sure your yard is clean and well-manicured. Then add colorful plants or flowers along your front walkway or in decorative containers on the front porch.
• Clean your front porch. Including the windows, light fixtures, front door, and hardware. Replace any burned out light bulbs and make sure chair cushions look clean and fresh.
• As guests enter the house, create a comfortable atmosphere by adding lit candles, fresh flowers, or a welcome basket on your entry table.

Get Rid of Unpleasant Smells

Since you’re in your home all the time, you can’t always discern smells and scents that may be obvious to visitors. It’s important to make your house smell clean and fresh before your guests arrive.

• Start by thoroughly cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms–two areas where smells linger–with pleasant smelling cleaning supplies.
• Sweep and mop all the floors, then vacuum the carpets and dust the furniture to get rid of any musty odors.
• After you finish cleaning, empty all the trash and add fresh trash liners.
• If you have cats or dogs, clean out litter boxes, add fresh litter, and give the dogs a bath.

Prepare the Guest Room

The guest room will be your guests’ private sanctuary during their visit, so make it a room that invites relaxation and tranquility.

• Clean up the room, including the closets and dresser, so that it’s neat and tidy. This will provide your guests with plenty of storage when they unpack.
• Make sure there are clean sheets, blankets, and pillows on the bed. You can also leave a couple of extra pillows and blankets in case your guests need them.
• To add personal touches, set out a tray with a few magazines or books your guests may enjoy reading before bedtime. Leave a fresh bottle of water on the nightstand in case they need refreshment during the night.

Prepare the Guest Bathroom

If your home doesn’t have a separate guest bathroom adjoining or near the guest room, don’t stress over it. Just prepare the bathroom you have so your guests will feel comfortable.

• Put away your personal items like hair brushes and hygiene products.
• Clean the bathroom floors, rugs, bathtub, shower, sink, and wipe down all cabinets and counters.
• Whether in the guest bath or shared bath, put out clean, fresh smelling towels and washcloths every morning along with extra toiletries including plenty of toilet paper. Guests may feel uncomfortable rummaging through cabinets and drawers to find things they need.
• Leave candles or mildly scented soaps for your guests to enjoy.

Kitchen

Planning ahead in the kitchen is key. Having “help yourself” items, as well as prepped meals, will allow you and your guests to enjoy your time together.

• Stock staples like coffee, cream, and sugar.
• Keep snacks and drinks plentiful and easily accessible.
• Pre-plan your menu.
• Ask guests if there are any food allergies ahead of time

Whether your guests are family members or friends, your house and guest room don’t have to be perfect. The main focus should be making them feel comfortable during their visit. Give them privacy in the early mornings and evenings, then just enjoy the time you have together.